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

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 .

15 of the best restaurants in Merimbula to try now