The Grounds of Alexandria has opened a waterside cafe in Cronulla

The team behind The Grounds of Alexandria go coastal with a new venue at Calico Marina in Cronulla.
Inspired by Mediterranean beach clubs, the all-day venue will focus on high-quality seafood and fresh pasta.
Sunday sessions are on the cards with DJs in the afternoon and diners can BYO.

The most instagrammed cafe in the world, The Grounds of Alexandria, has revealed a new expansion by adding a third spot to its growing staple of design-forward venues.

While its second location, The Grounds of the City, has been going strong in The Galeries for years now, this one strips the name completely. Pippis opens at the newly refurbished Calico Marina, formerly Cronulla Marina, this week and is fashioned as the group’s first waterside venue with a Mediterranean vibe and west-facing views onto Gunnamatta Bay.

There’s a strong push to turn Calico Marina into the ultimate lifestyle spot for The Shire, with plans to attract visitors and locals from outside Sutherland. With the beautiful water of Port Hacking close by, there’s a lot going to for this underrated slice of Sydney, which now looks like a transplant from the Greek Islands.

Pippis has been designed with earthy terracotta tones and textures like rattan and timber that look incredible set against the calm waters of the marina. It’s a much different look and feel from the Grounds’ urban locations, settling into the scene with an all-day menu focusing heavily on high-quality seafood and pasta.

“We want Calico to be a destination location for those looking for an escape in the Sutherland Shire and beyond,” said David Highland, whose eponymous development company has spearheaded the restaurant.

“By offering something that is unique to the industry, we are promoting a marine haven not only for boat owners but for those looking for a Mediterranean-inspired break right here in Sydney.”

The team at The Grounds have a solid reputation for immersive design and experiences, so handing them the reigns to bring the Mediterranean to Sydney will prove very valuable in the summer holidays. To help, Pippis will also be hosting Sunday sessions with DJs from 12:30pm with guest able to BYO.