16 of the best Port Stephens restaurants to book in 2025

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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From fine dining and fish and chips to everything in between, Port Stephens restaurants are diverse and ever-growing.

As you’d expect, seafood is a constant on menus in Port Stephens with chefs taking advantage of its bountiful surroundings. Plump oysters are grown just offshore and the likes of wild lobster, prawns and yellowfin tuna are plucked straight from the ocean to plate. But for those who prefer their protein from land or plant-based dining, you won’t be disappointed either. Here are the finest Port Stephens restaurants to explore in between activities.

The shortlist

Fine dining gem: The Poyer’s
Best for seafood: The Galley Kitchen
Great for special occasions: Rick Stein at Bannisters
Best family-friendly spot: Saltwater restaurant
Best for brunch: The Little Nel
Best views: Little Beach Boathouse

1. Cheeky Dog

Cheeky Dog beer garden in Port Stephens.
Nab a shady spot in the dog-friendly beer garden.

Tucked underneath Bannisters Port Stephens, one of the region’s best accommodation options, this upmarket pub is set in a stylish industrial space that’s both family-friendly and dog-friendly. Featuring an elevated bistro menu with serious European flair, the Port Stephens restaurant nails antipasto bites and crispy stone-baked pizzas.

There are also pool tables and big screens indoors, plus a beer garden with umbrellas and festoon lights. Dialling up the good vibes one step further is the live music you’ll typically find every Monday, Friday and Sunday.

Cuisine: Aussie pub fare splashed with European influences

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Chilled out

Location: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point

2. Rick Stein at Bannisters

Ricks Stein restaurant at Bannisters Port Stephens.
Rick Stein at Bannisters offers a fine dining experience like no other.

You can’t shout out Bannisters without giving one of the best Port Stephens restaurants, Rick Stein at Banisters, some love.

The renowned chef’s second eponymous outpost (the first remains at Mollymook) showcases his love of seafood with a seasonal menu – expect local produce fresh from the sea such as Stockton Beach pipis, Nelson Bay tuna and blue swimmer crab, as well as a selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. It’s a fine dining experience in a relaxed setting with cosy booths for small groups.

Cuisine: Modern Australian, specialising in seafood

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Elevated

Location: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point

3. The Galley Kitchen

a three-tiered seafood at The Galley Kitchen, Port Stephens
Dine on flavourful seafood at the award-winning Galley Kitchen. (Image: Supplied)

Part of The Anchorage Hotel, a boutique waterfront stay in Corlette with a distinct Hamptons vibe, the award-winning Galley Kitchen offers a superb fine dining experience right off a marina. Its lavish menu is centred around locally and sustainably sourced seafood, with each dish artfully plated and layered with flavour. Post-dinner (or lunch), sink into a leather lounge at Moby’s Bar, another must-visit spot within this wonderful hotel and home to a selection of the world’s finest whiskies. It’s open from 4pm.

Cuisine: Modern Australian, specialising in seafood

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Special occasion

Location: 26 Corlette Point Rd, Corlette

4. The Poyer’s

waterfront dining at The Poyer’s, Port Stephens
Dine on Modern Australian cuisine by the water at The Poyer’s.

You’ll feel as though you’re about to sail away at The Poyer’s, located right on the water at crystal-clear Lemon Tree Passage. Featuring a dazzling scattering of locally caught seafood stars on the menu — think abalone schnitzel, blue swimmer chilli crab fettuccini and sea snails — this Port Stephens restaurant is tough to contend with. Additionally, the wine list is outstanding, dotted with mostly Australian labels (and excellent vintages) and masterful international picks.

Cuisine: Modern Australian, specialising in seafood

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Sparkling

Location: 6/44 Cook Pde, Lemon Tree Passage, Port Stephens

5. Mavericks on the Bay

Mavericks on the Bay seafood platter, Port Stephens
Tuck into a fresh seafood platter.

Positioned right on glamorous d’Albora Marina and flanked by swaying boats, Mavericks on the Bay features a diverse menu of which Port Stephens seafood is the hero. If you’re keen to steal the show, indulge in a three-tiered seafood platter with the option of upgrading to a half lobster mornay. Otherwise, more casual options span burgers, pastas and steaks. It’s also a buzzy spot to enjoy a cocktail while soaking up live music on weekends.

Cuisine: International, focused on seafood

Average price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Lively

Location: d’Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay

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6. Julio’s at Bannisters

tacos and cocktails at Julio’s at Bannisters
Julio’s at Bannisters serves up classic Mexican hits.

If authentic Mexican fare is what you’re craving, get yourself down to Bannisters’ other shining star. Julio’s at Bannisters, located by the pool on level 4. It bursts with flavourful dishes, including an array of flavour-crammed tacos, seafood and sides. Chase your favourites down with two styles of churros (classic or boozy, and yes, the latter is totally a thing) for a true Mexican feast.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Easy and breezy

Location: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point

7. The Little Nel

an alfresco dining setting at The Little Nel Cafe, Nelson Bay
Pop by The Little Nel for a relaxed brunch. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located underneath Hotel Nelson, yet another outstanding Port Stephens accommodation offering, The Little Nel is a perfect place to lazy brunch in a sun-drenched courtyard. The breakfast menu is packed with fresh, hearty plates and almost everything’s made from scratch. Think smashed avo on sourdough and a bacon and egg roll, plus more unique options like a Thai chilli crab omelette. Hitting them up at lunch? Consider middle-of-the-day additions like curries, a brisket sandwich and beer battered fish and chips. Add in a freshly squeezed juice or coffee by Pablo & Rusty and you’ve got yourself a reliable dining winner.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 3/7 Government Rd, Nelson Bay

8. Little Beach Boathouse

the Little Beach Boathouse overlooking Little Beach and Nelson Bay
Sip on a sundowner right off the marina. (Image: Destination NSW)

Perched on the waterfront at the old Little Beach Marina, Little Beach Boathouse offers both refined and casual dining. Upstairs at the venue’s hottest spot, its elegant Port Stephens restaurant offers a menu focused on fresh local produce, particularly seafood. Meanwhile, Below Deck is a casual cafe and bar downstairs and the ultimate spot for a sundowner. Pair your preferred poison with a menu of bar snacks as dusk falls over the bay.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$$ (Upstairs is markedly pricier than Below Deck)

Atmosphere: Holiday vibes

Location: 4 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay

9. John Dory’s Takeaway

If you’re after a quick bite or have the kids in tow, takeaway is always a good choice. John Dory’s Takeaway, one of our favourite low-key Port Stephens restaurants, is conveniently located within a short walk to Nelson Bay Foreshore, so it’s the ultimate family-friendly pick. Choose from more than 10 types of burgers, just as many seafood packs and a bunch of quintessential snacks including Chicko Rolls, pluto pups and seafood sticks. Wander down to the waterfront to enjoy your spoils with a view.

Cuisine: Fish and chips

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: In and out

Location: Unit 3, 138 Magnus St, Nelson Bay

10. Saltwater Restaurant

Saltwater view over Fingal Bay in Port Stephens.
Sweeping sea views at Saltwater Restaurant, Fingal Bay.

Atop the surf lifesaving club at Fingal Bay, this beachside restaurant offers panoramic views of the ocean. A simple and fresh beach-style interior, it’s a holiday haven for the entire clan. The menu is filled with everything from a classic beef burger and squid ink risotto to a wholesome ‘Happy Soul Bowl’ filled with roasted veggies, plus there’s a kid’s menu to keep the littlies satisfied. It’s a beautiful spot for a long lunch, with an extensive cocktail list that may keep you even longer.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Location: Level 1, 3 Marine Drive, Fingal Bay

11. Shoal Bay Country Club

Shoal Bay Country Club overlooking the ocean and the restaurant with hanging plants.
Shoal Bay Country Club is the perfect beachfront dining spot for a fabulous feed.

With a history dating back to the 1930s, the ever pumping Shoal Bay Country Club has long been a hub for social gatherings. Oozing a chic and vibrant 1950s design, it’s the place to ascend to for drinks with large groups and there are multiple places within it to find a fabulous feed.

Mermaids is open from 6:30am for great coffee and a wholesome breakfast menu, The Kitchen and Patio kicks off at 11:30am for lunch and dinner (think woodfired pizzas, seafood and premium cuts of meat) and Atmos is a taste of the Greek Islands in Shoal Bay, serving meze plates, lamb shoulder, eggplant moussaka and souvla of the day (charcoal rotisserie barbecue). Wherever you land, it’s epic and vibrant.

Cuisine: Modern Australian, however Atmos is Greek

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Trendy

Location: 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

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12. Aussie Bobs Fish & Chips

a close-up shot of Aussie Bobs Fish & Chips, Shoal Bay
Indulge in tasty Aussie Bobs Fish & Chips.

You can’t forget a name like Aussie Bobs, but that’s not the only reason people keep coming back for its deep-fried delights. Just a short stroll from the white sands of Shoal Bay, this humble shop was first established more than 100 years ago. It’s no frills but super tasty: think battered, crumbed or barbecued fish, hot chips, potato scallops, prawn cutlets, battered savs, and all your other favourite beachside grab-and-go’s.

Cuisine: Fish and chips

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: In and out

Location: 2A Tomaree Rd, Shoal Bay

13. Mod Thai

sauteing veggies in a pan at Mod Thai
Mod Thai dishes up authentic Thai favourites such as Pad Thai, green curry and Massaman beef.

The traditional Thai restaurant chain, Mod Thai, has two locations in Port Stephens: one in Shoal Bay and the other in Nelson Bay. In operation for more than 10 years, it’s a favourite with locals and visitors alike. There’s trusted classics such as Pad Thai, green curry and massaman beef, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options, and you can choose to dine in (BYO wine), takeaway or order delivery at both locations.

Cuisine: Thai

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Fuss-free

Location: The Nelson Bay location is found at Shop 12, Nelson Bay Cinema Mall, Stockton St, Nelson Bay, while the Shoal Bay location is at 3/57 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

14. Crest Birubi Beach

Located at the Birubi Beach Surf Club, Crest Birubi Beach is open every day for breakfast and lunch. And while the meals are always satisfying, it’s the proximity to the beach that keeps locals coming back for more. Start your day with a belly-filling Crest Big Breakfast as you watch swimmers heading in for early morning dips or whales lapping up their annual migration. Alternately, swap your coffee for a glass of wine or cider while you enjoy a relaxed lunch ocean-side. Bookings are recommended.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Local

Location: 73 James Paterson St, Anna Bay

15. Romanza Woodfire Pizza

Margarita pizza from Romanza pizzeria in Port Stephens.
Handmade, Romanza woodfired pizza.

Romanza Woodfire Pizza is a simple pizzeria in Anna Bay that serves handmade, woodfired pizzas. Order authentic Italian classics spread across 12-inch bases with topics spanning Napoli, supreme, three cheese and mushroom and beyond. In the mood for something daring? Try a gourmet variety like the lightly spiced tandoori or the hot salami Flamenco.

Cuisine: Pizza

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Takeaway

Location: 156 Gan Gan Rd, Anna Bay

16. Siera Seaside

a look inside Siera Seaside restaurant in Nelson Bay
Step into the Italian-inspired Siera Seaside restaurant at d’Albora Marina.

Transport your tastebuds to the azure-blue waters of coastal Italy at Siera Seaside, a Port Stephens restaurant located at the flashy d’Albora Marina. The crowd is always geared for a good time as large groups congregate thanks to a menu filled with authentic fare. Choose a la carte or let the team steer you with a set menu of crowd favourites including Calamaretti Fritti, pasta Marinara and gelato.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$$-$$$$

Atmosphere: Colourful

Location: d’Albora Marina, Teramby Rd, Nelson Bay

 

Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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This surprising regional town is making its mark on the culinary world

(Image: Visit Griffith)

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    With more than 60 nationalities calling it home and a century of Italian influence shaping its paddocks and plates, Griffith is a regional Australian town with serious culinary cred.

    It might feel surprising to learn that Griffith is one of Australia’s leading food destinations. In-the-know Italians have understood this for generations, drawn to the Riverina region’s fertile soils that reminded them of the terrain they’d left behind more than a century ago. These days, Griffith supplies much of the nation’s pantry: 95 per cent of Australia’s prunes come from the region, it’s the country’s largest citrus-growing area, and it’s a leading producer of almonds and walnuts. Even the pickles in every McDonald’s burger nationwide are produced in Griffith. This is not just a farming town; the Griffith food scene is leading the way.

    Here, culinary confidence is rooted in migration. Italian families began arriving from 1913, with a second wave settling after the Second World War. Today, Griffith has the highest proportion of Italian ancestry of any Local Government Area in Australia. Add to that more than 60 nationalities represented across the community and you have a town where food is driven not by trends, but by tradition. Griffith’s motto, ‘Taste our culture’, isn’t marketing spin; it’s the reality.

    Where the vines tell a story

    A hand pouring wine into a glass, with a table filled with food.
    Uncover the stories behind every glass. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The Riverina has long been dubbed the food bowl of Australia, but it’s also a wine region that remains largely under the radar. What sets Griffith apart is that every one of its wineries is family-owned, many spanning generations.

    Calabria Family Wines is one of the region’s standard-bearers. The Calabria story began in 1945 when Francesco Calabria planted his first vines; today, the family continues to shape the region’s identity while also stewarding the historic McWilliam’s Wines brand. McWilliam’s was the first winery to plant vines in the area, and its barrel-shaped cellar door – complete with a soaring stained-glass window – remains one of the most distinctive in regional NSW.

    Yarran Wines, run by the Brewer family, showcases estate-grown fruit across Mediterranean varietals that thrive in the warm climate. Expect bold reds and textured whites that reflect both heritage and innovation.

    Set inside the old ambulance station, Harvest HQ is owned and operated by the Riverina Winemakers Association and pours a rotating selection of local wines under one roof. It also features spirits from The Aisling Distillery, reinforcing the region’s collaborative approach to craft.

    At the table

    A flat lay of a steak.
    Dine where tradition meets a bold new generation. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    If the vineyards tell one story, the dining rooms tell another. Griffith’s restaurants are where tradition and next-gen confidence meet.

    Zecca Handmade Italian occupies the former Rural Bank building, an imposing Art Deco landmark from the late 1930s. ‘Zecca’ means money print, and the name is a nod to the Zecca di Venezia in Venice. Here, find the Riverina’s only producer of dried artisan pasta and traditional Italian recipes. Importantly, the growers and producers supplying the kitchen are listed on the menu as a transparent expression of the region’s farm-to-table ethos.

    Established in 1977 and still run by the Vico family, La Scala puts authentic Italian cuisine on centre stage. Expect handmade pasta, traditional wood-fired pizzas, slow-cooked sauces and dishes that follow recipes guarded like family heirlooms. For something more contemporary, Bull & Bell in Gem Hotel is a shrine to the Euro-style steakhouse that works closely with local farmers and artisans to showcase Riverina produce.

    And then there are the institutions. Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, now in its third generation, draws locals daily for cannoli, biscotti, crostoli and house-made gelato, alongside classic sausage rolls and potato pies. La Piccola Grosseria feels like stepping into an Italian alimentari, its shelves lined with continental goods that wouldn’t feel out of place in Puglia.

    Meanwhile, Limone celebrates local and seasonal produce across breakfast and lunch menus, enriched by the produce and stories of Piccolo Family Farm. Find pastries and sourdough baked daily, and pop into the onsite retail pantry for products from regional producers – including the Piccolo family’s own wine range, Caro Piccolo.

    From the source

    A plated Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod dish.
    Taste world-renowned Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod, straight from its source. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    Behind every menu is a producer. Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod is perhaps Griffith’s most high-profile export; the brand’s Murray cod and Aquna Gold Murray Cod Caviar have achieved global recognition. In October 2024, Aquna presented its products to King Charles III and Queen Camilla at the NSW Premier’s Community BBQ in Parramatta. Impressed by the producer’s sustainable farming practices, the King requested the cod be sent to Buckingham Palace – not bad for a fish farm in regional NSW.

    Mandolé Orchard champions almonds grown on a family-run farm, transforming them into almond milk and value-added products. At Morella Grove, olives are pressed into premium olive oil and pantry staples that speak to Griffith’s Mediterranean heart. These producers are not peripheral; they are central to the town’s culinary ecosystem. Learn about local sustainable farming practices during a farm tour.

    Mark your calendar

    A woman walking past a food mural, something you can spot during A Taste of Italy Griffith.
    Plan your visit around A Taste of Italy Griffith. (Image: Visit Griffith)

    For a town that helps stock Australia’s supermarkets, Griffith has remained curiously absent from the national dining conversation. That’s beginning to change. If you’ve been searching for a regional food destination with substance, heritage and a clear sense of identity, you’ll find it here in the Riverina, right under your nose.

    Time your visit to the Riverina region to coincide with A Taste of Italy Griffith, held every August. This week-long celebration of Italian heritage and culture offers a wide range of Italian-inspired events and experiences to enjoy. Expect long-table lunches, wine tasting experiences, cooking classes and a Makers in the Piazza market. The headline event is a ticketed long lunch – Festa delle Salsicce (Salami Festival) – where winners of the best salami are announced.

    Start planning your foodie getaway at visitgriffith.com.au.