Map your culinary journey around the Central Coast with these epic restaurants and cafes.

The region may not immediately come to mind for excellent culinary offerings, but even the most discerning of tastebuds will be pleasantly surprised at the diverse dining scene on the Central Coast. Coffee snobs can get a very good cup of morning zing at its many cool and casual cafes, fine dining is easy to come by with many restaurants serving up award-winning menus, a good pub feed is found in almost every town, while bar-hopping is made easy with ample watering holes and breweries. Here, the most epic restaurants on the Central Coast.

The shortlist

• Fine dining gem: Wild Flower Bar + Dining, Killcare
• Hidden gem: Amalfi, Pearl Beach
• Family-friendly spot: The Beachomber, Toukley
• Best for brunch: Bellyfish, Terrigal
• Best pub: Hotel Gosford, Gosford
• Best views: The Box on the Water, Ettalong
• Great for late-night dining: Tropicana Social Club, Woy Woy
• Best for groups: Kefi, Koolewong
• Most Instagrammable: Lago Cucina, Budgewoi
• Best date spot: Arc Est. Terrigal
• Best outdoor dining: Swells, Terrigal
• Best for casual dining: Lagune, Wamberal

1. The Cowrie, Terrigal

For decades, The Cowrie  has been a fine dining institution on the Coast, perched high on the hills of Terrigal with panoramic views of the ocean and town below.

Chef and owner Dimitris Aronis (ex-Bathers Pavilion) heads up a team that includes alumni from the likes of Quay and Aria. There is a strong focus on local and sustainable produce, as well as an entirely plant-based menu matched with Australian Ikou teas or organic wines.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed sophistication
• Location: 109 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal

2. Coco Bar & Dining, Terrigal

Take a culinary journey through Asia with a meal at the cosy Coco Bar & Dining restaurant adjacent to Terrigal Beach , which is popular with locals. Expect a flavourful fusion of Chinese dumplings, Taiwanese bao, Japanese yakitori and an array of large plates from Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. There’s also a kids’ menu, including honey soy chicken or lemongrass caramel pork belly with a drink and ice-cream.

Sit outdoors on Terrigal’s bustling esplanade or inside the intimate restaurant underneath a ceiling of dimly lit lanterns and greenery, and sip on themed cocktails such as the Chiang Mai Cosmo or a Geisha Fizz.

• Cuisine: Southeast Asian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Intimate
• Location: 88 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

3. Meribella, Terrigal

A Mediterranean-inspired fine diner with the ocean crashing just across the street, Meribella  is the latest addition to the Crowne Plaza, Terrigal.

Set within a unique space with high ceilings and curved expansive windows that capture views of the sea through Terrigal’s iconic Norfolk pines, the design is nostalgic and comforting, while the menu is avant-garde, conceptualised by chef Joshua Mason.

Local beverages feature on the menu, including Moore’s Gin and Amber Lane whisky, paired with indulgent and artfully plated dishes from grilled octopus to Black Angus served on the bone. It’s a sophisticated old-world dining destination tucked on the first floor of this landmark hotel.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated
• Location: Crowne Plaza, Pine Tree Lane, Terrigal

4. Yellowtail, Terrigal

There’s a lot of chatter about Yellowtail , and for good reason. This hatted restaurant may be small but it packs a punch with a refined and relaxed dining experience inspired by the flavours of the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean.

Offering a la carte and a five-course degustation, as well as a popular yum cha degustation for lunch – think Aburi ocean trout, confit duck leg pancakes and mushroom wontons with bottomless rose.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated
• Location: Shop 3/1 Campbell Crescent, Terrigal

5. L’isle de France, Terrigal

As a nod to owner Bernard Mallet’s Mauritius heritage, it’s all about the reinvention of classical French dishes with the flavours of Asia and Africa at L’isle de France .

Head chef Jeremy Pace (ex-Bistro Guillaume) and sommelier Fabrice le Boulanger (who has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe) both hail from France, bringing authenticity to the menu.

The elegant beachside restaurant has a cosy fireplace for winter and an alfresco courtyard adorned with festoon lighting for summer. 

• Cuisine: French
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated
• Location: 1 Ena Street, Terrigal

6. Bellyfish, Terrigal

When it comes to epic brunches, Bellyfish is hard to beat. This long-running café is one of the busiest spots in town – not only do they do really great coffee (it’s Single O from Surry Hills) and a hearty menu featuring lots of local ingredients, but it also has funky interiors and is a hop, skip and jump to Terrigal Beach.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: 112 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal

7. Arc. Est, Terrigal

Run by the same people who own cult burger shop Chop n Grind  just around the corner, Arc. Est is a favourite among locals, especially for a long lunch of seasonal comfort food such as lamb shoulder and pappardelle.

Unmissable for its charming wooden entry doors and warm, rustic interiors, it has a vibe that could very easily slot right into the heart of Byron Bay or Bali.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Intimate
• Location: Shop 7–8/18 Church Street, Terrigal

8. Swells, Terrigal

While Swells is open year-round , this chic restaurant screams summer. Located above Bellyfish Café, it has incredible views of the ocean and the buzzy town of Terrigal.

Dine on the outdoor terrace when the weather is fine – though a section of it is undercover and protected by glass panels – or inside the restaurant if you are seeking a cosy meal.

It has an a la carte and set menu option, where seafood, such as grilled Australian prawns and yellowfin tuna tataki is a stand-out but you’ll also find dishes such as Korean pork belly and harissa roast lamb rump. Order an Aperol Spritz or a G&T to amp up the coastal vibes.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 1/112 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

9. Once Again Asian Eatery, Terrigal

Perched on a corner in the busy seaside town of Terrigal, Once Again is a modern Asian restaurant that has been hot on the lips of local foodies since it opened in 2023.

The menu is bursting with authentic Asian flavours, from a fragrant Massaman to the Wagyu beef in pepper sauce and a grilled chicken satay paired with a moreish roti, served in a sleek and stylish space. There’s also a kids’ menu and a decent vegan selection.

• Cuisine: Asian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Stylish
• Location: 10 Kurrawyba Ave, Terrigal

10. Luna, Terrigal

Right next door to Bellyfish is the new-ish pink-hued Luna café . It’s smaller than Bellyfish but packs just as much punch when it comes to delicious coffee and all-day breaky (the green garlic scramble is always a winner). There are some tables inside but most are out the front. The staff are super friendly too.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 2/112 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

11. Avoca Beach House

Avoca Beach House really shines in summer, with a white, bright and airy interior and panoramic views of the beach, so you can watch local surfers catch waves as you enjoy high-quality seafood and share-style platters.

Add a mouth-watering cocktail to complete the scene. Definitely, one to add to your summer itinerary.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 85 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach

12. Lagune Artisan Pizza Co., Wamberal

When you want to cook authentic woodfired pizza, where better to learn than in Napoli itself? That’s what Lagune owner and chef Alex Benedictas did. And the result? Arguably the best pizza on the Central Coast, made with fresh handmade dough and premium Italian ingredients. Lagune has two venues, one that serves takeaway and another, a stroll from Wamberal Beach, that is open for breakfast (think eggs benny, smashed avo, coffee), lunch (housemade foccacias and pasta) and dinner (artisan pizza).

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 80 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal (original takeaway location); 127A Ocean View Drive, Wamberal (new dine-in restaurant)

13. Suq, Wamberal

Right next door to Lagune, Suq  is an intimate family-owned restaurant with a menu bursting with global flavours from France, Italy, North Africa, Japan and the Med. You’ll find everything from Japanese tempura soft-shell crab to a 12-hour slow-cooked lamb souvlaki, all designed to share. Though we think this restaurant is pretty perfect for a romantic meal, too.

• Cuisine: Fusion
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Intimate
• Location: 80 Ocean View Drive, Wamberal

14. The Pantry, Forresters Beach

Tucked away in The Quarters resort, The Pantry is a charming little café with a sunny courtyard and an all-day brunch menu (eggs benny, pancakes, soft tacos, poolside avo).

There’s also a half-serve menu available on Mondays and Tuesdays, if you’re not overly hungry. It has a good selection of cocktails, craft beers and wine to sip on under the peach-hued umbrellas with palm trees swaying above. There is also a kids’ playground coming soon (parents rejoice!).

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 960 Central Coast Hwy, Forresters Beach

15. Los Muchachos, Ettalong

The idea at the cool and colourful Los Muchachos in Ettalong is simple: to create authentic Mexican and South American cuisine from home recipes, with the finest ingredients. And – if the local praise is anything to go by – they have succeeded in doing that. All your favourites are there: nachos, burrito, quesadilla, as well as empanadas, jalapeno poppers and a Latin-inspired drinks menu, such as a Dark Cherry Pisco Sour and tequila shots. Come here for a good feed and a good time.

• Cuisine: Mexican and South American
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Buzzy
• Location: 207 Ocean View Road, Ettalong

16. Tropicana Social Club, Woy Woy

Inspired by a 1950s Polynesian tiki bar, Tropicana Social Club  serves pizzas, boutique wines, craft beer and tropical drinks.

The aesthetic is so well done, adorned with wood-panelled walls, cane furniture and tropical plants it has a self-described vibe that is Blue Hawaii meets Twin Peaks meets Cocktail.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Buzzy
• Location: 61 Trafalgar Ave, Woy Woy

17. Kefi, Koolewong

From the same clever people behind Motel Mezza, Kefi is a Greek restaurant  with a name that translates to ‘good times’ in Greek. The huge venue, which sits on the waterfront at Koolewong Marina, has been given an extensive reno, creating a bright space with a neutral palette with timber and cobalt blue furnishings, a nod to the national colours.

The menu features classics such as chargrilled octopus souvlaki, moussaka, and lamb keftedes, and the drinks list is a celebration of Greece’s winemaking history and also features Med-inspired cocktails.

The dining area boasts views over sparkling Brisbane Water, while there is casual seating on the outdoor deck by the water’s edge.  

• Cuisine: Greek
• Price: $$$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 19 Brisbane Water Drive, Koolewong

18. The Box on the Water, Ettalong

Its name is a bit of a hint: The Box on the Water at Ettalong sits pretty on the waterfront of Broken Bay, affording spectacular views through the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows. The modern Australian menu features hearty options to share (roasted lamb shoulder and a seafood platter) as well as smaller dishes including fish and chips and paella.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve, Ettalong

19. Madame Spice, Ettalong

Located in the Galleria Ettalong, Madame Spice oozes sophistication from the moment you step inside: the dimly lit space is resplendent with sapphire blue walls and velvet blue dining chairs, gold accents and Asian-inspired wallpaper.

The menu features dishes such as flash-fried Szechuan prawns, Crying tiger and crispy pork bao. Order a Mr Rice Guy Negroni – gin, Campari and sweet vermouth washed in rice – or a yuzu and gin spritz to complete your culinary journey.

• Cuisine: Asian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Stylish
• Location: 40/189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong

20. The Boathouse Hotel, Patonga

Part of Sydney’s renowned Boathouse Group, the Patonga outpost is nestled among Norfolk pines and a hop, skip and jump from the gentle waves of Patonga Beach.

Come here for long lunches with friends, ordering from the pub-style lunch featuring seafood, burgers, pasta and pizza. There is live music every weekend and happy hour daily from 4-6pm if you need any other reason to get here.

There’s also a kiosk here to grab a casual breakfast by the beach.

• Cuisine: Pub food
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 6 – 8 Patonga Drive, Patonga

21. Amalfi, Pearl Beach

A few sandy hops from the gentle shores of Pearl Beach, the charming Amalfi , a cottage-turned-chic Italian restaurant, oozes la dolce vita vibes. The venue that once housed iconic restaurant Pearls on the Beach has been given a refreshing makeover, resplendent with a white and lemon palette and festooned with fairy lights and striped umbrellas on the outdoor terrace and a wraparound porch that captures the views and the sea breeze.

Designed to be shared in good company, the menu features antipasti, crudo and formaggio, as well as heartier pasta dishes and kids’ options. It would be remiss not to enjoy an alfresco Aperol Spritz during happy hour as the sun begins to set on the ocean horizon. It’s the next best thing to Europe.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Coastal chic
• Location: 1 Tourmaline Ave, Pearl Beach

22. Wild Flower Bar & Dining, Killcare

The Wild Flower Bar + Dining  menu is ‘inspired by the food of the sun’, boasting flavours from the Mediterranean to Morocco.

Part of the ultra-luxe Bells at Killcare, the menu at this hatted restaurant is designed around ingredients from the impressive 500 square-metre kitchen garden, and locally sourced produce, especially the seafood from nearby Macmasters Beach, Hardys Bay and Brisbane Water.

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated
• Location: 107 The Scenic Road, Killcare

23. Cafe Ronto, Umina

Owned by Hungarian-born chef Gary Ronto, who has worked under Yottam Ottolenghi and combines the flavours of Europe, Middle East and Asia, the little Cafe Ronto on the main street of Umina has a bit of a cult following. There’s an all-day breakfast menu (think shakshuka, Turkish eggs, tom yum and chili pork omelette) as well as a lunch offering (Israeli couscous, Szechuan fried chicken burger, Mediterranean poke bowl…).

• Cuisine: Fusion
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 304 West Street, Umina

24. Hotel Gosford, Gosford

The heritage-listed Hotel Gosford  underwent a stunning revamp in 2021; its brooding Art Deco design paying homage to its 1920s roots.

Earl’s Kitchen is a relaxed dining space with pub classics such as chicken schnitzel and Caesar salad, as well as share plates and an impressive range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, much of it made up of local ingredients.

The tipple list is also extensive, with 32 tap beers and creative cocktails, such as the Smoked Negroni created with locally made Moore’s Dry Gin and smoked with hickory wood.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Elevated pub
• Location: Corner of Mann and Erina streets, Gosford

25. South End Social, Gosford

The swanky South End Social café and bar is light and airy with large windows, fresh white walls, timber and Terrazzo flooring, and a refreshing palette of blues and greens.

The seasonal menu is fresh, modern Australian using local ingredients where possible, with a great cocktail and wine list to enjoy over a long lunch.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: Shop 1/32 Mann Street, Gosford

26. Little Miss Mezza, West Gosford

By the same clever folk behind sleek Motel Mezza and coastal chic venue Kefi, Little Miss Mezza is coined the ‘sassy little sister’. The incredible interiors of this West Gosford restaurant are all soft pastels and curved walls, dim lighting and natural materials.

The menu is inspired by the flavours of the Middle East with an Australian twist. Order a mix of small and large plates to share with friends, such as housemade falafel, lamb pide, wild goat tagine and applewood smoked chicken. It’s a feast for both the eyes and bellies.

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern x Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Stylish
• Location: Shop 3 & 4, 299 Brisbane Water Drive, West Gosford

27. Railway Hotel, Gosford

Located directly across from Gosford Railway Station, this charming, heritage-style hotel is a nod to the railway boom of the 19^th century.

Slated as a contemporary pub, steakhouse and bar, the menu is centred around premium cuts of meat, juicy burgers, and classic dishes such as Bangers and Mash, steak and Guinness pie and beer-battered fish.

Guests can enjoy a steakhouse feast on Meat Up Mondays and on Sundays, there’s a good ol’ fashioned Signature Railway Roast.

• Cuisine: Pub food
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Elevated pub
• Location: 159 Mann Street, Gosford

28. Oya Bowl Bar, East Gosford

Word has spread, and this little ‘bowl bar’ tucked away in East Gosford is attracting crowds of hungry locals looking for authentic Japanese ramen created with a housemade broth and either chashu, karaage, gyu or crispy fried tofu.

Also on the menu is mazesoba – dry ramen served with thick and chewy egg noodles, shoyu tare and toppings – and donburi. The eatery itself is simple, with small tables and stools and an outdoor seating area, for casual dining.

• Cuisine: Japanese
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: Shop 8 / 40 Victoria Street, East Gosford

29. Bar Botanica, Erina Heights

Housed in a charming 1970s mud-brick hut nestled on the lush grounds of Distillery Botanica, Bar Botanica  is an idyllic spot for enjoying cocktails with friends – created with spirits made next door and botanicals from the garden, of course.

The simple food menu features charcuterie boards to share, pies, toasties and deli sandwiches. It’s perfect for a relaxed sun-drenched afternoon accompanied by live jazz in the garden on weekends. Locally brewed Six Strings beer and wine are also available.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: 25 Portsmouth Road, Erina

30. Kew Dining, Erina Heights

Adjoining the renowned Ken Duncan Gallery, Kew Dining is a relaxed space that complements the surrounding bush landscape: natural timber and wicker furniture and a sage green and blush colour palette.

The café serves breakfast and lunch, but its high tea is a local favourite. Served from 10am on Tuesdays and Saturdays, diners can enjoy sweets such as freshly baked scones and savoury bites such as housemade arancini balls and finger sandwiches, with tea or bubbles.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: 414 The Entrance Road, Erina Heights

31. Corsia, Erina

Combining local and Italian ingredients, Corsia  – which means ‘lane’ in Italian, a nod to its laneway location – creates a seasonal menu featuring ever-so-fresh handcrafted pasta, such as cacio e pepe and slow-cooked beef ragu, as well as pizza and antipasti, all inspired by family recipes.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed cafe
• Location: 2 Ilya Avenue, Erina

32. The Entrance Social Club, The Entrance

The former Entrance Hotel is almost unrecognisable with its latest multi-million-dollar rebrand as The Entrance Social Club . Sports fans will love Taffy’s, which has booths with personal TVs to watch all the big games, from NRL to NBA to UFC. While across the corridor, Mrs May Bistro & Bar is a very different, more feminine vibe: all soft tones, curves and gold accents, a round pavilion with fireplace and cane swinging chairs to relax. Dine on pub classics and fresh seafood or enjoy a drink in the alfresco beer garden, which will be buzzing in summer.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Elevated pub
• Location: 87 The Entrance Road, The Entrance

33. Cue and Crew, The Entrance & Tuggerah

Meat lovers: contain your tastebuds. Perfecting the art of low- and slow-smoked meats, Cue and Crew proved so popular, that it has two venues – at The Entrance North and Tuggerah. Pick up takeaway boxes of your choice of fresh smoked American barbecue meat – beef brisket, pulled pork, pork belly, pork ribs, pulled lamb and wings, all served with house pickles, slaw and potato crisps. Or dine in for breakfast and lunch at The Entrance, and lunch and dinner at Tuggerah, which hosts an all-you-can-eat American barbecue Wednesday and Thursday nights. Unbuckle your belts for this one.

• Cuisine: American barbecue
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 20 Hargraves Street, The Entrance and 2 Reliance Drive, Tuggerah

34. The Savoy, Long Jetty

Long Jetty’s 1950s theatre The Savoy was given a new lease on life a couple of years back when it was turned into a multi-purpose bar and restaurant. Fill up on casual bites such as pizza or share plates, browse the long list of beverages, and enjoy a film screening (every Thursday night) or groove along to the live DJs on the weekend.

• Cuisine: Pub food
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Buzzy
• Location: 2/391 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty

35. Motel Mezza, Wyong

Housed in a former 1930s bank, Motel Mezza  is a speakeasy-style bar with a Middle Eastern menu that’s designed to share with friends (falafel, kebeh, sambousek) along with a tipple from the extensive beverage list.

Signature cocktails such as a mango and chilli heat and pineapple and saffron martini will leave a lasting impression.

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Intimate
• Location: 98 Pacific Hwy, Wyong

36. The Beachcomber, Toukley

Set right on the shores of Budgewoi Lake, The Beachcomber is a hip and happening place with a chic Hamptons look and beach club vibe for locals and visitors to eat, drink, stay and play.

Pub food is served at The Beachie, a casual dining space with an outdoor terrace and grass area, with umbrellas and picnic tables on the lakefront and there’s a kids playground too.

Cuisine: Pub food
Price: $$
Atmosphere: Coastal chic
Location: 200 Main Road, Toukley

37. Johnny Tapas, Norah Head

Good food and good times are on the agenda at Johnny Tapas , a buzzy restaurant in the heart of the beachside suburb of Norah Head.

The menu, unsurprisingly, features tapas as well as woodfired pizza, tacos and some epic cocktails, beer and wine. There’s also live music and other events such as comedy shows.

• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Price: $
• Atmosphere: Buzzy
• Location: 7 Mitchell Street, Norah Head

38. Lago Cucina, Budgewoi

The Budgie (aka Budgewoi Hotel) is unrecognisable these days after an impressive makeover that has catapulted it into 2023. While downstairs is still all pub-style frivolity, on the first level, Lago Cucina  is its refined dining option.

The sophisticated space is designed with a warm neutral palette and curves, natural stone and timber. The contemporary Italian menu features antipasti, woodfired pizza, and hearty main dishes including crab linguine, Black Angus New York steak, and a whole lamb shoulder or one-kilo pork tomahawk to share.

• Cuisine: Italian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Stylish
• Location: 169 Budgewoi Road, Budgewoi

39. Ming Dragon, Tumbi Umbi

Yum cha lovers should make a beeline for this Chinese restaurant inside Mingara club . Served at lunch from 11am daily, sit in anticipation as the trolleys come out carrying bamboo baskets packed with fresh and flavoursome dim sums, handcrafted dumplings, crispy spring rolls and great service to boot. Dinner is a la carte and a banquet menu is also available.

• Cuisine: Cantonese
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 12 – 14 Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi

40. Saddles, Mt White

Inspired by a traditional bakehouse and set on 11 hectares of quintessential Australian bushland, the rustic but luxe Saddles Mt White serves a heartwarming menu of modern Australian cuisine.

Whether you order a pork and fennel sausage roll followed by a lamington with chocolate ganache, or a six-week dry-aged T-bone steak, all dishes are elegantly plated.

• Cuisine: Modern Australian
• Price: $$
• Atmosphere: Relaxed
• Location: 20 Ashbrookes Road, Mt White

Want more insider tips for the Central Coast? Read our travel guide.