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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Address: 27 Beach Road, Batemans Bay

NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

Winter on the NSW South Coast

Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

two people standing in front of kiama blowhole — See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast — Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery . Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda , and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey ‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines .

The Sebel Kiama exterior — Sleep by the harbour.

Winter on the Mid-North Coast

A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast — Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk , one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines , where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

port macquarie koala hospital — Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala . Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie , right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie — Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

Winter on the Central Coast

On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk , an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

a humpback whale breaching on the central coast — Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park . Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast , a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery , where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm . Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal , which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores , between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast — Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

Winter in Wollongong

Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple , the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple — Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch . Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong . A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery , which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park — Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen . It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach , right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.

17 of the best restaurants in Batemans Bay and beyond