So, you and your family are enjoying your day boating around, but suddenly, you feel like stopping for some food. Whether you’re new here or just looking to explore, you may not be familiar with places on Sydney Harbour that are accessible by boat. Here are some fantastic restaurants right in the harbour. They offer berthing facilities and are known for their excellent food.
Restaurants with Berthing Facilities:
Restaurants Without Berthing Facilities
(ANCHORING AND TENDER NEEDED)
Echo on the Marina – Roseville Bridge Marina
This beautiful restaurant sits along the waterfront at Roseville Bridge Marina, serving breakfast and lunch from Wednesday to Sunday. It’s an ideal place to gather with friends and family, offering stunning views of Middle Harbour, making it a great spot for casual drinks, grazing, or dining.
For those arriving by boat, there are limited casual berthing spots available in the marina. Kayaks and small boats can easily access the beach, located within 100m at Echo Park. Alternatively, visitors can reach the cafe on foot by taking the Two Creeks Track, which leads through the picturesque Echo Park and arrives at the marina.
Opening Hours:
9am – 3pm (Wednesday to Thursday)
8am – 3pm (Friday to Sunday)
The Boathouse Rose Bay
Situated at Rose Bay Marina in Sydney, this relaxed yet sophisticated restaurant specialises in Modern Australian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. They serve lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Unfortunately, they’re closed for dinner on Mondays during this season. If you need mooring or berthing, you can arrange it through Rose Bay Marina.
Opening Hours:
Lunch 11:30am – 3pm (Daily)
Dinner 5pm – 9pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
The Boathouse Balmoral Beach
Located in Balmoral, Sydney, this waterfront cafe welcomes walk-ins and doesn’t require reservations. If you need mooring or berthing, you can arrange it through Boathouse Balmoral.
Opening Hours:
7 am – 3 pm (Daily)
Vela Dining & Bar – Cabarita Park, d’Albora Marina
Vela Dining & Cocktail Bar offers a unique waterfront dining experience in Cabarita Park on D’Albora Marina, just a short 25-minute trip from Sydney’s CBD or Parramatta. You can reach this gem by a scenic ferry trip, by boat with public mooring available, by bus, or by car with ample parking.
Opening Hours:
VELA DINING
Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Wednesday & Thursday)
Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Friday)
Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Friday)
Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Saturday)
Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Saturday)
Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Sunday)
VELA BAR
12pm – 4pm (Wednesday & Thursday)
12pm – 9pm (Friday & Saturday)
12pm – 5pm (Sunday)
Ormeggio at the Spit
Ormeggio at The Spit is a splendid Italian Seafood Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. It’s nestled at D’Albora Marinas on Spit Road in Mosman. This exquisite dining spot is known for its high-quality sustainable seafood, delightful cocktails, fun desserts, and mesmerising water views.
OPENING HOURS:
Lunch from 11:30am (Wednesday to Saturday)
Dinner from 5:30pm (Wednesday to Saturday)
All day dining lunch and dinner from 11:30am (Sunday)
Chiosco by Ormeggio – The Spit
This restaurant, Chiosco by Ormeggio, is just a short walk away from Ormeggio. It’s a genuine Italian trattoria by the sea with breathtaking views. Chiosco’s menu draws inspiration from those quaint traditional trattorias known only to the locals, featuring classic Italian comfort food that transports you directly to Nonna’s house.
If you’re arriving by boat, you can book an exclusive berth for your vessel while you enjoy the culinary delights at Chiosco by Ormeggio or Ormeggio at the Spit. They offer reservations for the duration of your lunch or dinner, or even the option to stay overnight. Temporary berthing is also available at times from d’Albora Marina. For berthing reservations, you can contact them directly.
OPENING HOURS:
Lunch from 11:30am (Monday to Saturday)
Dinner from 5:30pm (Monday to Saturday)
Lunch from 11:30am (Sunday)
Dinner from 5:00pm (Sunday)
Sandy Bar Cafe – Clontarf Marina
This cafe is located at Clontarf Marina, which is situated at Sandy Bay, one of the most prestigious and beautiful locations on the northeastern shore of Middle Harbour, just before the Spit Bridge. They offer breakfast, lunch, bar snacks, and drinks. No reservations needed, they welcome walk-ins.
If you’re arriving by a boat under 30ft, Clontarf Marina offers free mooring with a weekday tender service from 8 am to 4 pm and until 5 pm on weekends and holidays. They also provide free berthing for boats of 10m, 12m, 15m, and 18m. Due to high demand, it’s advisable to call them a day in advance to reserve a berth or mooring.
OPENING HOURS:
7:30am – 3:00pm (Monday to Sunday) Kitchen shuts at 2:30pm.
Plonk Cafe – Ferguson’s Marina
This cafe is located at Ferguson’s Marina at The Spit, offering modern Australian cuisine and a fully licensed bar. It’s also a great choice for weddings and functions. Ferguson’s Marina provides free berthing for boats up to 35ft in length. This complimentary service is available to those dining at Plonk and operates on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. If you have a larger boat, it’s a good idea to call or email them in advance to confirm availability. Please be aware that overnight berthing may incur charges, so we recommend making contact a few days before your visit to secure your spot and inquire about associated fees.
OPENING HOURS:
Lunch and Diner (Wednesday to Sunday)
Doyles on the Beach – A La Carte Restaurant – Watsons Bay
Doyles on the Beach is a renowned Australian heritage seafood cafe, celebrated globally for its famous seafood. The restaurant offers full table service, and we highly recommend making a reservation. This place is situated at Watsons Bay, providing a picturesque setting for a delightful dining experience.
OPENING HOURS:
Lunch 11:45am – 3pm (Monday to Friday)
Lunch 11:45am – 4pm (Saturday & Sunday)
Doyles Fishermans Wharf Takeaway – Watsons Bay
Doyles Fishermans Wharf Takeaway is perfect for a quick meal on the go. It’s also open for indoor and outdoor dining.
OPENING HOURS:
10:30am – approx 5pm (Sunday to Thursday)
10:30am – 5pm (Friday to Saturday)
Doyles Garden Bar – Watsons Bay
Doyles Garden Bar is a recent addition to Doyles On The Beach in Watson’s Bay. It offers a spacious open-air al fresco dining area with a focus on delectable seafood, specialty cocktails, and stunning seaside views. The garden bar operates on a self-service basis, allowing you to place orders either at the bar or via their convenient QR code on each table. Moreover, they feature live music every Saturday from 4pm to 7pm and on Sundays from 3pm to 6pm.
OPENING HOURS:
11:30am till late (Daily)
The Doyles on the Beach – A La Carte Restaurant, Doyles Garden Bar, and Doyles Fishermans Wharf Takeaway offer free mooring for boats of any size, including the use of a dinghy for transportation to the shore. Don’t hesitate to contact them for instructions or further details.
Nick’s Seafood Restaurant – COCKLE BAY MARINA
In Cockle Bay Wharf, Nick’s Restaurant & Bar group is an iconic destination. They’re all about ‘sea to plate’ freshness, showcasing Australian seafood. With a focus on local sourcing, their daily catch of fish and shellfish is a highlight. Don’t miss their Signature Seafood Platter, featuring lobster, oysters, and king prawns. Nick’s offers grand dining indoors and a stunning harbour front deck with breathtaking views.
OPENING HOURS
Lunch 11:30am – 3:00pm (Monday to Saturday)
Dinner 5:00pm – 10:00pm (Monday to Saturday)
11:30am – 10:00pm (Sunday)
You can book your berthing through Cockle Bay Marina. Their website provides a list of berth booking costs by size.
I’m Angus Steakhouse – COCKLE BAY MARINA
One of NICK’S RESTAURANT & BAR GROUP VENUES, I’m Angus Steakhouse, is located near Nick’s Seafood Restaurant at Cockle Bay Wharf Marina. It’s a top-notch steakhouse with a stellar range of Australian beef and a fine wine selection. Enjoy world-class views of Darling Harbour and savour premium steaks, including Grainge grain-fed Angus and Australian wagyu rump. They also offer options for pork, beef ribs, and creative seafood and vegetarian dishes.
OPENING HOURS:
Lunch 11:30am – 03:00pm (Monday to Saturday)
Dinner 05:00pm – 10:00pm (Monday to Saturday)
11:30am – 10:00pm (Sunday)
You can book your berthing through Cockle Bay Marina. Their website provides a list of berth booking costs by size.
Adria Bar Restaurant – COCKLE BAY MARINA
As part of the Nick’s Restaurant and Bar Group, Adria stands out as a boutique gem. It’s a culinary journey dedicated to the flavours of the Adriatic coast, nestled in a warm and rustic atmosphere. With a prime location overlooking Darling Harbour’s lively esplanade, Adria is just a few steps away from I’m Angus Steakhouse at Cockle Bay Wharf Marina.
OPENING HOURS:
Breakfast 9am – 11:30am (Monday to Friday)
Breakfast 8am – 11:30am (Saturday & Sunday)
Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Monday to Sunday)
Dinner 5pm – 10pm (Monday to Sunday)
You can book your berthing through Cockle Bay Marina. Their website provides a list of berth booking costs by size.
Blackbird Cafe – COCKLE BAY MARINA
Nestled at Cockle Bay Wharf, Blackbird Cafe offers modern Australian cuisine and stunning Darling Harbour views. From breakfast to dinner, relish a diverse menu in a trendy setting.
OPENING HOURS:
11am – late (Monday to Wednesday)
10am – late (Thursday to Friday)
9am – late (Saturday – Sunday)
You can book your berthing through Cockle Bay Marina. Their website provides a list of berth booking costs by size.
Cafe del Mar Sydney – COCKLE BAY MARINA
With panoramic Darling Harbour views, Cafe del Mar Sydney is a rooftop gem. The à la carte restaurant and private dining room offer a premium casual Mediterranean dining experience. Delight in flavours inspired by the Mediterranean Coast, featuring Spanish, Italian, French, Greek, Turkish, and Moroccan cuisines. Expert chefs craft a menu of shareable entrees, tapas, mains, and signature desserts. Instant bookings available via the website’s Bookings tab.
OPENING HOURS:
Lunch 12pm – 3pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Dinner 6pm – 10pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
You can book your berthing through Cockle Bay Marina. Their website provides a list of berth booking costs by size.
Baia The Italian – COCKLE BAY MARINA
Baia The Italian, found along Cockle Bay Wharf at Darling Harbour, offers a memorable dining experience. Explore a menu full of aromatic Italian flavours, complemented by an impressive wine selection and handcrafted cocktails. Discover their menu online and enjoy a taste of Italy by the water’s edge.
OPENING HOURS:
12pm – 3pm (Wednesday to Friday)
5pm – Late (Wednesday to Friday)
12pm – Late (Saturday)
12pm – 4pm (Saturday)
You can book your berthing through Cockle Bay Marina. Their website provides a list of berth booking costs by size.
Pontoon Bar – COCKLE BAY MARINA
Pontoon Bar, ideally situated at Cockle Bay Wharf overlooking Darling Harbour, is a premier waterfront venue in Sydney. Its futuristic decor, water views, and vibrant atmosphere make it a standout. The menu offers a variety of delicious dishes, from classic pub fare to gourmet options, accompanied by an extensive drink selection.
OPENING HOURS:
11am Open (Monday to Wednesday)
11am – Late (Thursday – Sunday)
You can book your berthing through Cockle Bay Marina. Their website provides a list of berth booking costs by size.
The Yacht Club by Chambers – Rozelle Bay
The Yacht Club By Chambers offers a waterfront dining experience in Rozelle Bay. Their menu includes a delightful selection of burgers, salads, and a must-try Crab & Chive Omelette, along with other breakfast and brunch options. For berthing services, you can make a reservation at Sydney Superyacht Marina.
OPENING HOURS:
7:00AM – 3:00PM (Monday to Friday)
Sydney Fish Market – Blackwattle Bay
Sydney Fish Market is nestled on the water’s edge, overlooking Blackwattle Bay, where Bank Street meets Pyrmont Bridge Road in Pyrmont. This expansive marketplace features shops offering seafood, deli items, wine, baked goods, and a variety of restaurants, such as Blackwattle Deli, machi machi Sydney Fish Market, The Boatshed Pyrmont, Fish Market Cafe Pyrmont, Christie’s Seafood, and many more. The Sydney Fish Market public pontoon is now open to the public in its new location, situated on their timber wharf. The landing pontoon is designed to accommodate drop-offs and pick-ups by small, private vessels (6 meters and under only).
OPEN HOURS:
7am – 4pm (Monday to Sunday)
RESTAURANTS WITHOUT BERTHING
There are a couple more restaurants in Sydney Harbour, and some of them do not have berthing facilities. However, even if they do not offer berthing, you can easily drop anchor and reach the shore using a tender. Here are a few examples:
CATALINA – ROSE BAY
Nestled on Rose Bay’s waterfront, Catalina is an Australian culinary gem with mesmerising views of Sydney Harbour. The menu features simple yet exquisite dishes, highlighting top-quality produce. From pan-fried snapper to Sydney Rock Oysters, their sustainable seafood selection shines. With an award-winning wine list and iconic cocktails, Catalina is a must-visit for food and drink enthusiasts alike.
OPENING HOURS:
Lunch from midday (7 days a week)
Dinner from 6:00pm (7 days a week)
WHARF BAR – MANLY BEACH
Wharf Bar is a popular seaside venue located on Sydney Harbour’s picturesque shores in Manly. With its sweeping water views, ‘Wharfy’ is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a prime location and delectable food. Known for its lively atmosphere, Wharf Bar hosts DJs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, in addition to live sports broadcasts.
OPENING HOURS:
1:30am – 12am (Monday to Friday)
11am – 1am (Saturday)
11am – 12am (Sunday)
The Boathouse Shelly Beach
The Boathouse Shelly Beach is a cafe, bar, and events venue uniquely positioned on Australia’s only west-facing beach along the east coast. With a fresh menu for Spring and Summer, you’ll find your beloved Boathouse classics alongside new share-style dishes inspired by the coast.
OPENING HOURS:
7am – 3pm (Monday to Wednesday)
7am – 9pm (Thursday – Sunday)
If you’re meeting people from afar before going to the restaurant and unsure of the most convenient pickup location, check our article listing the “Sydney Harbour pickup spots “ and to find the closest one. Or if you are looking for berthing spots, check out ‘Where Can I Berth My Boat On Sydney Harbour?‘
While there are several cafe and restaurants across Sydney Harbour not covered in this article, the ones mentioned here represent some of the finest dining options you can explore while enjoying your time on the water around Sydney Harbour. Additionally, there are also some great dining spots around Pittwater, Hawkesbury, and Brisbane waters, so be sure to check them out as well on your next adventure. Treat your taste buds and your loved ones to a memorable journey with the best food and drink Sydney has to offer!