Step aside Bondi – Coogee is the coolest beach in the Eastern suburbs

Dua Lipa’s been spotted dining there, Rick Stein’s opening a new flagship restaurant, and In-N-Out chose it at the location for its latest pop-up — has Coogee officially become the coolest beach in the Eastern Suburbs?

Once seen as Bondi’s quieter cousin, this beachside beauty is stepping into the spotlight with world-class food, celeb sightings, buzzing bars and some of Sydney’s best ocean views. The cool factor? Off the charts.

Coogee’s rise from laid-back local favourite to must-visit destination is no accident. It’s got the obvious drawcard: an iconic, surf-friendly beach and Instagrammable ocean pools. But it’s also become a hub for trendsetting restaurants and chic coastal bars. It’s Bondi’s effortlessly cool little sister; less try-hard, more tapped in.

So, how do you get a taste of the Coogee magic? From fine dining hotspots to breezy brunch cafés, moody wine bars to cliffside ocean pools, here are the places that prove Coogee’s got the range.

Here’s why everyone’s heading to Coogee

The name ‘Coogee’ comes from the Dharug word koojah, used by the Eora Nation to describe the pungent seaweed that once blanketed the shores. Today, it’s pronounced ‘Cood-jee’ and it smells a little more like fresh coffee, woodfired sourdough and a well-poured natural wine. Here’s why Coogee’s having its main character moment.

Cafés and Restaurants

Coogee has an array of exciting restaurants, from upscale and luxurious Merivale venues to delicious little Italian eateries. Here’s our top picks:

Mimi’s

Located on the middle level of the popular Coogee Pavilion, Mimi’s describes itself as a ‘Coastal Fine Dining’ spot. It’s no surprise that Pop Princess Dua Lipa dined here just a couple of months ago, snacking on their grilled octopus and bluefin toro. Kourtney Kardashian and Margot Robbie have also been seen dining here.

Known for their caviar ‘bumps’ and $100 deposit per person, this restaurant is not for the faint-hearted. Among all Merivale venues, Mimi’s ranks as one of the most luxurious.

READ MORE: Everywhere Dua Lipa ate in Sydney

Louie

Modern Italian food, natural wine and decadent set menus for just $75? Sign us up. Louie has been a hit since its opening in 2023, charming guests with its Italian summer vibe and fresh, homemade pasta. Located just around the corner from the beach, it’s the perfect place to dream of Euro Summer as you enjoy kingfish crudo and fluffy tiramisu.

The Little Kitchen

Just past Louie is the Little Kitchen, a cutesy but delicious cafe currently contending for the best brunch in Coogee. Their all-day menu features dishes such as chorizo and chickpea baked eggs, zucchini and corn fritters and their house white pudding sausages. The family-owned café frequently updates its menu to showcase seasonal local produce, but one thing never changes: their coffee is always incredible.

Osteria Coogee

Osteria Coogee is yet another incredible Italian eatery (maybe there’s a theme here?) serving one of the best bottomless brunches in Coogee. Think fresh Sydney rock oysters, generous portions of handmade pasta and soft, creamy burrata.

Tuesday evening marks half-price on every bottle on their wine list, with Saturdays being the designated bottomless brunch day, where you can choose between two hours of free-flowing wine, beer or cocktails to pair with one of three tasting menus.

Fabbrica Bread Shop

A self-described “cornucopia of baked goods, pastries and coffee”, Fabbrica Bread Shop serves up daily-baked goods including sandwiches, basque cheesecake, cookies, croissants and more. Known for their pasta restaurants in Darlinghurst, Newtown, Chatswood and the CBD, Fabbrica bring more carbs to Coogee with this staple bakery.

Sugarcane Coogee

Sugarcane boasts a view of Coogee Beach, as well as the most delicious South East Asian cuisine in the beachside neighbourhood. Popular dishes include the soft-shell crab bao bun, hiramasa kingfish and torched salmon and scallops sashimi. Fresh seafood meets indulgent flavours at Sugarcane, finished off perfectly with sweet and sticky desserts that complete the experience.

Bars and Clubs

Want to boogie in Coogee? There are plenty of bars perfect for pre-gaming a night out, or for just a couple of drinks with pals. If you’re planning to hit the dancefloor, head to Coogee Pavilion or Selina’s (hidden away in the famous Coogee Bay Hotel).

Coogee Bay Hotel

Coogee Bay Hotel recently hosted American burger chain In N Out’s Sydney pop-up, bringing hordes of hungry Sydneysiders to its doors. But the Coogee hotspot is so much more than a fleeting pop-up location— its courtyard is always packed, with flowing drinks and juicy burgers.

With plenty of events on, Coogee Bay Hotel is home to a sports bar, a garden courtyard, The Marra Bar and Grill, a live music venue, Selina’s and cocktail bar, Arden Lounge. The garden courtyard is always full of happy drinkers, enjoying a schooner or a glass of wine in the heart of the venue.

The Marra Bar and Grill offers a bit more of a sophisticated atmosphere compared to the energetic courtyard or sports bar. Guests can sip on curated cocktails and browse the extensive wine list before tucking into a modern Australian menu, which features steaming pies, classic bangers and mash and perfectly-cooked steak.

Selina’s is the place to go for live music, having previously hosted the likes of Radiohead, Nirvana and the Killers. The venue is tucked away inside the Coogee Bay Hotel, accommodating up to 1,750 people with frequent gigs and events. For a more low-key atmosphere, Arden Lounge is an art-deco-inspired cocktail bar that is a great space for sips, snacks and entertaining.

Coogee Pavilion Rooftop

Coogee Pav is home to an array of premium venues; however, its crown jewel is its rooftop space. Overlooking Coogee Beach, the Pav is always booked and busy with glamorous Sydneysiders. With an option of four indoor and outdoor bars, the rooftop is perfect for sunset drinks that segue into a night of dancing.

will’s

will’s is the smallest venue in the Coogee Pavilion Precinct, situated next to Mimi’s and serving up Euro-inspired cocktails using local coastal ingredients. Their cocktail menu features innovative and creative drinks, such as the Lutruwita, which contains mountain pepper vodka, plum and nashi pear.

Perfect for a pre-dinner sip (or for those who want a quieter evening than one spent on the thumping rooftop), will’s is the answer to your date night prayers.

Coogee Wine Room

The sleek Coogee Wine Room has a list of 500-plus specially curated wines— these guys are not messing around. Perfect for a first date, post-work drinks, or celebrations with friends, the two-story bar is just one block up from the beach. If you’re feeling peckish, their Mediterranean-style menu, which focuses on local produce, includes one of the best-rated steaks in Sydney.

Ocean Pools

McIver’s Baths

McIver’s Baths opened in 1886 as a cliff-side safe space for women swimmers. Not one single bloke has been allowed to use the baths since, carving out an exclusive space where women and their kids can enjoy the salty-fresh waters without sharks, jellyfish or men. You’ll find this one on a cliff face between Coogee Beach and the unisex Wylie’s Baths, with entry by gold coin donation.

Wylie’s Baths

Luckily for men who want to swim in an ocean pool, Wylie’s Baths earns its reputation as one of the most picturesque in the world. The heritage-listed ocean pool is located just a few hundred metres south of Coogee Beach, proudly wearing its age since 1907. Wylie’s Baths is also available as a wedding venue, but the waitlist is often too long and intimidating for most couples.

READ MORE: 7 Best Ocean Pools in Sydney for a Perfect Beach Day

What’s next for Coogee?

Coogee is a dynamic and ever-evolving suburb, and the beachside haven has an exciting future ahead.

British Celebrity Chef Rick Stein recently announced plans to open his flagship Australian restaurant at Sydney’s Coogee Beach, bringing with him his signature Cornish-style fish and chips and classic fish pie.

READ MORE: British Chef Rick Stein to open a flagship restaurant in Coogee

His restaurant, Rick Stein at Coogee Beach, will open at the brand new Intercontinental Hotel Coogee Beach. The IHG will be replacing the current Crowne Plaza that occupies the in-demand location, updating the tired hotel into a sleek, luxurious new destination.

There’s no doubt that Stein’s new restaurant will put an even bigger spotlight on the trendy beach, cementing its status as a must-visit foodie destination and highly sought-after place to stay.