Central Coast foodie hot spots
New and exciting food venues - from giant burgers to loaded cookies - are popping up across the coast. Here’s a look at some of our newest food gems.
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The Central Coast has been emerging as a food destination in recent years.
The latest injection of new and exciting food venues over the past few months will see the region continue to thrive in the ever-evolving food scene.
There’s everything from a new California-themed eatery to a specialised New York-style cookie shop to a taco takeaway, not to mention some trendy new bars.
It’s been a tough year for the hospitality industry, however the journey has inspired many people to branch out and chase their dreams. Let’s get behind these new businesses.
Here’s what new on the Central Coast:
TERRIGAL/AVOCA
Milky Lane, Terrigal – Opens Jan 11, 2021
The team from Milky Lane are busy finalising the Terrigal outlet for its opening on Monday, January 11.
Excitement has been mounting since the giant burger and cocktail chain announced it would open at 78 The Esplanade.
“We love the Central Coast, the lifestyle and the people there,” owner Christian Avant told the Express.
He said Terrigal was among the highest ranking responses when asking customers where they wanted to see a Milky Lane outlet over the past few years.
A glimpse of the menu reveals a rollercoaster of burger and cocktail flavours, from the Kevin Bacon and Chic-Kanye burgers to the mango and salted honey daiquiri and bubblegum sour cocktails.
SHADY PALMS, AVOCA BEACH
Tropical and eclectic sum up new restaurant Shady Palms, which launched in November 2020.
The restaurant, inspired by Hawaiian and California surf culture, took over the former bombini garden restaurant and pizzeria site on Avoca Drive.
Pick a spot in their garden by the oyster and champagne “shack”, by the outdoor wood-fire pizza oven or in the cottage for a more classic dining experience.
Soak up the surf culture vibe and regular live music, and enjoy the freshest seafood, poke bowls and yakitori. Visit: shadypalms.com.au
LOADED DOUGH
A haven of pure decadence and cheat day dreams emerged in Terrigal last month.
The line is often long however the rewards at the end are worth it thanks to owners Kasinda Croser and Mitch Connor, who came from a construction and real estate background before opening the Loaded Dough.
Having baked a few loaded delights and posted to Instagram, the pair knew they were onto something special.
The Loaded Dough sells New York-style loaded cookies, cookie cakes, cookie pizzas, not to mention loaded brownies and scones.
One of the most decadent items is the Loaded Nutella Sundae consisting of one loaded Nutella cookie, one loaded Nutella brownie, scoops of ice cream and drizzled with more Nutella. Visit: facebook.com/loadeddough1/
BOUFFANT, TERRIGAL
Expect more than your average lamington at new Central Coast pastry house, Bouffant.
Row upon row of pastries greet you and prove hard to resist, making Bouffant the perfect pastry wonderland to pick up sweet treats like the classic croissant, plus house-made breads and pies. Visit: bouffant.com.au
BOWLARAMA
Bowlarama is the home of pumped-up, treat-laden smoothie bowls. Terrigal is the newest location, following openings in Kincumber and Long Jetty last year.
Bowlarama sources the freshest ingredients, with customers welcome to customise their bowls. Visit: bowlaramabowls.com
TROJANS RESTAURANT AND SPORTS BAR
It’s unusual to find a local that has not visited the Trojans Restaurant and Sports Bar more than once.
With views overlooking Terrigal Haven, not to mention the delicious food at reasonable prices, why wouldn’t this be your new local.
The restaurant opened in November 2020 after the completion of Terrigal Rugby Club’s renovation. It offers a “family-orientated restaurant and bar for all to enjoy”.
Visit: www.facebook.com/trojansrestaurant
DAILY DOUGH CO
Another sweet option, where the lines are out the door, is the Daily Dough Co in Terrigal.
Daily Dough Co opened its doors on December 22 with the sweet small of fresh doughnuts filling the air.
They offer everything when it comes to the world of doughnuts, with glaze options including Maple Bacon, Strawberry Jam, Raspberry Jam, Nutella Overload, Cookies and Cream and Creme Brulee.
The Daily Dough Co, with another outlet in Wyong, also has dessert boxes not to mention the Doughnut Bouquet. Visit: www.dailydoughco.com/
ACAI BROS
On the main drag at Terrigal is Acai Bros, which opened its doors in September 2020.
Here you can enjoy everything from smoothie bowls and shakes to vegan soups, tacos and burgers. Acai Brothers have been described as “Australia’s leading superfood bar franchise”. Visit: acaibrothers.com
GOSFORD/ERINA
LYONS DEN, GOSFORD
The African-inspired bar and eatery is opening in the heart of Gosford this summer.
Expect a range of southern African meats, punchy cocktails, and with a wild interior styled by well-known interior stylist, Xanthe Highfield and safari-style mural by Leigh Caplin who has returned to the Central Coast from New York.
The bar and restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, and is a great spot for a nightcap. Visit: lyonsdengosford.com.au
ZERO FOX PASTA, ERINA
A new takeaway and home delivery pasta specialist has emerged in Erina, with the opening of Zero Fox Pasta last year.
Owners Dan Fenwick and Lauren Nink starting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing a need for people to have access nutritious food delivered to their door.
Zero Fox Pasta allows you to eat pasta exactly how you like it, so the fussier eaters among us are sorted and there are options for all dietary requirements.
It just takes three steps; pick your pasta, pick your sauce and then fill it with extra favour.
You can also build your own salad.
“I had been toying with the idea for this place for about two years,” Mr Fenwick said.
“The concept for build your own comes from being a picky eater myself.”
He said while Zero Fox Pasta specialised in home delivery and takeaway there are tables for dining in that are COVID-19 safe. Visit: www.zerofoxpasta.com.au/
LONG JETTY
BELLE AND CO, LONG JETTY
This new boutique coffeehouse opened in September 2020, selling Glee coffee.
Open for breakfast and lunch, the cafe sells has everything from smoothies and juices to light meals such as toasties, avo smash, frittata, salads and smoothie bowls.
The cafe also offers platters for special occasions.
TACOAST, LONG JETTY
The dreams of many Taco lovers have been answered with the opening of Tacoast in Long Jetty.
This takeaway taco hot spot is fast becoming known for its Taco Tuesday nights. It’s fun, casual and has the tastiest tacos going around.
YASAKA JAPANESE DINING
This authentic Japanese restaurant is new to Long Jetty, opening its doors in September 2020.
The restaurant has already become well known for its eggplant with sweet miso sauce and their house-made gyozas.
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