The Shire’s Best Foodie Openings Of 2026 (So Far)
The local foodie scene has never looked better
Isora, Cronulla
The Shire isn’t just keeping up, it’s setting the foodie agenda. Gritty tavernas, stylish cafes, and bars that turned one drink into many were already turning heads and reshaping the scene throughout 2025. AM coffee, PM cocktails — your week never looked better.
With our eyes firmly on the scene, we’ve rounded up the best foodie openings of 2026… so far.
The Best New Restaurant Openings In The SUtherland Shire This Year
Meadow
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably spied the swanky interiors of Meadow on your Instagram feed. Moody and mag-like, it’s the latest production of the team behind cult-favourite; Mediterranean-inspired Bobby’s. With an impressive list of signature cocktails, including the popular Adams Apple, and a food menu of mouth-watering, share-style dishes including house Smoked Ocean Trout Rillettes and premium Sirloin, Meadow is proving an instant local hit.
With an ever-changing roster of live music, including Jazz Wednesdays, DJs and an impressive record collection, dining at Meadow is more than just a meal.
Shop 7, 2-6 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Retro
Pizza, tacos and tequila all in one? Surely it’s too good to be true. Not according to Retro, one of Cronulla’s newest dining hotspots. Whether you’re after a cheeky post-swim cocktail, a cold beer and a slice with your besties, or a margarita-filled Mexican fiesta, Retro ticks basically all the boxes. Not just a restaurant, by night, Retro turns into a bar with a dance floor led by a live DJ and music performances. Dig into a 48-hour fermented dough pizza, or zesty fish tacos, and pair with one of the team’s twists on a marg or a signature cocktail. Or, go the whole hog with bottomless. Why not?
1 McDonald Street, Cronulla
Isora
With the precision of Japanese cooking and culture and the culinary influence of China, Thailand and Korean dishes, Isora has brought the much-loved genre of fusion dining back to the centre of attention. Set against a painted mural backdrop, you’ll pull up a seat in this cosy but stylish eatery and enjoy a menu of fresh dishes with classic umami hits, signature of Asian cooking. Spanning starters, entrees, dumplings, mains, sides, sweets and, of course, cocktails, the options are vast. From their delicate plating to zesty ingredients, Isora presents an elevated and sophisticated dining experience.
Highlights? Hiramasa Kingfish, Hot Honey Chicken, and Wagyu sirloin. And Matcha lovers would be remiss to miss the Matcha Martini.
Shop 1/1 McDonald Street, Cronulla
Social House
This is The Prince, but not like you’ve ever seen it before. The hotel’s latest sub-venue, Social House is an adults-only destination bringing good vibes, an excellent drinks list and exceptional food to Kirrawee. The first of its kind in the Shire, Social House also plays host to duelling pianos every Saturday evening. Inspired by Vegas, this is an immersive entertainment experience that runs off singalongs, crowd requests, and high-energy performances. Truly, it has to be seen to be believed.
Designed to be enjoyed casually, the menu features pub-style favourites, fresh classics and, everyone’s favourite, rotisserie plates. Best eaten with a Prince classic cocktail.
533-541 Princes Hwy, Kirrawee
Chechos
The Mexican chain has made its way to the Shire, people. Yup, Cronulla is officially host to the latest Chechos, bright and colourful bringers of sizzling cocktails and fresh-as cocktails.
Pink neon signs and cute-as graphics set the scene for a menu of classics, including a signature Checho’s Guac, Corn Ribs, $10 Tacos and share-style plates, like the Mexican-style Pork Ribs and Checho’s Fried Chicken. Drinks are a mix of signature and classic, with a stand-out mention: cocktail handbags. Picture sharing 2.3L of your favourite with a mate in a classy, handbag-shaped glass. It doesn’t get much more Instagrammable than that.
1 Ocean Grove Ave, Cronulla
Milk Crate
Fresh to the Menai dining scene, Milk Crate is a cute little local-style cafe touting coffee, matcha and self-described “post-gym fuel”. Made for early risers and lunch lovers, this cosy spot honours health-focused food found in high-protein meals, performance bowls, functional smoothies, fresh juices and wholesome café favourites.
Shop 7B, 778-786 Old Illawarra Road, Menai
El Jannah
The day has finally come. El Jannah is coming to the Shire. Located in the ex-Notaras site, the famous Lebanese chicken shop is officially set to open its doors on August 13th. A favourite spot for food lovers and big eaters, El Jannah are famous for their charcoal chicken and garlic sauce, but have an extensive Halal-friendly menu that satisfies meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Picture juicy burgers, fresh, fluffy wraps, crispy fried chicken and fresh salads and sides.
47-49 Kingsway, Cronulla
Arthur’s Pizza
Slinging fresh-as, genuine, Italian-style pizzas since 1970, the team at Arthur’s Pizza are old hands at the fine art. And now, they’re doing their thing in Cronulla. The man behind the eponymous brand, Arthur Premetis, was a bit of a pioneer of his time, thinking beyond the confines of cheese with a tomato base and introducing new ingredients to his thin-crust pizzas. With over 40 options including gluten free, vegetarian and vegan selections, there’s truly something for everyone here.
Scout tip: Happy Hour runs daily from 4:00pm to 6:00pm with $15 medium pizzas.
Unit 12/36 Cronulla Street, Cronulla
Le Wrap
Drum roll, please. The final piece of the 2026 foodie puzzle goes to none other than Le Wrap. Loved state-wide for over two decades, Le Wrap is founded on a love of fresh, flavourful food and the belief that everything should be made-to-order, and it has made its return to Westfield Miranda.
Helmed by former Paralympian Jeremy McGrath, expect to find quality ingredients and flavour-packed meals in the form of wraps, salads, plates and baguettes.
Level 2, 600 Kingsway, Miranda