Best Restaurants in Crows Nest From Casual Bites to Fine Dining

Crows Nest has turned itself into one of Sydney’s best places to eat and drink. What used to be a sleepy suburb is now packed with ramen joints, wine bars, Spanish tapas, fried chicken, and even Brazilian BBQ. You don’t need to trek into the CBD for good food when there’s this much action north of the bridge. One night you’re splitting paella and pitchers of sangria, the next you’re parked at a bar with a Negroni and a steak sandwich. Here are our picks for the best restaurants in Crows Nest, whether you’re after a casual bite or a spot for a special occasion.

Best Restaurants Crows Nest Overview

• Best overall restaurant: Folly’s Bar and Bistro
• For groups: Small Bar
• For date night: Annata Restaurant
• For value for money: Ryo’s Noodles

What Are the Best Crows Nest Restaurants?

1. Small Bar

Of all the Crows Nest restaurants, Small Bar has to be the cutest. A romantic courtyard and impressive wine list distinguish this renowned bar from others of its kind, making it a hot date spot come nightfall. Australian and New Zealand wines tend to dominate the list, though you’ll also find quality vinos from countries like France and Italy. That’s joined by a surprisingly substantial food menu, including tapas and sharing plates. During daylight hours, meanwhile, Small Bar is one of the best lunch and brunch destinations in Crows Nest. What’s there not to love?

• Address: 85 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 8084 5118

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2. Annata Restaurant

If you’re looking for fine dining in Crows Nest, look no further than Annata Restaurant. The main event at Annata is by far the Chef’s Set Menu of four or five courses — a carefully crafted menu from Chef Jordon Garcia. Or, try the ‘Abbondante’  menu, an A’ la carte style with delicious options like kingfish Crudo and potato and leek lasagna. Plus, matching wines are available from the in-house talented sommelier.

• Address: 69 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 9437 3700

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3. Luho Restaurant

Located in the heart of Crows Nest, top restaurant Luho delivers playful vibes and serious eats. If you’re looking for pan-Asian staples like duck pancakes, chicken satay, crispy soft shell crab, Angus beef stir fry, lemongrass curry, and a slew of other dishes, you’ll find them here and in mouthwatering form. Come during the week and eat banquet-style because you’ll want to try a little bit of everything. Luho is one of the finest Crows Nest restaurants on our list.

• Address: 77 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 9438 5005

4. Ryo’s Noodles

Serving up authentic Tokyo-style ramen, Ryo’s Noodles keeps the flavours coming and the crowd moving. If you’re having trouble locating this perennial hotspot, just look for the line out the door on Falcon Street. Step inside the quaint locale to discover an array of choice entrees, including spicy soups, rice dishes, fried chicken or soft-shell crab, noodles, and sandwiches. It’s all here and it’s all wonderful.

• Address: 125 Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 9955 0225

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5. Folly’s Bar & Bistro

You’ll want to jump around the corner to Cammeray to check out Folly’s Bar & Bistro because they’re serving up a local-produce-heavy menu with everything from Gospel Whiskey to locally-sourced skirt steak with peppercorn sauce, Four Pillars Fresh Yuzu Gin-infused Sydney Rock Oysters, and pilsner from Brookvale’s Freshwater Brewing Co on tap. Choose from the a la carte snacks menu with our favourite chef’s crispy potato aligot and a local salumi plate or the $75pp five-course set menu that changes often. The wine list also deserves a special mention as you’ll find everything from skin contacts to chilled reds and plenty of Burgundy, Beaujolais and Piedmont.

• Address: 429 Miller St, Cammeray NSW 2062
• Phone: (02) 9460 3939

6. Lola Cocina

Did someone say paella? Lola Cocina offers the ultimate Spanish fare in Crows Nest, serving up everything from tapas, countless takes on traditional paella and a huge range of Spanish wines and beers. We can’t go past their vegan paella — packed full of zucchini, cauliflower, beans, broccoli, mushrooms, carrot, green peas and their famous paella sauce.

• Address: 19 Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 8068 7829

7. The Stoned Crow

Stoned Crew is one of the most popular Crows Nest restaurants at the moment. People flock to the North Shore for the elevated pub fare at this rustic hotspot. Come for the wood-fired pizzas, Angus beef burgers, assorted tapas, and half chicken schnitzel, stay for the creative cocktails and convivial atmosphere. Should you be more of a beer, cider, or wine drinker, Stoned Crow definitely has you covered in that department as well. For lunch or dinner in Crows Nest, this top restaurant makes for a veritable crowd-pleaser and easy choice.

• Address: 39 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: 0422 793 765

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8. Salmon & Bear

Nestled on Willoughby Road in the heart of Cros Nest is Salmon & Bear, a neighbourhood fish eatery that is popular with locals and visitors alike. Their menu features fresh seafood, steaks and salads, all with affordable casual dining prices. The light-filled space and green outdoor courtyard surrounded by our herb garden makes for the perfect setting to sit back and enjoy a delicious meal.

• Address: Shop5/105 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 9060 0525

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9. Garfish

Since opening its Crows Nest location, Garfish has wasted no time in becoming one of the area’s top seafood destinations. Kickstart your night with a craft cocktail and plate of oysters before diving into entrees of chargrilled octopus, fish & chips, Moreton bugs, crisp fried whole baby snapper, and much more. If seafood simply isn’t your thing, options like bourbon barrel smoked beef brisket or pork cutlet will easily suffice. And don’t forget to swing by for a happy hour, where the drinks are offered at a discount.

• Address: 6/29 Holtermann St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 9966 0445

10. Sekka Dining

Sekka Dining is the ultimate spot for modern Japanese cuisine on Sydney’s lower north shore. Open for lunch and dinner, we can’t go past their kara-age chicken and Hokkaido scallops to start, followed by one of their delicious ramen options. For something new, try their earl grey tea custard for dessert — don’t diss it before you try it!

• Located in: St Leonards Square by Mirvac
• Address: Shop 1, St Leonards Square, 472-488 Pacific Hwy, St Leonards NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 8054 9788

11. Xenos Restaurant Bar Cafe

Xenos Restaurant Bar Cafe is an institution in Crows Nest, serving u delicious food for decades and being much-loved among locals. Since 1969 it’s come from a milk bar to what it is today, the Greek restaurant is known across Sydney for serving up traditional, fresh Greek cuisine. They’re about as unpretentious as it gets and we don’t see it going anywhere anytime soon.

• Address: 7 Burlington St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 9439 1748

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12. Yakitori Yurippi

If Crows Nest eatability were to go by any other name, that name might very well be Yakitori Yurippi. Perched on Falcon Street, this top Japanese restaurant doles out tasty meat, fish, and vegetable skewers within a hip and relaxed setting. No one argues with chicken meatballs, savoury pork belly, marinated black cod, and other izakaya-style bites and we’re not about to start. Wash your food down with some cold sake or shochu and don’t stop visiting until you’ve tried it all. This is easily one of the top Crows Nest restaurants out there.

• Address: 7 Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 8041 9261

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13. The Hayberry Diner & Bar

It might take a full day to recover from your next trip to The Hayberry, but we say it’s worth it. Within the festive confines of this colonial-themed bar and restaurant, you’ll encounter plates the size of your head. Chow down on buffalo wings, waffle fries, BBQ meats, fried chicken, burgers, and tacos, and don’t forget to chase every bite with a sip of cold beer. In the air during peak hours are rocking tunes and the lively gab of a packed crowd. Put it all together and you get one of the best places to eat in Crows Nest.

• Address: 97 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: 0412 438 140

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14. The Foxtrot

For an exciting take on a traditional cocktail bar, head to The Foxtrot. The bar is located in the heart of Crows Nest and boasts an extensive, carefully curated drinks menu for the ultimate night out when you find yourself just North of the bridge. The menu is seasonal, but some of our seasoned favourites include their barrel-aged negroni and banana bourbon old-fashioned. Their food menu is just as good, with a heavy meat focus as well as some snacks, and a spiced doughnut for dessert!

• Address: 28 Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: 0448 890 470

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15. BahBQ Brazilian Grill

Pop over to BahBQ Brazilian Grill for delicious Brazilian BBQ and cocktails. Expect a Brazilian tasting menu, fused with South American and Australian influences. Their highlight is by far the Churrasco menu — where meats and vegetables are spit-roasted over natural charcoal and iron bark to create an intense heat of aroma and perfume. We’re drooling just thinking about it.

• Address: 35 Albany St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
• Phone: (02) 9966 8203

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Why You Should Trust Our List of Best Crows Nest Restaurants

The Man of Many team spends almost every Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night checking out the latest restaurants and venues across Sydney, so we’re well-versed in choosing the favourites. We’ve included great Crows Nest restaurants for groups, couples, and food while introducing a few unfamiliar names to the list. Here you’ll find everything from the best pubs with rooftop bars to five-star hotels decked out above the horizon. Here’s how we test products and review restaurants like these.

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