Practically a Bondi institution since it opened in 1993, Sean Moran’s quaint but impossibly chic restaurant offers exceptional Italian-inspired fare with a menu that’s market-driven, ever-changing and always exquisite, with much of the produce sourced from Moran’s own farm in Bilpin. Beyond fresh food and the charm of its quirky-cool decor, Sean’s occupies prime real estate boasting glimpses of North Bondi Beach underneath it’s red and white stripe awnings. Clear the afternoon and enjoy.

There must be something about ocean views and Italian cuisine because Pilu at Freshwater takes the trend and owns it. In 2003, owner Giovanni Pilu transformed a weatherboard beach house in Sydney’s Northern Beaches into an understated but upmarket restaurant with dishes inspired by his native Sardinia. Complete with white tablecloths and a classic elegance the only thing that outclasses the provenance-focused food is Pilu’s sweeping views of Freshwater beach. Pilu also runs a beach kiosk serving up panini for those feeling like great food sans the formality.

This light-filled bar and brasserie overlooking Sydney’s Pittwater is reminiscent of a 1930’s dining room and boasts all the hallmarks of a Merivale mecca; impossibly cool interiors, great food and a real sense of atmosphere. With a seafood-focused menu complete with oyster bar and live lobsters at the ready, Bert’s is fine dining (think monogrammed plates and muslin wrapped lemons) blended with beachy ease. Ideal for those looking to celebrate as a group or really make a day (and night) of it.

A Mosman icon that typifies old world glamour, this heritage-listed art-deco building from the 1920’s is home to Balmoral Bathers’ Pavilion. Having reopened just this month after extensive interior renovations, the complex boasts a dining room offering French-European fare, all-day bistro, a very grown up lounge/bar area and refreshed takeaway kiosk complete with picnic hampers and natural ice-creams. But of all the new bells and whistles of the beachfront pavilion, BONDI BORN is most looking forward to visiting the newly installed rooftop bar, an idyllic spot for those fond of champagne and oysters.

When it comes to seascapes and seriously good food, Maurice Terzini’s Icebergs Dining Room & Bar is esteemed the world over and has upheld its allure as one of the city’s best restaurants since it opened in 2002. Perched atop the cliffs of South Bondi, this high-end restaurant overlooks Icebergs’ picturesque ocean pool with the view extending right across to the beach’s northern end and beyond. With a seasonal approach to modern Italian cuisine that gives the iconic vista a serious run for its money, this is a dining experience that simply can’t be beat.