Best Yamba Restaurants To Book For 2025

Whether you’re planning a full-on eating itinerary or just stopping through town, the best Yamba restaurants provide delicious and diverse delights.

This little NSW surf town, just two hours south of the Gold Coast, punches well above its weight in the dining stakes. From overachieving burger joints and refined special occasion feasts to authentic Neapolitan pizzerias and Mexican fiestas, the finest Yamba restaurants promise to please every palate.

The shortlist

Best for seafood: Sandbar Yamba
Best date spot: El Ocaso
Best views: Pacific Hotel
Best casual eats: BrGr Spot
Best family-friendly dining: The Mexican

1. Paradiso Restaurant & Bar

a look inside Paradiso Restaurant & Bar, Yamba — The interior at Paradiso Restaurant & Bar is Asian-inspired.

Paradiso is a buzzing haven of Asian-inspired fare. The kitchen crew, who launched this place on the back of successful careers in the big smoke, play around with the freshest of local seafood, fusing absolute flavour bombs with top-notch produce. The Paradiso clincher? The bar team is equally renowned thanks to their killer cocktails that utilise seasonal fruit and excellent spirits.

Dinner is the only meal on offer, and it’s served across two sittings every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you haven’t got a booking and you’re just keen to sample those crafty concoctions, you’re good to stay in the bar area and take your time.

Cuisine: Asian

Average Price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Sizzling

Review: 4/5

Location: 10 Clarence St, Yamba

2. Karrikin

a table-top view of food plates at Karrikin, Yamba — Karrikin is a special occasion dining destination. (Image: Elise Hassey)

Arguably Yamba’s most lauded restaurant, Karrikin  is the place to celebrate special occasions – though there’s no reason why you shouldn’t stop by for a casual dinner either. As of September 2024, the original owners have put the establishment up for sale in its entirety (stock and staff included), however it remains open to fuel locals and visitors via their exceptional brand of seasonal, locally sourced wizardry.

A four-course menu rotates daily based on whatever’s peaking at the time, but you can expect native ingredients to make regular appearances (while the current owners are in place, anyway).

You might find dishes like potato dumplings with snapper mousse and pickles, smoked fish with Davidson plum cracker, and perfectly prepared pork with cabbage, apple and chard sui gravy, lining the menu. All the finer details have been considered too, right down to the artful presentation of dishes, beautiful ceramic plates and fancy glassware.

What’s more, the setting is glorious, all sage and grey walls, matte black furnishings and plenty of timber. There’s also a breezy indoor-outdoor feel to the space, with bifold doors opening the seated bar counter to the undercover patio out front, and the dining room leading through to a leafy backyard.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Review: 4/5

Location: 27 Coldstream St, Yamba

3. Drift

pizza at Drift pizzeria in Yamba — Drift has amassed a loyal legion of followers for its high-end pizzas.

A Neapolitan-style pizzeria, Drift  has amassed a loyal legion of followers for its high-end pizzas, which are lovingly assembled using free-range charcuterie, organic Australian stone-milled flour, and artisanal cheeses.

It’s also become one of the best Yamba restaurants thanks to its warm hospitality and attention to every angle, as its cocktails are similarly top-shelf, paired with house made syrups and fresh cold-pressed juices.

The wine list has been carefully curated too, pleasing even the most discerning of oenophiles with a smattering of pét-nats and generous cross-section of old and new world wines. Vegetarians and vegans are catered to here as well, and there’s a handful of side dishes and salads to choose from.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 29 Yamba St, Yamba

4. Playa Bodega

the indoor dining of Playa Bodega, Yamba — This stellar dining venue is perfect for family gatherings. (Image: @playabodega)

Dial up your holiday vibes at Playa Bodega , where authentic Mexican cuisine takes centre stage and the family-friendly good times roll endlessly. Cruise the menu for the classics, including outstanding Yamba King Prawn Tacos that shine a light on the region’s most famed deep-sea export, plus there’s a kids’ menu stacked with just-cheese nachos and chips and nuggets.

It only opened in the early months of 2024 and has already become one of the most-loved restaurants in town thanks to its skilful ode to traditional street food and, of course, expertly shaken margaritas.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Fun-fuelled

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 16 Clarence St, Yamba

5. Sandbar Yamba

al fresco dining at Sandbar Yamba — Enjoy brekkie on the sun-drenched patio. (Image: Supplied)

While you can pull up a curb-side chair at Sandbar Yamba to enjoy brekky, the best time to trial this Yamba restaurant is lunch. Clear the calendar as long lunching is all too encouraged thanks to the lashings of sun streaming onto its front patio. Expansive windows thanks to French doors make the inside spots equally heavenly on a clear day.

The food is French, with the likes of chicken liver parfait, truffle croque madame, Moules mariniere mussels and steak frites dotting a rich menu, but there are other European influences and plenty of locally sourced seafood, including those famous Yamba prawns. Consider the very reasonable set menu, priced at $79, which includes three courses plus a glass of wine, for stress-free decision making.

Cuisine: European, leaning very French

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Breezy

Review: 4/5

Location: 30 Clarence St, Yamba

6. Pacific Hotel

a spread of food on the table at Pacific Hotel, Yamba — Pacific Hotel is known for its fresh, delicious seafood. (Image: Supplied)

Locals, tourists, passers-through – everyone pops into the Pacific Hotel , the Yamba pub high on the hill above Main Beach. It’s your classic Australian beach pub – wood-panelled walls, historical photographs of the region, and a large oval bar splitting the pool tables at the front and dining at the back. Best of all, a lot of the popular Yamba Airbnbs are within walking distance, meaning it’ll fast become your (temporary) local.

Food-wise, you’ll find all your pub meal favourites. Love a steak? It’s on the menu. More of a schnitty or parma person? Both are present and accounted for. Aside from the stalwarts, market catches of the day are available alongside house made tartare sauce, chips and salad, as well as crumbed fish burgers and more. Pair your pick with a cold one and stunning ocean views, and you’ve nailed the perfect afternoon.

Cuisine: Pub fare

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 30 Clarence St, Yamba

7. El Ocaso

the light-filled dining space at El Ocaso, Yamba — Gather with friends over seafood and cocktails. (Image: Elise Hassey)

Looking to treat yourselves? El Ocaso is an intimate Yamba restaurant serving up some of the most outstanding plates in the region. Bringing an authentic splash of the Mediterranean to the NSW North Coast, the hot spot offers refined dining in a beautiful fit-out pointed over the Clarence River.

Don’t miss the magic they make out of local produce, including a photo-ready carpaccio whenever it returns to the menu. Local seafood is presented with artistic flair while the cocktails are playful and creative, a signature characteristic of this standout dining destination.

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Average Price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed yet chic

Review: 4/5

Location: 6/18 Coldstream St, Yamba

8. BrGr Spot

a close-up shot of burger at BrGr Spot, Yamba — Indulge in mouthwatering burgers at BrGr Spot.

When the post-beach craving for a burger strikes, head for Brgr Spot . This tried-and-true outfit, just a block back from Yamba’s Main Beach, is known for its fries (shoestring or sweet potato) as much as its burgers and reasonable prices.

Find both vegetarian and vegan options on the menu, and if the kids are tagging along, there’s a dedicated ‘Groms’ menu with nuggets, a basic burger and fried halloumi up for grabs.

A pretty generous selection of beers, wines and cocktails are also on the agenda, ensuring afternoons at this Yamba restaurant are lazy and lengthy.

Cuisine: Burgers

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Chilled out

Review: 3/5

Location: 2/15 Clarence St, Yamba

9. The Mexican

carnitas tacos at The Mexican, Yamba — Carnitas tacos are best paired with margaritas.

It’s frozen margarita o’clock at The Mexican where families head for the generously plated flavours of Mexico. While a liquid diet may be tempting, dive into its menu of all the household names including jalapeno poppers, burritos, enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and even a crowd-pleasing Mexi Layer Dip, which is exactly what it sounds like and unapologetically indulgent.

The fit-out encourages you to let ‘er rip, too, as red leather booths and rainbow-hued Papel Picado bunting (you’ll know it when you see it) hangs from the ceiling. A Yamba restaurant for guaranteed great times.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Intoxicating

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 25 Coldstream St, Yamba

10. Sweet N Spicy Cafe

the restaurant exterior of Sweet N Spicy Cafe, Yamba — Sweet N Spicy Cafe is a casual diner with a focus on pan-Asian cuisine.

Sure, they’re labelled a cafe, but this casual spot invites BYO wine and dishes up abundantly plated main meals, so it’s a firm Yamba restaurant favourite.

It’s hard to pin down Sweet N Spicy Cafe ’s exact cuisine, which veers a little all over the place, but there’s a definite pan-Asian lean — think Vietnamese beef salad, Thai-style choo chee prawns and Malaysian chicken curry, with some arancini, buffalo wings, and beef empanadas thrown in for good measure.

Beyond the food, it’s the warm, friendly and efficient service that keeps diners coming back for more.

Cuisine: International

Average Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 3/5

Location: 28B Yamba St, Yamba

11. Sassafras

pasta and wine at Sassafras, Yamba — Give house-made pasta a twirl with a swirl of wine. (Image: Supplied)

Love Italian food? Lock in a visit to Sassafras , a family-friendly joint situated in the middle of town. The menu is all about no-fuss eats – woodfired pizzas (some of the best Yamba pizza on offer, in fact), classic pastas and fun, summery cocktails.

With plenty of outdoor seating, Sassafras is also a pet-friendly Yamba restaurant if you’ve got your fur baby in tow. A must-try is the interestingly named ‘Rat Baits’ – little fresh-baked breads with a trio of house-made butter.

Music fans will love the live gigs Sassafras holds, too. Check the website for artists and dates.

Cuisine: Italian

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Light and local

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 2/16 Yamba St, Yamba

12. Yamba’s Fisho

raw shrimp on display at Yamba’s Fisho — Yamba’s Fisho has a strong focus on local, fresh seafood.

Looking for the best fish and chips around? It’s in town at Yamba’s Fisho . Technically a tiny takeaway shop on Yamba’s main street corner, we’re giving it a pass into the Yamba restaurants category thanks to its picnic tables right out front — an unofficial alfresco dining area.

Grilled, battered or crumbed, the delicacies are focused on local, fresh seafood and the team regularly update their Facebook page with recent catches.

Yamba’s Fisho is always brimming with fresh Yamba prawns and cooks up some of the best potato scallops in the country. Prices are cheap, the service is fast and the chips are crunchy, salty and consistently delicious.

Cuisine: Fish and chips

Average Price: $$

Atmosphere: Informal

Review: 4/5

Location: Corner Yamba and Coldstream Streets, Yamba

13. Restaurant 1894

dining at Restaurant 1894, Argyle Hotel, Yamba — Restaurant 1894 offers finessed pub classics in the heritage Argyle Hotel. (Image: Supplied)

Found inside the beautiful heritage Argyle Hotel in nearby Maclean, Restaurant 1894 is a 25-minute drive from central Yamba and worth the extra effort. The building was reopened in November 2024 after restoration efforts that have kept the original digs in tip-top shape, and Restaurant 1894 is its flagship dining offering.

Spanning finessed pub classics including Yamba prawn linguine, a mixed mushroom risotto and various Angus cuts, the menu is drawing hungry locals from across the Clarence Valley. Wash it all down with a quality drop off the restaurant’s international wine menu.

Cuisine: Pub fare

Average Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Cheerful

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 205 River St, Maclean

This article was originally written by Melissa Mason with updates by Kristie Lau-Adams.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

13 of the best Yamba restaurants to book for 2025

Whether you’re planning a full-on eating itinerary or just stopping through town, the best Yamba restaurants provide delicious and diverse delights.

The shortlist

1. Paradiso Restaurant & Bar

2. Karrikin

3. Drift

4. Playa Bodega

5. Sandbar Yamba

6. Pacific Hotel

7. El Ocaso

8. BrGr Spot

9. The Mexican

10. Sweet N Spicy Cafe

11. Sassafras

12. Yamba’s Fisho

13. Restaurant 1894

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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

1. Gosford’s glow up

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

3. New Central Coast experiences

4. Central Coast accommodation

5. Shopping on the Central Coast