Welcome to our guide to the best waterfront restaurants on the Northern Beaches, where the views are as good as the food.
From fine dining hotspots with harbour views to casual spots perfect for watching the sun go down, read on for our top picks on the Beaches.
Did we miss any of your favourite spots? Let us know, and we’ll keep adding to the list!
Pilu, Freshwater 
They’ve been wowing our tastebuds for 20 years – and were again awarded two hats by The Good Food Guide in 2024. The go-to spot for special occasions, perched above Freshwater Beach, Pilu offers diners a delicious blend of Sardinian tradition and contemporary Australian dining. Go for the free-range suckling pig (it’s been on the menu for 20 years!), but stay for Giovanni’s spin on tiramisu – prepared table side and finished splash of mirto bianco (white myrtle liqueur) for a true taste of Sardinia!
Address: Moore Rd, Freshwater
Website: pilu.com.au
Instagram: @pilurestaurant
The Waterfront Cafe, Church Point
With a range of old favourites and new takes on classic dishes, plus live music every Friday and Sunday, the Waterfront Cafe is the perfect place for a scenic breakfast, lunch or dinner. Nestled right on the scenic Bayview coast, this hidden gem boasts stunning views of Scotland Island and the surrounding Pittwater bay and McCarrs Creek. And once you’ve sampled their sumptuous sizzlers, or indulged in their wonderful freshly-made pasta, why not take a little paddle in Church Point beach? It’s the perfect place to impress a guest, or just enjoy a little treat for yourself.
Address: 1860 Pittwater Road, Church Point
Website: https://www.waterfrontstore.com.au/
Instagram: @waterfrontcafe_store
Manly Skiff Club, Manly
Don’t let the ‘club’ in the name fool you – this local stunner dishes up some seriously good grub that rivals any restaurant on the beaches. Positioned right on East Manly Cove, the club provides 180-degree views of the harbour from its wrap-around deck. The protected location means you can enjoy outdoor dining year-round, providing the perfect vantage point for watching the boats coming and going from Manly Wharf. During summer, head there for sunset drink before dinner – it’s spectacular as the sky turns pink over the water.
Address: Corner Stuart Street & East Esplanade, Manly
Website: manlyskiff.com.au
Instagram: @manlyskiff
The Espy + Manly Pavilion, Manly
Commanding pride of place along West Esplanade, these neighbouring venues offer some of the most spectacular harbour views in Manly. The Boathouse Group’s newest addition, The Espy, provides front-row seats to the wharf-side beach and sparkling harbour, while the historic Manly Pavilion serves up elegance alongside breathtaking views. Time your visit for sunset when the harbour turns golden and the city lights begin to twinkle across the water. Both venues feature outdoor seating perfect for soaking in the late summer sun.
Address: West Esplanade, Manly
Website: manlypavilion.com.au
Instagram: @manlypavilion
The Pantry, Manly
With a world class view that always wows guests, this beachside spot is the ultimate location for casual family dinners, special events, date nights and everything in between. Boasting a rustic and cosy setting with large windows overlooking the beach, it’s one of the best views Manly has to offer.
The Pantry welcomed a new head chef late last year- Francesco Armillis (ex-Popolo in Rushcutters Bay) – and a new and improved menu that lives up to the venue’s stunning views. The cocktail list has also had an upgrade, with delicious additions like the “Sea Spray Margarita,” the “Mojito on the Beach” – a refreshing passionfruit infused mojito, or the vibrant “Shelly Spritz” named after nearby Shelly Beach and topped with fresh berries.
Address: Ocean Promenade, North Steyne
Website: https://www.thepantrymanly.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepantrymanly/
The Surf Deck + The Collaroy, Collaroy
Merivale’s beachfront beauty delivers one of the most dramatic ocean views on the Northern Beaches. Floor-to-ceiling windows put you right on top of the rolling waves at Collaroy Beach. The top deck is great for group dining, and the restaurant’s design ensures every table gets a piece of that stunning view. The venue is split across multiple levels, and at the Surf Deck – the more casual venue just outside – you can walk straight from the beach into the fun tiki-themed bar.
Address: 1064 Pittwater Road, Collaroy
Website: merivale.com/venues/thecollaroy
Instagram: @thecollaroy
Hugo’s Manly
Sitting pretty on Manly Wharf, Hugo’s has been doing the lord’s work for nearly two decades. The outdoor deck is the perfect spot to sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset and ferries come and go. Can’t get a spot outside? The open windows ensure even indoor diners don’t miss out on the spectacular water views. A great spot to take overseas visitors, Hugo’s has to be one of the most iconic waterfront dining spots in Sydney.
Address: Shop 1, Manly Wharf, East Esplanade
Website: hugos.com.au
Instagram: @hugosmanly
Garfish, Manly
With its prime position overlooking Manly Cove, Garfish’s wall of windows frames Manly’s ‘The Office’ perfectly. So you can watch the paddle boarders and kayakers glide by as you tuck into a delicious seafood and glass of wine – heaven.
Address: 39 East Esplanade, Manly
Website: garfish.com.au
Instagram: @garfishmanly
Queen Chow, Manly
Not your usual waterfront restaurant; we’ve gone rogue and included Queen Chow in our list. As incredible as our seafood and modern Australian restaurants are, sometimes you just want a nostalgic hit of sweet and sour pork that takes you straight back to suburban Chinese restaurants circa 1995. And a Cantonese restaurant with one of the best water views in Sydney? We couldn’t not include it!
Address: 22-23 East Esplanade, Manly
Website: merivale.com/venues/queenchowmanly
Instagram: @queenchowmanly
Stella Blu, Dee Why
This Dee Why gem has been holding it down on The Strand for years, and for good reason. It’s the perfect spot to watch surfers catch waves during the day or enjoy the moonlight reflecting off the water when the sun goes down. Oh, and the food is excellent too. Indulge in all your Italian faves – from prawn pizza to seafood linguine all with uninterrupted views of the ocean.
Address: 41 The Strand, Dee Why
Website: stellablu.com.au
Instagram: @stellabludeewhybeach
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to soak in the views over a casual meal, these venues offer the perfect combination of excellent food and spectacular water views. Just remember to book ahead – tables with these views are some of the most coveted in Sydney!
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