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 morning cuppa 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.

1. The Cowrie, Terrigal

Best for: Couples, Friends

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.

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.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed sophistication
• Location: 109 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal

2. Coco Dining, Terrigal

Best for: Friends, Families

Take a culinary journey through Asia with a meal at the cosy Coco Bar & Dining 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 kids’ menu, including honey soy chicken and rice with a drink and ice-cream.

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 Langkawi Lilac and Kyoto Emer.

3. Meribella, Terrigal

Best for: Couples, Friends

A Mediterranean-inspired fine diner with the ocean crashing just across the street, Meribella   is the latest addition to the Crowne Plaza, Terrigal. 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.

Choose from a la carte or a six-course tasting menu, featuring artfully plated dishes such as crudo of black kingfish and Black Angus beef fillet, with matching wines. It’s a sophisticated old-world dining destination tucked on the first floor of this landmark hotel.

4. L’isle de France

Best for: Couples, Groups

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.

• Cuisine: French
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated
• Location: 1 Ena Street, Terrigal

5. Bellyfish, Terrigal

Best for: Families, Solo diners

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 (it’s Single O from Surry Hills) 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.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: 112 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal

6. Arc. Est, Terrigal

Best for: Couples, Groups

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.

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.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Intimate
• Location: Shop 7–8/18 Church Street, Terrigal

7. Swells, Terrigal

Best for: Friends, Couples

While Swells is open year-round  , this sophisticated restaurant is made for sunshine-filled days. Located above Bellyfish Cafe, it has incredible views of the ocean and the buzzy town of Terrigal from the outdoor terrace. Or take a table inside the restaurant if you are seeking a cosy meal. There’s also a separate enclosed area on the deck for small groups, perfect for enjoying a long lunch with friends.

It has an a la carte menu, where seafood is a stand-out – order a platter for two, featuring oysters, king prawns, snapper crudo and more, and a set dinner menu on Fridays and Saturdays. Order an Aperol Spritz or a Passionfruit Sour to amp up the sunny vibes.

8. Once Again Asian Eatery, Terrigal

Best for: Families

Perched on a corner in the busy seaside town of Terrigal, Once Again is a modern Asian restaurant that has been hot on the lips of local foodies since it opened in 2023.

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.

• Cuisine: Asian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Stylish
• Location: 10 Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal

9. Luna, Terrigal

Best for: Families

Right next door to Bellyfish is the new-ish pink-hued Luna . It’s smaller than Bellyfish but packs just as much punch when it comes to delicious coffee and all-day brekky (the green garlic scramble is always a winner). There are some tables inside but most are out front. The staff are super friendly too.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 2/112 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

10. Avoca Beach House

Best for: Groups

Avoca Beach House really shines in 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.

Add a mouth-watering cocktail to complete the scene. Definitely, one to add to your summer itinerary.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 85 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach

11. Lagune Artisan Pizza, Wamberal

Best for: Families, Groups

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).

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 80 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal (original takeaway location); 127A Ocean View Drive, Wamberal (new dine-in restaurant)

12. Suq, Wamberal

Best for: Couples, Friends, Families

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 seared Japanese scallops to spiced Illabo lamb spring rolls to a fragrant Wagyu beef curry, all designed to share. Though we think this restaurant is pretty perfect for a romantic meal, too.

• Cuisine: Fusion
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Intimate
• Location: 80 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal

13. The Pantry, Forresters Beach

Best for: Families, Friends

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), a high tea menu and a kids menu (plus kids eat free on Tuesday!).

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, so parents can relax while the kids have fun.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 960 Central Coast Hwy, Forresters Beach

14. Los Muchachos, Ettalong

Best for: Groups, Friends, Families

The idea at the cool and colourful Los Muchachos 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.

• Cuisine: Mexican and South American
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Buzzy
• Location: 207 Ocean View Road, Ettalong

15. Tropicana Pizza Pizza

Best for: Friends, Groups

Inspired by a 1950s Polynesian tiki bar, Tropicana Social Club  serves pizzas, boutique wines, craft beer and tropical drinks. 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.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Buzzy
• Location: 61 Trafalgar Ave, Woy Woy

16. Kefi, Koolewong

Best for: Groups, Couples

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 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.

• Cuisine: Greek
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 19 Brisbane Water Drive, Koolewong

17. The Box on the Water, Ettalong

Best for: Groups, Friends, Couples

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.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve, Ettalong

18. The Boathouse Patonga

Best for: Groups, Friends, Families

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.

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.

There’s also a kiosk here to grab a casual breakfast by the beach.

• Cuisine: Pub food
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 6 – 8 Patonga Drive, Patonga

19. The Wild Flower Bar + Dining, Killcare

Best for: Couples, Groups

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.

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated
• Location: 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare

20. Cafe RONTO, Umina

Best for: Groups, Friends, Solo diners

Owned by Hungarian-born chef Gary Ronto, who has worked under Yottam Ottolenghi and combines the flavours of Europe, Middle East and Asia, the little Cafe Ronto 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 (think Israeli couscous, Szechuan fried chicken burger and a Mediterranean poke bowl).

• Cuisine: Fusion
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 304 West Street, Umina

21. Hotel Gosford, Gosford

Best for: Friends, Groups, Families

The heritage-listed Hotel Gosford   underwent a stunning revamp in 2021; its brooding Art Deco design paying homage to its 1920s roots.

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.

The tipple list is also extensive, with 32 tap beers across 73 taps and creative cocktails, including Long Island iced tea and mojito jugs to share with friends.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Elevated pub
• Location: Corner of Mann and Erina streets, Gosford

22. South End Social, Gosford

Best for: Families, Friends, Solo diners

The swanky South End Social 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.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: Shop 1/32 Mann Street, Gosford

23. Railway Hotel, Gosford

Best for: Groups, Friends

Located directly across from Gosford Railway Station, this charming, heritage-style hotel  is a nod to the railway boom of the 19th century.

The menu at this steakhouse is centred around premium cuts of Australian beef, which is dry-aged in a carefully controlled environment. There are also juicy burgers and classic dishes such as Bangers and Mash, steak and Guinness pie and beer-battered fish. Come for a cockle-warming signature roast on Sundays.

• Cuisine: Pub food
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Elevated pub
• Location: 159 Mann Street, Gosford

24. Oya Bowl Bar, Gosford

Best for: Families, solo diners

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.

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.

• Cuisine: Japanese
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: Shop 8 / 40 Victoria Street, East Gosford

25. Bar Botanica, Erina

Best for: Friends, Groups

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.

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.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: 25 Portsmouth Road, Erina

26. Kew Dining, Erina

Best for: Friends, Groups, Families

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.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: 414 The Entrance Road, Erina Heights

27. The Entrance Social Club, Erina

Best for: Friends, Families, Groups

The Entrance Social Club  is a venue for everyone. 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. Out in the alfresco beer garden, families and friends can dine on pub classics and fresh seafood, which is buzzing come the summer months.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Elevated pub
• Location: 87 The Entrance Road, The Entrance

28. Cue and Crew, Tuggerah

Best for: Families, Friends

Meat lovers: brace your tastebuds. Perfecting the art of low- and slow-smoked meats, Cue and Crew  has become a local’s favourite. 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 lunch and dinner at Tuggerah, which hosts an all-you-can-eat American barbecue Tuesdays to Thursdays. Unbuckle your belts for this one.

• Cuisine: American barbecue
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 20 Hargraves Street, The Entrance and 2 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah

29. Motel Mezza, Wyong

Best for: Groups, Friends

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.

Signature cocktails such as a mango and chilli heat and pineapple and saffron martini will leave a lasting impression.

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Intimate
• Location: 98 Pacific Hwy, Wyong

 30. Beachcomber, Toukley

Best for: Groups, Friends, Families

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.

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.

• Cuisine: Pub food
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 200 Main Road, Toukley

31. Johnny Tapas, Norah Head

Best for: Groups, Friends

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 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.

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Buzzy
• Location: 7 Mitchell Street, Norah Head

32. Lago Cucina, Budgewoi

Best for: Couples, Friends, Families

The Budgie (aka Budgewoi Hotel) is pub-style frivolity downstairs and refined dining upstairs, with Italian restaurant Lago Cucina  .

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 risotto marinara, lamb rump and grilled barramundi. There’s also a kids’ menu, with all their favourites.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Stylish
• Location: 169 Budgewoi Road, Budgewoi

33. Ming Dragon, Mingara

Best for: Groups, Friends, Families

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.

• Cuisine: Cantonese
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 12 – 14 Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi

34. Saddles, Mt White

Best for: Families, Groups

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.

Come for breakfast and enjoy a granola bowl, chilli eggs or a full Saddles Breakfast. Or linger over a long lunch, which includes dishes such as lamb backstrap, squid ink linguine, and a brisket pie.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 20 Ashbrookes Road, Mt White

35. Amalfi, Ettalong Beach

Best for: Groups, Friends, Couples

A few sandy hops from the gentle shores of Ettalong Beach, Amalfi  oozes la dolce vita vibes. Resplendent in white and lemon hues, with terrazzo tables and timber rattan chairs, this Italian diner has a menu designed to be shared in good company. It features antipasti, crudo and formaggio, as well as heartier pasta dishes and kids’ options. The dessert options – think lemon cheesecake and affogato – can’t be overlooked either.

Enjoy an alfresco Aperol Spritz during happy hour on Fridays or book in for the bottomless brunch on the weekends. There’s a gelato bar, too – so if you’re across the road at the beach, pop on over.

36. Tiger Mama, Ettalong Beach

Best for: Friends, Couples

Oozing 1920s Shanghai vibes, this Pan Asian restaurant in Ettalong is perfect for a boozy lunch or a night out. The menu centres around street food such as handmade dumplings, banh mi, prawn rolls and bao, as well as bigger plates including karaage chicken, beef rendang and soft shell chilli crab.

Cocktails are aplenty, including spicy yuzu margs, Japanese whisky sours and shochu sours. Happy hour runs all day on Tuesdays and on Fridays from 2–4pm. The chic setting includes an alluring wall mural, complete with palm trees and tigers.

• Cuisine: Pan Asian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Chic
• Location: 237 Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach

37. Don Pedros, Umina

Best for: Friends, Families, Groups

One of three locations, the Umina outpost of Don Pedros is a fun and vibrant nod to Mexico, with bright murals, neon signage and cactuses and skulls. The menu is designed for sharing and inspired by SoCal flavours. Chow down on guac and chips, tacos, quesadillas and fajitas. Save room for some churros.

Quench your thirst with a solid Mexican beer list and more than 20 types of tequila. There’s a beer garden out back too, for sunny days and late nights filled with music and good vibes. Families are considered too: kids eat free on Thursday nights!

• Cuisine: Mexican
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 277 West Street, Umina

38. Little Miss

Best for: Couples, Friends

When the West Gosford Little Miss Mezza closed, locals were relieved to hear it was only moving. And to a pretty special spot : in Terrigal’s historic post office building. The interiors are utterly chic, in warm burnt orange tones and simple, elegant furniture. It’s the perfect spot for a cosy lunch or a late-night date.

The menu is inspired by the Mediterranean coast, with share plates such as spiced lamb and beef mince, Sardinian fregola pasta and whole snapper stuffed with zucchini and olive. If your tastebuds aren’t watering enough, add a limon torta or a mille feuille cheesecake.

The outdoor terrace is available for seating with views of Terrigal Beach, and every week there’s a Sunday Sesh with a live DJ.

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated
• Location: 4 Ash Street, Terrigal

39. Amarilla, Terrigal

Best for: Couples, Friends

Chef and owner, Scott Price, closed his much-loved restaurant Yellowtail to breathe life into a former fish and chip shop that occupied one of the best spots in Terrigal. Spanish tapas-style restaurant Amarilla (pronounced Ah-mah-ree-yah, which means ‘sparkling’ or ‘shining’) opened in mid-2025 and is perched on the edge of the ocean at The Haven.

The intimate but casual diner has a menu of small bites and share plates with flavours spanning Spain and Portugal, as well as Spanish-inspired cocktails and wines, with local beers available. Sunday Sangria Sessions are complete with live music and casual drinks from 4pm. Sit on the deck with the sea breeze as the sun sets.

• Cuisine: Spanish
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 2A The Haven, Terrigal

40. The Tropic, Terrigal

Best for: Couples, Groups, Friends

Located on the ground floor of Terrigal’s newest dining and drinking destination, The Tropic is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant with absolute beachfront views. Less revelrous than its upper floor bar, The Pavilion, The Tropic is a chic space that offers an a la carte menu of cold and raw seafood, small plates to share and mains including pasta. But you can also come in for a drink at the bar. The beverage menu is extensive, with signature cocktails including a fruity Haven Sunset, a nod to its location, and a selection of magnums for special occasions.

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated
• Location: Ground Floor/2 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal

41. Daleys Kitchen and Juice Bar, Daleys Point

In the little-known suburb of Daleys Point, keep your eye out for this cafe tucked away in a set of shops. Always busy with locals in the know, mid-week or weekend, this homey and super friendly cafe serves excellent coffee, delicious pastries, an all-day breakfast and lunch menu (the brekkie wraps are a hit) and a long selection of fresh juices and smoothies. The Daley OG wrap or Mexican brekkie wrap is the perfect start to a day. High tea packages with homemade cakes, sandwiches and mimosas are also available.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Casual
• Location: Shop 1-2, 30-32 Empire Bay Drive, Daleys Point

42. Village Kiosk, Toowoon Bay

Location, location, location. You can’t get much better than on the edge of the sand at Toowoon Bay – with panoramic views of the glittering sea. Village Kiosk is set under the surf club and serves coffee, a simple brunch menu (think B&E rolls, smashed avos and croissants) and lunch (all your beachside faves such as fish and chips and burgers). Come for a morning swim and grab a table with salty hair and sandy feet from 7am.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Casual
• Location: 160 Bay Road, Toowoon Bay

43. Chillis, Davistown and Ettalong

This new-ish addition to the Coast is so good, we need two of them . Led by Cameron Cansdell and Hayley Hardcastle – a local husband-and-wife duo who turn every venue they own into hospitality gold – you know to expect brilliant things. Chillis Deli at Ettalong is located within The Galleria (a large undercover market) and serves breakfast and lunch, featuring small plates of deli meats, cheeses and focaccia, and larger plates such as a crumbed Berkshire pork cutlet and pastas.

On the waterfront in Davistown, Chillis Cottage is housed within an historic weatherboard cottage. It’s a charming spot for a long breakfast or lunch, with a larger menu featuring the likes of king prawns, grilled Angus sirloin and spaghettini with Moreton Bay bugs. For brekkie, you can’t go past the signature waffles, which are on the menu at both venues and are devilishly good.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: Chillis Deli – Shop 33/34 The Galleria, 189 Ocean View Road Ettalong; Chillis Cottage – 1 Macauley Street, Davistown