The Whale Beach Restaurant in Whale Beach, Sydney, Australia | Restaurant

As the colours fade across Whale Beach's breathtaking evening sky, it's not nature's passion-play which occupies centre stage in the hungry minds of northern beach locals.
The collective focus moves through the Norfolk pines to The Whale Beach Restaurant, a historic spot for food which began life as The Pacific in 1913.
It achieved fame as De Beers - under Rod and Jeni De Beer - as an exemplary dining experience. Now under the new ownership of Craig Rechner and John Ferguson (a first culinary outing for them both), they've poached the excellent chef Craig Edmond and have brought the prices into a far more accessible sphere, with no main over $28.
Food is a mix of Mod Oz, French, Italian and Asian Fusion, like the Roasted Barramundi with Saffron Mash, Braised Fennel and Bouillabaisse. They've got the prices and menu spot on, offering breakfasts and lunch in a casual beachy fashion, then upping the style after dusk. Other highlights? Get them before they change the menu into a spring/summer array ... there's Shanghai Shellfish Risotto with Crispy Ginger ... Confit of Duck Leg with Five Spice and Asian Vegetables ... and for entree, mmm ... a Thai Shellfish Broth.