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The-box-on-the-water - The BOX on the Water, Ettalong Beach, AU-NSW

The BOX on the Water

4.6
4.6
1386 Reviews
$41 to $100
Modern Australian
Top Tags:
The BOX on the Water is situated in prime position on both the Ettalong foreshore and beach. Its absolute waterfront location has panoramic views out across Broken Bay to its namesake, Box Head, and over to Sydney's northern beaches.

Architecturally designed with a stylish, modern aesthetic, The BOX on the Water restaurant, bar and beach kiosk is just an hour and a half drive from central Sydney or twenty five minutes on the passenger ferry from Palm Beach.

Both the restaurant and kiosk offer fresh, modern Australian cuisine and friendly, efficient service. Experience stylish, casual, 'fun dining' with arguably the best outlook on the Coast!

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 11 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Modern Australian, Seafood

  • Hours of operation

    Kiosk Daily 7:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:00 pm Sunset sips Fri–Sun 3:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 5:30 pm–8:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (02) 4339 3369

  • Website

    http://theboxonthewater.com/

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Location

    Ettalong Foreshore, The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, AU-NSW 2257

  • Neighborhood

    Ettalong Beach

  • Parking details

    There is free parking bays along the foreshore next to The BOX and plenty of street parking very close.

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Hot & Cold Seafood Feast (Minimum. 2 people)

    A$69.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy our hot & cold seafood feast ~ $138 for two people or $207 for three people. Kids menu available for children under 12 years old for $15pp. Includes: Local prawns, ceviche, cured salmon, pickled octopus salad, white anchovies, oysters, steamed black mussels, chilli garlic prawns, grilled market fish, chips & salad

  • A La Carte (Minimum 2 Courses)

    A$59.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    2 Course Menu for $59pp. and 3 Course Menu for $74pp. Kids menu available for children under 12 years old for $15pp. Full menu available via our website. Please note: A 15% surcharge applies on Public Holidays.

  • The Box Summer Grazing Feast (min. 2 people)

    A$89.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Push the boat out and experience our four course summer grazing feast, curated by owners Monique & Natasha. Our grazing feast showcases everything we love to eat this season, and includes an optional wine pairing to complement each course. Full menu available via our website.

Popular dishes

What 1,386 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • New South Wales

    Scenic View

  • New South Wales

    Modern Australian

  • Central Coast

    Best Overall

  • Central Coast

    Best Food

  • Central Coast

    Best Service

  • Central Coast

    Best Ambiance

  • Central Coast

    Best Value

  • Central Coast

    Special Occasion

  • Central Coast

    Most Booked

Sort by

Filters

  1. DA

    DavidA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    We arrived on time and we’re seated straight away. It was a fixed price two or three course meal. Our drink order was taken and took a little while to come. The food order was taken and that also took a while yo come, once it arrived it was absolutely delixious I had the roasted barramundi and my wife had the Beef cheeks which she said were so soft she could have cut them with her fork. The deserts were just as good. I would certainally recommend this restaurant.
  2. M

    Mick

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    Pleasant restaurant, location & staff, will most definitely come back.
  3. C

    Chantelle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Very accommodating. Thank you.
  4. R

    Reneed

    New South Wales

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great service, food was excellent. Quiet evening as not many people on Thursday evening.
  5. WM

    WarrenM

    Canberra

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The cosy warmth of the restaurant struck you as you entered. It was a Sunday night and the place was quite busy but the service was great. We chose the 3 courses for $74per person which we considered excellent value as the serving sizes were very reasonable. For an extra $6.50 we chose Organic Sourdough with sweet balsamic, dukkha with olive oil while we decided on our choices off the menu. All the food was delicious and we accompanied it with a bottle of pink sparkling De Perriere Rose. A perfect way to celebrate our 40th Wedding Anniversary and would highly recommend eating here.
  6. G

    Gabs

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ugh I love this place so much. Honestly, best food on the peninsula.
  7. I

    Ingrid

    New South Wales

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Cold sitting near door, service okay, food nothing special and little portions
  8. JB

    JuliaB

    New South Wales

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience4
    Food was very overpriced for what it was. The set menu pricing left 1/2 of us as vegetarians very ripped off. There was little choice and it had very little flavour. Those who had meat dishes seemed to be much better off. We were also seated near the door which was constantly being opened and causing a breeze. I got up close to ten times to shut the door without any wait staff noticing. Overall we were very disappointed and will probably not be returning.
  9. S

    Shirl

    Sydney

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Love the view and the understated atmosphere, food was excellent especially the scallop pie, pleasant service.
  10. SU

    SUZANNEC

    Sydney

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 27, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    A lovely fresh contemporary restaurant in a gorgeous location. Excellent service and Cocktails. We really enjoyed the Chilli Garlic Prawns, the Pate and especially the Scallop Pie on green pea mash. The Beef Cheeks were perfect, the Duck less so and the Pork Belly set in an Apple Cider Broth lacked flavour and was tough. The dessert of Rhubarb Crumble with Earl Grey custard was delicious. We’ll definitely return and try the Fish and Chips that we saw on the next table.
  11. CL

    CraigL

    Sydney

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 23, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Did not appreciate the pigeons walking around inside nor them flying around. However food was delicious, plentiful and service was efficient and friendly. Remove the access to the pigeons and the experience would of been wonderful.
  12. DT

    DeborahT

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A favorite for my sisters to meet as the Sydney side catch the ferry and we drive. Lovely position, excellent food and not ever rushed out.
  13. J

    John

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quality seafood platter and cocktails. Highly recommended
  14. KI

    KellyI

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a lovely experience… the food is reliably great and the staff are always so friendly… a favourite spot for us.
  15. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and excellent food. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Will certainly come back
  16. BY

    BillY

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 16, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience3
    Not sure why you asked why we were going there, no mention of our anniversary. Thought the food was overpriced, Pork belly and duck both over cooked. Was not asked when plates removed how it was, and entree arrived basically as the sourdough arrived, not good timing!
  17. VL

    VickyL

    Sydney

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s always a pleasure to return to The Box for good food and such a wonderful view.
  18. AP

    AnaP

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great location with a beautiful view. Fantastic food. Have eaten at The Box many times and the food is always delicious. Great service with friendly and attentive staff.
  19. SV

    SandraV

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 12, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    I usually love eating at this restaurant but yesterday it was bit a good. I've eaten there on Fridays and Tuesdays. Both Fridays the food couldn't be faulted but on both Tuesdays the food wasn't quite as good. Usually one of us will have the pork belly. On both Fridays the pork crackling was fabulous could be eaten like a biscuit... on both Tuesdays it's been rubbery. Different chef? Service is fabulous given how busy it was.
  20. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent, little to criticise.
  21. AM

    AndrewM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2022

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    Pork belly was over cooked, dry and too salty. Ordered a side of Brussel sprouts which never turned up. Entrees were good. Service average.
  22. SS

    SimonS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great (& friendly) service combined with a spectacular outlook. What's not to like?
  23. ET

    ErikaT

    New South Wales

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Good view and ambience. Friendly staff, good service
  24. AR

    AmandaR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, lovely staff. Will recommend to friends.
  25. j

    john

    Sydney

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    allacarte menu would be best or my group. everything else was OK Will return but would go more often if al lacarte
  26. SO

    SimplyOmni

    New South Wales

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 30, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    You are always well looked after by the wait staff who offer 5 star service. Food is always amazing and cooked to perfection. Seasonal menus and a great wine list. Perfect waterfront outlook, The Box is my favourite local restaurant, perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good food & great location
  28. FK

    FrancisK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service . Had our twins 21st there two weeks ago and had a brilliant time. Came back yesterday again 😀
  29. MB

    MichaelB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a beautiful afternoon with beautiful food, excellent and friendly service and a brilliant view. If you are looking for amazing food served with a smile suggest you book yourself in at the Box you won't be disappointed.
  30. G

    Gilly

    Sydney

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    We paid $207 for a hot and cold seafood platter for 3 people. It was ok, but did not represent good value for money
  31. CM

    ChristineM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came here for lunch with my two sons. We had an awesome lunch! Food was great, something for everyone and we really loved the cocktails. Staff were very attentive and friendly. My favourite restaurant on the coast.
  32. DR

    DavidR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Chilli prawns great and having a craft stout beer on tap was excellent
  33. RG

    RobinG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very lovely restaurant food is delicious and good value view is spectacular. Service excellent
  34. CY

    CYNDYR

    New South Wales

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    Excellent location, great decor, excellent service ... food was good, but my pork belly didnt have a crispy top, it was spongy, so I was a little disapointed with that. Little on the expensive side, but we also had the 15% public hol surcharge as well ... but overall a very pleasant lunch and I would come back here again, probably in the warmer months though.
  35. CG

    CarolG

    Vancouver

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Lovely ambience. 3 out of 4 meals were fantastic (Beef cheeks, Jewfish special and Duck breast) 3rd (spiced pumpkin and falafel was OK but nothing special, lacked any spice. But I do like this restaurant. Cosy at night and lovely views at lunchtime.
  36. PG

    PhilG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service and food. Fabulous view too! Obviously popular. Liked the generous space between tables.
  37. G

    Gavin

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We were very happy with our visit to The BOX. The service was outstanding and the atmosphere was clean and modern while retaining a casual atmosphere. We were not pushed to leave our table , even though we stayed for several hours. All in all a great experience. Only peeve were noisy dogs sitting on the table directly outside. Normally dogs are not an issue for me, and I think this was more a reflection on the selfishness of other patrons, than the management.
  38. JS

    JenniferS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great atmosphere, beautiful food and good service.
  39. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    This restaurant is within a short walk from our home so we are regular visitors. It never disappoints and has excellent choices in both the food and wine menus. The service was friendly and professional as always.
  40. P

    Peter

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A must do experience for anyone who loves amazing food! Highly recommended, an absolute must!!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

The BOX on the Water is rated 4.6 stars by 1386 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
9:30 PM
Booked 11 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The BOX on the Water

Ettalong Foreshore, The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach, AU-NSW 2257

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Ettalong Beach

  • Hours of operation

    Kiosk Daily 7:00 am–4:00 pm Lunch Daily 11:45 am–3:00 pm Sunset sips Fri–Sun 3:00 pm–5:30 pm Dinner Thu–Sun 5:30 pm–8:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Modern Australian, Seafood

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    There is free parking bays along the foreshore next to The BOX and plenty of street parking very close.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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