03 October 2024
24 mins Read
The region may not immediately come to mind for excellent culinary offerings, but even the most discerning of tastebuds will be pleasantly surprised at the diverse dining scene on the Central Coast. Coffee snobs can get a very good cup of morning zing at its many cool and casual cafes, fine dining is easy to come by with many restaurants serving up award-winning menus, a good pub feed is found in almost every town, while bar-hopping is made easy with ample watering holes and breweries. Here, the most epic restaurants on the Central Coast.
For decades The Cowrie has been a fine dining institution on the Coast, perched high on the hills of Terrigal with panoramic views of the ocean and town below.
Dine with panoramic ocean views at The Cowrie.
Chef and owner Dimitris Aronis (ex-Bathers Pavilion) heads up a team that includes alumni from the likes of Quay and Aria. There is a strong focus on local and sustainable produce, as well as an entirely plant-based menu matched with Australian Ikou teas or organic wines.
The Cowrie takes pride in its sustainable, plant-based menu.
Take a culinary journey through Asia with a meal at this cosy restaurant adjacent to Terrigal Beach, which is popular with locals. Expect a flavourful fusion of Chinese dumplings, Taiwanese bao, Japanese yakitori and an array of large plates from Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. There’s also a kid’s menu, including honey soy chicken or lemongrass caramel pork belly with a drink and ice-cream.
The dimly lit interior of Coco Bar & Dining sets the mood for the evening.
Sit outdoors on Terrigal’s bustling esplanade or inside the intimate restaurant underneath a ceiling of dimly lit lanterns and greenery, and sip on themed cocktails such as the Chiang Mai Cosmo or a Geisha Fizz.
Sip on a Chiang Mai Cosmo or a Geisha Fizz.
A Mediterranean-inspired fine diner with the ocean crashing just across the street, Meribella is the latest addition to the Crowne Plaza, Terrigal.
Reserve the private dining space at Meribella. (Image: Kitti Gould)
Set within a unique space with high ceilings and curved expansive windows that capture views of the sea through Terrigal’s iconic Norfolk pines, the design is nostalgic and comforting, while the menu is avant-garde, conceptualised by chef Joshua Mason.
The iconic Norfolk pines part to reveal ocean views from the dining space at Meribella. (Image: Kitti Gould)
Local beverages feature on the menu, including Moore’s Gin and Amber Lane whisky, paired with indulgent and artfully plated dishes from grilled octopus to Black Angus served on the bone. It’s a sophisticated old-world dining destination tucked on the first floor of this landmark hotel.
The menu at Meribella is sophisticated yet approachable. (Image: Kitti Gould)
There’s a lot of chatter about Yellowtail and for good reason. This hatted restaurant may be small but it packs a punch with a refined and relaxed dining experience inspired by the flavours of the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean.
The Hervey Bay king prawns with yuzu butter are a menu standout at Yellowtail. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)
Offering a la carte and a five-course degustation, as well as a popular yum cha degustation for lunch – think Aburi ocean trout, confit duck leg pancakes and mushroom wontons with bottomless rose.
Yellowtail delivers a relaxed dining experience inspired by the flavours of the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean. (Image: Supplied)
As a nod to owner Bernard Mallet’s Mauritius heritage, it’s all about the reinvention of classical French dishes with the flavours of Asia and Africa at L’isle de France.
Head chef Jeremy Pace (ex-Bistro Guillaume) and sommelier Fabrice le Boulanger (who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe) both hail from France bringing authenticity to the menu.
The elegant beachside restaurant has a cosy fireplace for winter and an alfresco courtyard adorned with festoon lighting for summer.
L’isle de France serves up excellent French fare.
When it comes to epic brunches, Bellyfish is hard to beat. This long-running café is one of the busiest spots in town – not only do they do really great coffee and a hearty menu featuring lots of local ingredients, but it also has funky interiors and is a hop, skip and jump to Terrigal Beach – one of the best beaches to visit on the Central Coast.
Bellyfish is in the heart of Terrigal on the Esplanade. (Image: Isaac Teng)
If brunch is high on your dining agenda, Bellyfish is the spot for you. (Image: Isaac Teng)
Run by the same people who own cult burger shop Chop n Grind just around the corner, Arc. Est is a favourite among locals, especially for a long lunch of seasonal comfort food such as lamb shoulder and pappardelle.
Arc. Est in Terrigal is the perfect spot for casual dining and long lunches. (Image: Asmara Malloy)
Unmissable for its charming wooden entry doors and warm, rustic interiors, it has a vibe that could very easily slot right into the heart of Byron Bay or Bali.
The charming wooden entry doors at Arc. Est is a standout feature. (Image: Supplied)
While Swells is open year-round this chic restaurant screams summer. Located above Bellyfish Café, it has incredible views of the ocean and the buzzy town of Terrigal.
Commanding ocean views at Swells Terrigal.
Dine on the outdoor terrace when the weather is fine – though a section of it is undercover and protected by glass panels – or inside the restaurant if you are seeking a cosy meal.
It has an a la carte and set menu option, where seafood, such as grilled Australian prawns and yellowfin tuna tataki is a stand-out but you’ll also find dishes such as braised beef cheek and harissa roast lamb rump. Order an Aperol Spritz or a G&T to amp up the coastal vibes.
Perched on a corner in the busy seaside town of Terrigal, this modern Asian restaurant has been hot on the lips of local foodies since it opened in 2023.
The modern interior of Once Again Asian Eatery.
The menu is bursting with authentic Asian flavours, from a fragrant Massaman to the Wagyu beef in pepper sauce and a grilled chicken satay paired with a moreish roti, served in a sleek and stylish space. There’s also a kids’ menu and a decent vegan selection.
Vibrant Authentic Asian flavours dominate the menu.
Right next door to Bellyfish is this new-ish pink-hued café. It’s smaller than Bellyfish but packs just as much punch when it comes to delicious coffee and all-day breaky (the green garlic scramble is always a winner). There are some tables inside but most are out the front. The staff are super friendly too.
Avoca Beach House screams summer, with a white, bright and airy interior and panoramic views of the beach so you can watch local surfers catch waves as you enjoy high-quality seafood and share-style platters.
The interior of Avoca Beach House is light and airy. (Image: Supplied)
Add a mouth-watering cocktail to complete the scene. Definitely, one to add to your summer itinerary.
The menu at Avoca Beach House ranges from seafood platters to pasta dishes. (Image: Supplied)
When you want to cook authentic woodfired pizza, where better to learn than in Napoli itself? That’s what Lagune owner and chef Alex Benedictas did. And the result? Arguably the best pizza on the Central Coast, made with fresh handmade dough and premium Italian ingredients. Lagune has two venues, one that serves takeaway and another, a stroll from Wamberal Beach, that is open for breakfast (think eggs benny, smashed avo, coffee), lunch (housemade foccacias and pasta) and dinner (artisan pizza).
A classic margarita pizza goes well with a cold beer.
Right next door to Lagune, Suq is an intimate family-owned restaurant with a menu bursting with global flavours from France, Italy, North Africa, Japan and the Med. You’ll find everything from Japanese tempura soft-shell crab to a 12-hour slow-cooked lamb souvlaki, all designed to share. Though we think this restaurant is pretty perfect for a romantic meal, too.
Tucked away in The Quarters resort, The Pantry is a charming little café with a sunny courtyard and an all-day brunch menu (eggs benny, pancakes, soft tacos, poolside avo).
Potato rosti with eggs and house made hollandaise sauce.
There’s also a half-serve menu available on Mondays and Tuesdays, if you’re not overly hungry. It has a good selection of cocktails, craft beers and wine to sip on under the peach-hued umbrellas with palm trees swaying above. There is also a kids’ playground coming soon (parents rejoice!).
The idea at this cool and colourful restaurant in Ettalong is simple: to create authentic Mexican and South American cuisine from home recipes, with the finest ingredients. And – if the local praise is anything to go by – they have succeeded in doing that. All your favourites are there: nachos, burrito, quesadilla, as well as empanadas, jalapeno poppers and a Latin-inspired drinks menu, such as a Dark Cherry Pisco Sour and tequila shots. Come here for a good feed and a good time.
Inspired by a 1950s Polynesian tiki bar, Tropicana Social Club serves pizzas, boutique wines, craft beer and tropical drinks.
Wings and craft beer are on the menu at the Tropicana Social Club. (Image: Kitti Gould)
The aesthetic is so well done, adorned with wood-panelled walls, cane furniture and tropical plants it has a self-described vibe that is Blue Hawaii meets Twin Peaks meets Cocktail.
Tropicana Social Club is a nod to the 1950s Polynesian tiki bars. (Image: Kitti Gould)
From the same clever people behind Motel Mezza, Kefi is a Greek restaurant with a name that translates to ‘good times’ in Greek. The huge venue, which sits on the waterfront at Koolewong Marina, has been given an extensive reno, creating a bright space with a neutral palette with timber and cobalt blue furnishings, a nod to the national colours.
The earthy interior at Kefi gives off rustic charm.
The menu features classics such as chargrilled octopus souvlaki, moussaka, and lamb keftedes, and the drinks list is a celebration of Greece’s winemaking history and also features Med-inspired cocktails.
Dine mouth-watering seafood dishes on offer at Kefi.
The dining area boasts views over sparkling Brisbane Water, while there is casual seating on the outdoor deck by the water’s edge.
Its name is a bit of a hint: The Box on the Water at Ettalong sits pretty on the waterfront of Broken Bay, affording spectacular views through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The modern Australian menu features hearty options to share (roasted lamb shoulder and a seafood platter) as well as smaller dishes including fish and chips and paella.
Enjoy lunch and panoramic ocean views at The Box on the Water. (Image: Supplied)
Located in the Galleria Ettalong, Madame Spice oozes sophistication from the moment you step inside: the dimly lit space is resplendent with sapphire blue walls and velvet blue dining chairs, gold accents and Asian-inspired wallpaper.
The sophisticated interiors of Madame Spice.
The menu features dishes such as flash-fried Szechuan prawns, Crying tiger and crispy pork bao. Order a Mr Rice Guy Negroni – gin, Campari and sweet vermouth washed in rice – or a yuzu and gin spritz to complete your culinary journey.
Part of Sydney’s renowned Boathouse Group, the Patonga outpost is nestled among Norfolk pines and a hop, skip and jump from the gentle waves of Patonga Beach.
Opt for beachside breakfast at The Boathouse Hotel.
Come here for long lunches with friends, ordering from the pub-style lunch featuring seafood, burgers, pasta and pizza. There is live music every weekend and happy hour daily from 4-6pm if you need any other reason to get here.
Pub-style favourites feature on the menu.
There’s also a kiosk here to grab a casual breakfast by the beach.
Linger a little longer with a cocktail in hand.
A few sandy hops from the gentle shores of Pearl Beach, this charming cottage-turned-chic Italian restaurant oozes la dolce vita vibes. The venue that once housed iconic restaurant Pearls on the Beach has been given a refreshing makeover, resplendent with a white and lemon palette and festooned with fairy lights and striped umbrellas on the outdoor terrace and a wraparound porch that capture the views and the sea breeze.
Enjoy al fresco dining under huge umbrellas at Amalfi. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)
Designed to be shared in good company, the menu features antipasti, crudo and formaggio, as well as heartier pasta dishes and kids’ options. It would be remiss not to enjoy an alfresco Aperol Spritz during happy hour as the sun begins to set on the ocean horizon. It’s the next best thing to Europe.
The Wild Flower Bar + Dining menu is ‘inspired by the food of the sun’, boasting flavours from the Mediterranean to Morocco.
Make your way to Wild Flower Bar + Dining for fine dining and seafood. (Image: Dom Cherry)
Part of the ultra-luxe Bells at Killcare, the menu at this hatted restaurant is designed around ingredients from the impressive 500 square-metre kitchen garden, and locally sourced produce, especially the seafood from nearby Macmasters Beach, Hardys Bay and Brisbane Water.
A mouth-watering spread at Wild Flower Bar + Dining. (Image: Dom Cherry)
The cocktails are fresh and pack a punch at Wild Flower Bar + Dining. (Image: Nikki To)
Owned by Hungarian-born chef Gary Ronto who has worked under Yottam Ottolenghi and combines the flavours of Europe, Middle East and Asia, this little café on the main street of Umina has a bit of a cult following. There’s an all-day breakfast menu (think shakshuka, Turkish eggs, tom yum and chili pork omelette) as well as a lunch offering (Israeli couscous, Szechuan fried chicken burger, Mediterranean poke bowl…).
The heritage-listed Hotel Gosford underwent a stunning revamp in 2021; its brooding Art Deco design paying homage to its 1920s roots.
The stunning results of the recent revamp have breathed new life into the heritage-listed Hotel Gosford. (Image: Kitti Gould)
Earl’s Kitchen is a relaxed dining space with pub classics such as chicken schnitzel and Caesar salad, as well as share plates and an impressive range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, much of it made up of local ingredients.
Expect to find hearty pub classics on the menu at Hotel Gosford. (Image: Kitti Gould)
The tipple list is also extensive with 32 tap beers and creative cocktails, such as the Smoked Negroni created with locally made Moore’s Dry Gin and smoked with hickory wood.
Earl’s Kitchen is a relaxed dining space inside Hotel Gosford. (Image: Kitti Gould)
The swanky café and bar is light and airy with large windows, fresh white walls, timber and Terrazzo flooring, and a refreshing palette of blues and greens.
The stylish interior of South End Social is a refreshing palette of blues and greens. (Image: Grace Picot)
The seasonal menu is fresh, modern Australian using local ingredients where possible, with a great cocktail and wine list to enjoy over a long lunch.
Choose from a seasonal selection of fresh, modern Australian fare at South End Social. (Image: Supplied)
By the same clever folk behind sleek Motel Mezza and coastal chic venue Kefi, Little Miss Mezza is coined the ‘sassy little sister’. The incredible interiors of this east Gosford restaurant are all soft pastels and curved walls, dim lighting and natural materials.
Soft pastels create a soothing atmosphere inside Little Miss Mezza.
The menu is inspired by the flavours of the Middle East with an Australian twist. Order a mix of small and large plates to share with friends, such as housemade falafel, lamb pide, wild goat tagine and applewood smoked chicken. It’s a feast for both the eyes and bellies.
Little Miss Mezza serves Middle Eastern cuisine with an Australian twist.
Located directly across from Gosford Railway Station, this charming, heritage-style hotel is a nod to the railway boom of the 19th century.
Slated as a contemporary pub, steakhouse and bar, the menu is centred around premium cuts of meat, juicy burgers, and classic dishes such as Bangers and Mash, steak and Guinness pie and beer-battered fish.
Dine on contemporary pub food at the Railway Hotel.
Guests can enjoy a steakhouse feast on Meat Up Mondays and on Sundays, there’s a good ol’ fashioned Signature Railway Roast.
Word has spread and this little ‘bowl bar’ tucked away in East Gosford is attracting crowds of hungry locals looking for authentic Japanese ramen created with a housemade broth and either chashu, karaage, gyu or crispy fried tofu.
Indulge in authentic Japanese cuisines at Oya Bowl Bar.
Also on the menu is mazesoba – dry ramen served with thick and chewy egg noodles, shoyu tare and toppings – and donburi. The eatery itself is simple, with small tables and stools and an outdoor seating area, for casual dining.
Satisfy your cravings for Japanese cuisine at Oya Bowl Bar.
Housed in a charming 1970s mud-brick hut nestled on the lush grounds of Distillery Botanica, Bar Botanica is an idyllic spot for enjoying cocktails with friends – created with spirits made next door and botanicals from the garden, of course.
Bar Botanica is housed within a charming 1970s mud-brick hut. (Image: Jacs Powell)
The simple food menu features charcuterie boards to share, pies, toasties and deli sandwiches. It’s perfect for a relaxed sun-drenched afternoon accompanied by live jazz in the garden on weekends. Locally brewed Six Strings beer and wine are also available.
Enjoy a charcuterie board at Bar Botanica. (Image: Jacs Powell)
Adjoining the renowned Ken Duncan Gallery, Kew Dining is a relaxed space that complements the surrounding bush landscape: natural timber and wicker furniture and a sage green and blush colour palette.
Kew Dining features natural timber, wicker furniture and a sage green and blush colour palette. (Image: @bbcollective)
The café serves breakfast and lunch, but its high tea is a local favourite. Served from 10am on Tuesdays and Saturdays, diners can enjoy sweets such as freshly baked scones and savoury bites such as housemade arancini balls and finger sandwiches, with tea or bubbles.
The food at Kew Dining is an edible work of art. (Image: @bbcollective)
Combining local and Italian ingredients, Corsia – which means ‘lane’ in Italian, a nod to its laneway location – creates a seasonal menu featuring ever-so-fresh handcrafted pasta, such as cacio e pepe and slow-cooked beef ragu, as well as pizza and antipasti, all inspired by family recipes.
The former Entrance Hotel is almost unrecognisable with its latest multi-million-dollar rebrand as The Entrance Social Club. Sports fans will love Taffy’s, which has booths with personal TVs to watch all the big games, from NRL to NBA to UFC. While across the corridor, Mrs May Bistro & Bar is a very different, more feminine vibe: all soft tones, curves and gold accents, a round pavilion with fireplace and cane swinging chairs to relax. Dine on pub classics and fresh seafood or enjoy a drink in the alfresco beer garden, which will be buzzing in summer.
Dine on pub classics and fresh seafood at The Entrance Social Club. (Image: Supplied)
Meat lovers: contain your tastebuds. Perfecting the art of low- and slow-smoked meats, Cue and Crew proved so popular, that it has two venues – at The Entrance North and Tuggerah. Pick up takeaway boxes of your choice of fresh smoked American barbecue meat – beef brisket, pulled pork, pork belly, pork ribs, pulled lamb and wings, all served with house pickles, slaw and potato crisps. Or dine in for breakfast and lunch at The Entrance, and lunch and dinner at Tuggerah, which hosts an all-you-can-eat American barbecue Wednesday and Thursday nights. Unbuckle your belts for this one.
Indulge in Cue&Crew’s breakfast brisket.
Long Jetty’s 1950s theatre The Savoy was given a new lease on life a couple of years back when it was turned into a multi-purpose bar and restaurant. Fill up on casual bites such as pizza or share plates, browse the long list of beverages, and enjoy a film screening (every Thursday night) or groove along to the live DJs on the weekend.
Long Jetty’s former 1950s theatre The Savoy is now a bar and restaurant. (Image: Supplied)
Housed in a former 1930s bank, Motel Mezza is a speakeasy-style bar with a Middle Eastern menu that’s designed to share with friends (falafel, kebeh, sambousek) along with a tipple from the extensive beverage list.
Wyong’s Motel Mezza is housed in a former 1930s bank. (Image: Supplied)
Signature cocktails such as a mango and chilli heat and pineapple and saffron martini will leave a lasting impression.
Motel Mezza serves up a share-style, Middle Eastern menu. (Image: Supplied)
The signature cocktails at Motel Mezza are a hit with patrons. (Image: Supplied)
Set right on the shores of Budgewoi Lake, The Beachcomber is a hip and happening place with a chic Hamptons look and beach club vibe for locals and visitors to eat, drink, stay and play.
The Beachcomber is set right on the shores of Budgewoi Lake. (Image: Supplied)
Pub food is served at The Beachie, a casual dining space with an outdoor terrace and grass area, with umbrellas and picnic tables on the lakefront and there’s a kids playground too.
The Beachcomber Hotel serves up pub food at its finest. (Image: Supplied)
Cuisine: Pub food
Price: $$
Atmosphere: Coastal chic
Location: 200 Main Road, Toukley
The Beachie features a chic Hamptons look and beach club vibe. (Image: Supplied)
Good food and good times are on the agenda at Johnny Tapas, a buzzy restaurant in the heart of the beachside suburb of Norah Head.
Johnny Tapas is located in the heart of the beachside suburb of Norah Head. (Image: Supplied)
The menu, unsurprisingly, features tapas as well as woodfired pizza, tacos and some epic cocktails, beer and wine. There’s also live music and other events such as comedy shows.
The tapas-style menu at Johnny Tapas also features woodfired pizza and tacos. (Image: Supplied)
The Lady Norah is Johnny Tapas signature cocktail, made with locally sourced gin from Distillery Botanica at Erina. (Image: Supplied)
The Budgie (aka Budgewoi Hotel) is unrecognisable these days after an impressive makeover that has catapulted it into 2023. While downstairs is still all pub-style frivolity, on the first level, Lago Cucina is its refined dining option.
The interior of Lago Cucina is bright and airy.
The sophisticated space is designed with a warm neutral palette and curves, natural stone and timber. The contemporary Italian menu features antipasti, woodfired pizza, and hearty main dishes including crab linguine, Black Angus New York steak, and a whole lamb shoulder or one-kilo pork tomahawk to share.
Indulge in the contemporary Italian menu at Lago Cucina.
Yum cha lovers should make a beeline for this Chinese restaurant inside Mingara club. Served at lunch from 11am daily, sit in anticipation as the trolleys come out carrying bamboo baskets packed with fresh and flavoursome dim sums, handcrafted dumplings, crispy spring rolls and great service to boot. Dinner is a la carte and a banquet menu is also available.
Handcrafted dumplings Ming Dragon.
Inspired by a traditional bakehouse and set on 11 hectares of quintessential Australian bushland, the rustic but luxe Saddles Mt White serves a heartwarming menu of modern Australian cuisine.
The stylish interior of Saddle Mt White features a fireplace and saddle bar stools. (Image: Supplied)
Whether you order a pork and fennel sausage roll followed by a lamington with chocolate ganache, or a six-week dry-aged T-bone steak, all dishes are elegantly plated.
Hearty pies feature on the modern Australian menu at Saddles Mt White. (Image: Supplied)
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No thanks, I like to travel solo
This is a great list! I have made a copy and will be using it to try out the area. Thanks Elaine
Fantastic and very informative
This is such an impressive list! If you get a chance, please give Angel Sussuri in Yarramalong a go. They are a small family-run boutique hotel with a cafe and a restaurant, that focuses on mindful sustainability and supporting locals.
I had no idea there were so many excellent places to dine on the Central Coast. Thanks for letting us all know.
A quality article with some wonderful photography as well.