18 Top Batemans Bay Restaurants - Australian Traveller

Be it a slick bar serving dumplings or a hidden gem where a Michelin-trained chef is at the helm, these are the best Batemans Bay restaurants and cafes.

Batemans Bay restaurants are a true reflection of the dining scene on the NSW South Coast. There’s no pressure to dust the sand off your feet for breakfast, lunch or dinner here as the mood is as mellow and laid-back as the locale itself.

Visiting Batemans Bay’s restaurants and cafes will help you get a feel for the locale’s small-town charms. Here is our pick of where to eat and drink in Batemans Bay.

1. Rivermouth General St Store

Best for: Sitting in a patch of sun slurping Malteser iced frappes.

The Rivermouth General Store is in Tomakin, just 15 minutes’ drive from Batemans Bay and a lovely spot to retreat. Hang around in Tomakin long enough and you will get a taste of what life is like in this vaguely hippie town with a surfie vibe.

Wear your best pair of tattered jeans and slouchy beanie and order the brekky wrap, which specialises in farm-to-table produce. Clear your dining order for the rest of the day after ordering the crispy bacon, fried eggs, avocado, cheddar, greens and chutney.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Rivermouth Cafe & General Store (@therivermouth)

Address: 101 Sunpatch Parade, Tomakin

2. ARLO at The Oaks Ranch

Best for: Golfers who are also foodies.

The Oaks Ranch is one of the best places to stay near Batemans Bay. The boutique hotel is located on acreage that backs onto the grassy banks of the Tomaga River and includes a nine-hole golf course designed by Greg Norman. After enjoying a cheeky round of golf, limber up with a few laps in the magnesium pool and then head to ARLO for an aperitivo.

a meal on the table at The Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point, Batemans Bay — Snag a spot for brunch at The Oaks Ranch. (Image: Abbie Melle)

The onsite restaurant serves a roster of simple rustic dishes such as goats curd and spinach agnolotti.

outdoor dining at The Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point, Batemans Bay — The Oaks Ranch is an ideal spot for outdoor dining. (Image: Abbie Melle)

Address: 240 Old Mossy Point Rd, Mossy Point

3. Sam’s Pizza

Best for: Pizza draped in sheets of salty prosciutto and scattered with parmesan and rocket.

This is a saucy spot for pizza in Batemans Bay. Sam’s Pizza is located on the waterfront in Batemans Bay. It’s a family-friendly shrine to great pizza and pasta and the perfect spot to ignite that debate about whether pineapple should be served atop that little doughy boy.

a whole pizza with Batemans Bay in the background at Sam’s Pizza — Get yourself a slice of the best pizza in town.

Head to this venerable pizzeria for customer favourites such as fettucine gamberi (garlic prawns) and pizza Napolitana with anchovies and olives. Sam’s also serves calzones, both sweet and savoury. It would cause a sensation if this list of the best Batemans Bay restaurants didn’t include Sam’s Pizza.

a plate of food on the table at Sam's Pizza, Batemans Bay — Enjoy your food with a view at Sam’s Pizza.

Address: 3 Orient St, Batemans Bay

4. Cupitt’s Estate

Best for: Vegetables plucked from the garden located some 50 metres from your table

Road-trippers heading to Batemans Bay from Sydney should make a point of stopping off at Cupitt’s Estate. This world-class winery has a lot going for it. There’s a fromagerie, an award-winning restaurant, cellar door, brewery, and garden bar.

There is also a range of posh pods dotted around the rolling hills that look out over the vineyard, which is on the radar for anyone exploring this pretty pocket of the NSW South Coast food and wine region.

a couple enjoying a visit to Cupitt's Winery, Ulladulla — Experience wine tasting like no other at Cupitt’s Estate Winery. (Image: Destination NSW)

It’s another hour’s drive to Batemans Bay from here so fuel up on hero dishes such as smoked beetroot tartare with pickles, naval orange, baby capers and puffed rice crackers followed by the local conchiglie pasta with garden herbs and garlic shoot pesto. It’s a cracking choose-your-own-adventure concept.

food on the plate at Cupitt's Estate, Ulladulla — Find artfully healthy dishes at the onsite restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 58 Washburton Road, Ulladulla

5. The Patch Tomakin

Best for: Calabrese pizza and a side of truffle fries

Batemans Bay locals were stoked when this revelatory restaurant arrived in nearby Tomakin. And while the Tomakin Sports and Social Club might seem like an unlikely location for such a large-scale venue, The Patch is the talk of the town.

a vibrant and elegant dining interior at The Patch, Tomakin — The Patch Tomakin’s dining interior evokes a modern contemporary ambience. (Image: Destination NSW)

Conceptualised by Tully Heard, there’s a vegetable garden, a play area for kids, an indoor-outdoor bar, and a large al fresco area with river views.

Expect the menu to celebrate local producers such as Bodalla Dairy, Tilba Cheeses, Narooma Seafood and Honor Beds. The Patch is only a skip and a jump south of Batemans Bay.

a vibrant dining interior with white chairs and tables at The Patch Tomakin — Pull up a chair at this uber-stylish restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 71 Sunpatch Parade, Tomakin

6. Al Fresco Coffee Roasters

Best for: A hangover-beating bacon and egg roll and flat white.

Coffee comes in a wide range of permutations at this humble hub aimed squarely at local caff-fiends. Perch over your laptop for hours, ponder the outcome of the most recent election, or simply meet up with your mates to enjoy coffee brewed by Al Fresco Coffee Roasters in nearby Moruya. This is the second outpost for the team behind the boutique roasters who are passionate about sourcing ethical coffee for their customers.

Not only is Al Fresco Coffee Roasters one of the best cafes in Batemans Bay, but it partners with producers to make an impact overseas in the coffee-growing regions. You will enjoy your coffee even more when you learn you are helping farmers achieve a better way of life through Project Columbia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alfresco Coffee Roasters (@alfrescocoffeeroasters)

Address: 5 North St, Batemans Bay

7. Sawatdee Thai

Best for: Red whisky pork ribs.

Looking for cheap and cheerful Thai food in Batemans Bay? Sawatdee Thai has an expanded menu of crowd-pleasing pan-Asian dishes that hit the sweet spot between salty, sweet and spicy. The menu is divided into a selection of dishes with or without chilli and is stuffed with staples such as beef massaman curry, Thai salads, and satay noodles.

The rustic restaurant also does a roaring takeaway trade for its BBQ pork and chicken and fried rice. The eatery is one of the best in Batemans Bay and has hit the trifecta of ambience, comforting curries and friendly staff.

Address: 2/32 Orient St, Batemans Bay

8. Crumb

Best for: Seriously delicious burgers and Black Betty blend of ONA coffee.

The Flamin’ Hot Cheetos eggs benedict with bacon from Crumb has cult status in Batemans Bay. It’s a Franken-benny. A beautiful freak show of canary-yellow hollandaise atop two poached eggs on sourdough that will kick off your carb fuelling for the day.

Get in early at this popular cafe in Batemans Bay to avoid missing out on our other must-have: chilli scrambled eggs and sriracha with baby spinach, feta and chilli.

You won’t be able to leave a Hansel & Gretel-like trail behind you to find your way back to Crumb as there won’t be anything left over. Nab an outdoor table at this cute corner cafe, which is a great way to meet the locals in Batemans Bay.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CRUMB (@crumb.at.batehaven)

Address: 2268 Beach Road, Batehaven

9. Cafe Three66

Best for: Un-smashed avo toast served on soy and linseed sourdough with beetroot hummus, marinated feta.

Expect a lot of tradie traffic at Cafe Three66 , an industrial-chic venue that draws high-vis-vest-wearing locals in their droves for the bacon-and-egg roll deals on offer from 5am till 10am.

the cafe interior of Cafe Three66 — Settle in with your morning coffee at this waterfront cafe. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Perched just metres away from Mosquito Bay, the waterfront cafe is clean and spare, with polished concrete and rustic timbers softened by hanging greenery.

Expect surprises on the menu to be served with the changing seasons. The coffee here is good and strong, and the cafe has stunning water views.

a cup of coffee and pastry on the table at Cafe Three66 — Pair your coffee with decadent baked goods for the ultimate morning pick-me-up. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Address: 366 George Bass Dr, Lilli Pilli

10. The Oyster Shed on Wray Street

Best for: Slurping down a cheeky dozen oysters on the over-water verandah at this rustic oyster shack.

Sit by the big wide windows facing the Clyde River to best enjoy a dozen oysters slurped down in situ at The Farm Gate and Oyster Shed on Wray Street .

The Oyster Shed on Wray Street restaurant exterior in North Batemans Bay — Head to this rustic shack to slurp down a dozen or more fresh oysters. (Image: Carla Grossetti)

Of course, the tranquil scene here is part of the journey: there’s a fire pit outside in winter and sun-splashed tables over summer to enjoy just-shucked oysters harvested straight out of the Clyde River.

It’s one of the best things to do in Batemans Bay. Expect cameos from local fishos who pull up outside in their dinghies and pop in for a quick feed.

a farmer returning to Wray Street Oyster Shed, BatemansBay with fresh oysters — Local fishermen harvest fresh oysters from the Clyde River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 5 Wray St, North Batemans Bay

11. Broulee Brewhouse

Best for: A hazy ale and dirty big burger.

There’s every style of beer going at Broulee Brewhouse , which has become a happy seaside hub for hipsters and salty-haired surfers.

an aerial shot of Broulee Brewhouse, Batemans Bay — Head across the road to Broulee Brewhouse after a surf. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

The North Broulee brewhouse was established by a couple of locals who wanted to curate a beer list with as much care as a sommelier. Six styles are on offer all up, including sweet lagers, a hazy pale ale and XPA paired, if you please, with artfully prepared charcuterie boards.

a glass of beer at Broulee Brewhouse, Batemans Bay — It’s all about the beers and burgers here.

This place is a local favourite for grizzled surfers who congregate here for burgers and beers. Tap into it. It’s one of the best places for a beer near to Batemans Bay.

Address: 71 Coronation Drive, Broulee

12. River Road Providore

Best for: Nostalgic favourites such as vanilla slices and sausage rolls.

Visitors to the NSW South Coast are spoilt for choice when it comes to farm-fresh produce. Pop into River Road Providore in Nelligen to procure smoked wild trout, Bakerdave sourdough, homemade pickles and cheeses from Tilba Dairy.

The providore is located at Edward Road Market Place , a collective endeavour that brings together a diverse mix of makers and growers.

Address: 2 Edward Road, Batehaven

13. Merinda Cruises

Best for: You already know that dinner and a cruise are a match in heaven

If you really want to push the boat out, enjoy fresh fish and chips and a side salad as part of your twilight dinner cruise onboard the MV Merinda .

the MV Merinda Cruises on Clyde River — Enjoy a mouth-watering feast on the Clyde River. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism/J Griffiths)

The cruise, a highlight on the self-drive Batemans Bay Explorer itinerary of the Gourmet Coast Trail, coasts along the calm waters of the Clyde River all the way to Nelligen onboard the wooden boat while you graze on fresh seafood and listen to commentary on wildlife and local history.

a dinner cruise onboard the MV Merinda — The river cruise departs from The Innes Boatshed. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

The boat launches directly from The Innes Boatshed , which brings the catch from the ocean to your plate.

Address: 1 Clyde St, Batemans Bay

14. Mossy on Gardens

Best for: Prawn linguine or pulled pork burgers.

The posse behind Mossy now have three of the best cafes on the NSW South Coast: Mossy on Pacific (in Mossy Point), Mossy on Train (Broulee) and Mossy on Gardens (Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden).

Walk through the tunnelled gardens, dense with natives, to find a table on the sun-splashed deck in this leafy, grassy oasis. Vegos will love the Garden Bowl which includes field mushrooms, roasted tomato, avocado, baby spinach, pickled cabbage, corn, red onion, quinoa, dukkha and a green goddess dressing. Divine.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mossy On Gardens (@mossyongardens)

Address: Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, Deep Creek Dam Road, Batemans Bay

15. Bistro at the Bayview

Best for: Solid pub grub options such as parmigiana and schnitzels.

It’s somewhat compulsory to visit a pub while you’re in country Australia. Bistro at the Bayview is one of the few pubs in Batemans Bay and a popular spot for families looking for a feed.

Carb-phobes will love that they can order a bun-less burger stack here. Those with more of an appetite can opt for the classic chicken parmigiana or classic beef burger, served with cheese and pickles and all the usual trimmings.

Kids are welcome at this Batemans Bay pub, where the staff hand out an activity pack and offer refillable soft drinks with every kids’ meal. The hotel also has queen bedrooms with single beds, making it one of the best places to stay in Batemans Bay for families.

Address: 20 Orient St, Batemans Bay

16. Starfish

Best for: Fish and chips at sunset, glass of wine in hand.

Starfish is a no-frills family-friendly bistro in Batemans Bay. But you don’t need the frills: you don’t want the decor to compete with those waterfront views.

You might find yourself here first thing in the morning for coffee on your first visit to Batemans Bay. And then get lured back to bookend the day with sundowners while watching the sailboats return to the harbour.

While Starfish is one of the best places to get fish and chips in Batemans Bay, it also balances out the menu with nasi goreng, slow-cooked beef short ribs and Indo-inspired gado gado bowls. The pizzas and tacos are also a hit for families. BYO scooters so the kids can make the most of the location on Mirra Murra Walk.

a waterfront restaurant with huge umbrellas outside at Starfish, Batemans Bay — It’s truly the perfect spot for a sunset meal of fish and chips. (Image: Eurobodalla Coast Tourism)

Address: 1 Clyde St, Batemans Bay

17. JJ’s at the Marina

Best for: Happy hour and bar snacks such as Szechuan-dusted WA whitebait.

Craving school prawns? Fancy a bowl of mussels sourced from Jervis Bay? JJ’s at the Marina is your go-to.

Expect seafood to be the star of the show at the main restaurant located in an industrial-chic warehouse on the banks of the Clyde River. There’s also Southern Catch, the more casual option on the banks of the Clyde River where you’ll find a happy mix of couples and families draped around colourful picnic tables.

JJ’s at the Marina is certainly a tourist destination. But it’s also a cult favourite with locals who head here for happy hour to enjoy shaken margaritas and a bucket of beer-battered chips and prawn cutlets.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JJ’s @ The Marina (@jjsatthemarina)

Address: 27 Beach Road, Batemans Bay

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.

17 of the best restaurants in Batemans Bay and beyond