The Ten Best Restaurants on Sydney's Lower North Shore

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Sydneysiders who call the lower north shore home are a pretty lucky bunch. Encompassing many of the city's most desirable suburbs (Lavender Bay, Kirribilli, Mosman, Balmoral), this area truly has it all: sweeping harbour views, beautiful beaches and a vibrant dining scene are just a few highlights.

Considering a move across the (Harbour or Spit) bridge? In partnership with luxury Australian property development company Aqualand and its new Blue at Lavender Bay project, we've rounded up the ten best restaurants in the area to give you the final push you may need. With some of Sydney's most iconic fine dining establishments and innovative newcomers in the area, you'll always have an option for date night, weekend brunch or those evenings when you just can't be bothered to cook.

CHIOSCO BY ORMEGGIO, MOSMAN

Compared to two-hatted sister restaurant Ormeggio, Chiosco (kiosk in Italian) is a decidedly more casual affair set in a nautical open-air space featuring stunning water views. Think Italian street food served with a 'barefoot and BYO' ethos — this is definitely a place where you can show up salt-sprayed and wind-tousled for an excellent feed. Helmed by executive chef Alessandro Pavoni, Chiosco offers Italian classics like fried calamari, tuna tartare and creamy burrata. If you'd rather eat picnic-style, grab a panini to go, and whatever you do — dining in or out — don't miss the hot Nutella-filled bombolone ($10).

AQUA DINING, MILSONS POINT

Perched atop the North Sydney Olympic Pool, this quintessential Sydney restaurant boasts sweeping views across the harbour from its floor-to-ceiling windows. Don't get too distracted though — the food here deserves your full attention. The contemporary Italian menu changes with the seasons, featuring many delights like puttanesca risotto and mouthwatering eggplant topped with smoked cheddar. We should also mention that this is not the place to skimp on drinks. Their impressive wine list all but requires that you order at least a bottle (or two).

ANNATA, CROWS NEST

This delightful first venture by former Eau de Vie bartender Christian Blair ticks all the right boxes. Unsurprisingly, Annata boasts an excellent drinks selection, with a lengthy wine list and inventive cocktails, and the food menu is as equally impressive. With chef Jimmy Richardson in charge, the restaurant's compact, seasonal menu is designed for sharing. Start with the delectable Coffin Bay oysters topped with pickled black fungus, and don't miss the tender duck breast atop a treviso, fennel milk, plum and topaque puree. With dim lighting, exposed brick walls and tasteful metal accents, this is the perfect place to bring a date.

BISTRO MONCUR, MOSMAN

Fans of Guillaume Brahimi's Woollahra institution Bistro Moncur, rejoice. The iconic French restaurant now has a second location in Mosman's recently refurbished The Buena. Located in the venue's downstairs area, the space is chic yet casual, with cushioned bench seats, wooden tables and huge windows that flood the bistro with natural light. The menu is much the same as the Woollahra original, so you can expect to find all your favourites, including that oh-so-addictive French onion soufflé gratin, potato and ricotta gnocchi with sage butter and mouthwatering de-boned lamb rack. Pair your meal with a drop from their award-winning wine list, and settle in for a very indulgent evening.

ARISTOTLE'S, NEUTRAL BAY

This elegant new restaurant brings a taste of Greece to Neutral Bay. As expected from a restaurant named after shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, the venue boasts a glamorous, nautical interior — all white-washed walls, lofty ceilings, shiny mirrors and gold accents. Of course the food is utterly exceptional, so make like the Greeks, and share everything. You can build your own dining experience à la carte — we recommend the seared scallops and chargrilled octopus — or opt for the Aristotle's Table set menu ($60). Don't forget to save room for dessert, especially for Aristotle's Cigar, a crisp filo shell wrapped around creamy pistachio custard.

SAILS ON LAVENDER BAY, MCMAHONS POINT

This beautiful harbour-side restaurant has been on the scene for over four decades, so it's clearly doing something right. You'll enjoy gorgeous views wherever you sit, since the narrow dining room and floor-to-ceiling windows mean it's nearly impossible to get a bad seat. The modern Aussie menu emphasises local produce, and seafood takes centre stage with standouts like the pink snapper and mahi mahi. With an award-winning wine list and small selection of signature cocktails, the drinks don't disappoint either. Make your booking for sunset and take it all in — fresh views, fresh food and fresh drinks all in one.

BATHERS PAVILION, BALMORAL

A true Sydney classic, Bathers' Pavilion is one of the best places on the lower north shore to spend a weekend morning. Part cafe, part restaurant and set overlooking Balmoral Beach, Bathers' serves up a Mediterranean-inspired menu to satisfy every craving. Casual Saturday brunch at the cafe guarantees a stellar weekend, and if you're in a fancy mood, the French-inspired restaurant's elegant lunch and dinner will take your weekend to the next level. Owner and executive chef Serge Dansereau serves a seasonal menu, with favourites such as seared scallops and pan-fried barramundi making an appearance, complemented by an extensive wine list.

HUNTER GATHERER, NORTH SYDNEY

Hunter Gatherer — the latest venue from the team behind Bondi's The Corner House and Panama House — is a lively eatery and bar perched above North Sydney's Greenwood Plaza. The menu is excellent, and the fit-out is stunning — with high ceilings, Scandi furniture, huge windows and naked lightbulbs. Divided into 'Hunted' (mains) and 'Gathered' (sides), the menu is a celebration of all things fresh, sustainable and local. From the 'Hunted', we're especially loving the hearty farmers market steak platter and juicy chicken coated in lemon, verjus and confit garlic. From the 'Gathered', we're crunching into the complex salads like the Pitt Town beetroot, orange and endive salad with walnut vinaigrette. Hunt, gather and complete your meal with something some from the drinks list — it features craft beers, organic wines and creative cocktails.

ITALIAN STREET KITCHEN, NEUTRAL BAY

For a taste of Italy in the backstreets of Neutral Bay, get yourself over to Italian Street Kitchen. Steered by Mauro Marcucci of Baccomatto Osteria, the buzzy eatery offers Italian street eats at very reasonable prices. Featuring a series of interactive food stalls, you're invited to gorge yourself on all the pizza, pasta, antipasto and roasted meats you can manage. Don't go entirely overboard on the savoury options though, because the desserts — especially the tiramisu and mini Nutella calzoncini — are not to be missed. Bring your heartiest appetite to this one.

THE BUENA, MOSMAN

The Buena has been epically revamped and it's now far from your average local. With a new interior befitting its Mosman location, it's just the right amount of fancy. Home to Bistro Moncur, Buena Bar and Vista Bar, The Buena spoils you with choice. In the mood for a gastropub experience? Head upstairs to the sun-filled Vista Bar, perfect for a cruisy weekend afternoon. Craving those good ol' pub vibes? Slip into a leather booth downstairs in Buena Bar to catch some live sport and soak in the old world charm. Pub classics like burgers and steaks share menu space with more upscale delights like ceviche and crab linguine. You can also get your hands on some tasty woodfired pizzas. There are excellent craft beers on-tap, but if you're in the mood for a cheeky cocktail, you won't be disappointed.

Surround yourself with everything the lower north shore has to offer at Aqualand's Blue at Lavender Bay development. The best restaurants, cafes, bars and activities are all on your doorstep.