11 Totally Instagrammable Venues In The Shire
Up your social game with Insta-perfect backdrops and eye catching menus
The Shire is filled with a plethora of chic venues that push the boundaries when it comes to design and views! Whether you’re looking for new eateries to catch a meal or are craving a weekend cocktail, you might as well do it in a seriously stylish spot - and grab some photos for the ‘gram while you’re there. Here are the Shire’s 11 most Instagrammable venues that will up your social media game.
Bobbys
Inspired by European summers and designed by renowned architecture firm Tom Mark Henry, Bobbys, is splashed in terracotta hues, natural stone and Jurassic marble. The playful yet elegant interiors combined with sweeping views of South Cronulla, dishes that are delicious in taste and presentation and unique cocktail creations, makes Bobbys a haven for Instagram enthusiasts.
Jensens
With its incredible marble bar, timber ceiling feature, intimate booths, and cosy open fires, Jensens was practically built for Instagram feeds. But it’s not just the interiors that are photo-ready - the chefs and mixologists behind this Kareela venue are very much up to the task as well. Freshly sprinkled micro herbs, delicately drizzled oil, dishes finished with a smattering of finely grated parmesan - everything is presented to perfection, even the drinks. In fact, we recommend their OG: Pearls of Wisdom, made from Scylla Vodka, passionfruit, pineapple and cranberry, served with fruit-popping pearls.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes Cronulla has been turning heads since opening last year. The menu is typical of Hurricanes venues but with an added focus on seafood to pay homage to the Shire's seaside backdrop. Expect perfectly cooked cuts of meat with house-made sauces, freshly shucked oysters and expertly prepared crustaceans. But the real drawcard here are the interiors, designed by award-winning firm Luchetti Krelle. Organic lines, curvaceous forms and lots of texture come together to produce a grotto-like feel in a palette of olive, nutmeg and paprika.
Jack Gray
With its curves, earthy palette, terracotta tiles and textured walls, this beloved cafe could easily be located in some far-flung location. Honestly, the interiors of this place don’t have a bad angle. Serving delicious sweet pastries as well as breakfast and lunch favourites, Jack Gray is open every day until 2:00pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, the lights go dim and the team kicks back to celebrate the weekend with wine, bites and beers. You may even fool your followers into thinking you’re somewhere along the European coastline - we promise we won’t tell.
Sealevel
There are a lot of spectacular seaside venues in the Shire, but none quite like Sealevel. A menu built around seafood completely suits Sealevel’s prime location and panoramic views, where waves practically butt up against the windows and sunshine pours through. The floor-to-ceiling glass ensures you don't miss a minute of the scenery, no matter where your table lays. If you’re here to splurge (and capture the true essence of the place), we highly recommend trying the much-acclaimed seafood platter - and adding lobster. Truly, chef’s kiss.
Image credit: JSR Visuals
Flour
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Caringbah South, Flour is sleek, tonal and seriously cool. The space features earthy countertops, beautiful pale woods and unique design features throughout. Every corner of this sun-drenched eatery promises a delightful backdrop where you can snap your newest Instagram post while enjoying a cup of artisan coffee or a freshly baked treat. The menu is also brimming with picture-perfect moments, from pastries to finger buns and scrolls. And for those who crave a sneak peek into the culinary magic, the 'Doughroom' stands as a highlight where enthusiasts can capture the artistry of pastry-making in action.
C.C. Babcoq
From the brothers behind HAM Cronulla and Josh Davidson (ex- head chef of The Apollo), C.C. Babcoq has flipped the concept of rotisserie on its head. The mural covering the back wall is the first thing you'll see - a minimalist painting of pastels that zigzag across the walls, is paired with light blush tables and marble countertops. You can't deny the space's sophistication from the moment you enter. The share-style menu and invented cocktails (the Yuzu sour is our personal fave) never disappoint.
Hazelhurst Cafe
Flower-filled ceiling beams, fairy and festoon lights and delight at every turn, Hazelhurst Cafe is an artful escape in the heart of Gymea. The food selections are just as creative as the art gallery behind the concept: colour-packed spring granola, freshly-made spritzes, pavlovas stacked high and dripping with cream and coulis are all up for consumption. The cafe hosts both indoor and outdoor seating, but no matter where you settle in you’ll be sure to snap a cute Insta story or two.
Johnny Hu
Johnny Hu is not your average Chinese restaurant. A modern twist applies to all the food and drink found on the ever-popular menu, from the selection of house-made dumplings right down the sides. The interiors are a step up, too; banquette-style booths, coffered curved ceilings, designer art and moody lighting star in their newly opened V2 venue. And one couldn’t talk about Johnny Hu without mentioning their Insta-approved cocktail list (we love the Apple Tini and Bubble Tea take) and, of course, fried ice cream.
Papa J’s
Chic and sleek interiors inspired by the glamour of a bygone era is the name of the game here. Think plush velvet couches, brass finishes and dramatic, forest green marble. Meet with an equally elegant food and drinks menu, it’s no wonder Papa Js is a local favourite. Long a hotspot for drinks with the girls or an easy weekend tipple and taster, this cocktail bar is the brainchild of hospitality die-hards Brooke and Carl Jensen (behind Jensens), and Josh Metcalfe. The plates are designed to be shared - but the drinks can be enjoyed all to yourself, and the list is oh-so-long. You could spend countless hours perfecting your cocktail selection, but our personal favourites are Come To Papa’s, Yuzu Voodoo and the creative Black Sesame Ice Cream Negroni.
Image credit: Studio Ahwa