Part of the waterside scenery of Sydney’s lower north shore for decades, Bathers’ Pavilion is a waterfront dining institution sporting a loving makeover it received a few years back. 

Renovated in early 2014 by Pip and Andrew Goldsmith, the power team who brought us The Boathouse in Palm Beach and the Armchair Collective in Mona Vale, the Boathouse is a glorious improvement on the modest cafe it once was.

Next time you’re looking for a hearty meal in Circular Quay, head to the MCA. Its in-house cafe, which has a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour, transformed its menu in 2019. 

The owners of Celsius Coffee Co. could have easily rested on their pylon laurels — given that they do sit atop a ferry terminal just opposite Sydney Harbour — but the food here is just as memorable as the rustic wood-and-window structure it’s served in. 

They say change is as good as a holiday and at Church Point we argue that brunch is as good as a holiday. This family-run general store on stilts may be in the far reaches of the Pittwater, but that just adds to the serene and scenic atmosphere. 

Come get your breakfast cocktails. If a Seaside Spritz or Bower Bloody Mary won’t sort you out, the sea breeze drifting by surely will. In Manly, beaches beckon at every turn and this restaurant sits on the sea wall not far from Cabbage Tree Bay. 

From the minds behind Sydney’s Ormeggio at the Spit, Chiosco serves up top-notch Italian eats from 11am for takeaway and 11.30am for dine-in. Located at the Mosman Jetty, Chiosco offers 300-degree views of luxury yachts and sparkling sea. 

Serving a notch above traditional cafe fare, Next Door has been a local favourite since opening its doors in 2016. The beachside cafe has become so popular that the establishment had no choice but to launch a dinner menu for its many fans.