14 top Port Macquarie restaurants to try in 2025

Explore Port Macquarie restaurants with our in-depth guide featuring the best restaurants in Port Macquarie. Discover hidden gems and top dining spots in 2025.

Port Macquarie restaurants barely made a blip on our radar a decade or so ago. But it’s only natural that Port Mac follows the trend that sees road-trippers wanting to eat and drink their way around regional Australia. With culinary tourism on the rise, here is the ultimate guide to the best Port Macquarie restaurants to add to your food-focused itineraries while on the traditional lands of the Birpai people.

THE SHORTLIST

Hottest new opening: Zebu Bar & Restaurant
Best views: Boathouse Bar & Restaurant
Best date spot: Whalebone Wharf
Fine dining gem: The Stunned Mullet
Budget-friendly: Moo and Bean
Best Farm to Table: taste @ Cassegrain
Best outdoor dining: Rivermark
Best for seafood: Bills Fishhouse & Bar

1. Whalebone Wharf

waterfront views at Whalebone Wharf, Port Macquarie — Whalebone Wharf boasts spectacular waterfront views. (Image: Destination NSW)

There’s nothing quite like dining by the water at Whalebone Wharf in Port Macquarie. The seafood restaurant is one of the best in Port Macquarie for its envious location on the banks of the Hastings River. Established in 1971, the waterfront diner is a landmark destination that rises above the river’s choppy shores where paddleboarders and kayakers pootle past. Keep your sunglasses on and get a little tipsy over cocktails paired with fresh lobsters from the tank or a magnificent seafood platter. You can also choose a fish, the style it should be cooked (baked, steamed, crumbed etc) and then a side dish.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Average price: $$$$
• Atmosphere: Bright and breezy
• Review: 5/5
• Location: 269 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie

2. The Stunned Mullet

seared scallops from The Stunned Mullet, Port Macquarie — Enjoy elevated food and wine at the iconic The Stunned Mullet. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s not a guide to Port Macquarie without including the OG fine diner The Stunned Mullet . It’s the place to go for elevated food and wine. Yes, it can be busy and it attracts a well-heeled crowd of sea changers, but the people-watching is all part of the fun. Go for lunch so you can drink in the views over the arc of sea and sand that is Town Beach in the Paris end of Port Macquarie. Explore the flavours of the region with offerings such as watermelon carpaccio splashed with a green gazpacho, silk tofu, jalapeno and asparagus salsa. The Glacier 51 toothfish with shiitake suimono, savoy cabbage, black rice, and daikon with an enoki crisp is another showstopper.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Average price: $$$$-$$$$$
• Atmosphere: Bright and lively
• Review: 5/5
• Location: 24 William St, Port Macquarie

3. Boathouse Bar & Restaurant

alfresco dining at Boathouse Bar & Restaurant, Port Macquarie — Soak up the beachy vibes at Boathouse Bar & Restaurant.

The seafood at the Boathouse Bar & Restaurant is so fresh it looks like it’s been caught by Neptune’s net. The bar and restaurant is at Sails Port Macquarie by Rydges, which is one of the best places to stay in Port Macquarie. Step inside and the Boathouse will still whisk you away to Nantucket with its picture windows, blond timber tones and beach-chic colour scheme. Moor your superyacht outside and strut inside in your deck shoes for freshly shucked oysters, scallop crudo and a seafood tower. This restaurant is the ideal destination year-round if your idea of a holiday involves great food and a tranquil time on the water.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian.
• Average price: $$$$
• Atmosphere: It’s giving Nantucket.
• Review: 5/5
• Location: 20 Park St, Port Macquarie

4. Zebu Bar & Restaurant

waterfront views at Zebu Bar & Restaurant, Port Macquarie — Dine by the water at Zebu Bar & Restaurant. (Image: Remy Brand Photography)

Spend the day out on the water in Port Macquarie and then tie up your yacht and join your sailing group for cocktails at Zebu Bar & Restaurant. The restaurant is on the ground floor of the newly refurbished Rydges Port Macquarie. The ‘jewel in the town’ overlooks the Town Green with manicured lawns stretching all the way to the Hastings River. And it celebrates the very best of what Port Macquarie restaurants have to offer. The sophisticated setting is giving Amalfi Coast where diners enjoy live tunes and delightfully fresh seafood beneath an endless blue canopy of sky. Start with hiramasa kingfish, saffron crab risotto and barramundi with zucchini, tomato, spring herbs and verjus.

• Cuisine: Modern Italian
• Average price: $$$$
• Atmosphere: Amalfi Coast
• Review: 5/5
• Location: 1 Hay St, Port Macquarie.

5. Rivermark

food plates by the Hastings River at Rivermark, Port Macquarie — Enjoy a sit-down lunch by the Hastings River. (Image: Rivermark)

This casual neighbourhood cafe serves up some of the most spectacular waterfront views in Port Macquarie. And if there’s one thing Port Mac locals like to do it’s revel in the great outdoors. Rivermark has been earmarked as one of the best cafes in Port Macquarie for coffee and a bite of brekkie. But the captivating views it commands over the Hastings River and surrounding greenery also calls for a proper sit-down lunch. The laidback local is not fancy; it’s more of a casual place for fish and chips, salt and pepper squid, burgers and schnitties. Great for watching the ebb and flow of customers.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Average price: $$
• Atmosphere: Super chill.
• Review: 3/5
• Location: 261 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie.

6. Florence Jones

Florence Jones is a dinky little wine bar that sits alongside the Hastings River and offers a one-two punch with its cellar and deli. Sit at the long communal counter overlooking the water where you can watch joggers puffing past looking envious of your platter of charcuterie and glass of wine. Be sure to offer them the peace sign with a pout. Or choose from the thoughtful selection of wines, craft beer, artisan cheeses, pates and terrines to take home to your Port Macquarie accommodation. Florence Jones has large glass windows so you watch boats bobbing by while enjoying sunset sips.

• Cuisine: Charcuterie.
• Average price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Laid-back local vibe.
• Review: 5/5
• Location: 74 Clarence St, Port Macquarie

7. Bills Fishhouse & Bar

a spread of food on white background at Bills Fishhouse & Bar, Port Macquarie — Bills Fishhouse & Bar takes pride in their sea-to-plate menu.

Bills Fishhouse & Bar provides a compelling reason to make your dream of a sea change a reality. It’s the place to go when you’ve had your fill of sun, sea, surf and sand. As a destination diner, Bills is a broad church drawing a diverse group of people together who cherish conversation and connection. Channel your best mid-life slacker energy and cast yourself adrift for the day over a sea-to-plate selection of seared scallops, torched squid, swordfish sashimi and crisp-skinned ocean trout. The fun-as fishhouse is housed within the new Clarence House development. BYO bib.

• Cuisine: Seafood
• Average price: $$$$
• Atmosphere: Contemporary coastal-chic.
• Review: 5/5
• Location: 2/18-20 Clarence St, Port Macquarie

8. Moo and Bean

You won’t have to shell out a tonne of coins for a casual meal at Moo and Bean . In fact, you get a lot of bang for your back with a line-up of local musos such as Max Marvell served alongside $1 oysters. The North Haven cafe overlooks the pristine waters of Camden Haven, some 30 minutes south of Port Macquarie. The Sunday sessions here will defo up your chances of meeting someone IRL as the layout of the bright and airy venue enables a certain kind of alchemy. Trim your neckbeard so you can better impress with those moves you learned on TikTok.

• Cuisine: Ribs, wings and smokey things
• Average price: $$$$
• Atmosphere: Clean, beachy aesthetic.
• Review: 4/5
• Location: 613 Ocean Dr, North Haven.

9. Black Duck Brewery

wood-fired pizza at Black Duck Brewery, Port Macquarie — Wood-fired pizza fresh from the oven at Black Duck Brewery. (Image: Destination NSW)

We spent a lot of time fishing around to find the best places to eat and drink in Port Macquarie. And Black Duck Brewery certainly gave us something to quack about. Cue the sound of a guitar being furiously strummed on Friday nights as the brew bar hosts its weekly pizza night set to live music. Black Duck also curates BBQ lunches and platters designed to pair well with its rotating roster of craft beers. You will find this vibrant local brewery in the middle of a scattering of buildings in the town’s industrial estate.

• Cuisine: Beer and bites.
• Average price: $$
• Atmosphere: Jovial
• Review: 4/5
• Location: 6b Acacia Avenue, Port Macquarie

10. Little Shack

a small kiosk of food at Little Shack, Port Macquarie — Pop into the Little Shack for a quick seafood snack.

Port Macquarie was somewhat of an under-the-radar coastal paradise until places like Little Shack popped up. Lovers of a sundowner are known to camp out here for an afternoon in anticipation of cocktail hour. It’s like a portal to a posh seafood shack in Key Largo with the crowd a perfect cross-section of backpackers, Port Mac locals, and fishos. The Little Shack is now a long-standing landmark by the sea. And, as you correctly assume from the name, Little Shack mastered the art of serving seafood-centric cuisine in an al fresco environment.  Swing by the Town Green to nab a table under one of the towering pine trees festooned with fairy lights.

• Cuisine: Good vibes only.
• Average price: $$$$
• Atmosphere: Chill
• Review: 5/5
• Location: 1 Munter St, Little Shack

11. The Local

What a lot of visitors to Port Macquarie don’t realise is the city rivals Newcastle and Wollongong for its live music scene. Yes, Port Macquarie has a chain of beautiful beaches and waterways that keep visitors smitten with the place.  But there’s nothing like tapping into the town’s zeitgeist through its schedule of live performances. Lunch at The Local Flynns Beach is a great way to get to know the city while tapping your feet to live music performed by local acts such as Chris Rose. Soak up Port Mac’s culture while enjoying smokey BBQ pork ribs, Malaysian lamb curry and chicken parmis.

• Cuisine: Bistro food.
• Average price: $$-$$$
• Atmosphere: Laidback beachy
• Review: 4/5
• Location: Ocean St, Port Macquarie

12. taste @ Cassegrain

pouring a bottle of Cassegrain wine into a glass, — Cassegrain wines are as good as the food. (Image: Destination NSW)

Port Mac locals take the restaurant renaissance in Port Macquarie in their stride. Expect the wine list at Cassegrain Wines to be as dynamic as the menu at taste @ Cassegrain , an offshoot of the estate. The Cassegrain family’s history of winemaking dates back to 1643 France and winemaker Alex Cassegrain proudly married the traditions of French winemaking with Australian innovation. Dining here is worth a detour for dishes such as the cured salmon, chicken liver pate, confit duck with sauteed cabbage and bok choy and white fish with baby capers and leek. There’s also a very considered kids’ menu with options such as grilled sirloin and chips paired with sparkling grape juice. We love to see it.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Average price: $$$$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed yet refined
• Review: 5/5
• Location: 10 Winery Drive, Port Macquarie.

13. Bago Vineyards

morning mist at Bago Vineyards — Morning mist hugs the lush landscape at Bago Vineyards. (Image: Destination NSW)

Bago Vineyards is surrounded by a tall eucalyptus forest in Wauchope that caters to the East Coast’s largest koala population. The vineyard – one of five in the region – blankets the surrounding hillside, its healthy appearance belying the effort it takes to successfully grow grapes in this region. The family-run vineyard is very much a family affair and includes a maze to keep kids entertained. Tell the kids to ‘get lost’ while you enjoy a glass of verdelho and a cheese platter and the kids bounce happily around the pruned pathways. Visit for Sunday Music Days once a month and keep your eyes peeled on Bago’s socials for seasonal pop-up mazes.

• Cuisine: Charcuterie platters.
• Average price: $$
• Atmosphere: Family-friendly
• Review: 4/5
• Location: 197 Lambs Road, Herons Creek.

14. Little Fish Cafe Restaurant Vineyard

Having access to the Mid North Coast’s bounty hasn’t hurt The Little Fish Cafe & Vineyard .  Add a Michelin-trained chef who hails from the Cotignac, in Provence, France, and you have more than a few legit reasons to extend your stay in Port Macquarie. Chef Steve Delandemare started his career working at his family’s vineyard and restaurant and he pays homage to French culinary traditions on the Little Fish menu. Order the feuilleté de chêvre au miel et au poivre, salade de mesclun (honey-drizzled goat’s cheese tart with cracked pepper and a mesclun salad) or bouillabaisse to see what the fuss is about. Little Fish is also a must for coffee. Open every Friday for dinner.

• Cuisine: French Australian
• Average price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Charming and boutique
• Review: 4/5
• Location:  147 The Ruins Way, Innes Lake Vineyard.

Discover the best cafes in Port Macquarie.

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .