Top 10 Restaurants In Kingscliff And Surrounds

Eat your way along the Tweed coast with these fantastic restaurants that showcase the region’s incredible produce.

From the pristine ocean to the lush hinterland, the Tweed coast is a veritable food bowl of produce that attracts some of the country’s best chefs and restaurateurs. Whether you’re dining at a casual pizzeria or a beachside fine diner, you’ll be sure to sample the unique terroir of the Tweed. Take note of these top 10 picks to ensure your stay is full of flavour.

1. Taverna, Kingscliff

Best for: Long lunches with friends and date nights

This light-filled, white tableclothed restaurant spills through the bougainvillea-draped doorway and onto the footpath outside where, on sunny days, it’s the pick of tables for a lunch sitting.

Taverna Byron Bay — Pair an excellent beachfront location with a Greek feast and you’ve got Taverna. (Image: Ryan Fowler Photography)

An elegant assembly of Greek classics form the menu, which is well-matched with refined wines and cocktails. Sharing is a good strategy for trying as many of these beautiful dishes as possible, especially if you’re considering the generous slow-roasted lamb shoulder – and you should. Other go-to’s are the chargrilled octopus Byron Bay halloumi and the spanakopita.

Menu at Taverna Byron Bay — The spotlight is firmly on local produce here. (Image: Ryan Fowler Photography)

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday; lunch Friday-Sunday
Address: 22 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

2. Fins Restaurant & Bar, Kingscliff

Best for: Special occasion dining

Award-winning Fins has undisputed pedigree having occupied space on the Northern Rivers for more than three decades. Its former iteration was at Byron Bay, but hatted Fins now resides in Kingscliff where you’ll find flappingly fresh, line-caught seafood served within a fine dining ambience.

Interior Fins Restaurant & Bar, Kingscliff — The hatted Fins Restaurant & Bar is fine dining at its best with a dash of coastal elegance.

You can’t go wrong with owner and chef, Steve Snow’s, signature Snowy’s fish, which is simple and superb, or try a medley of seafood doused in a fiery Mauritian-style sambal. Of course, there are other options for the seafood-shy, such as grass-fed beef and handmade gnocchi. Enjoy a two-course set menu or settle in for a five-course degustation.

a hand getting oyster meat from the shell at Fins Restaurant & Bar — Slurp down some oysters at Fins Restaurant & Bar.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Saturday; lunch Friday and Saturday
Address: 5/6 Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff

3. Jordy’s, Casuarina

Best for: An easy family dinner

This neighbourhood pizzeria uses local, seasonal ingredients to adorn their naturally leavened sourdough pizza bases. Beautifully puffy and deliciously chewy, you can expect some disruption of the usual pizza genre here with toppings named after local towns, such as the ‘Cabarita’ with chicken and mascarpone, the ‘Mullumbimby’ with pickled vegetables and vegan mozzarella, and the ‘Pottsville’ with fennel salami, ham and pineapple. Kids can choose from the ‘grommets’ menu with the likes of the ‘Mooball’ pizza topped with sausage and cheese or the ‘Froggy Beach’ with basil and cheese.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Sunday
Address: 480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

4. The Crafty Cow Smokehouse, Casuarina

Best for: Casual nights out

You’ll pick up the scent of mouth-watering smoked meats before you turn the corner of this relaxed restaurant. The ironbark-fuelled smoker gets to work early on fall-apart beef brisket and pork that can be enjoyed as they are or in a burger. It’s a chilled, neighbourhood vibe at the indoor-outdoor space with local beers on tap and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. In summer the Crafty Cow makes a great end to beach days, while in winter the warmth from the smoker is perfect for cosy nights out.

Platters of food at The Crafty Cow Smokehouse, Casuarina — End your beach day at The Crafty Cow Smokehouse for a satisfyingly good feed.

Open: Dinner nightly; lunch Wednesday–Sunday
Address: 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

5. Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Casuarina

Best for: Combined family fun or to kick off a night out

A sprawling, brightly accented Mexican eatery, Lolita’s is a riot of colour and flavour with a joyously amped-up atmosphere. Margaritas are free-flowing and you’ll find plenty of Central American staples to help keep you on an even keel, such as kingfish ceviche, tostadas, tacos and plenty of nibbles.

the restaurant exterior of Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Casuarina — Line up for tasty tacos at Lolita’s Mexican Cantina.

Sit inside or outside, let the kids loose on the playground and lean into the fun. There’s even onsite child-minding, should the occasion call for it.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday
Address: 1 Barclay Drive, Casuarina

6. Paper Daisy, Cabarita

Best for: Celebrating a loved one or a romantic interlude

Housed in landmark luxury hotel, Halcyon House, Paper Daisy has been a headline act for dining out on the far north coast since it opened in 2015. Styled in the Capri-esque palette the hotel is admired for, the dining room is a beautiful place to spend a few hours contemplating the well-executed flavours on the plate. Be sure to arrive earlier than your sitting to sip a negroni and oyster in the bar before proceeding to enjoy sophisticated dishes such as Hiramasa kingfish with verjuice, Bangalow pork shoulder with chestnut mushroom and Jerusalem artichoke or lobster and green tea dumplings.

Open: Daily for lunch and dinner
Address: 21 Cyprus Crescent, Cabarita Beach

7. No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita

Best for: Girls’ or boys’ nights out, date nights, long lunch sessions

Elevated yet warmly welcoming and casual, No. 35 Kitchen and Bar is highly attuned to the area with a laidback atmosphere that heroes quality produce prepared simply. The dining room opens out to a roadside outdoor terrace, where it’s most pleasant to spend a warm summer evening working your way through the Italian-accented menu.

an al fresco dining spot in No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita — Soak up summer vibes at the al fresco dining spot, No. 35 Kitchen and Bar.

Seasonally driven, you may find a 12-hour slow-cooked beef shin pasta or saffron-baked fish and mussels, and antipasto bites such as cacio e pepe arancini or local burrata. All of which is deftly accompanied by a considered wine and drinks list. From 5pm–6pm, Wednesday to Friday, there’s a happy hour, where you can sip $10 drinks and snacks.

sprinkling cheese on food at No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita — The food at No. 35 Kitchen and Bar is prepared with love.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Friday; lunch Saturday

Address: 35 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach

8. The Burrow, Bogangar

Best for: Pre- or post-dinner drinks and a dance

Burrow in for a session at this Cabarita Beach bar and institution , where you can grab a tipple of your choice and classic, rib-sticking bar snack while listening to live music.

the restaurant exterior of The Burrow, Bogangar at night — Head to The Burrow for post-dinner drinks.

The walk-in-only establishment is a true local haunt and so popular they’ve expanded next door with a pizzeria. Check their socials for updates on special nights and line-ups.

Open: Tuesday–Sunday

Address: 1/36 Tweed Coast Road, Bogangar

9. Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville

Best for: Intimate occasions

Inspired by the incredible produce of the region, chef and owner Ben Devlin intricately arranges flavours on the plate for exquisite fare that has earned Pipit Restaurant two hats and won Good Food Guide’s Regional Restaurant of the Year in 2022.

Ben and Yen Devlin standing side by side at Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville — Co-owners Yen and chef Ben Devlin opened Pipit Restaurant in Pottsville in 2019.

With a focus on sustainable proteins and championing local ingredients, Pipit uses an open wood fire to achieve deep flavour in every bite. Settle into the Scandi-style dining room for a laidback culinary adventure or ask for a seat at the bar, so can watch the fiery action.

Pipit runs the occasional pop-up and masterclass and a more chilled Penny’s Bistro on Monday nights to start your week out right.

a table-top view of a sample food platter at Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville — Pipit Restaurant champions sustainably sourced ingredients.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday; lunch Friday–Sunday; Penny’s Bistro Mondays

Address: 8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

10. Garden Pizza, Pottsville

Best for: Good pizza, good vibes

This charming and authentic pizzeria is somewhat of a local secret, yet its under-the-radar appeal makes it all the more special. BYO drinks from the bottleshop and grab a picnic table under an umbrella for deliciously blistered Napoli classics. There’s a few sides and homemade gelato to fill out your order, but mostly it’s the basics, executed well. You can take yours away, but the chilled, outdoor vibe is best.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Tuesday
Address: 9 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

For more excellent places to eat in the Tweed region, read our guide to the top cafes and bakeries, Murwillumbah restaurants and where to dine in Tweed Heads and over the border in Coolangatta.

Sunshine, sea breezes and sand-speckled locals: the Sutherland Shire is perfect for an idyllic Sydney summer.

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most dynamic regions. Home to an eclectic mix of top-notch eateries and drinking holes, a flourishing arts scene, and striking land and seascapes, it’s a haven for foodies, culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

It’s also an ever-evolving destination with a constant wave of new places to eat and drink, and under-the-radar pockets to explore – many of which are dog-friendly.

If you’re venturing to this gorgeous part of the world this summer, here’s your guide to what’s new and worth discovering.

Savour the summer dining scene

Fred’s After Hours on the sutherland shire — Pop into Fred’s After Hours.

The Shire’s buzzing dining scene is one of its biggest drawcards, and many of the region’s culinary highlights can be found in the sun-soaked beachside hub of Cronulla. A bunch of newcomers have recently set up shop, making the area ripe for culinary adventure.

Homer Rogue Taverna is exactly as its name suggests: a cheeky take on classic Greek food. Expect meze and mains bursting with bold flavours and a wine list packed with standout Greek drops.

Freds Providore – a Cronulla favourite for casual cafe fare and excellent coffee – is now open late from Thursday to Sunday. Come sundown, it morphs into Fred’s After Hours, serving a refined European-inspired menu, wines, cocktails and a laid-back yet polished vibe.

Bobbys is a slick destination right on Cronulla Beach, where you can grab a plate of freshly-caught seafood and a summery cocktail while cooling off in the sea breeze.

And if you’re after a bit of everything, the sprawling and multifaceted Parc Pavilion is a melting pot of dining experiences. It blends a cafe, bistro, bar, Italian restaurant and a host of regular events, all tied together in a cool coastal setting.

Got a Saturday morning to spare? The Shire Farmers Market in Sutherland is a must-do ritual, letting you (and your four-legged friend) browse fresh produce, flowers and gourmet treats against a backdrop of live music and local chatter.

Dive into ocean pools

ocean pool on the sutherland shire — The ocean pools beckon.

Given its prime coastal positioning, the Shire teems with crystal-clear ocean pools and enclosed bathing spots. Silver Beach Tidal Baths offers a netted
swimming experience in Botany Bay. Tucked beside a small sandy beach, the tidal baths at Gunnamatta Park are calm and shallow – making them an ideal setting for less confident swimmers.

Just a hop and a skip away is Shelly Park Ocean Pool, a magical rock pool carved in the ocean. It’s well-suited to young kids and offers sweeping views towards the open sea.

Experience local arts and culture

Hazelhurst Arts Centre in Gymea is elegantly positioned within a lush garden landscape, serving as the Sutherland Shire’s premier destination for arts and culture. This summer, experience the Art on Paper Award 2025 – a celebration of innovation and creativity through the versatile medium of paper.

Set within the leafy surrounds of Hazelhurst Arts Centre, Hazel Kitchen & Bar has curated the ultimate picnic experience. Think abundant cheese platters, artisan charcuterie boards, fresh OJ and a thoughtfully chosen wine list, all available to take away and enjoy in the art-filled gardens just beyond the restaurant. Best of all, four-legged friends are welcome to join the fun.

Next, venture south to the artsy village of Bundeena for the monthly Bundeena and Maianbar Art Trail . This self-guided journey through local artists’ studios offers a glimpse into their work and creative spaces.

Relish the dog-friendly atmosphere

a dog on Greenhills Dog Beach sutherland shire — Let the dog off-leash at Greenhills Dog Beach.

The Sutherland Shire is a bona fide playground for pups and their humans. Find a string of dog-friendly beaches popular with locals, visitors and pups alike. Silver Beach in Kurnell is a peaceful pocket, allowing dogs off-leash without restriction. While Horderns Beach in Bundeena and Greenhills Beach in Cronulla are equally serene and provide off-leash access (be sure to check times and seasonal restrictions before you go).

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, book yourself and your pooch into Quest Cronulla . With stylish and spacious pet-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, and a prime location just steps from Cronulla Esplanade and a variety of dog-friendly cafes, it’s the perfect spot to rest after a full day of exploring.

Get into nature

Sunrise at Curracurrong Falls and Eagle Rock in the Royal National Park, Sydney. — Find natural beauty in Royal National Park. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to outdoor escapes: imagine rugged bushwalks, breezy beachside tracks, meandering cycling trails and lookouts galore. The best part? Many of them are perfectly suited to dogs.

Take your canine to Cronulla Esplanade – the Shire’s version of the famed Bondi to Coogee Walk. This eight-kilometre route takes you past the region’s most picturesque beaches, offering panoramic vistas and an electric energy. It heaves with locals every morning and weekend, getting their steps in with a coffee in one hand and a dog leash in the other.

If you’re travelling without furry friends, stop by the Royal National Park. You’ll be engulfed in ancient bushland, craggy cliffs, towering rock formations, diverse wildlife and twisting tracks. The Jibbon Loop Track is a highlight, with spectacular views over the sea. Alternatively, the Karloo Track forms a loop that winds through untamed bush, freshwater pools and waterfalls. Re-lace your walking shoes or grab a bike to follow The Bundeena Drive to Marley Walk past freshwater pools and creeks, on to scenic beach views of Little Marley Beach.

Hit up the beautiful beaches

aerial of cronulla beach and esplanade — Enjoy postcard-perfect beaches. (Image: Destination NSW)

The stretch along Cronulla bursts with postcard-perfect beaches, each offering a different flavour. With rolling waves, regular patrol and a steady stream of beachgoers, Cronulla Beach and North Cronulla Beach are buzzy and built for all kinds of swimmers. Elouera Beach is a quieter option, attracting early-morning surfers hoping to catch the perfect wave.

If you prefer a side of dramatic scenery, visit Wanda or Greenhills – in addition to ocean panoramas, both are backed by towering golden dunes and wild scrub. Looking for something more subdued? Shelly Beach Ocean Pool is a relaxed – yet no less captivating – retreat.

Start planning your Sutherland Shire summer at visitsutherlandshire.com.au.

10 must-visit restaurants in Kingscliff and surrounds