18 Of The Prettiest Places To Eat By The Ocean In Sydney

With views so damn good you might even forget to take a photo of your food.

1. Papi Chulo, Manly

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Every table at Papi Chulo has a beach view. Add the signature "Papi Chulo BBQ platter", piled high with slow-smoked lamb ribs, wagyu brisket, pulled pork, porchetta, coleslaw, and soft rolls, and you're set.

2. The Corso, Manly

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Manly's sunset views aren't just for the surfers. The public dining tables and benches spaced out along the Corso are yours for the taking; nearby venues such as Pocket Pizza do a fierce takeaway trade with this in mind.

3. North Bondi Fish, North Bondi

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North Bondi Fish has one of the best views of Bondi Beach. In summer, things don't get much better than a seat on the balcony with a fish taco in one hand and a cucumber spritz in the other, or of course some good ol' fashioned fish 'n' chips.

4. The Grassy Knoll, North Bondi

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This small, popular grass hill on the northern end of the beach is Bondi's best spot for people watching. Locals tend to be either tanning post swim, or recovering from a hangover with takeout food from one of many nearby cafes. There's also a shaded BBQ area that is the scene of many spontaneous gatherings in summer.

5. Ventuno, Walsh Bay

Ventuno Restaurant / Facebook / Via Facebook: www.ventuno.com.au

Walking distance from the historical Rocks precinct and next door to the Sydney Theatre Company, this chilled Italian restaurant is privvy to one of the best seats in the house when it comes to harbour-side dining. They do a generous antipasto platter that can feed up to eight, including slow-braised meatballs, seared prawns, and calamari.

6. Dawes Point Park, The Rocks

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If you work in the city, nab a bench beneath the Harbour Bridge on your lunch break. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more serene location in Sydney's CBD.

7. The Boathouse, Palm Beach

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The Boathouse's food is just as photogenic as its Palm Beach location, which explains why it's so damn popular. Breakfast faves include "farm veggie bowls" with brown rice and chilli, while at lunch, it's all about sharing a bucket of prawns, seasonal salads, and chips with aioli.

8. Govenor Phillip Park, Palm Beach

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If you're not in the mood for the family-friendly crowds at the Boathouse, grab a takeaway coffee and sit in peace on the grass.

9. The Watsons Bay Hotel, Watsons Bay

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Sitting on the deck at The Watsons Bay Hotel, it's not hard to imagine your toes in the sand. It's a reliably fun spot for a Sunday session, with live DJs throughout the warmer months.

10. Camp Cove Beach, Watsons Bay

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If you're not feeling the crowd, get takeaway via the extensive seafood selection at Doyle's on the Wharf, then head down to Camp Cove beach.

11. Ormeggio, Mosman

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Ormeggio's beautifully presented Italian food and this ocean view are the definition of calming influences. Settle in for a long, boozy lunch; make sure to include a pasta order, and take advantage of the vast Italy-centric wine list.

12. West Reserve Park, Mosman

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Ormeggio's more casual outpost, Chiosco, offers "Italian street-style" takeaway food intended for you to nosh on the grass or the sand, with views of the yachts docked at Pearl Bay. Be a thinker and make sure to pack your own drinks.

13. The Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay, Glebe

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Everyone knows the Harbour Bridge, but the Boathouse looks out on to another architectural feat, the ANZAC Bridge. Despite being so close to the hustle and bustle of the city, the atmosphere here is nothing but calm. Go for the view, stay for the fish pie.

14. Blackwattle Bay Park, Glebe

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If you don't have a booking at Boathouse, the surrounding park is ideal for picnics.

15. Coogee Pavilion, Coogee

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A great spot to host birthday drinks or group get togethers, the rooftop at the Coogee Pav provides a panoramic view of the beach. It's an ideal summer selfie backdrop.

16. Grant Reserve, Coogee

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Another Instagrammable Coogee spot is the Pavilion's neighboring cliff top park. Bring down a burger from Out Of The Blue and life honestly doesn't get much better.

17. Nielson Park Restaurant, Vaucluse

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Hidden away in deep Vaucluse, the pavilion restaurant at Nielsen Park has the prettiest harbour views. The menu offers modern-Australian breakfast and lunch, though also caters private evening events.

18. Nielson Park Beach, Vaucluse

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The wide stone steps that span the length of Nielsen Park beach leading to the sand are literally made to sit back and relax on. Gaytime not compulsory but highly recommended.