Sydney Eat Street: Best Terrigal restaurants to try on NSW Central Coast
A mere 90-minute drive from Sydney, Terrigal is blessed with the surf and sand of a coastal town and an ample array of restaurants, cafes and bars to try.
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TERRIGAL BEACH HOUSE
Whether you live by the beach or just long for it, there’s no denying the lure of an ocean breeze while sipping cocktails on the deck, but if your own address isn’t right off the sand, Terrigal Beach House has you sorted.
“We are in the unique position of having a huge alfresco dining terrace that looks over the sea,” says Jamie Gannon, executive chef of Laundry Hotels, the group behind such popular seaside spots as Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel, Woolwich Pier Hotel and The Terminus Pyrmont.
“Our venue has areas for all types of dining experiences whether that be popping in for a beer and a taco after the beach or catching up with friends for a long lunch on the weekend.”
The menu reflects the bounty of local suppliers, particularly their decadent and totally Instagram-able seafood platter which includes salt and pepper squid, battered flathead, king salmon, Sydney rock oysters, spiced salmon Crudo and smoked mackerel pâté served with charred flatbread.
“It pairs brilliantly with our wine Australian wine list,” Gannon says.
It’s not just a fish-based menu as he has also given a contemporary twist to pub classics such as the stacked Wagyu beef burger with a blonde BBQ sauce, artichoke and herb spaghettini, as well as meet seafood and vegetarian pizzas, all of which go down so much better with one of their creative cocktails or local craft beers.
— 40 Terrigal Esplanade; terrigalbh.com.au
SEASALT RESTAURANT
Saddle up to a wharf-side pub, and you’re bound to get tales of the sea from an Old Salty but for conversation more suited to the culinary delights of fine-dining, take a seat near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows at Seasalt.
This sun-drenched restaurant with hardwood floors and white-linen table settings is not only for its enviable location overlooking Terrigal Beach but also for its locally sourced ingredients, including the herbs from their on-site garden.
While the signature two-course hot and cold seafood platter is a standout, executive chef Simon Quick and executive sous chef Dana Chantler have rounded out the menu with dishes such as steamed pipis, fish of the day and the Jack’s Creek sirloin served with shoestring fries, charred broccolini and green peppercorn sauce.
Not to miss is the Eton Mess dessert made with a Limoncello soaked vanilla sponge, Chantilly cream, strawberry jelly, meringue, fresh strawberries and lemon balm.
Quick says: “It’s a highlight for both hotel guests and locals alike.”
— Crowne Plaza Terrigal, Pine St; facebook.com/SesaltRestaurantTerrigal
LORD ASHLEY BAR AND LOUNGE
A right royal experience awaits the Lords and Ladies of Sydney for a regal High Tea with a setting befitting their titles.
With a spectacular view of the beach, guests can relax into deep and comfortable lounges for one of Lord Ashley’s High Tea menus including the classic version with bottomless tea, a sparkling option with bubbles, as well as one for the little Lords and Ladies in your group, Kids High Tea served with milkshakes, party pies, ham and cheese fingers, fairy bread and cake.
For the grown-ups, standout menu items include English-born executive chef Simon Quick’s house-made scones and “Bobby’s quiches” a signature offering from the hotel’s chef of 20 years, Bobby Catalogna. On the sweet side, the adorable single serves of pecan and palm cheesecake topped with dainty pansies taste as pretty as it looks as does the Gateau Opera and vibrant macarons. Add to that the requisite finger sandwiches and you’ve got the makings of a majestic afternoon.
— Pine Tree Lane; facebook.com/LordAshleyBarAndLounge
L’ISLE DE FRANCE
“Fine French food without the fuss”. That’s the way you’ll hear owner, Bernard Mallet describe this delightful hatted-restaurant s stone’s throw away from the beach.
This expansive venue with indoor and outdoor dining walks that fine line between sophisticated and sociable with knowledgeable staff that are amenable to most any query – be it about the food, wine, restaurant, or even Terrigal itself.
The menu is decidedly French, a reflection of Bernard’s upbringing in Mauritius, a French-speaking island in the Indian Ocean.
You’ll find classic dishes such as Foie de Canard (duck liver pate) and Confit de Card (confit of duck with aromatic herbs and spices) as well as head chef Jose Ramirez’s more contemporary take on typically French ingredients such as escargot (snails) which are sent directly from France, the served with potato gnocchi.
The wine list is quite impressive as well; it consists of a carefully curated selection of Australian and French varietals explicitly chosen to match each dish.
The portions are quite generous but be sure to save room for dessert as Jose’s house-made ice cream is not to be missed.
Then again, neither is his Cafémélo, a dome of coffee mousse with a caramel ganache centre. Not to worry, it’s a problem that can easily be solved with a side plate and two spoons.
— 1 Ena St; lisledefranceterrigal.com.au
BELLYFISH
Well before the crack of dawn, there are those that can hop out of bed, ready and raring to go but for the rest of us, it takes a bucket load of coffee to kick start the day.
Fortunately, Mitch Jury and his father Steve, feel your pain and are already up, and brewing by 5am.
“Terrigal is a morning town,” says Mitch, noting how he can practically set his clock by the arrival of different customers.
“It starts early with caffeine-craving commuters heading into the city followed by post-workout fitness groups walking up from the beach. After that, it’s parents who’ll stop in pre- and post-the school drop off.”
It’s not just coffee that his customers crave, they’re also after Bellyfish’s all-day brunch (5am- 2pm).
“We tried doing lunch but everyone just kept asking for the breakfast dishes, so brunch it is,” Mitch says.
The hands-down favourite is The Goods, which Mitch describes as a tasting of both house-made and local good.
The dish includes cured gin and juniper salmon; house lemon and dill labneh; smashed avo, beetroot hummus, toasted sourdough; and poached eggs from the chicken farmer just up the road.
A slighter sweeter offering is the lemon curd pancakes topped with passionfruit lemon curd, smashed meringue, ice cream, berries and maple syrup.
That’s not to say it’s all morning meals as there are also some lunch-leaning items such as the crispy fried chilli salt squid which is served with a noodle salad and sweet chilli vinaigrette which Mitch swears is best enjoyed with a beer from local craft brewers Six String Brewing and Bay Rd Brewing though you’ll probably want to save that option but for an early afternoon outing.
— Shop 3-4/112, Terrigal Esplanade; bellyfishcafe.com
DISTILLERY BOTANICA
Not only is Terrigal a beautiful destination for beachside dining, but it also has some fabulous artisanal producers nearby, such as Distillery Botanica, home to an array of award-winning spirits, including Moore’s Dry Gin, Distillery Botanica’s Lemon Myrtle Liqueur and the cult-worthy, Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur.
Seeing as the distillery is owned by Phillip Moore, a horticulturist and herbalist, it’s rather fitting that the three-acre garden setting located just off Terrigal Rd is as impressive as the distillery itself. Tastings and purchases Wednesday-Sunday, from 10am-5pm.
— 25 Portsmouth Rd, Erina; distillerybotanica.com
BAR BOTANICA
Walking around the tranquil gardens of Distillery Botanica, it’s easy to let your mind wander, but for Julia and Dan Hughes, their thoughts turned to gelato, specifically the opportunity to use the mud-brick building located within the grounds in which to produce what would become their award-winning Mr Goaty Gelato.
So lovely was the setting that they went on to open a cafe that not only serves their gelato, but also coffee and light meals inspired by the surrounding gardens, and of course, cocktails from the adjacent distillery.
—25 Portsmouth Rd, Erina; barbotanica.com.au
THE JOKER AND THIEF
If you’re looking to open a bar with high-quality food and drinks to suit the local crowd, there is no better group to do so than Terrigal locals themselves.
With a menu that ranges from share plates of wild mushroom arancini and harissa cauliflower to generous bowls of chilli and garlic prawn linguine, and wagyu burgers, there’s something for every palate day or night.
No meal is complete without something to drink, and they have you sorted with creative cocktails, a bespoke wine list and locals craft beers.
—6/90 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal; thejokerandthief.com.au
THAIGER TEMPLE
For more than 25 years, the Samingkaw family has been serving up Thai food to the local community, and from the strong following they’ve built up over the years, it stands to continue for 25 more.
While Thaiger Temple boasts a perfect beachside location, it’s that along with their delicious food such as yellow chicken curry, vegan stir-fry, soft-shelled crab Pad Pong Karee and Masaman lamb shanks that keeps people come back for more; the weekly cocktail specials may have something to do with that as well.
— Shop 1/100-102 Terrigal Esplanade; thaigertemple.com
YELLOWTAIL
Cosy and intimate, this fine-dining restaurant prides itself on keeping things local, specifically when it comes to sourcing their meat, fish and produce.
Using only market-fresh ingredients, their menu reflects influences from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines and changes regularly based on what’s available at the time. Though the dishes vary, their weekly offerings such as Monday’s roast ($29pp); Tuesday’s Test Kitchen; Wednesday and Thursday’s three-course Local Hero’s, and even a yum cha lunch.
On any given night, you’ll find the likes of snapper sashimi with green chilli, finger lime, and coconut; chilled Coffs Harbour prawns with bush tomato dressing; or Ballina pipis with white wine, butter and sea herbs.
— Shop 3, 1 Campbell Crescent; yellowtailrestaurant.com.au
POCKET BAR
Whether it’s a group of friend or just one special someone, this an excellent place for good food and great entertainment. Plop down in one of the deep leather lounges or take a seat near the expansive bar and order some of their famous cocktails and some share plates or a set menu with pork belly and black bean sauce, or sirloin and Chimichurri.
“Terrigal is one of few places on the Central Coast where you literally have the beach on one side of the road and some top-notch bars and restaurants on the other,” says House of Pocket’s CEO Karl Schlothauer.
Of course, Pocket Bar would be at the top of that list.
— 74 Terrigal Esplanade; pocketterrigal.com.au
MUMBO JUMBO’S
On your way up the Central Coast, make a detour through the Caribbean at Mumbo Jumbo, a rooftop rum shack focusing on Jamaican street-food, cold drinks and great music.
Bring the whole gang and tuck into the likes of Bahamian seafood and meat boards or hang around for all-you-can-eat wings and, you guessed it, rum-based cocktails.
— 92 Terrigal Esplanade; mumbojumbos.com.au
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