27 February 2025
10 mins Read
As you’d expect, seafood is a constant on menus in Port Stephens with chefs taking advantage of its bountiful surroundings. Plump oysters are grown just offshore and the likes of wild lobster, prawns and yellowfin tuna are plucked straight from the ocean to plate. But for those who prefer their protein from land or plant-based dining, you won’t be disappointed either. Here are the finest Port Stephens restaurants to explore one day at a time.
Fine dining gem: The Poyer’s
Best for seafood: The Galley Kitchen
Great for special occasions: Rick Stein at Bannisters
Best family-friendly spot: Saltwater restaurant
Best for brunch: The Little Nel
Best views: Little Beach Boathouse
Nab a shady spot in the dog-friendly beer garden.
Tucked underneath Bannisters Port Stephens, one of the region’s best accommodation options, this upmarket pub is set in a stylish industrial space that’s both family-friendly and dog-friendly. Featuring an elevated bistro menu with serious European flair, the Port Stephens restaurant nails antipasto bites and crispy stone-baked pizzas.
There are also pool tables and big screens indoors, plus a beer garden with umbrellas and festoon lights. Dialling up the good vibes one step further is the live music you’ll typically find every Monday, Friday and Sunday.
Cuisine: Aussie pub fare splashed with European influences
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Chilled out
Review: 3.5/5
Location: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point
Rick Stein at Bannisters offers a fine dining experience like no other.
You can’t shout out Bannisters without giving one of the best Port Stephens restaurants, Rick Stein at Banisters, some love.
The renowned chef’s second eponymous outpost (the first remains at Mollymook) showcases his love of seafood with a seasonal menu – expect local produce fresh from the sea such as Stockton Beach pipis, Nelson Bay tuna and blue swimmer crab, as well as a selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. It’s a fine dining experience in a relaxed setting with cosy booths for small groups.
Cuisine: Modern Australian, specialising in seafood
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Elevated
Review: 4.5/5
Location: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point
Dine on flavourful seafood at the award-winning Galley Kitchen. (Image: Supplied)
Part of The Anchorage Hotel, a boutique waterfront stay in Corlette with a distinct Hamptons vibe, the award-winning Galley Kitchen offers a superb fine dining experience right off a marina. Its lavish menu is centred around locally and sustainably sourced seafood, with each dish artfully plated and layered with flavour. Post-dinner (or lunch), sink into a leather lounge at Moby’s Bar, another must-visit spot within this wonderful hotel and home to a selection of the world’s finest whiskies. It’s open from 4pm.
Cuisine: Modern Australian, specialising in seafood
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Special occasion
Review: 5/5
Location: 26 Corlette Point Rd, Corlette
Dine on Modern Australian cuisine by the water at The Poyer’s.
You’ll feel as though you’re about to sail away at The Poyer’s, located right on the water at crystal-clear Lemon Tree Passage. Featuring a dazzling scattering of locally caught seafood stars on the menu — think abalone schnitzel, blue swimmer chilli crab fettuccini and sea snails — this Port Stephens restaurant is tough to contend with. Additionally, the wine list is outstanding, dotted with mostly Australian labels (and excellent vintages) and masterful international picks.
Cuisine: Modern Australian, specialising in seafood
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Sparkling
Review: 4.5/5
Location: 6/44 Cook Pde, Lemon Tree Passage, Port Stephens
The seafood platter at Mavericks on the Bay is to die for.
Positioned right on glamorous d’Albora Marina and flanked by swaying boats, Mavericks on the Bay features a diverse menu of which Port Stephens seafood is the hero. If you’re keen to steal the show, indulge in a three-tiered seafood platter with the option of upgrading to a half lobster mornay. Otherwise, more casual options span burgers, pastas and steaks. It’s also a buzzy spot to enjoy a cocktail while soaking up live music on weekends.
Cuisine: International, focused on seafood
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Lively
Review: 4/5
Location: d’Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay
Julio’s at Bannisters serves up classic Mexican hits.
If authentic Mexican fare is what you’re craving, get yourself down to Bannisters’ other shining star. Julio’s at Bannisters, located by the pool on level 4. It bursts with flavourful dishes, including an array of flavour-crammed tacos, seafood and sides. Chase your favourites down with two styles of churros (classic or boozy, and yes, the latter is totally a thing) for a true Mexican feast.
Cuisine: Mexican
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Easy and breezy
Review: 4/5
Location: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point
Pop by The Little Nel for a relaxed brunch. (Image: Destination NSW)
Located underneath Hotel Nelson, yet another outstanding Port Stephens accommodation offering, The Little Nel is a perfect place to lazy brunch in a sun-drenched courtyard. The breakfast menu is packed with fresh, hearty plates and almost everything’s made from scratch. Think smashed avo on sourdough and a bacon and egg roll, plus more unique options like a Thai chilli crab omelette. Hitting them up at lunch? Consider middle-of-the-day additions like curries, a brisket sandwich and beer battered fish and chips. Add in a freshly squeezed juice or coffee by Pablo & Rusty and you’ve got yourself a reliable dining winner.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Homely
Review: 4/5
Location: 3/7 Government Rd, Nelson Bay
Sip on a sundowner right off the marina. (Image: Destination NSW)
Perched on the waterfront at the old Little Beach Marina, Little Beach Boathouse offers both refined and casual dining. Upstairs at the venue’s hottest spot, its elegant Port Stephens restaurant offers a menu focused on fresh local produce, particularly seafood. Meanwhile, Below Deck is a casual cafe and bar downstairs and the ultimate spot for a sundowner. Pair your preferred poison with a menu of bar snacks as dusk falls over the bay.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$-$$$$ (Upstairs is markedly pricier than Below Deck)
Atmosphere: Holiday vibes
Review: 3.5/5
Location: 4 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay
If you’re after a quick bite or have the kids in tow, takeaway is always a good choice. John Dory’s Takeaway, one of our favourite low-key Port Stephens restaurants, is conveniently located within a short walk to Nelson Bay Foreshore, so it’s the ultimate family-friendly pick. Choose from more than 10 types of burgers, just as many seafood packs and a bunch of quintessential snacks including Chicko Rolls, pluto pups and seafood sticks. Wander down to the waterfront to enjoy your spoils with a view.
Cuisine: Fish and chips
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: In and out
Review: 3.5/5
Location: Unit 3, 138 Magnus St, Nelson Bay
Sweeping sea views at Saltwater Restaurant, Fingal Bay.
Atop the surf lifesaving club at Fingal Bay, this beachside restaurant offers panoramic views of the ocean. A simple and fresh beach-style interior, it’s a holiday haven for the entire clan. The menu is filled with everything from a classic beef burger and squid ink risotto to a wholesome ‘Happy Soul Bowl’ filled with roasted veggies, plus there’s a kid’s menu to keep the littlies satisfied. It’s a beautiful spot for a long lunch, with an extensive cocktail list that may keep you even longer.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Family-friendly
Review: 4/5
Location: Level 1, 3 Marine Drive, Fingal Bay
Shoal Bay Country Club is the perfect beachfront dining for a fabulous feed.
With a history dating back to the 1930s, the ever pumping Shoal Bay Country Club has long been a hub for social gatherings. Oozing a chic and vibrant 1950s design, it’s the place to ascend to for drinks with large groups and there are multiple places within it to find a fabulous feed.
Mermaids is open from 6:30am for great coffee and a wholesome breakfast menu, The Kitchen and Patio kicks off at 11:30am for lunch and dinner (think woodfired pizzas, seafood and premium cuts of meat) and Atmos is a taste of the Greek Islands in Shoal Bay, serving meze plates, lamb shoulder, eggplant moussaka and souvla of the day (charcoal rotisserie barbecue). Wherever you land, it’s epic and vibrant.
Cuisine: Modern Australian, however Atmos is Greek
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Trendy
Review: 4/5
Location: 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay
Chow down on tasty Aussie Bobs Fish & Chips.
You can’t forget a name like Aussie Bobs, but that’s not the only reason people keep coming back for its deep-fried delights. Just a short stroll from the white sands of Shoal Bay, this humble shop was first established more than 100 years ago. It’s no frills but super tasty: think battered, crumbed or barbecued fish, hot chips, potato scallops, prawn cutlets, battered savs, and all your other favourite beachside grab-and-go’s.
Cuisine: Fish and chips
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: In and out
Review: 3.5/5
Location: 2A Tomaree Rd, Shoal Bay
Mod Thai dishes up authentic Thai favourites such as Pad Thai, green curry and massaman beef.
The traditional Thai restaurant chain, Mod Thai, has two locations in Port Stephens: one in Shoal Bay and the other in Nelson Bay. In operation for more than 10 years, it’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike. There’s trusted classics such as Pad Thai, green curry and massaman beef, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options, and you can choose to dine in (BYO wine), takeaway or order delivery at both locations.
Cuisine: Thai
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Fuss-free
Review: 3/5
Location: The Nelson Bay location is found at Shop 12, Nelson Bay Cinema Mall, Stockton St, Nelson Bay, while the Shoal Bay location is at 3/57 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay
Located at the Birubi Beach Surf Club, Crest Birubi Beach is open every day for breakfast and lunch. And while the meals are always satisfying, it’s the proximity to the beach that keeps locals coming back for more. Start your day with a belly-filling Crest Big Breakfast as you watch swimmers heading in for early morning dips or whales lapping up their annual migration. Alternately, swap your coffee for a glass of wine or cider while you enjoy a relaxed lunch ocean-side. Bookings are recommended.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Local
Review: 3.5/5
Location: 73 James Paterson St, Anna Bay
A slice of handmade, Romanza woodfired pizzas is a heavenly treat.
Romanza Woodfire Pizza is a simple pizzeria in Anna Bay that serves handmade, woodfired pizzas. Order authentic Italian classics spread across 12-inch bases with topics spanning Napoli, supreme, three cheese and mushroom and beyond. In the mood for something daring? Try a gourmet variety like the lightly spiced tandoori or the hot salami Flamenco.
Cuisine: Pizza
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Takeaway
Review: 3/5
Location: 156 Gan Gan Rd, Anna Bay
Step into the Italian-inspired Siera Seaside restaurant at d’Albora Marina.
Transport your tastebuds to the azure-blue waters of coastal Italy at Siera Seaside, a Port Stephens restaurant located at the flashy d’Albora Marina. The crowd is always geared for a good time as large groups congregate thanks to a menu filled with authentic fare. Choose a la carte or let the team steer you with a set menu of crowd favourites including Calamaretti Fritti, pasta Marinara and gelato.
Cuisine: Italian
Average price: $$$-$$$$
Atmosphere: Colourful
Review: 3.5/5
Location: d’Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay
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