Top 10 Restaurants In Kingscliff And Surrounds

Eat your way along the Tweed coast with these fantastic restaurants that showcase the region’s incredible produce.

From the pristine ocean to the lush hinterland, the Tweed coast is a veritable food bowl of produce that attracts some of the country’s best chefs and restaurateurs. Whether you’re dining at a casual pizzeria or a beachside fine diner, you’ll be sure to sample the unique terroir of the Tweed. Take note of these top 10 picks to ensure your stay is full of flavour.

1. Taverna, Kingscliff

Best for: Long lunches with friends and date nights

This light-filled, white tableclothed restaurant spills through the bougainvillea-draped doorway and onto the footpath outside where, on sunny days, it’s the pick of tables for a lunch sitting.

Taverna Byron Bay — Pair an excellent beachfront location with a Greek feast and you’ve got Taverna. (Image: Ryan Fowler Photography)

An elegant assembly of Greek classics form the menu, which is well-matched with refined wines and cocktails. Sharing is a good strategy for trying as many of these beautiful dishes as possible, especially if you’re considering the generous slow-roasted lamb shoulder – and you should. Other go-to’s are the chargrilled octopus Byron Bay halloumi and the spanakopita.

Menu at Taverna Byron Bay — The spotlight is firmly on local produce here. (Image: Ryan Fowler Photography)

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday; lunch Friday-Sunday
Address: 22 Marine Parade, Kingscliff

2. Fins Restaurant & Bar, Kingscliff

Best for: Special occasion dining

Award-winning Fins has undisputed pedigree having occupied space on the Northern Rivers for more than three decades. Its former iteration was at Byron Bay, but hatted Fins now resides in Kingscliff where you’ll find flappingly fresh, line-caught seafood served within a fine dining ambience.

Interior Fins Restaurant & Bar, Kingscliff — The hatted Fins Restaurant & Bar is fine dining at its best with a dash of coastal elegance.

You can’t go wrong with owner and chef, Steve Snow’s, signature Snowy’s fish, which is simple and superb, or try a medley of seafood doused in a fiery Mauritian-style sambal. Of course, there are other options for the seafood-shy, such as grass-fed beef and handmade gnocchi. Enjoy a two-course set menu or settle in for a five-course degustation.

a hand getting oyster meat from the shell at Fins Restaurant & Bar — Slurp down some oysters at Fins Restaurant & Bar.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Saturday; lunch Friday and Saturday
Address: 5/6 Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff

3. Jordy’s, Casuarina

Best for: An easy family dinner

This neighbourhood pizzeria uses local, seasonal ingredients to adorn their naturally leavened sourdough pizza bases. Beautifully puffy and deliciously chewy, you can expect some disruption of the usual pizza genre here with toppings named after local towns, such as the ‘Cabarita’ with chicken and mascarpone, the ‘Mullumbimby’ with pickled vegetables and vegan mozzarella, and the ‘Pottsville’ with fennel salami, ham and pineapple. Kids can choose from the ‘grommets’ menu with the likes of the ‘Mooball’ pizza topped with sausage and cheese or the ‘Froggy Beach’ with basil and cheese.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Sunday
Address: 480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

4. The Crafty Cow Smokehouse, Casuarina

Best for: Casual nights out

You’ll pick up the scent of mouth-watering smoked meats before you turn the corner of this relaxed restaurant. The ironbark-fuelled smoker gets to work early on fall-apart beef brisket and pork that can be enjoyed as they are or in a burger. It’s a chilled, neighbourhood vibe at the indoor-outdoor space with local beers on tap and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. In summer the Crafty Cow makes a great end to beach days, while in winter the warmth from the smoker is perfect for cosy nights out.

Platters of food at The Crafty Cow Smokehouse, Casuarina — End your beach day at The Crafty Cow Smokehouse for a satisfyingly good feed.

Open: Dinner nightly; lunch Wednesday–Sunday
Address: 3/480 Casuarina Way, Casuarina

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5. Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Casuarina

Best for: Combined family fun or to kick off a night out

A sprawling, brightly accented Mexican eatery, Lolita’s is a riot of colour and flavour with a joyously amped-up atmosphere. Margaritas are free-flowing and you’ll find plenty of Central American staples to help keep you on an even keel, such as kingfish ceviche, tostadas, tacos and plenty of nibbles.

the restaurant exterior of Lolita’s Mexican Cantina, Casuarina — Line up for tasty tacos at Lolita’s Mexican Cantina.

Sit inside or outside, let the kids loose on the playground and lean into the fun. There’s even onsite child-minding, should the occasion call for it.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday
Address: 1 Barclay Drive, Casuarina

6. Paper Daisy, Cabarita

Best for: Celebrating a loved one or a romantic interlude

Housed in landmark luxury hotel, Halcyon House, Paper Daisy has been a headline act for dining out on the far north coast since it opened in 2015. Styled in the Capri-esque palette the hotel is admired for, the dining room is a beautiful place to spend a few hours contemplating the well-executed flavours on the plate. Be sure to arrive earlier than your sitting to sip a negroni and oyster in the bar before proceeding to enjoy sophisticated dishes such as Hiramasa kingfish with verjuice, Bangalow pork shoulder with chestnut mushroom and Jerusalem artichoke or lobster and green tea dumplings.

Open: Daily for lunch and dinner
Address: 21 Cyprus Crescent, Cabarita Beach

7. No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita

Best for: Girls’ or boys’ nights out, date nights, long lunch sessions

Elevated yet warmly welcoming and casual, No. 35 Kitchen and Bar is highly attuned to the area with a laidback atmosphere that heroes quality produce prepared simply. The dining room opens out to a roadside outdoor terrace, where it’s most pleasant to spend a warm summer evening working your way through the Italian-accented menu.

an al fresco dining spot in No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita — Soak up summer vibes at the al fresco dining spot, No. 35 Kitchen and Bar.

Seasonally driven, you may find a 12-hour slow-cooked beef shin pasta or saffron-baked fish and mussels, and antipasto bites such as cacio e pepe arancini or local burrata. All of which is deftly accompanied by a considered wine and drinks list. From 5pm–6pm, Wednesday to Friday, there’s a happy hour, where you can sip $10 drinks and snacks.

sprinkling cheese on food at No. 35 Kitchen and Bar, Cabarita — The food at No. 35 Kitchen and Bar is prepared with love.

Open: Dinner Wednesday–Friday; lunch Saturday

Address: 35 Tweed Coast Road, Cabarita Beach

8. The Burrow, Bogangar

Best for: Pre- or post-dinner drinks and a dance

Burrow in for a session at this Cabarita Beach bar and institution, where you can grab a tipple of your choice and classic, rib-sticking bar snack while listening to live music.

the restaurant exterior of The Burrow, Bogangar at night — Head to The Burrow for post-dinner drinks.

The walk-in-only establishment is a true local haunt and so popular they’ve expanded next door with a pizzeria. Check their socials for updates on special nights and line-ups.

Open: Tuesday–Sunday

Address: 1/36 Tweed Coast Road, Bogangar

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9. Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville

Best for: Intimate occasions

Inspired by the incredible produce of the region, chef and owner Ben Devlin intricately arranges flavours on the plate for exquisite fare that has earned Pipit Restaurant two hats and won Good Food Guide’s Regional Restaurant of the Year in 2022.

Ben and Yen Devlin standing side by side at Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville — Co-owners Yen and chef Ben Devlin opened Pipit Restaurant in Pottsville in 2019.

With a focus on sustainable proteins and championing local ingredients, Pipit uses an open wood fire to achieve deep flavour in every bite. Settle into the Scandi-style dining room for a laidback culinary adventure or ask for a seat at the bar, so can watch the fiery action.

Pipit runs the occasional pop-up and masterclass and a more chilled Penny’s Bistro on Monday nights to start your week out right.

a table-top view of a sample food platter at Pipit Restaurant, Pottsville — Pipit Restaurant champions sustainably sourced ingredients.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Sunday; lunch Friday–Sunday; Penny’s Bistro Mondays

Address: 8 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

10. Garden Pizza, Pottsville

Best for: Good pizza, good vibes

This charming and authentic pizzeria is somewhat of a local secret, yet its under-the-radar appeal makes it all the more special. BYO drinks from the bottleshop and grab a picnic table under an umbrella for deliciously blistered Napoli classics. There’s a few sides and homemade gelato to fill out your order, but mostly it’s the basics, executed well. You can take yours away, but the chilled, outdoor vibe is best.

Open: Dinner Thursday–Tuesday
Address: 9 Coronation Avenue, Pottsville

For more excellent places to eat in the Tweed region, read our guide to the top cafes and bakeries, Murwillumbah restaurants and where to dine in Tweed Heads and over the border in Coolangatta.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney. The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

10 must-visit restaurants in Kingscliff and surrounds