Top 10 Restaurants In Kingscliff And Surrounds

Eat your way along the Tweed coast with these fantastic restaurants that showcase the region’s incredible produce.

From the pristine ocean to the lush hinterland, the Tweed coast is a veritable food bowl of produce that attracts some of the country’s best chefs and restaurateurs. Whether you’re dining at a casual pizzeria or a beachside fine diner, you’ll be sure to sample the unique terroir of the Tweed. Take note of these top 10 picks to ensure your stay is full of flavour.

1. Taverna, Kingscliff

Best for: Long lunches with friends and date nights

This light-filled, white tableclothed restaurant spills through the bougainvillea-draped doorway and onto the footpath outside where, on sunny days, it’s the pick of tables for a lunch sitting.

Taverna Byron Bay — Pair an excellent beachfront location with a Greek feast and you’ve got Taverna. (Image: Ryan Fowler Photography)

An elegant assembly of Greek classics form the menu, which is well-matched with refined wines and cocktails. Sharing is a good strategy for trying as many of these beautiful dishes as possible, especially if you’re considering the generous slow-roasted lamb shoulder – and you should. Other go-to’s are the chargrilled octopus Byron Bay halloumi and the spanakopita.

Menu at Taverna Byron Bay — The spotlight is firmly on local produce here. (Image: Ryan Fowler Photography)

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday; lunch Friday-Sunday
Address: 22 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

2. Fins Restaurant & Bar, Kingscliff

Best for: Special occasion dining

Award-winning Fins has undisputed pedigree having occupied space on the Northern Rivers for more than three decades. Its former iteration was at Byron Bay, but hatted Fins now resides in Kingscliff where you’ll find flappingly fresh, line-caught seafood served within a fine dining ambience.

Interior Fins Restaurant & Bar, Kingscliff — The hatted Fins Restaurant & Bar is fine dining at its best with a dash of coastal elegance.

You can’t go wrong with owner and chef, Steve Snow’s, signature Snowy’s fish, which is simple and superb, or try a medley of seafood doused in a fiery Mauritian-style sambal. Of course, there are other options for the seafood-shy, such as grass-fed beef and handmade gnocchi. Enjoy a two-course set menu or settle in for a five-course degustation.

a hand getting oyster meat from the shell at Fins Restaurant & Bar — Slurp down some oysters at Fins Restaurant & Bar.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Saturday; lunch Friday and Saturday
Address: 5/6 Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff

3. Jordy’s, Casuarina

Best for: An easy family dinner

This neighbourhood pizzeria uses local, seasonal ingredients to adorn their naturally leavened sourdough pizza bases. Beautifully puffy and deliciously chewy, you can expect some disruption of the usual pizza genre here with toppings named after local towns, such as the ‘Cabarita’ with chicken and mascarpone, the ‘Mullumbimby’ with pickled vegetables and vegan mozzarella, and the ‘Pottsville’ with fennel salami, ham and pineapple. Kids can choose from the ‘grommets’ menu with the likes of the ‘Mooball’ pizza topped with sausage and cheese or the ‘Froggy Beach’ with basil and cheese.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Sunday
Address: 480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

4. The Crafty Cow Smokehouse, Casuarina

Best for: Casual nights out

You’ll pick up the scent of mouth-watering smoked meats before you turn the corner of this relaxed restaurant. The ironbark-fuelled smoker gets to work early on fall-apart beef brisket and pork that can be enjoyed as they are or in a burger. It’s a chilled, neighbourhood vibe at the indoor-outdoor space with local beers on tap and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. In summer the Crafty Cow makes a great end to beach days, while in winter the warmth from the smoker is perfect for cosy nights out.

Platters of food at The Crafty Cow Smokehouse, Casuarina — End your beach day at The Crafty Cow Smokehouse for a satisfyingly good feed.

Open: Dinner nightly; lunch Wednesday–Sunday
Address: 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

5. Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Casuarina

Best for: Combined family fun or to kick off a night out

A sprawling, brightly accented Mexican eatery, Lolita’s is a riot of colour and flavour with a joyously amped-up atmosphere. Margaritas are free-flowing and you’ll find plenty of Central American staples to help keep you on an even keel, such as kingfish ceviche, tostadas, tacos and plenty of nibbles.

the restaurant exterior of Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Casuarina — Line up for tasty tacos at Lolita’s Mexican Cantina.

Sit inside or outside, let the kids loose on the playground and lean into the fun. There’s even onsite child-minding, should the occasion call for it.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday
Address: 1 Barclay Drive, Casuarina

6. Paper Daisy, Cabarita

Best for: Celebrating a loved one or a romantic interlude

Housed in landmark luxury hotel, Halcyon House, Paper Daisy has been a headline act for dining out on the far north coast since it opened in 2015. Styled in the Capri-esque palette the hotel is admired for, the dining room is a beautiful place to spend a few hours contemplating the well-executed flavours on the plate. Be sure to arrive earlier than your sitting to sip a negroni and oyster in the bar before proceeding to enjoy sophisticated dishes such as Hiramasa kingfish with verjuice, Bangalow pork shoulder with chestnut mushroom and Jerusalem artichoke or lobster and green tea dumplings.

Open: Daily for lunch and dinner
Address: 21 Cyprus Crescent, Cabarita Beach

7. No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita

Best for: Girls’ or boys’ nights out, date nights, long lunch sessions

Elevated yet warmly welcoming and casual, No. 35 Kitchen and Bar is highly attuned to the area with a laidback atmosphere that heroes quality produce prepared simply. The dining room opens out to a roadside outdoor terrace, where it’s most pleasant to spend a warm summer evening working your way through the Italian-accented menu.

an al fresco dining spot in No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita — Soak up summer vibes at the al fresco dining spot, No. 35 Kitchen and Bar.

Seasonally driven, you may find a 12-hour slow-cooked beef shin pasta or saffron-baked fish and mussels, and antipasto bites such as cacio e pepe arancini or local burrata. All of which is deftly accompanied by a considered wine and drinks list. From 5pm–6pm, Wednesday to Friday, there’s a happy hour, where you can sip $10 drinks and snacks.

sprinkling cheese on food at No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita — The food at No. 35 Kitchen and Bar is prepared with love.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Friday; lunch Saturday

Address: 35 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach

8. The Burrow, Bogangar

Best for: Pre- or post-dinner drinks and a dance

Burrow in for a session at this Cabarita Beach bar and institution , where you can grab a tipple of your choice and classic, rib-sticking bar snack while listening to live music.

the restaurant exterior of The Burrow, Bogangar at night — Head to The Burrow for post-dinner drinks.

The walk-in-only establishment is a true local haunt and so popular they’ve expanded next door with a pizzeria. Check their socials for updates on special nights and line-ups.

Open: Tuesday–Sunday

Address: 1/36 Tweed Coast Road, Bogangar

9. Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville

Best for: Intimate occasions

Inspired by the incredible produce of the region, chef and owner Ben Devlin intricately arranges flavours on the plate for exquisite fare that has earned Pipit Restaurant two hats and won Good Food Guide’s Regional Restaurant of the Year in 2022.

Ben and Yen Devlin standing side by side at Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville — Co-owners Yen and chef Ben Devlin opened Pipit Restaurant in Pottsville in 2019.

With a focus on sustainable proteins and championing local ingredients, Pipit uses an open wood fire to achieve deep flavour in every bite. Settle into the Scandi-style dining room for a laidback culinary adventure or ask for a seat at the bar, so can watch the fiery action.

Pipit runs the occasional pop-up and masterclass and a more chilled Penny’s Bistro on Monday nights to start your week out right.

a table-top view of a sample food platter at Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville — Pipit Restaurant champions sustainably sourced ingredients.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday; lunch Friday–Sunday; Penny’s Bistro Mondays

Address: 8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

10. Garden Pizza, Pottsville

Best for: Good pizza, good vibes

This charming and authentic pizzeria is somewhat of a local secret, yet its under-the-radar appeal makes it all the more special. BYO drinks from the bottleshop and grab a picnic table under an umbrella for deliciously blistered Napoli classics. There’s a few sides and homemade gelato to fill out your order, but mostly it’s the basics, executed well. You can take yours away, but the chilled, outdoor vibe is best.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Tuesday
Address: 9 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

For more excellent places to eat in the Tweed region, read our guide to the top cafes and bakeries, Murwillumbah restaurants and where to dine in Tweed Heads and over the border in Coolangatta.

Discover vibrant culture and creativity, gorgeous nature spots and more in lively Newcastle.

Newcastle/Muloobinba has a lot going for it beyond its big skies and beautiful beaches. The city’s creative types are now heading downtown, taking over and transforming warehouses and terraces to offer a more alternative vibe. From its nightlife to secret swimming spots, art to architecture, here’s our insider’s guide to Newcastle in New South Wales.

1. Learn to sail on Newcastle Harbour

The harbour has always shaped Newcastle, so it seems like the most obvious place to start your weekend. Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club offers a range of programs that provide instruction for both novice and experienced sailors. This is an inspired classroom that sets off past the Honeysuckle Foreshore up the Hunter River, with views towards a seemingly infinite vista of blue stretching to the horizon. It’s the perfect way to savour your time by the sea. Other water activities include surfing, swimming in one of the secret ocean baths or whale-watching with CoastXP .

Aerial view of Newcastle Harbour. — Join Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club’s programs. (Image: City of Newcastle)

2. Underground jazz scene

Follow the lively sound of the saxophone bubbling up to find The Underground . The popular basement-level bar, with its dim lighting and speakeasy aesthetic, schedules live jazz performances every Tuesday and Thursday. Newcastle is known around the country for supporting live music and this late-night New York-style jazz bar is, like the city itself, both approachable and sophisticated. For fans of live music, Queen’s Wharf Hotel , King Street Newcastle , Mad Poet and The Lucky Hotel are all popular pubs for their roster of live music.

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3. The city as a canvas

The streets of Newcastle present like an outdoor art gallery , adding beauty to the everyday with large-scale works by artists such as Fintan Magee, Inari Meyers, Tom Henderson and Sophia Flegg. Hire a Flash E-bike and pedal around the streets to find treasures such as Bronte Naylor’s Mirror Ocean in Civic Square or Sky & Ocean at South Newcastle Beach Skate Park. You can also join Newy Tour Co.’s Discover Newcastle tour to explore city highlights, architectural gems and street art with an expert guide.

Friends take in Newcastle Street Art. — Admire stunning works of art displayed all around you. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. An artist’s view of Newcastle

There’s a real sense of optimism around Newcastle, stemming from its many grassroots art galleries and organisations. The city is home to an eclectic array of artists who gravitate toward different mediums; see their works on show at independent galleries such as The Lock-Up , which operated as a police station from 1861 until 1982, and Lighthouse Arts Newcastle in the light-filled cottages on Nobbys Head/Whibayganba. Stop by The Creator Incubator to see the Little and Big gallery spaces. Newcastle Art Gallery will soon reopen after a recent expansion, so keep an eye out.

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5. Newcastle after dark

The small bars confetti’d around Newcastle are a sign of the times. Visitors to the compact city will find a concentration of bars within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail. The after-dark experience, which includes theatre and live music, is designed for visitors who are in search of the offbeat and want to celebrate the city’s creativity. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the bars that dot most neighbourhoods will tempt you with everything from happy hour to their alt attitude.

A bartender expertly crafting a drink, with a stunning library of spirits in the background. — Enjoy a night out at a lively bar. (Image: City of Newcastle)

6. Indulge in great gastronomy

Newcastle’s proximity to the Hunter Valley has helped establish it as a sophisticated getaway for gourmands with a passion for provenance. Dining options in the city are diverse, with everything from casual cafes to cantina-style Mexican eateries such as Antojitos , through to fine diners such as Flotilla and Jana Restaurant & Bar at QT Newcastle . Visit during Newcastle Food Month to get a snapshot of the local culinary scene – you can take note of the many world-class restaurants and cafes that warrant a return visit. Humbug , Peregrin and Bistro Penny should also be on your radar.

The dining area at Flotilla in Newcastle NSW. — Savour a world-class dining experience at Flotilla. (Image: Flotilla)

7. Crystalbrook Kingsley

Crystalbrook Kingsley is another great example of Newcastle’s new wow factor. Staying at the hotel – in the heart of the cultural centre – makes exploring a breeze, with vintage bikes for guests who want to check out the city streets on two wheels. The design-savvy Crystalbrook Collection reimagined the Roundhouse building while adhering to its ethos of sustainable luxury. The hotel is also a magnet for foodies, with the rooftop Roundhouse restaurant and cocktail bar, Romberg’s, two of the best spots in the city for wining and dining.

The Roundhouse by Crystalbrook Collection. — Step into the reworked Roundhouse by Crystalbrook. (Image: Crystalbrook Kingsley)

8. Newcastle’s creative side on show

Save the date for New Annual , a festival of art, music and ideas from 26 September – 5 October. The program is jam-packed with 10 days of art, culture and creativity. This year’s festival will celebrate the power art has to connect people. Expect to see a diverse program including music, theatre, workshops, and performances in iconic Newcastle locations. Visitors will find a concentration of events within a small radius, all of which are within easy walking distance or accessible via the light rail.

Dancers performing gracefully, accompanied by a live orchestra. — Celebrate migration, community and belonging at New Annual.

Plan your next trip to offbeat Newcastle.

10 must-visit restaurants in Kingscliff and surrounds