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Best restaurants in crows nest feature

20 Best Restaurants in Crows Nest


Now more than ever, the best restaurants in Crows Nest make for some of our favourite places to eat and drink in all of Sydney’s North. Over the past few years, the already-elevated suburb has duly upped its game by way of new restaurants, music venues, bars, bakeries, brewpubs, ice cream parlours, and coffee shops. It’s certainly enough to draw you away from the heart of the city for a night out in the ‘burbs. Choose wisely and you won’t be disappointed.

If you’re seeking some of the best French, Japanese, or Indian restaurants in Crows Nest, you’ll certainly find them in our list, along with a variety of other cuisines. Of course, with the onslaught of options comes the increased chance for a less-than-satisfying experience. Enter our trusty guide, which features the best restaurants Crows Nest has to offer.

Best Restaurants in Crows Nest

Highlights from our list include:

Now we’ve rounded up our favourites, let’s check out the full list.

RELATED: Heading into the city? These are our favourite restaurants in Barangaroo.

Small bar crows nest
Small Bar | Image: Supplied

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
Hours: Mon-Wed 4-11pm, Thur-Sun 12-11pm
Phone: (02) 8084 5118

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Annata restaurant
Annata Restaurant | Image: Supplied

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
Hours: Tue 5:30-11:30pm, Wed-Sat 12-11:30pm
Phone: (02) 9437 3700

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Luho restaurant
Luho Restaurant | Image: Supplied

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
Hours: Tue-Thur 12-3pm & 5:30-9pm, Fri 12-3pm & 5:30-10pm, Sat-Sun 12-4pm & 5:30-9pm
Phone: (02) 9438 5005

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Ryos crows nest
Ryo’s Noodles | Image: Supplied

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
Hours: Mon-Tues & Thurs-Sun 11:30am-2pm &  5-8:30pm
Phone: (02) 9955 0225

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Follys bar and bistro
Folly’s Bar & Bistro | Image: Steven Woodburn

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
Hours: Tues-Thurs 3-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12-10pm
Phone: (02) 9460 3939

Lola cocina
Lola Cocina | Image: Supplied

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
Hours: Wed-Sat 11:30am-3pm & 5-10pm, Sun 1130am-3pm & 5:9:30pm
Phone: (02) 8068 7829

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The stoned crow
The Stoned Crow | Image: Supplied

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
Hours: Mon-Thur & Sun 12-10:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am
Phone: 0422 793 765

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The salmon and bear
Salmon & Bear | Image: Supplied

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
Hours: Wed-Sat 12-2:30pm & 5:30-9:30pm, Sun 12-2:30pm & 5:30-9pm
Phone: (02) 9060 0525

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Garfish crows nest
Garfish | Image: Supplied

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
Hours: Tue-Sat 12-9pm, Sun 12-3:30pm
Phone: (02) 9966 0445

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El gringos taco bar
El Gringo’s Tacos | Image: Supplied

10. El Gringo’s Tacos

Mexican cuisine is always a winner, especially when you’re dining with a big group, and El Gringo’s Tacos knows what’s up. Not only do they serve endless varieties of your favourite Mexican dish — tacos, but they also have an absinthe bar downstairs. Intrigued? The only way to find out more is to check it out for yourself.

Address: 16 Falcon St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Hours: Tue-Wed 4-10:30pm, Thur 4-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 11:30am-8pm
Phone: (02) 8959 3351

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Sekka dining
Sekka Dining | Image: Supplied

11. 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
Hours: Wed 5:30-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 12-2:30pm & 5:30-10pm, Sun 12-2:30pm & 5:30-9pm
Phone: (02) 8054 9788

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Xenos restaurant bar cafe
Xenos Restaurant Bar Cafe | Image: Supplied

12. 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
Hours: Tue-Thur 7am-9pm, Fri-Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 8am-3pm
Phone: (02) 9439 1748

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The crow bar
The Crow Bar | Image: Supplied

13. The Crow Bar

No date night in Crows Nest is complete without a stop at this sleek and conceptually elevated bar and kitchen. Located on the famous foodie strip, it delivers choice bites and terrific drinks within a truly memorable setting. At the front of the restaurant is a classy New York-style bar while there’s a second, steam-punk-themed bar toward the rear. Between the stimulating decor and ample selection of wines, whiskies, cocktails, and snacks, you may never want to leave. This is nightlife done right.

Address: 6 Burlington St, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Hours: Mon-Tue 4-10pm, Wed-Thur 3-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am, Sun 12-10pm
Phone: (02) 9439 7888

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Yakitori yurippi
Yakitori Yurippi | Image: Supplied

14. 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
Hours: Mon & Wed-Thur 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm, Sun 5-9:30pm
Phone: (02) 8041 9261

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Johnny bird
Johnny Bird | Image: Supplied

15. Johnny Bird

Johnny Bird is not one of your typical Crows Nest restaurants. What was formerly Johnny Lobster is now Johnny Bird, where you’ll find not just the best fried chicken in Crows Nest, but maybe all of Sydney (we said maybe, all you local fried chicken experts out there!). That’s joined by American-style classics such as cheeseburgers, bbq chicken, fried chicken sandwiches, mac & cheese, and potato salad. Bring your mates and your cravings and stuff yourself accordingly.

Address: 48 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Hours: Mon-Thur & Sun 11:30am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm
Phone: (02) 9436 4672

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The hayberry
The Hayberry | Image: Supplied

16. 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
Hours: Tue-Thur 5-10:30pm, Fri 4-11:30pm, Sat 12-11:30pm, Sun 12-9:30pm
Phone: 0412 438 140

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The foxtrot
The Foxtrot | Image: Supplied

17. 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
Hours: Wed 5pm-12am, Thur 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 5pm-2am
Phone: 0448 890 470

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Bahbq brazilian grill
BahBQ Brazilian Grill | Image: Supplied

18. 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
Hours: Tue-Thur 6-10pm, Fri-Sun 5:30-10pm
Phone: (02) 9966 8203

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Grilld crows nest
Grill’d Crows Nest | Image: Supplied

19. Grill’d Crows Nest

If there’s a Grill’d location, you have to add them to a best restaurants list. Grill’d burgers are unlike any burger in Sydney, they aren’t here to tempt you with extra cheese dip and stacked patties. They want to offer you a healthy burger that is good for the body and the tastebuds. Grill’d is the healthy burger company and with low-carb bun options, vegan burgers, and salads, this is one of the healthy places to eat in Crows Nest.

Address: 57 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:30am-10pm
Phone: (02) 9436 0699

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C9 chocolate gelato
C9 Chocolate & Gelato | Image: Supplied

20. C9 Chocolate & Gelato

Once you’ve visited one of these delicious Crows Nest restaurants, you’re gonna need some dessert afterwards. Lipsmacking words like “chocolate” and “gelato” are enough to pique your interest and thankfully, this beloved dessert parlour delivers on the hype. From gooey waffle sticks to banana Nutella crepes to brownie smackdowns, C9 promises to leave no sweet tooth unsatisfied. When you’re in Crows Nest for dinner, stop here on your way out of the ‘burbs. You’ll be glad you did.

Address: 55 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
Hours: Mon-Thur & Sun 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:30pm
Phone: (02) 9516 4575

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Why You Should Trust Our List

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.

Alternatives to Crows Nest Restaurants

If you’re looking for other things to do in and around Sydney, we’ve got you covered with some of the options listed below. You can also check out our list of fun things to do in Sydney. If you’re looking for a more specific cuisine, check out our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Sydney or the best burgers in Sydney. If you’re full, we can also help you with your search for the best rooftop bars in Sydney.

Restaurants in Crows Nest FAQs

Where are the best burgers in Crow's Nest

There are plenty of great burgers restaurants in Sydney. In fact, it might be one of the burger capitals of Sydney. Crows Nest is home to Milky Lane, Small Bar, Grill'd, and Hayberry to name a few.

Is there good Asian food in Crows Nest?

There is great Asian food in Crows Nest, you should try out Luho, Street Market Asian Tapas, and Yakitori Yurippi.

What is the best bar in Crows Nest?

Crows Nest is home to some of the best bars in Sydney. The shortlist includes The Stoned Crow, Small Bar, and The Crow Bar.

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