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

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

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

Why the Central Coast is a foodie mecca

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Central Coast oyster experiences

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

Organic dining

Paddock-to-plate dining