The 15 Best Restaurants In Merimbula To Try Now

Dining at this Sapphire Coast gem of a town delivers a fair few surprises.

Whether it’s fish and chips, pizza or pasta, cocktails or oysters at a next-level fine diner, Merimbula restaurants are an example of regional dining done right. In fact, exemplary Merimbula restaurants such as Valentina, Dulcie’s Cottage, Bar Superette and Sunny’s Kiosk are putting the seaside village on the map. Here is the ultimate guide to 15 of the best Merimbula restaurants.

1. Sunny’s Kiosk

Best for: Narooma tuna tartare.

You can hire a boat from the edge of the pier where Sunny’s Kiosk sits to make sure you work up a sufficient appetite for the small plates and booze on offer here. But calling the neighbourhood eatery a kiosk is kind of understating what’s on offer.

Sunnys Kiosk by the edge of a pier, Merimbula — Sunnys Kiosk is perched at the edge of the pier near Top Lake, Merimbula.

The low-fi venue, full of vintage artworks, retro finds and eclectic furniture, is located at the edge of a pier overlooking the body of water locals call Top Lake.

a close-up of food at Sunny's Kiosk, Merimbula — Taste your way around the menu at Sunny’s Kiosk.

And it’s run by Tess Podger (who oversees the wine) and partner Matty Johnston (ex-Cutler & Co, Melbourne and Madalena’s, Fremantle) who looks after the food. The eatery morphs into a wine bar on Friday and Saturday nights in the warmer months. Arrive via a meander along the Merimbula Boardwalk. It’s Merimbula’s best-kept secret.

drinking at sunset by the edge of the pier at Sunny’s Kiosk, Merimbula — Have a tipple at sundown.

Address: 68 Lakewood Drive, Merimbula

Open: Breakfast and lunch 7.30am–2pm Thu-Mon; Dinner Fri-Sat 4pm–8.30pm (warmer months only)

2. Bar Superette

Best for: Confit lamb ribs with assorted local vegetables and a glass of Margan ‘Breaking Ground’ Rosato.

Bar Superette is a great example of a mind-bogglingly good bar in Merimbula. This narrow bar and takeaway wine store and deli is more Melbourne than Merimbula. And its name is a nostalgic nod to the small supermarket that sat on the site in the 1960s. Bar Superette is led by Ryde Pennefather who runs the wine bar alongside business partners Cam Charnock and Nick Parkinson.

the dining interior of Bar Superette, Merimbula — Pull up a stool at Bar Superette.

Ryde has a lot of community support and is seemingly mates with most of the shaggy-haired surfers sitting at the bar. Once you’ve been fed and caffeinated at one of the great local cafes, head to this bar for clever cooking, assured service and great natural wines. Ask the sommelier to suggest a bottle of wine and fine cheese and salumi from LP’s Quality Meats for your picnic hamper. Or help yourself and grab a bottle to sip at Bar Superette or take home.

a stack of wine bottles and drinks on display at Bar Superette, Merimbula — Savour a delightful bottle at Bar Superette.

Address: 16/20 Market St, Merimbula
Open: Tue-Sun noon–9pm

3. Banksia Restaurant, Pambula

Best for: Pineapple crespelle with star anise ice cream.

Locals are heavily invested in Banksia, housed in Pambula’s Old Bank , which is known for its farm-to-table cuisine. Co-owners chef Huw Jones and partner Renee have made Banksia a beacon for its three-course set menu with matched wines.

a close-up shot of food at Banksia Restaurant, Pambula — Enjoy a hearty meal at Banksia Restaurant.

White tablecloths and polished service set the tone inside the weatherboard cottage, where you can expect staples such as snapper and scallop pie with leeks, and Champagne brown butter or the veal fillet and crisp-pressed brisket with creamed spinach and a bordelaise sauce.

Address: 22 Quondola St, Pambula
Open: Wed-Sat 5.45pm–10pm; Sun 11.45am–4pm

4. Valentina

Best For: Blue swimmer crab aglio e olio with crunchy crushed potatoes.

Walking up the stairs to this beautifully realised restaurant provides the first clue that Valentina is something special. Since opening its doors in 2021, Valentina has wooed locals with its devotion to seasonally driven dishes. It’s also helped establish Merimbula’s reputation as a great destination for dining. Locals have a lot to thank Valentina’s owners Diane McDonald, Kirsty Pongratz and Ashleigh Cotter for. The restaurant retained its Good Food Guide hat with head chef Ashleigh Cotter (ex-Brae) at the helm. And it was nominated as one of five of the Best Regional Restaurants in NSW for a multitude of good reasons.

Elegant interior of Valentina Merimbula. — The elegant interiors of Valentina Merimbula are to die for.

Bring a crew, if you’ve got one, or sit with your Valentine at one of the sleek tables near the floor-length windows to enjoy signature dishes such as whipped cod roe and flatbread, and spaghetti with crab. Dine alone if you want the crunchy crushed potatoes as they are too good to share.

A plate of pasta at Valentina — Try the linguine alla marinara at Valentina.

Address: 5/2 Market St, Merimbula
Open: Lunch, Wed-Sun noon–5pm; Dinner Tue-Sun 5pm–11pm.

5. Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant

Best for: Seafood linguine with garlic, herbs, chilli and wine.

You know the fish is fresh when you see the local anglers wandering across from the wharf to sell their catch. In addition to the freshly caught wharf-fresh catch, Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf Restaurant sells Broadwater Oysters, which are some of the best available on the NSW South Coast. Stop by the aquarium and see the local and tropical marine life after lunch so you don’t feel guilty when devouring your seafood platter for two.

Address: The Wharf, Lake St, Merimbula
Open: Breakfast Wed-Sun from 10am; Lunch Wed-Sun from 11.30am; Dinner Thu-Sat from 6pm.

6. Dulcie’s Cottage

Best For: A big, fat Dulcie Burger with ground beef, cheese, bacon, onion, pickles, tomato, ketchup and secret sauce.

Yes, you can order a cheeky dozen Broadwater Oysters as an entrée at Dulcie’s Cottage if you’re up to the task. But you can also order a casual cheeseburger from the 50s’ food van while chatting up your crush around one of the communal tables on the deck at Dulcie’s.

the restaurant exterior of Dulcie’s Cottage, Merimbula — Dulcie’s Cottage evokes rustic country charm.

The sister venue to Valentina owned by Diane McDonald and Kirsty Pongratz has struck a chord with locals who converge here for cocktails and live music. The original weatherboard cottage was built in 1925 by Arthur and Dulcie Goodsell and this era is honoured in the framed photos of the Goodsells, and carefully curated mix of bric-a-brac and taxidermy.

the restaurant interior of Dulcie’s Cottage, Merimbula — The restaurant’s interior has a vintage feel.

Address: 60 Main St, Merimbula

Open: Noon–11pm Mon-Thu; noon–11.30pm Fri-Sat; noon–10pm Sun

7. Bar Monti

Best For: Pizza topped with thin slices of potato, rosemary, fetta and truffle oil.

James Sverdrupsen (ex0Restaurant Hubert) and his wife Kat added to the seaside charms of Merimbula when they moved back to Merimbula in 2022 to open Bar Monti. Bar Monti is now one of the top recommendations for places to eat in Merimbula. Especially if you like homemade pizza and pasta, which is best enjoyed with family and friends in the atmospheric courtyard.

The menu at this traditional Italian joint won’t surprise you but it stands out for its simplicity. You’ll find classic antipasti such as arancini, calamari fritti and focaccia. And pepperoni pizzas, pork and veal lasagne and spaghetti with Italian sausage. It’s all worth a try. Given the location – main street Merimbula – the crowd is a mix of locals and tourists. Bar Monti makes for an easy informal night out.

Address: 6/11 Merimbula Drive, Merimbula

Open: From 5pm Thu-Mon

8. Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant

Best For: Fresh oysters from The Oyster Bar followed by Narooma yellowfin tuna.

One of the best ways to savour the South Coast is to follow the Gourmet Coast Trail , which has a special Merimbula Weekend Getaway curated with food-focused road-trippers in mind.

the exterior of Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant — Book dinner at Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant.

Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant is one of the highlights on the itinerary and a must-do when in Merimbula. Enjoy a signature seafood platter, which includes oysters from the Wheeler’s own farm, at this architecturally designed building which includes an oyster bar and takeaway window.

A plate of oysters and glass of rose at Wheeler's Restaurant — Wheeler’s Restaurant is the place to dine on seafood.

Address: 162 Arthur Kaine Drive, Pambula
Open: Bookings for lunch Wed-Mon noon–2pm; Bookings for dinner Wed-Mon 5.45pm–8pm

9. Kitty’s Bar + Dining

Best For: Korean fried chicken, gochujang sauce, pickled daikon with Kewpie mayo.

Kitty’s is one of the gems on the Sapphire Coast. The playful space, within Club Sapphire, reflects the laid-back attitude of the seaside neighbourhood. There’s a small, ever-changing menu of pan-Asian share plates such as bao buns stuffed with pork belly, slaw, hoisin and crackle, pot stickers, and Thai-style fish cakes as well as Kitty’s killer cocktails.

Kitty's Bar Merimbula has a wrap-around bar and display of bottles. — Kitty’s Bar has added a touch of class to Merimbula’s wining and dining scene.

The elegant bar is named in honour of Kitty Travers, the inaugural president of the Merimbula Imlay Women’s Bowling Club. Raise your Sundowner Spritz to Kitty for inspiring the type of jumping joint that Merimbula was missing. She would have loved it.

A steamer full of vegan Bao buns — Vegans are catered for at Kitty’s Bar.

Address: 119 Main St, Merimbula
Open: Wed-Thu 5pm–9pm; Fri-Sat 5pm–10.30pm

10. The Oyster Barn at Merimbula Gourmet Oysters

Best For: Oysters, prawns and crays

The oysters that arrive on a platter at Merimbula Gourmet Oysters will be a mix of Sydney rock oysters and the Angasi or flat oyster. The fact the flavour and quality of these briny bivalves is dependent on the pristine waters of Merimbula Lake gives visitors a deeper appreciation of the pristine environment.

Outdoor deck for dining overlooking oyster leases in Merimbula — Enjoy oysters while overlooking the leases where they were grown at The Oyster Barn.

Head down a corrugated road just off the Princes Highway and follow the signs to The Oyster Barn , where second-gen farmers Pip and Dom Boyton are renowned for their oysters.

a plate of a dozen oysters — The Oyster Barn’s award-winning oysters can’t be missed

Address: 49 Oyster Track, Millingandi
Open: Wed-Sat 10am–3pm

11. Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar

Best For: Celebrating the merroir of the Sapphire Coast with dishes like blue swimmer crab ravioli

There’s all kinds of cheffing wizardry on show in the kitchen at Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar (formerly Stillwater), on the banks of Merimbula Lake. The seafood-centric restaurant is the place to go for a dozen locally farmed fresh oysters or mains such as locally trapped snapper with roasted carrot cream and bouillabaisse jus. The location of Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar is as memorable as the food, making this one of the best places to eat in Merimbula.

a close-up of seafood meal at Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar, Merimbula — Dine on flavourful seafood dishes at Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Address: 23 Beach St, Merimbula
Open: Lunch Thu-Sat 11.30am–2.30pm; Dinner Wed-Sat 5pm–late

12. Longstocking Brewery

Best For: The Diablo wood-fired pizza with a tomato coulis, buffalo mozzarella, chilli, Tabasco, garlic and red onion

Entering the Oaklands Barn is like opening Pandora’s box. It’s where you will find a garden centre, a red double-decker London bus that is now a pop-up chop-shop (read: hairdresser’s) and the biggest small-batch brewery on the Sapphire Coast.

A tray of oysters and glass of rose at Longstocking Brewery. — Enjoy oysters and a glass of chilled rose at Longstocking Brewery.

The rule of (green) thumb here is there are no wrong choices: stop to browse from the garden centre gift store, which includes Jones & Co. pots and planters, get a minty new mullet, and then kick back in the courtyard of Longstocking Brewery , one of the best spots for a middy near Merimbula. The wood-fired pizzas are also hugely popular.

Wood-fired pizza cooking in the oven. — Longstocking Brewery is popular for its wood-fired pizza.

Address: 3546 Princes Highway, Pambula
Open: Wed noon–6pm; Thu noon–8.30pm; Fri-Sat noon–10pm; Sun noon–6pm

13. Hotel Australasia, Eden

Best for: Quattro Formaggio pizza with a rocket and parmesan salad on the side from Pikes Bistro

This grand old hotel reopened in 2022 in nearby Eden after being seamlessly restored with modern additions. It’s now one of the best places to stay on the Sapphire Coast. And while the eight luxuriously appointed heritage rooms are a draw, the wining and dining are also on point.

Stay for three nights so you can pinball between Pikes Italian Bistro, the John Hines Bar and Circa 1904 and work through the menus, which are driven by locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The charming dining room housing Circa 1904 is set to open its doors in 2024.

a family enjoying lunch at the Hotel Australasia in Eden — Bring your family to lunch at Hotel Australasia. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 144 Imlay St, Eden
Open: All-day dining 11am–till late; John Hines Bar 7 days a week.

14. Mimosa Wines, Murrah

Best for: Bermagui flame cockles with cucumber, oyster and lemongrass

This winery restaurant is a little off-the-beaten-track. The destination diner between Bermagui and Tathra is surrounded by hills blanketed in vivid green vines and the bush beyond. There’s accommodation onsite so you can stay and play once you’ve wound your way from Merimbula to Mimosa Wines .

the interior of Mimosa Wines, Merimbula — The restaurant interior of Mimosa Wines is classy and airy. (Image: Cassie Abraham)

The striking architecturally designed restaurant overlooks the vineyards, which produce top-notch estate wines. Enjoy a set menu of three or six courses created by Michelin-trained chef Jan Semmelhack with wines sourced from Australia and NZ.

scenic views from inside the dining at Mimosa Wines, Merimbula — Dine with scenic views at Mimosa Wines. (Image: Cassie Abraham)

Address: 2845 Tathra Bermagui Road, Murrah
Open: Thu noon–2.30pm Thu; Fri noon–2.30pm; 6–10pm; Sat noon–3pm, 6–10pm; Sun noon–3pm

15. Club Sapphire Pacific Bistro

Best For: A fully loaded slab of Texas parmigiana topped with BBQ sauce, ham, bacon, chorizo and cheese.

Club Sapphire Pacific Bistro hits the spot for a casual club feed. If you’re staying in Merimbula, you can pop in for a game of barefoot bowls followed by lunch or dinner at the casual eatery.

Pick from an array of cocktails at Club Sapphire Pacific Bistro.

Club Sapphire has cultivated a loyal following on the NSW Sapphire Coast. Expect classic club grub such as a scotch fillet steak and chips, garlic chilli prawn linguine, chicken parmie and haloumi and sweet potato fritters.

pork belly oysters at Club Sapphire Pacific Bistro — Pair your drinks with pork belly and oysters.

Address: 119 Main St, Merimbula
Open: Mon-Thu 10am–10pm; Fri-Sat 10am–11pm; Sunday 10am–10pm

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.

15 of the best restaurants in Merimbula to try now