Sydney's Favourite Foreshore

Just across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, on Sydney’s North Shore, a whole new leafy, harbourside world awaits. Here, the lower North Shore and the suburbs of Neutral Bay, Mosman and Balmoral with their beautiful harbour beaches, substantial Federation mansions, high-end shopping, restaurants and elegant style, are for many visitors to Sydney a complete unknown. Hop in a cab and head across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to discover the North Shore’s many attributes.

Mosman, Balmoral and The Spit

Eight kilometres north-east of Sydney is the suburb of Mosman which forms a peninsula between Sydney Harbour and Middle Harbour. Drop in to Georges Heights where the parklands with their sweeping harbour outlook were once home to our military forces. Drive on to Ripples at Chowder Bay, an al fresco café set on the deck of the Submarine Miners’ Depot. Both this and The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks, once an officer’s residence and barracks, offer outstanding views and dining experiences.

The Tea Room Gunners Barracks’ has perhaps Sydney’s most commanding views and is blessed by being nestled within bushland looking out over Sydney Harbour. Here they serve a daily a la carte menu created by head chef Marc Philpott who hails from Wales. He has skilfully created a menu that is matched with an impressive list of fine Australian and international wines.

Don’t miss their popular and very elegant, traditional morning and afternoon tea, also served daily. These include such delectable delights as sweet cakes, savoury pastries, finger sandwiches and scones. All this delicious fare is served with Asia Pacific’s largest selection of Ronnefeldt teas and perhaps a glass of fine champagne. 

Nearby at Balmoral Beach, a 15-minute water taxi ride from Circular Quay you can almost pull up on the front steps of Public Dining Room, a fine dining restaurant offering a contemporary à la carte menu with additional tapas inspired dishes and an extensive wine list. With seating both inside and out, this modern Scandinavian space is as perfect for dining à deux as it is with family and friends. A relaxed place featuring raw and natural materials was designed by one of Australia’s leading design firms, Hecker, Phelan and Guthrie and provides the perfect complement to its beachside location. Public Dining Room is open for lunch Monday to Sunday from 12 noon, dinner Monday to Saturday from 6pm and breakfast from 8am on weekends.

The Spit, a point on the waterways of picturesque Middle Harbour that connects Mosman to the suburb of Seaforth by a bascule or lift-bridge, is home to an array of excellent seafood, fine dining and casual restaurants.Superbly positioned here is the modern and elegantly appointed Orso Bayside Restaurant with its spectacular marine panorama of sailing boats, pleasure craft and cruisers. Dine inside or out on the balcony overlooking the beach and harbour on superb seafood and other Italian and Mediterranean inspired influences. 

Head across to the other side of the road and you find Ormeggio at The Spit. The Italian word for ‘mooring’ or ‘berth, it is located in the d’Albora Marinas with enviable views up Middle Harbour from their absolute waterfront location. Specialising in contemporary northern Italian cuisine their highly talented kitchen team create fine and unique food which is coupled with a highly professional service team, and a knowledgeable sommelier. 

Ormeggio use both new and traditional techniques of cooking, and have a talented and experienced team of chefs led by Alessandro Pavoni and Federico Zanellato. Their wine list is acclaimed, and Ormeggio was recently awarded with One Chef’s Hat by the 2012 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. Sunset is not to be missed, with a glass of Franciacorta or northern Italian ‘birra’ in hand, relax and enjoy this beautiful location. Bookings are highly recommended. 

Next door is Ormeggio Kiosk which also reflects the Italian heritage of the restaurant. Open Tuesday to Sunday, the casual diner can choose from a selection of different panini and focaccia and quality smallgoods, what’s more they also serve breakfast, freshly baked muffins, cold drinks and coffee.

Getting there: Take a ferry from Circular Quay to Taronga Zoo. The 238 bus runs between Taronga Zoo and The Esplanade at Balmoral Beach. Various buses from the city run to Balmoral Beach, Taronga Zoo, Chowder Bay and the Spit Bridge. Visit www.131500.com for more information.

The Lower North Shore is just a fifteen-minute taxi ride from the city. Call Taxis Combined on 133 300 or book online at www.taxiscombined.com.au