25 January 2024
21 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.
Beachside dining never looked so good, with everything from seafood-focused fine dining to casual brunch and coffee spots overlooking the ocean. Here are the top restaurants in Terrigal and Avoca.
Dine by the ocean in Terrigal. (Image: Destination NSW)
Best for: views, fine dining
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.
Awarded a chef’s hat by the 2022 Australian Good Food Guide, 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.
Address: 109 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal
Take a culinary journey through Asia with a meal at this new restaurant adjacent to Terrigal Beach, which is already proving 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 super-cheap $12 kid’s menu too.
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.
Address: 88 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal
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 meu 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 premium dishes such as Waguy tartare and caviar and gold leaf tart. It’s a sophisticated dining destination tucked on the first floor of this landmark hotel.
The menu at Meribella is sophisticated yet approachable. (Image: Kitti Gould)
Address: Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal
Perched on the water’s edge at The Haven in Terrigal, Terrigal Pavilion has the best views in town. Run by the duo behind Burleigh Pavilion and Manly Wharf Bar, this light and airy venue is the place to enjoy live tunes, sundowners and casual eats – think fish and chips, nachos and burgers. While downstairs at the kiosk, you can grab a coffee, pastries and bread and chill out oceanside.
Surfers come by Terrigal Pavilion for casual eats. (Image: Chris Flaxman from Flaxmedia)
Currently a ‘pop-up’, The Pav – as it will surely be known – is set to undergo a huge transformation in 2024 and reopen as a multi-storey drinking and dining destination, where you can unwind and schmooze.
Terrigal Pavilion is perched on the water’s edge at The Haven in Terrigal.
Address: The Haven, Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal
Best for: seafood, fine dining
The hatted Yellowtail restaurant is renowned for its seafood and fine dining experience. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)
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.
Yellowtail delivers a relaxed dining experience inspired by the flavours of the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean. (Image: Supplied)
Offering a la carte and a five-course degustation, the seafood is a stand-out, such as the saki-cured Kingfish sashimi and Hervey Bay king prawns with yuzu butter.
The Hervey Bay king prawns with yuzu butter are a menu standout at Yellowtail. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)
Address: Shop 3/1 Campbell Crescent, Terrigal
Best for: French, fine dining
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.
A French plate to satisfy your palate.
Address: 1 Ena Street, Terrigal
Best for: brunch, coffee
Bellyfish is in the heart of Terrigal on the Esplanade. (Image: Isaac Teng)
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, 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.
If brunch is high on your dining agenda, Bellyfish is the spot for you. (Image: Isaac Teng)
Address: 112 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal
Best for: casual dining, long lunches
Arc. Est in Terrigal is the perfect spot for casual dining and long lunches. (Image: Asmara Malloy)
Run by the same people who own cult burger shop Chop n Grind just around the corner, Arc. Est has fast become a favourite among locals, especially for a long lunch of seasonal comfort food (from steak sandwiches to slow-cooked lamb shoulder). 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)
The dining space boasts warm, rustic interiors at Arc. Est. (Image: JXSN Films)
Address: Shop 7–8/18 Church Street, Terrigal
Best for: views, groups
Enjoy ocean views from the deck at Avoca Beach House. (Image: Supplied)
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 menu at Avoca Beach House ranges from seafood platters to pasta dishes. (Image: Supplied)
Add a mouth-watering cocktail to complete the scene. Definitely, one to add to your summer itinerary.
Address: 85 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach
The interior of Avoca Beach House is light and airy. (Image: Supplied)
Just down the road from Terrigal, the beachside suburb of Wamberal is hiding a couple of standout restaurants to put on your radar.
Best for: woodfired pizza, casual
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) and lunch (housemade foccacias and pasta) and dinner (artisan pizza).
A classic margarita pizza goes well with a cold beer.
Address: 80 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal (original takeaway location); 127A Ocean View Drive, Wamberal (new dine-in restaurant)
Best for: fusion cuisine, romantic
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.
Special occasions are best enjoyed with fine dining meals.
Address: 80 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal
The coastal villages of Woy Woy, Ettalong and Pearl Beach have been quietly expanding their restaurant offering over the last 10 years with everything from casual eats and tiki bars to fine dining that champions French, Italian, and Turkish cuisines and more.
Ettalong Beach is home to Osteria Il Coccia. (Image: Supplied)
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.
The dining area boasts views over sparkling Brisbane Water, while there is casual seating on the outdoor deck by the water’s edge.
Dine mouth-watering seafood dishes on offer at Kefi.
Address: 19 Brisbane Water Drive, Koolewong
Best for: pizza, groups
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)
Address: 61 Trafalgar Ave, Woy Woy
Best for: Italian and French, fine dining
The food is infused with distinctive flavours from the red gum, yellow bark, and hay-fuelled flames. (Image: Supplied)
Like no other dining experience on the Coast, hatted Osteria Il Coccia offers a six-course degustation that oozes distinctive flavours from the red gum, yellow bark, and hay-fuelled flames that it has been cooked over.
The food at the hatted Osteria Il Coccia is a blend of Italian and French cuisine. (Image: David Li)
Try the six-course degustation at Osteria Il Coccia. (Image: David Li)
Run by Nicola and Alexandra Coccia, who are from Italy and France respectively, the menu fuses the best of both worlds, while the beautifully designed dining space is a little more coastal with a relaxing palette of creams and terracotta with timber and wicker furniture.
The dining space at Osteria Il Coccia is a soothing palette of cream and terracotta with timber and wicker furniture. (Image: Supplied)
Address: 49 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach
Best for: views, casual dining
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.
Address: Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve, Ettalong
Enjoy lunch and panoramic ocean views at The Box on the Water. (Image: Supplied)
Best for: Turkish, fine dining
The hatted Safran delivers Turkish cuisine in a fine dining environment. (Image: Bec Bond Photography)
Located within The Galleria at Ettalong, the ever-changing menu at hatted restaurant Safran is centred around authentic Turkish recipes and techniques. But Chef Suleyman Kirbancioglu – who grew up in Mengen, Turkey – shakes things up with the flavours of the Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and the Balkans.
The laneway entrance at Safran in Ettalong. (Image: Isaac Tseng)
The slow-cooked meats, such as the mulberry glazed 30-beef rib or lamb neck are a highlight.
The slow-cooked meats are a highlight on the menu at Safran. (Image: Bec Bond Photography)
Kadayif pastry for dessert at Safran. (Image: Bec Bond Photogpraphy)
Address: 81/189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach
Best for: Asian, casual dining
Pink walls and disco balls are not what you would expect from the languid seaside suburb of Ettalong: insert The Lucky Bee, a funky mod Asian restaurant from clever restauranteurs Rupert Noffs and Matty Bee.
The menu at The Lucky Bee bursts with Asian flavours.
Located at Ettalong Galleria, enjoy share-style dishes that burst with Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese flavours, a yum cha menu on weekends and seriously delish cocktails.
Pick from an array of dishes at The Lucky Bee.
Address: 40/189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong
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.
Slurp on fresh oysters at Amalfi. (Image: Leigh Griffiths)
Address: 1 Tourmaline Ave, Pearl Beach
From stunning revamps of heritage-listed hotels to casual dining and South American eats, Gosford and Point Frederick are delivering standout results when it comes to restaurants in this corner of the Central Coast.
Best for: pub food, groups
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)
Earl’s Kitchen is a relaxed dining space inside 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.
Address: Corner of Mann and Erina streets, Gosford
Best for: breakfast, casual dining
The stylish interior of South End Social is a refreshing palette of blues and greens. (Image: Grace Picot)
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 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)
Address: Shop 1/32 Mann Street, Gosford
It would be easy to blink and miss these top restaurants in Erina. But it would be a shame to miss out on dining in a 1970s mud-brick hut set in a garden by a distillery. Then there is a delicious pasta bar, and high tea inside an art gallery. Best you seek these restaurants out for yourself.
Best for: gelato, coffee
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)
It’s home to a Bottomless Brunch, which includes charcuterie grazing boards, for long and lazy sun-drenched afternoons 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)
Address: 25 Portsmouth Road, Erina
Best for: casual dining, high tea
Kew Dining features natural timber, wicker furniture and a sage green and blush colour palette. (Image: @bbcollective)
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. 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)
Address: 414 The Entrance Road, Erina Heights
Best for: pasta, casual dining
Combining local and Italian ingredients, Remy & Co creates a seasonal menu featuring ever-so-fresh handmade pasta, such as gnocchi gorgonzola and smoked three meat ragu, as well as pizza and antipasti.
Remy & Co Pasta Bar infuses modern sophistication into Italian dishes.
Address: 2 Ilya Avenue, Erina
The bayside villages of Killcare and Hardys Bay are quiet achievers. Not only is it home to renowned Bells at Killcare but it also has a generous handful of top restaurants to call its own.
Best for: fine dining, seafood
Make your way to Wild Flower Bar + Dining for fine dining and seafood. (Image: Dom Cherry)
The Wild Flower Bar + Dining menu is ‘inspired by the food of the sun’, boasting flavours from the Mediterranean to Morocco.
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)
Address: 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare
There are a few gems tucked away in Long Jetty and The Entrance that you really don’t want to miss, including a former 1950s theatre transformed into a multi-purpose bar and restaurant.
Best for: pub food, groups
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.
Address: 87 The Entrance Road, The Entrance
Dine on pub classics and fresh seafood at The Entrance Social Club. (Image: Supplied)
Best for: slow cooked meat, takeaway
Meat lovers: contain your tastebuds. Café by day, American barbecue by night, Cue and Crew offers up takeaway boxes of your choice of fresh smoked American barbecue meat. Choose from beef brisket, pulled pork, pork belly, pork ribs, pulled lamb and wings, all served with house pickles, slaw and potato crisps. (From 6pm, Friday and Saturday nights until sold out.)
Indulge in a mouthwatering breakfast brisket meal at Cue & Crew.
Address: 20 Hargraves Street, The Entrance
Best for: casual dining, groups
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.
Address: 2/391 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
Long Jetty’s former 1950s theatre The Savoy is now a bar and restaurant. (Image: Supplied)
Seek out a stylish speakeasy bar and restaurant in Wyong, lakeside pub food in Toukley, and tapas in Norah Head to dine at the best restaurants at this end of the Central Coast.
Best for: Middle eastern, groups
Wyong’s Motel Mezza is housed in a former 1930s bank. (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.
Motel Mezza serves up a share-style, Middle Eastern menu. (Image: Supplied)
Signature cocktails such as a mango and chilli heat and pineapple and saffron martini will leave a lasting impression.
The signature cocktails at Motel Mezza are a hit with patrons. (Image: Supplied)
Address: 98 Pacific Hwy, Wyong
Best for: groups, pub food
The Beachcomber is set right on the shores of Budgewoi Lake. (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 Beachie features a chic Hamptons look and beach club vibe. (Image: Supplied)
Pub food is available at The Beachie, a casual dining space, while the soon-to-be-opening Pelican’s promises semi-fine dining.
Address: 200 Main Road, Toukley
The Beachcomber Hotel serves up pub food at its finest. (Image: Supplied)
Best for: tapas, groups
Johnny Tapas is located in the heart of the beachside suburb of Norah Head. (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.
The tapas-style menu at Johnny Tapas also features woodfired pizza and tacos. (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 Lady Norah is Johnny Tapas signature cocktail, made with locally sourced gin from Distillery Botanica at Erina. (Image: Supplied)
Address: 7 Mitchell Street, Norah Head
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.
Address: 169 Budgewoi Road, Budgewoi
Make the trip to Mt White to sit on a saddle at a bar, dine on the deck or by the fireplace in winter at this standout restaurant.
Best for: lunch, casual dining
Saddles Mt White is set on 11 hectares of quintessential Australian bushland. (Image: Supplied)
The stylish interior of Saddle Mt White features a fireplace and saddle bar stools. (Image: Supplied)
Inspired by a traditional bakehouse and set on 11 hectares of quintessential Australian bushland, the rustic but luxe Saddles Mt White serves a heart-warming menu of modern Australian cuisine.
Hearty pies feature on the modern Australian menu at Saddles Mt White. (Image: Supplied)
Freshly baked treats are on offer at Saddles Mt White.
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.
Address: 20 Ashbrookes Road, Mt White
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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