The Sutherland Shire is a suburb of Sydney, located approximately 26km south of the city, and is an area of New South Wales well-known for its enviable surfing beaches and beautiful national parks. Fondly known to the locals as “The Shire”, people come to enjoy the great lifestyle in the Sutherland Shire, with its pristine coastline, great shopping, and historical significance as the site where Captain Cook first set foot on the mainland in 1770.
With its proximity to Sydney and a multitude of culinary influences, the Sutherland Shire boasts many restaurants where an unforgettable dining experience can be had. Here are the top-rated restaurants in the Sutherland Shire.
Albi’s Taverna
1-2/1 Ocean Grove Ave, Cronulla, New South Wales 2230 Australia
Located in the Cronulla area of the Sutherland Shire, Albi’s Taverna has a Mediterranean influence, serving mouthwatering Italian dishes as well as local cuisine. With an impressive range of vegetarian and vegan options, Albi’s Taverna rates highly not only for the food, but also for the service and the value for money. Whether for a celebration with friends, or a romantic evening out, Albi’s Taverna comes highly recommended, as one reviewer noted, “This was a wonderful Birthday treat…staff excellent as was the ambiance”.
Giro Osteria
Shop 3 1 McDonald St, Cronulla, New South Wales 2230 Australia
Found in the Cronulla area of Sutherland Shire, Giro Osteria is a real gem serving authentic Italian and Mediterranean dishes. Diners enjoy the sociable nature of Giro Osteria, sampling Italian classics such as antipasti, gnocci, pasta and carpaccio, as well as the local cuisine of lamb, pork belly and steak. Giro Osteria is child friendly, has a takeaway menu, and has a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. One happy customer described the Duck Ragu as “To die for…the handmade pasta was full of flavour and was accentuated with the beautiful duck sauce it came with.”
Rocksalt Restaurant
U 1 72-80 Allison Cres Shop 1, Menai, New South Wales 2234 Australia
Rocksalt Restaurant is tucked away in the suburb of Menai, named after the Menai Bridge in Wales. The menu is fantastically varied, focusing on Australian cuisine and featuring exotic dishes from both the sea and the land, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, mouthwatering desserts, a kids’ menu and a wonderful high tea menu. Happy customers rave that “The food was delicious, staff were attentive and the atmosphere relaxed and inviting”.
Alphabet Street
5/8 The Kingsway, Cronulla, New South Wales Australia
With its own signature drink of Apple Martini, Alphabet Street in the Cronulla suburb of Sydney, is raved about by the locals, which is always a good sign, and means that booking is essential. Alphabet Street offers traditional Asian and Thai cuisine, as well as superb cocktails and desserts. As one reviewer described, “Every mouthful an explosion of flavours…….true authentic Thai.”
Summer Salt
66 Mitchell Rd Inside Elouera Surf Life Saving Club, Cronulla, New South Wales 2230 Australia
Situated right on the seafront in the suburb of Cronulla, diners at Summer Salt can come straight from a day at the beach and while away the evening watching the waves. Specialising in seafood and local Australian cuisine, the service is second to none and this scenic restaurant is popular for special occasions and romantic evenings.
Next time you are in the Sutherland Shire, make sure you allow enough time to sample the culinary delights this area has to offer. Stop for high tea on your way to the beach and continue into the evening in one of the fabulous restaurants.
