6 Trendy Tweed Heads and Coolangatta Restaurants

Eat, drink and enjoy at these Tweed Heads restaurants and eateries that cater to any mood.

Whether you’re keen to frock up for an intimate dinner with your romantic lead or looking for a buzzing eatery to catch up with friends, Tweed Heads and her over-the-border twin town of Coolangatta have all bases covered. From laneway gems to waterside eats and refined restaurants, these are the top picks for dining out.

1. Franc Jrs, Coolangatta

Best for: Getting pumped for a night out

This cool pizzeria with its retro Italo-American edge is unapologetically out there. Shuffle into a red banquette and settle in to have a giggle over the pizza names that are as entertaining as the vibe and packed with flavour-bomb toppings.

There’s the Jaloppy Poppy strewn with jalapenos, sausage and salami and the Sage Against The Machine scattered with sage and pancetta. There’s also a vegan menu and Detroit-style squares topped with everything from vodka sauce to whipped lemon ricotta. It’s a wild ride perfectly primed to fuel your night out.

people dining outside Franc Jrs, Coolangatta — Sit down for a wild night out with your friends at this retro-hip pizzeria.

Open: Daily for dinner (minus Mondays)
Address: 2/102 Griffith Street, Coolangatta Qld

2. Clay Cantina, Coolangatta

Best for: Dinner and drinks for couples or trios

Attracting national attention for its excellent home- and market-style Mexican plates, this petite laneway eatery is a must-visit . Take a seat in the beautifully tiled and earthy-hued dining room or the alley outside and prep your palate for authentic flavours, such as sopes topped with chipotle chicken, al pastor tacos and the sweet pastel de tres laches (three-milks cake).

If you’re keen to try your hand at making your own, book into one of Tuesday cooking classes, where you’ll learn to make a snack, salsa and a traditional dish.

a table-top view of dishes at Clay Cantina, Coolangatta — Swing by Clay Cantina for Mexican-inspired dishes.

Open: Wednesday–Saturday for dinner
Address: 2/16 Griffith Street, Coolangatta Qld

3. Bar Evelyn, Coolangatta

Best for: Date night done right

An elegant, upscale Italian bar and eatery that’s worth slipping into your finery for. Here, it’s all about the details and superior quality, from the natural wine list to seasonally driven antipasti and freshly made pasta.

Simplicity is executed with finesse in dishes such as the vodka sauce conchiglie and buccatini amatriciana, with the provenance of ingredients a focal point. If you’re in the mood for a more casual option, you can always takeaway a wood-fired pizza or two to enjoy by the beach.

a dimly lit interior at Bar Evelyn, Marine Parade, Coolangatta — Dine on memorable Italian fare at Bar Evelyn for a superior night out. (Image: Jared O Sullivan)

Open: Wednesday–Sunday for afternoon drinks and dinner
Address: 58 Marine Parade, Coolangatta Qld

4. Eddie’s Grub House, Coolangatta

Best for: Good times

This rock and roll joint sits below the retro-revamped Pink Hotel and caters to the out-and-about Cooly crowd. Live music is on high rotation here and while you’re toe-tapping to the beat, you can enjoy something to eat from the dive bar-style menu. Think southern fried chicken, burgers, wings and onion rings paired with cold beers and karaoke.

Open: Wednesday–Sunday for arvo beers and burgers
Address: 171 Griffith Street, Coolangatta Qld

5. Ivory Waterside, Tweed Heads

Best for: Sunny arvo sessions

Despite the shimmering Tweed River and her tributaries meandering through the region, there are few places to sit and take it all in by the banks. But Ivory Waterside goes a long way to righting that wrong with its absolute waterfront locale on Terranora Creek, on offshoot of the main waterway.

Set yourself up on the deck and watch the sun ripple across the water as you tuck into well-executed, bistro-style fare, including steak, burgers, fish ’n chips and other usual suspects. Salt-rimmed margaritas beckon as the sun beats down, making it difficult to plan your exit. Extend the good times at Benny’s Arcade for a spin on some classic 80s games enjoyed with a cold beer.

the waterfront restaurant at Ivory Waterside, Tweed Heads — Bask in waterfront views at Ivory Waterside.

Open: Thursday–Sunday from 11:30 am – 9 pm
Address: 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads NSW

6. Get Hooked Seafoods, Tweed Heads

Best for: Fish and chips with family

Sitting on the river and tucked just behind the Tweed Marina, you’ll find Get Hooked . And while it may be small, it sure packs a punch – in fact, it’s arguably the best spot for seafood in Tweed Heads and a local’s choice when it comes to the best fish and chips in town.

Perch yourself under an umbrella on the wooden deck out back and watch friendly pelicans bob in the water below before diving into a fresh seafood basket. Think juicy local prawns, daily-caught fish, crispy calamari, fresh oysters and, of course, a generous serving of chippies.

Open: Daily from 10:30am – 7 pm (8 pm Fridays and Saturdays)
Address: 2 River Terrace, Tweed Heads NSW

Discover more hidden gems, insider tips and local delights in our travel planning hub for the Tweed.

The ultimate road trip begins and ends on NSW’s stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Whales, charming villages, fine wine and stunning natural vistas: there’s a lot to love about a road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Winding from the Royal National Park through Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven before heading inland to the Southern Highlands, this scenic drive makes for an unforgettable road trip.

But like all great road trips, it’s not just about the drive but the stops made along the way. From incredible farm-to-plate (and grape-to-glass) dining options to unbeatable natural vistas and quaint towns with beautiful accommodation, there’s plenty to explore en route.

Where to eat

What is a road trip without incredible food? Whether you’re after fresh seafood, slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts or delicious wines, you’ll find something around every bend along Grand Pacific Drive.

Restaurant Santino is a local Wollongong secret we can’t keep quiet any longer. With a fresh take on Italian cuisine, servings are hearty and flavours are comforting. The chitarra with blue swimmer crab, garlic, chilli, parsley and crustacean oil is a crowd favourite.

Keep it local in Shellharbour with a menu all about fresh local produce at Relish on Addison . From South Coast oysters and blue swimmer crab linguine to crispy pork belly, surf and turf takes on an elevated meaning here.

Kiama’s neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, Little Betty’s , is just as good for a tasty share plate as it is for creative cocktails. The signature Grilled Octopus with burnt honey, garlic confit and sautéed Asian greens is worth a trip on its own.

Only the best will do in Shoalhaven, where multi-award-winning Bangalay Dining uses native Australian ingredients to bring its dishes to life. Start with the Smoked trout croquette before moving on to the sautéed potato gnocchi. Don’t forget the white chocolate mousse for dessert.

Meanwhile, the Southern Highlands are full of culinary highlights. From dining on incredibly fresh, local fare (we’re talking ingredients plucked from the team’s on-site kitchen garden or sourced through local producers) at Eschalot Restaurant in Berrima to creating gin blends at Millsheds Distillery .

bangalay dining shoalhaven — Taste native flavours at Bangalay Dining.

Exploring nature

Scenery is everything when hitting the road, and Grand Pacific Drive serves it up in spades. Drivers don’t even have to leave the car to enjoy the iconic ocean views from Seacliff Bridge (but several lookouts make it easy to stop).

Seaside Kiama boasts stunning beaches and famous blowholes. But travellers can also swap ocean for rainforest when taking the Minnamurra Rainforest walk, culminating in a picturesque waterfall. Or soar overhead at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures .

The scenic coastal drive along Sea Cliff Bridge, Clifton. — Cruise along the stunning Grand Pacific Drive.

Between May and November, 30,000 whales make their way passed the South Coast between May and November. Spot them from the coastal shores or join a whale-watching cruise from Shellharbour Marina or Jervis Bay. Dive in with Woebegone Freedive .

Shellharbour’s Killalea Regional Park is home to a traditional bush tucker and medicine walk with Aboriginal tour group, Gumaraa . Learn Indigenous healing practices and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and wisdom of the land’s Traditional Owners.

Wollongong is the perfect place for hikers, with the 6.5-kilometre Wodi Wodi track serving up views, settler history and a variety of landscapes in one loop. If you prefer, skip the walk and pull up at Bald Hill Lookout for expansive views south towards Wollongong (and a hang-glider or two).

For something truly unique, join the Highland Cow experience at The Swallow’s Nest in the Southern Highlands. In a brand-new offering, get a taste of farm life and help groom and feed these gorgeous creatures.

kiama coast walk people with dog — Wander the Kiama Coast Walk.

Unique experiences

No need to choose between an adrenaline rush or a culture fix, Grand Pacific Drive serves up both.

Soar into aviation history at Shellharbour’s HARS Aviation Museum . Tour the museum, then join a guided walk onto the wing of the record-breaking Qantas Boeing 747 and see the significant historic aircraft up close.

If ever there was a place to skydive, it’s in Wollongong. Dive from 15,000 feet (tandem, of course) with Sky Dive Wollongong and see the coastal beauty of this region from above.

Shoalhaven’s Bundanon Art Museum has to be one of the most unique offerings in the country. The legacy of artist Arthur Boyd and more than just a gallery, find eco-accommodation, fine dining, award-winning architecture and community here.

Kiama’s Crooked River Estate is about more than just delicious wine. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy casual food and drinks with live music at Kick Back Fridays , every week.

Between June and August, the Southern Highlands’ Robertson attracts novice truffle hunters. Join the hunt at family-owned and operated Robertson Truffles (alternatively, you can order truffle treats online, if your sense of adventure isn’t up for it).

Freshly dug truffles at Terra Preta Truffles, Braidwood. — Discover hidden gems beneath the soil in the Southern Highlands. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where to stay

Road trips are the ultimate promotion for slow travel, encouraging visitors to take their time, enjoy the journey and stop along the way to really immerse themselves in local towns.

Find history and elegance at Berida Hotel in the Southern Highlands. Intimately set amongst gardens, but still close to the main street of Bowral, this 1920s private residence turned boutique hotel is the perfect stay.

Stay in one of Barranca’s private villas with views of rolling farmland overlooking the dramatic escarpment at Kangaroo Valley or be surrounded by native bushland (a short walk from the beach) in Jervis Bay.

Speaking of beachside escapes, Headlands Hotel Austinmer Beach delivers unrivalled access to Wollongong’s beaches. These serviced apartments enjoy coastal views from spacious balconies.

For something completely different again, check in at Cicada Luxury Camping . Stay in safari-style or large bell tents, each with a private fire pit and top-notch kitchen facilities. Outside, enjoy spectacular countryside views.

Discover more and plan your ultimate road trip along the Grand Pacific Drive and beyond at grandpacificdrive.com.au/grand.

6 excellent restaurants in Tweed Heads and Coolangatta