The Shire’s Hottest Foodie Openings Of 2022
10 New Venues You Need To Put On Your Radar
Fishbowl, Cronulla
What a year it has been for openings in The Shire– it’s been exciting (and deeply delicious). We received two intoxicating Lebanese eateries, an authentic suburban pizzeria, surprisingly luxe renovations, a genuinely exciting new bakery, a cafe attached to a gym and an OTT dessert bar. If you feel you have eaten your way through all of the Shire, think again! Here are 10 places to try in 2023…
Almo Pizza
If you’re a self-confessed pizza lover and haven’t stopped by this Engadine institution yet, you might have to redact your title! Almo opened back in July and have made quite a stir. Their space is ideal for a cruisey mid-week bite. They’ve taken a unique approach to their cuisine and boast an Italian/Eastern European fusion menu. You can expect all your favourite pizza flavours alongside the likes of mortadella sandwiches, mac and cheese pie and Shopska salad. For dessert, don’t miss the strawberry trifle.
Shop 2/10 Waratah Road, Engadine
7th Heaven Kirrawee
Any Shire foodie would know that this popular cafe isn’t necessarily new. But their gorgeous Kirrawee opening is! Located in The Brick Pit shopping centre, it’s ideal for a lazy Sunday brunch or mid-week coffee date. You can expect a huge menu for meat eaters, vegans and vegetarians alike with plenty of juices and fun drinks to go with. All of their dishes are colourful, bright and impeccably presented. Even if you swear not to, you’ll be whipping out your phone for a quick snap.
South Village, G11, 580 Princes Highway, Kirrawee
Sonoma Bakery
With stores dotted across Sydney, it was about time The Shire was blessed with its very own Sonoma Bakery. You no longer have to wait for Saturday to get your fix from the Sonoma stall at the Shire Farmers Markets (though we highly recommend you still pop by for your weekly almond croissant). Having only opened this November, Sonoma is already making its way into locals' daily routines. Swing by for coffee, a light lunch from their delicious cafe menu, take-home treats and bake-at-home goodies.
Shop 1/12/16 Macmahon Place, Menai
C9 Chocolate and Gelato
Looking for a dedicated dessert destination? The Brick Pit’s latest addition, C9 Chocolate and Gelato, is it. They’re serving house-made gelato ‘till at least 9pm every night. You’ll also find indulgent gelato sandwiches, sundaes, gelato cakes, mega shakes, donuts and cronuts on the menu. Heaven is a place on earth.
580 Princes Hwy, Kirrawee
Eat Lebanese
After a successful lockdown pop up, Eat Lebanese decided earlier this year to make things official with their brand-new space. You can expect chic and minimalist interiors alongside authentic Lebanese fare. Their menu is to the point (which we love) and is available for dine-in or takeaway. Their custom plates are perfect for a picnic dinner at Cronulla Park.
98 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Fishbowl
Ahhh. The perfect takeaway. Fishbowl in Cronulla is where it’s at for fresh, delish, ethical and healthy salad bowls. Their dressings are made from scratch, their packaging is fully compostable and best of all, their menu is incredible. Don’t be turned off if you’re not a seafood lover! Fishbowl also serves up vego, chicken and beef options. Each bowl is totally customisable from base and protein up.
4/1 McDonald Street, Cronulla
More Daily Ritual
From the good folk who brought you Our Father, More Daily Ritual is their answer to quick, takeaway bites, good coffee, pastries and fresh bread. A nice and easy hole-in-the-wall bakery to pop by and incorporate into your weekly routine, pre-made sandwiches and salads makes lunch on the go easy. Grab a cold-pressed juice and sweet treat for later!
182 Burraneer Bay Road, Burraneer
Yardhouse Espresso
These guys are championing the simple things in life and we love to see it. A quality brew meets a curated selection of snacks. If you fancy broadening your horizons just a smidge, we recommend Yardhouse’s Iced Latte. Their motto is “fast and delicious” - something we can get behind. But if you’re feeling a slower morning, settle into their soothing minimalist interiors and soak up the moment. Check out their vibe highlight on Insta for the goods.
26 Burns Road, Heathcote
Jbeil
Since opening in March, we’ve found ourselves popping into Jbeil on a regular basis on account of needing to try everything on the menu! The aesthetic is elegant and the share-style menu is perfectly suited to a group dinner. They’ve also got an incredible drinks menu so do be sure to jump on that. Do yourself a favour and order the Battata Bi Kizbara - deep-fried potato tossed in coriander, garlic, mild chilli and lemon juice. Don’t even get us started on the hommos.
1/13 Freya Street, Kareela
Johnny Hu
Johnny Hu originated as a temporary pop-up restaurant serving OG Chinese dishes alongside a top-notch beverage list. Proving to be a cult favourite, Johnny Hu thought they better stay and opened up their permanent residence this year, with a sexy, moody and modern fit out. You can look forward to dishes like Pork Wontons in Chilli Oil and Xiao Long Bao as well as bubble tea cocktails and apple martinis.
134 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Posted: December 20th 2022