Our headline dishes include our famous Crispy Pork Jowl, served with Nashi Pear, Asian Herbs and Fragrant Sticky Sauce, and our Jack’s Creek Koji Cured Flank Steak, which hails from the town of Gippsland, Victoria, and is a 100% Australian-grown premium steak. Our lamb is from Milly Hill, one of the most sought-after and accomplished lamb brands in NSW.
The menu really celebrates the best of what our corner of the world has to offer.
Our wine cellar features an extensive variety of New & Old-World wines from some of Australia’s most renowned and innovative producers.
The Pines Cronulla offer Gluten Free, Vegan and most dietary options, please talk to our staff on arrival.
MAIN MENU
DESSERTS
GROUP MENUS & PLATTERS
BEVERAGES
WINE LIST
Meet the Team
If you’ve dined with us at The Pines before, chances are you’ve already experienced the talent of our Head Chef, Nicholas Sum. A key part of The Pines since day one, Chef Nic has been leading our kitchen for the past few years, working closely alongside founder and co-owner James Metcalfe to craft the bold, seasonal food we’re known for.
Nic brings a deep respect for seasonal produce, global flavours, and food made to be shared. Originally from Singapore, his culinary path has taken him through Hong Kong’s vibrant dining scene and into the kitchens of Hilton Sydney before joining James to open The Pines. From flavour-packed small plates and signature dishes to curated chef’s selections and our Food with Friends menus, Nic’s food is bold, generous, and unmistakably Pines.
With Chef Nic leading the kitchen and James continuing as founder and co-owner, The Pines remains dedicated to delivering an elevated yet approachable dining experience — celebrating local ingredients, soulful cooking made to share, and memorable moments around the table. Nic continues to work closely alongside James to uphold and evolve The Pines' culinary legacy.
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Founder & Co-Owner
James Metcalfe is the founder and co-owner of The Pines Cronulla, bringing over 25 years of culinary experience from some of the world’s most acclaimed restaurants. His career spans Michelin-starred kitchens in London and double-hatted venues in Sydney, and his influence continues to shape The Pines’ signature style.
James established The Pines with a clear vision: to deliver exceptional food and service in a relaxed coastal setting, showcasing Australia’s finest seasonal produce. While he now focuses on his role as co-owner, James remains actively involved in the creative and strategic direction of the restaurant, working closely alongside Head Chef Nic to ensure the culinary standard remains true to that original vision.
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Head Chef
Chef Nic is the Head Chef at The Pines Cronulla and has been an integral part of the team since opening day, working side-by-side with founder James Metcalfe to bring the restaurant’s vision to life.
Born in Singapore, Nic honed his skills in the high-end kitchens of Hong Kong before moving to Australia, where he joined Hilton Sydney. His global perspective, strong technique, and grounded approach to food made him a natural fit to help launch The Pines.
As Head Chef, Nic leads the kitchen day-to-day, curating seasonal menus filled with bold flavours, quality produce, and a strong focus on shared dining. From vibrant small plates to signature mains and Food with Friends menus, his food is designed to bring people together — always generous, always full of flavour.