The Best Coffs Harbour Restaurants | Australian Traveller

Nutrient-dense bounties, often sourced just off the coastline, create happy holiday dining at the best Coffs Harbour restaurants.

Proud to be local, embracing quality seasonal produce, Coffs Harbour’s food scene is impressive. So impressive that I’ve transitioned the NSW North Coast town from frozen banana pit-stop to a coveted overnight hang. From overachieving cafes and bakeries to the finest of restaurants and pubs, the best Coffs Harbour restaurants have given me cherished family memories. Here, my recommendations for every meal of the day.

In short

If you only visit one of the best Coffs Harbour restaurants, make it Donovans Surf Club Restaurant & Bar. It’s always comfortable and relaxed, as water views effortlessly drop shoulders and good times (and prices) roll from breakfast to lunch.

The shortlist

Best outdoor dining: Aanuka Beach House
Best date spot: Bistro Vue
Best for large groups: Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant & Bar
Best views: Jetty Beach House

1. Aanuka Beach House

a spread of food and drinks at Aanuka Beach House, Coffs Harbour restaurants — Vibrant share plates and Italian-inspired delights dominate the menu. (Image: Take Studios)

Perched on Diggers Beach with sweeping views out to the ocean, Aanuka Beach House is an infectious scene when I visit in mid-2025. Sun-drenched terraces dotted with umbrella-slung tables lure glamorous crowds as spacious lawns trickle out to that frothy blue. I love this Coffs Harbour restaurant because it sparks immediate holiday vibes no matter how many emails you’re missing back at home. I visit for lunch most recently, but the hotspot is equally chockers first thing when an epic buffet breakfast is served from 7am to 10am daily. My midday menu, however, offers top-notch pub classics including a wood-fired pizza of more than 10 varieties (that also cater for vegans) as well as seasonally charged share plates like zucchini blossoms, prawn rolls with guacamole and a seriously stacked antipasti board of Italian-inspired delights.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with Italian homages

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Holiday buzzing

Location: 11 Firman Dr, Coffs Harbour

2. The Spare Room

summer garden pasta at The Spare Room, Coffs Harbour restaurants — The signature summer garden pasta at The Spare Room.

Skipping over to Sawtell, about 15 minutes’ drive south of the Coffs Harbour jetty, I find The Spare Room , a lowkey spot for authentic Italian. As wildly beautiful as Coffs Harbours’ beaches always prove, this place pulls crowds indoors of a Sunday thanks to the weekly live jazz from 6:30pm. Here for the carbs? You’re speaking my language. Get your fix with lovingly prepared classics including saffron and pea arancini balls with capsicum jam, lavishly topped pizzas, and a revolving door of pastas – think seafood squid ink linguine with basil butter emulsion, prawns and calamari – that you can opt to dress with crispy prosciutto, like I did.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Homely and intimate

Location: 23 First Ave, Sawtell

3. Bistro Vue

a table-top view of share plates at Bistro Vue, Coffs Harbour restaurants — The savoury menu strives to reflect the seasons. (Image: Bistro Vue)

The jetty strip swings one step sexier since the arrival of Bistro Vue in August 2025, offering locals the Melbourne hole-in-the-wall sophistication this town so very demands. The fit out is sleek and moody thanks to rich timbers and white marble, and the team is always out to impress, single-handedly dialling up Coffs Harbour’s hospitality chops. The menu strives to reflect the seasons with most recent standouts spanning panko and herb-coated prawns and a harissa-roasted chicken Maryland over a bed of saffron couscous. Plus, there’s always fresh oysters with your choice of champagne granita or pancetta and aged balsamic, a refined take on Kilpatrick.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Neighbourhood elegance

Location: 384B Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour

4. Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant & Bar

beach views from Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant & Bar, Coffs Harbour — Slow the pace right down and dine with views of Park Beach at Donovan’s.

I have such a great time at Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant & Bar, where almost every table scores a view of pristine Park Beach. One visit, I even looked straight out to sea and spotted whales breaching, a sight reserved for whale migration season between June and November. Lunch on the sun deck around the back of the bistro, or within this Coffs Harbour restaurant’s spacious sunroom, is always relaxed as locals chat into golden hour, while breakfast runs from 7.30am and offers an awesome vantage point for your morning cuppa. Meanwhile, morning and pub-style lunch plates from Executive Chef Matt Donovan offer serious indulgence, with personal favourites including the croissant French toast with Dulce de leche and ice cream for breakfast (hey, we’re on holidays) and for lunch, hot honey prawns with rice and a cucumber salad.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Chilled out and filled with locals

Location: 23 Surf Club Rd, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

5. Daikichi Woolgoolga

Japanese cuisine at Daikichi Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour — Daikichi Woolgoolga rolls out authentic Japanese classics. (Image: Coffs Coast and Jay Black)

One of the newest Coffs Harbour restaurants, Daikichi Woolgoolga brings authentic Japanese classics to the coast. It’s located in the thick of charming Woolgoolga, one of my favourite lesser-discovered Coffs Harbour towns, and rolls out all the typical flavour-lashed Japanese cravings including bento boxes, pork and chicken katsu curries, Donburi rice bowls with miso soup and a selection of sweets. Hot tip: grab a BYO bottle of wine for a cheap and cheerful meal out because these guys don’t charge corkage.

Cuisine: Japanese

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 58 Beach St, Woolgoolga

6. Morty’s Joint

diners outside Morty’s Joint, Coffs Harbour — Morty’s Joint marries quality comfort food with cocktails to give patrons a reliably good time. (Image: Jay Black)

One of the highlights of Sawtell’s First Avenue, Morty’s Joint is a neighbourhood comfort food-slash-cocktail bar that draws an energised crowd. Home to DJ sets, free pool, the occasional drag bingo and delicious American-style bar snacks, it’s my go-to for a chilled catch-up with friends. Get your carb-load on with the likes of fancy fries, juicy burgers, panko-crumbed schnitzels (they’re just $15 a pop if you’re there on Wednesday night), and a sirloin steak with a range of sauces, as crafty tipples and quality craft brews reliably quench your thirst.

Cuisine: Comfort food

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Rock and roll

Location: 63 First Ave, Sawtell NSW 2452

7. Bayside Bar & Grill

Located inside the Pacific Bay Resort, the lovely Bayside Bar & Grill lures guests with its gorgeous position overlooking a lagoon. Staying at the hotel, one of the best Coffs Harbour accommodation picks, is going to offer you prime table selection, but anywhere on the outdoor terrace will instantly dazzle. Brace yourself for indulgent mains that lean into local produce like a sirloin, sourced from Dorrigo in the Northern NSW Tablelands, with potato gratin, and a linguine with prawns caught off the east coast.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Holiday mode

Location: Pacific Bay Resort, corner Pacific Hwy and Bay Dr, Coffs Harbour

8. Bar Que Sera

inside Bar Que Sera, Coffs Harbour restaurants — Pair your wine with Mediterranean share plates at Bar Que Sera. (Image: Jay Black)

Under new management from September 2025, Bar Que Sera is still one of the best places in the region for either a top-quality vino pit-stop or lazy afternoon indulgence. I love the refined yet relaxed vibes of this Coffs Harbour hot spot, as the team rely on local ingredients to inspire their seasonal menu. Additionally, everything these guys plate up is Instagram-perfect. Pick your poison out of more than 100 wines and wash it down with the likes of swordfish cooked with N’duja butter, confit lamb rump with whipped goat curd and pickled dates, and Yamba prawns with ricotta gnocchi.

Cuisine: Mediterranean share plates

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location: 61 First Ave, Sawtell

9. Jetty Beach House

dining at Jetty Beach House, Coffs Harbour restaurants — Soak up Mediterranean-inspired interiors and a menu of refined pub favourites.

What a spot. Jetty Beach House , at the foot of the Solitary Islands, is a natural light-filled space with calming Coffs’ water views. Even better, it sings with a quintessentially Coffs vibe: utterly relaxed and humble. Expect a menu dotted with fresh seafood (the chilled king Mooloolaba prawns with bloody mary mayonnaise is something of a novelty and always smashable), plus burgers, pizzas and other pub classics. It’s also a great spot for kids as a dedicated children’s menu dishes up popcorn chicken with chips, butter pasta with tomatoes, fish and chips and more.

Cuisine: Pub classics

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual, but it can get rowdy

Location: 1 Jordan Esplanade, Coffs Harbour

10. Lime Mexican

friends dining at Lime Mexican, Sawtell — Discover inventive Mexican favourites at Lime Mexican. (Image: Destination NSW)

In the main fig tree-lined street of Sawtell, Lime Mexican is a beloved pick, serving mean mojitos and inventive Mexican street food that would feel right at home in Tijuana. Although the decor is light and bright, the ubiquitous Dia de los Muertos-inspired mural and colourful sombreros confirm this is a place for fun and celebration. Expect textbook favourites like beef nachos, tacos with pulled pork, and fajitas with Chipotle steak, done with ample flair.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Party times

Location: 1/13 First Ave, Sawtell

11. Stef & Co

diners at the waterfront Stef & Co restaurant, Coffs Harbour — The Italian cafe and restaurant delivers scenic waterfront views.

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Coffs Creek, Stef & Co is a multipronged dining destination dedicated to Italian cuisine. It starts in the morning as a cafe offering freshly brewed coffee and hand-crafted Italian pastries, but I highly recommend winding your way back again when the sun sinks to catch it transformed into a pizza and cocktail bar. Additionally, there’s the team’s more upscale portion of the space, Osteria Restaurant, where incredible fresh seafood and the most quality of meat cuts make for another round of Italian feasting. Don’t miss the traditional fish stew with market fillets, mussels, prawns, calamari and octopus, served with crusty white bread.

Cuisine: Italian at every hour of the day

Average price: $-$$$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 319 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

12. Latitude 30

friends dining at Latitude 30, Coffs Harbour restaurants — Latitude 30’s location by the marina boasts panoramic views from the water’s edge. (Image: Destination NSW)

This Coffs Coast restaurant is a classic for its unbeatable location, and the fact you can enjoy seafood sourced from the trawlers moored directly opposite. Latitude 30 , located within the Marina, is the product of founder and owner Marcus Blackwell’s passion for seafood, which extends to his childhood growing up off the coast of Scotland. Expect beautifully prepared and presented, dishes including the not-so-discreet seafood platter of lobster, prawns, bugs, oysters and ceviche.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elevated yet breezy

Location: Unit 8-9, 1 Marina Dr, Coffs Harbour

13. The Pier Hotel

dining at The Pier Hotel, Coffs Harbour restaurants — Cosy country pubs don’t get better than The Pier Hotel.

The Pier Hotel was built in 1905 to cater for weary travellers journeying by land and sea up and down Australia’s East Coast. A century on, that core demographic is sticking with it, and the pub located on the Jetty strip is as popular as ever. A cosy country pub that beautifully blends the old and new, it’s light and bright and a brilliant spot to enjoy hearty grub such as bangers and mash with caramelised onions, and five jam-packed burger types ranging from a house beef patty with cheese to a southern chicken wrap with guacamole.

Cuisine: Pub classics

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 356 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour

14. The Seaview Tavern

pizza and share plates at The Seaview Tavern, Coffs Harbour — The Seaview Tavern serves up reliably good pub food.

The Seaview Tavern is a lively hotel that makes the most of its expansive open-air beer garden, festooned with fairy lights and kitted out with umbrellas. Everyone here seems to order the schnitzel (voted one of Australia’s top five in a 2020 contest) with gravy, chips and a side salad, and for good reason – it’s crumbed to crispy perfection and golden every time. Wash down your meal with one of their on-tap brews which include local craft creations.

Cuisine: Pub classics

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Location: 51 River St, Woolgoolga

15. 99 On Park Restaurant & Bar

a slice of cake on a plate at 99 On Park Restaurant & Bar, Coffs Harbour — Tuck into modern Australian dishes with French flair. (Image: 99 On Park Restaurant & Bar)

Tucked just a few streets back from the shore, 99 On Park Restaurant & Bar offers elegant dining with the occasional French twist. Fresh seafood takes centre stage across the menu, including the local prawns in gnocchi with a creamy bisque and the yellowfin tuna nicoise salad with pastured egg. Thoughtful wine pairings make whatever you order simply delicious.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with French influences

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Old-school classy

Location: 99 Park Beach Rd, Coffs Harbour

16. The Jetty Pavilion

a close-up of food at The Jetty Pavilion, Coffs Harbour restaurants — The menu offers Modern Australian pub and cafe classics.

Given a tick of approval from Aussie legend Robert Irwin, who posted a gushing Instagram video about The Jetty Pavilion during a recent road trip, this Coffs Harbour institute is beloved by visitors far and wide. Located on the Jetty strip, it’s a local’s go-to for long lunches, sunset cocktails and live music. The menu blends modern Australian cafe and pub classics, and unique flavours – think a fennel salted snapper, Thai fishcakes with snow peas, and an all-day breakfast that heroes a kimchi waffle. Set up on the breezy terrace to enjoy sparkling views while you dine.

Cuisine: Modern Australian pub and cafe classics

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Upbeat, even over breakfast

Location: 59/361 Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour

Discover the best things to do in Coffs Harbour

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

The best Coffs Harbour restaurants for elevated holiday dining

Nutrient-dense bounties, often sourced just off the coastline, create happy holiday dining at the best Coffs Harbour restaurants.

In short

The shortlist

1. Aanuka Beach House

2. The Spare Room

3. Bistro Vue

4. Donovan’s Surf Club Restaurant & Bar

5. Daikichi Woolgoolga

6. Morty’s Joint

7. Bayside Bar & Grill

8. Bar Que Sera

9. Jetty Beach House

10. Lime Mexican

11. Stef & Co

12. Latitude 30

13. The Pier Hotel

14. The Seaview Tavern

15. 99 On Park Restaurant & Bar

16. The Jetty Pavilion

The amazing homegrown cafes in Coffs Harbour you will love

Coastal classics: top pubs in and around Coffs Harbour

Things to do in Coffs Harbour: Swimming with whales, the Big Banana and contemporary art

The most idyllic Coffs Harbour beaches for summer getaways

The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

2. Destination dining

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

5. Newcastle nightlife