Must-see restaurants in South Coast NSW

  • Wheelers

    South Coast NSW

    The lake-to-plate experience is offered in style at the region's premier oyster farm and restaurant. Set back from the highway between Merimbula and…

  • Silos Restaurant

    South Coast NSW

    The former grain silos that give the winery its name overlook this loveable restaurant, which has an inviting verandah space and dining room with dreamy…

  • Blue Swimmer

    South Coast NSW

    A short walk from Seven Mile Beach, this timber-adorned cafe-restaurant impresses through attentive service and perfectly executed seafood. Familiar…

  • Babyface

    South Coast NSW

    The risk of fusion food pays off at Babyface, where Aussie meets the rest of the world. Smaller dishes like crumbed pig's head on a saltbush stick, or…

  • Il Passaggio

    South Coast NSW

    Cheerfully located on the top deck of the wharf, Il Passaggio whips up authentic pizzas and a few out-of-the-ordinary Italian dishes, like saltimbocca…

  • Bussola

    South Coast NSW

    Unusual flavour combos like pineapple, ricotta and barbecue sauce, or Gorgonzola, ham and pickled pear, give pizzas at Bussola an edge. Moreish sweet…

  • Wharf Rd

    South Coast NSW

    Big views of the river are amplified by beautifully presented seafood at understated, elegant Wharf Rd. Rich but creamy rock oysters and sashimi,…

  • Caveau

    South Coast NSW

    With more hats than a milliner, Caveau is at the forefront of native Australian cooking. This lauded restaurant serves gourmet fare such as barramundi…

  • Mossy Cafe

    South Coast NSW

    Post-surf recovery is made much easier at this charming cafe in a converted 1930s general store. Brunch classics like smashed avo, poached eggs on…

  • Kohli's Waterfront

    South Coast NSW

    Warm service and bay views promise a memorable meal, and the flavourful food delivers. Dishes at Kohli's positively sizzle with fresh herbs and piquant…

  • Hayden’s Pies

    South Coast NSW

    With traditional pies – the likes of Sunday roast or chicken and bacon – and a range of gourmet fillings (such as Atlantic salmon, or mushroom and goat's…

  • Cupitt's Estate

    South Coast NSW

    All gourmet tastes are satisfied at this restored 1851 creamery, 3km west of town. The cellar door showcases exceptional wine, accompanied by cheeseboards…

  • Drift

    South Coast NSW

    Eden mussels, Tilba cheeses and Gippsland wines find their perfect setting in this shack-chic, upper-floor restaurant overlooking the wharf. The sunset…

  • Balinese Spice Magic

    South Coast NSW

    The warmth of the welcome is only outshone by the tenderly prepared Balinese food at Spice Magic. This standout restaurant serves authentically spiced…

  • Tallwood

    South Coast NSW

    From its stylish, open-plan kitchen, Tallwood kicks off the day with excellent coffee and out-of-the-ordinary breakfasts, such as crème-fraiche hash…

  • Famous Berry Donut Van

    South Coast NSW

    Parents driving the family down the South Coast for the holidays have long bribed the kids by promising a stop at this food truck if they were good along…

  • Rick Stein at Bannisters

    South Coast NSW

    Served in an elegant setting on Bannister’s Point, the British celebrity chef Rick Stein’s excellently selected and presented seafood matches the fine…

  • Scarborough Hotel

    South Coast NSW

    Built in 1886 and heritage listed, the Scarborough Hotel boasts one of Australia's finest beer gardens. The ocean view is truly spectacular and the main…

  • Hungry Duck

    South Coast NSW

    Hungry Duck's contemporary Asian fusion menu, uniting Chinese-style duck spring rolls with kingfish sashimi and Wagyu red curry, is served tapas style,…

  • Mango Tree

    South Coast NSW

    The third instalment of this delicious Indian restaurant business (the flagship is on the beach in North Wollongong) opened smoothly in late 2019…

  • Tea Club

    South Coast NSW

    A secret garden, amiable service and excellent caramel slices are among the many reasons to duck into Nowra’s low-slung, boho hang-out. Generous salads,…

  • The River

    South Coast NSW

    Perched right over the river and attired in nautical blue and white, this understated restaurant offers flavourful presentations, with a French influence…

  • Tathra Beach Tapas

    Tathra & Around

    In a brilliant location staring onto Tathra Beach, this charming seaside shack serves food made to share: flavourful feta-spiked salads, calamari and lip…

  • Silica

    South Coast NSW

    Directly opposite the northern pocket of the main beach, Silica is Kiama's finest seafood restaurant, emphasising subtle flavour and elegant presentation,…

  • Miss Lee

    South Coast NSW

    The daughter of a local Cantonese matriarch oversees this big, buzzing restaurant which re-creates the fast, cheap, authentic diners of Southeast Asia for…

  • Quarterdeck Marina

    South Coast NSW

    This 'little red house of tunes' overlooking Forsters Bay is a dreamy venue, ideal for farewelling the sun and welcoming a plate of lime-buttered scallops…

  • Wild Ginger

    South Coast NSW

    The most urbane restaurant in the Jervis Bay area, appealing to a Southeast Asian palate, Wild Ginger is a showcase of flavours complemented by trendy…

  • Hungry Monkey

    South Coast NSW

    The most popular (read: Instagram-worthy) of Kiama's growing seam of cafes, Hungry Monkey distinguishes itself by superb coffee, gourmet burgers and a…

  • Merimbula Wharf

    South Coast NSW

    As much a destination venue as a restaurant, the views over bay and beach are just stunning from the windows of the Wharf southeast of central Merimbula…

  • Waterfront Cafe

    South Coast NSW

    Guarded by territorial seagulls, this cafe sits on the boardwalk in the centre of town, gazing upon the lake. Service is attentive, the coffee's decent…

  • Milkwood Bakery

    South Coast NSW

    Milkwood showcases baked goods from the owners' sourdough bakery, which basks in a glowing local reputation. Every imaginable loaf and confection is here,…

  • Merimbula RSL Club

    South Coast NSW

    You might not expect Merimbula's best Thai food to be sizzled up in the Returned Services League Club, but its kitchen turns out generous and well-spiced…

  • Quarters

    South Coast NSW

    A stripped-back bistro in a century-old cottage, the Quarters flirts with Spanish and Italian flavours. Seafood features heavily, like crispy squid,…

  • South on Albany

    South Coast NSW

    Just off the main drag, this small, exclusive-feeling restaurant has a sound philosophy of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients highlighted in a short,…

  • Sprout

    South Coast NSW

    Sprout is a health-conscious street cafe which taps right into the local community spirit. Coffee, sandwiches and 'nourish bowls' are the main attractions…

  • His Boy Elroy

    South Coast NSW

    With a menu equally balanced between burgers and booze, His Boy Elroy is one of Wollongong's trendier picks for a bite. Burgers range from Wagyu beef…

  • Whale Restaurant

    South Coast NSW

    Attached to a neat motor inn at the top of the hill is the surprisingly chic Whale Restaurant. Local knowledge gained by years of exploring the waves and…

  • Starfish Deli

    South Coast NSW

    Stay more than a day in Batemans and it's likely this waterfront place will draw you in. The food's pleasingly varied: mushroom risotto, fish and chips,…

  • Lettuce B Frank

    South Coast NSW

    A temple to nourishment for body and soul serving sugar-free, sustainably sourced produce. The results are very tasty, with a strong showing of vegetarian…

  • Bermagui Beach Hotel

    South Coast NSW

    Enjoy seafood and pub classics in a casual historic venue (1895). The hotel's a decent night out with the locals and serves very good burgers, beer…