Central Coast restaurants: 30 of the best dining options revealed
When it comes to food, the Central Coast is a destination like no other. Now we reveal 30 of the best restaurants in the region, ranging from a travellers’ choice award winner to a John Singleton venue which was set up as a country cottage before becoming a dining hotspot. NAME YOUR FAVOURITE VENUE.
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It’s a well-known fact that the Central Coast has some of the best food going around.
In recent years the region has established itself as a food destination, attracting high profile chefs and restaurateurs from all over the world.
However, it is also the quiet newcomers and hidden gems that have caught the attention of outsiders, from the phenomenal burger joint in Ettalong Beach to the mates who get up every day at 4am to slow cook beef brisket for 13 hours up at North Entrance.
It’s the guys who relocated from New York to set up a modern Asian restaurant in Hardys Bay and the couple who have turned John Singleton’s country cottage into the powerhouse that is Saddles up in Mt White.
COVID-19 has hit our hospitality industry hard which is more reason to appreciate the variety of cuisines on offer in our region.
There’s also been some recent surprises, including Young Barons converting into a specialty grocery store and Bombini being sold.
Here is a celebration of 30 of the best restaurants that are defining our food status on the coast.
The Lucky Bee
After seven years running a restaurant in New York, Rupert Noffs and Matty Bennett wanted to chase a new “paradise” inspired by the streets of Asia.
So they swapped the Big Apple for our very own Central Coast, firstly opening the restaurant in Woy Woy and then finding their ideal location on the waterfront in Hardys Bay.
Bennett is the executive chef, designing and creating all of the modern-Asian dishes from Thai Curries and Szechuan pepper & Salt Whole Snapper to Pork Hock Bao Buns and Betel Leaves of Poached Prawns.
The Lucky Bee is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, with jazz every Friday from 5pm
Bonfire - The Bon Pavilion
The main street of Gosford was lifted to new heights when The Bon Pavilion, located underneath John Singleton’s Bonython Tower, opened its doors in April 2019.
The restaurant Bonfire has set a fierce benchmark, with executive chef Sean Connolly in the driving seat. Connolly believes in cooking on the bone and in the shell to ensure maximum flavour.
“Food is my life but as a chef and restaurateur being hospitable is more important than good food,” he said.
Menu favourites include the kingfish ceviche, slow cooked Victorian lamb shoulder and a unique yet decadent dessert known as the “dropped softie”.
Open for lunch from 12pm Thursday to Sunday and dinner from 5pm Wednesday to Saturday.
www.thebonpavilion.com.au/bonfire
Pinocchios Wine & Pizza Bar
The Gosford wine and pizza bar is the ultimate destination for lovers of wine, cocktails, pizza and pasta. It’s the ideal place to come together with family and friends and share amazing food and wine from Australia, New Zealand, Italy and France.
Pizza flavours pack a punch with flavours such as thyme, mushroom, parmesan and white truffle oil and pork fennel sausage, artichoke, slow roasted tomato, thyme and olives.
According to the owners the restaurant has “hidden subtleties reserved for those who seek them out”.
Open Tuesday to Saturday 4pm-8.30pm
Saddles
For a place that John Singleton initially designed as a country venue where you could go for a cuppa, Saddles has become so much more. Situated in Mt White, Saddles is a destination not only for coasties but also the Sydney and Hunter regions and beyond.
Directors Cameron and Hayley Cansdell describe the food as Australian with influences from their childhood with creations such as the Roast Little hill farm chicken to the lamington with Daintree estate chocolate.
Pull up a saddle in the restaurant overlooking the country-style kitchen, sit near the open fires or soak up the sun on the wrap around deck. Even grab a baked treat to go, take a blanket and sit around the stunning grounds.
Open daily 8am-5pm
Cue and Crew
If American style BBQ is your jam, Cue and Crew at North Entrance has it all.
Thirteen hour cooked beef brisket, pulled pork, ribs and a smoker named Shaniqwa … need we say more.
Owners Haydn Powell and Michael Freeman keep it simple, drawing inspiration from the infamous Frankin Barbecue in the US.
“There’s no bulls**t. You just come and get fed”, Mr Powell told the Express.
That’s exactly the case, with the meat, not to mention great coffee, speaking for themselves.
The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch Wednesday to Sunday and dinner Thursday to Saturday (until sold out). Takeaway available.
The Waters Edge
An idyllic location for seafood is The Entrance and The Waters Edge has it all sewed up.
“Our menu delivers freshness,” they proudly state.
The seafood options include extra large plump Pacific oysters, six varieties of whole fresh fish and seafood platter for two the most popular choice.
The Waters Edge is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Arc. Est
Arc. Est has emerged as the new kid on the block in Terrigal and has people talking.
Situated in Church St, Arc. Est has only been open for a number of weeks – but enough time to make an impression on the local food scene.
A glimpse into the dinner menu reveals Tahitian Kingfish Ceviche, Chargrilled Rare Beef Fillet and Zucchini Flowers.
Lunch is just as impressive with a few more relaxed options such as the caesar salad with crispy skin salmon which many of the locals, including myself, have devoured.
Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Sunday.
Box on the Water
Enjoying a glass of rosé on the waterfront at Ettalong accompanied with the freshest seafood is a ‘must do’.
Owners of The Box on the Water, Monique Keogh and Natasha Nicholson, have been running this restaurant for six years and love being a popular part of the foreshore.
The restaurant has cemented itself on the peninsula, serving modern Australian food which steers towards seafood.
Open for lunch everyday from 12pm-3pm (Sunday long lunch 12-7pm), breakfast Sat and Sun 8am-11am, dinner Thurs – Sun 5.30pm-8.30pm
Shorethyme Restaurant
Heading up north to Norah Head, this little gem cannot be missed.
Shorethyme Restaurant is one of the coast’s finest, with head chef and owner Stuart Downes, along with his family, running the place since 2003.
A delve into the menu reveals roast lamb rump, local jewfish fillet along with fresh Sydney rock oysters. Just sit back and let the natural flavours do the talking.
There’s also a kids menu with plenty of options to keep everyone happy.
Open 6pm Tuesday to Saturday.
www.shorethymerestaurant.net.au
Dart and Feather
The Dart and Feather opened in mid 2017 and has gained a massive following on the Central Coast and beyond, operating as a combined restaurant bar and lounge overlooking panoramic views of Davistown waterfront.
The modern Australian restaurant, a 2020 Travellers Choice winner, has an Italian flare with a mouth-watering range of pizzas.
A browse of the mains reveals Tuscan lamb shank, pan roasted salmon fillet and prawn and chorizo risotto.
There’s movement at the restaurant with new owners taking over this month, promising to continue the “dining experience like no other”
“We’re taking The Dart and Feather to the next level.”
Open Wednesday to Sunday.
Yellowtail Restaurant
With gutsy flavours on the menu, Yellowtail Restaurant in Terrigal is continuing to push the envelope. The restaurant has made its mark on the coast since it opened almost four years ago.
Head chef and owner Scott Price said the menu had “morphed over time” to modern Australian with Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean influences.
“I’ve always liked to do fine dining with gutsy flavours,” he said.
When the Express visited we had the crispy lamb belly, with smoked eggplant puree and mint yoghurt. The lamb belly was unbelievable, working perfectly with the Middle Eastern flavours.
Dessert was poached rhubarb with pistachio pastry and yoghurt, which was a fresh and delightful take on the world renowned sweet baklava.
Open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday and lunch Saturday and Sunday.
Reef Restaurant
Seasonal meals with buckets of flavour, exceptional service along with stunning views over Terrigal Beach and The Haven are the secrets of Reef Restaurant’s success.
The chefs use the freshest produce when designing the á la carte, degustation, tastings and canape style menus.
A recent trip to the Reef Restaurant had this diner in heaven with twice cooked pork belly for entree, gold band snapper for main and hot chocolate fondant for dessert.
The restaurant is currently running table service Wednesday to Saturdays.
Remy & Co Pasta Bar
Authentic handmade pasta and stone cooked pizza is continuing to draw the crowds at Remy and Co Pasta Bar in Erina.
The restaurant has established itself as the place to go for authentic, handmade pasta on the Central Coast with the favourite dish the Ancient Roman “poor-mans” pasta served from the pecorino wheel.
However self taught pizza guru Daniel Iannello is turning heads with his love and talent for pizza. There’s plenty of toppings to choose from including the Capriciosa, with smoked ham, artichoke and mushroom, the Diavola, with hot salami and mushroom, the Margherita and for the lovers of dessert, the Nutella Pizza.
Open Wednesday to Saturdays.
OSTERIA IL COCCIA
Osteria il Coccia is a wine bar and Italian restaurant in Ettalong Beach which cooks with fire.
Italian-born chef Nicola Coccia has cooked at various locations such as Biota, Ormeggio and Bistro Officina in Bowral.
What he brings to Ettalong Beach is something truly special, with the his next door venture The Hot Chook Shop now available for take away.
The menu is simply a pleasure with the divine organic sourdough bread fresh out of the fire, moreton bug with nut emulsions, onion broth and grains, clams opened over the fire and grass-fed sirloin to name just a few.
The atmosphere is warm and relaxed with the fragrances of ironbark and olive wood emanating from the wood-fired grill.
BamVino
BamVino has become a well known brand across the coast — synonymous with sensational pizza and quality wine.
BamVino in Erina Heights opened its doors in July 2014 and just two months later opened a deli next door, followed by two bottle shops — in Green Point and East Gosford.
It all started through the friendship of co-owners Jan Rundle and Grant Spokes.
“We noticed a gap in this area for good wholesome food; somewhere you can bring the family that didn’t just have deep fried food,” Mr Rundle said.
He said the restaurant prides itself on “good food, good wine, quality service and a great atmosphere. We have a passion for food and being able to access it on the Coast”.
Pizzas range from Mango Chicken to the Trio of Truffle, with truffle salami and truffle pecorino. Another must try is the Salmon Pizza and the Lamb Shoulder with Thyme pizza.
Read about their takeaway store here.
The Cowrie
The Cowrie in Terrigal needs no introduction, boasting one of the finest beach views on the coast. The fine dining menu compliments the extraordinary panoramic ocean and bay views.
The menu’s specialty is seafood and the platters could not be more fresh, flavoursome and stunning.
However when you’re still dreaming about the pork belly dish a year after visiting, you know you’ve found something special.
Menu highlights include twice baked gorgonzola souffle, beetroot carpaccio and golden bread and butter coconut pudding.
Open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.
The Ferryman
A touch of history, the freshest produce, perfect flavour combinations and the occasional singing waitress can be found at The Ferryman in Davistown.
The Ferryman has to be on must visit list, with owners John and Anna Hancock renovating the 100-year-old building on the waterfront.
The food, created by head chef Matt Whiting, is ideal for the location highlighting local seafood and the freshest produce of the day. Mr Whiting described the food as modern Australian with a focus on seafood as well as a variety of different influences.
“The menu changes a lot after we talk to local providores and fish mongers who tell us what is good each day,” Mr Hancock said.
www.facebook.com/theferryman.davistown/
At Baker St
He’s made a name for himself throughout the country and now celebrity Chef Daniel is running At Baker St in Gosford with fresh, delicious food to make you happy.
Head down in your thongs or a suit, bring the family or sit up at the bar and chat with the chefs. As long as you eat, drink and laugh, the team are thrilled.
Daniel described the menu as “fresh, modern Australian with local ingredients”.
“The chefs picks are where we get creative,” he said.
Highlights of our trip included the Mexican Chorizo Scramble and Mediterranean Avocado, Indian spiced calamari and the South American BBQ chicken skewers with Chimichurri. And the cocktails were unbelievable – including a tiny tasting tray with an icy blue drink known as Gosford Waterfront.
BMX Burgers
We hailed it the Central Coast’s best burger when the Express sampled the range last year. If that lofty title isn’t enough to lure you in the ice cream sandwich will finish you off.
Hidden in Umina Beach is an unassuming burger bar — blink and you might miss it but stop and the rewards are endless.
With thick, succulent burger patties, and towers of fresh ingredients — not to mention cocktails and milkshakes from heaven — BMX Burgers is one of the coast’s rare and glorious gems that needs to be on everyone’s must list.
BMX Burgers have been open almost two years, with owner Marc Tucker and his family relocating from Sydney to the coast.
Loving the relaxed atmosphere, he decided to take on a new adventure and show off his creativity in the burger world.
“This is different but really creative,” he told the Express Advocate during an interview last year.
Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner.
Tropicana Pizza Pizza
Local pizza joints are vital members of any community, and Woy Woy has one of a kind.
Tropicana Pizza Pizza not only operates as a pizza shop and bar, but is also entwined in the community and has hosted a range of festivals.
Owners Tim and Cate Stewart moved to the peninsula six years ago, taking over the premises where Woy Woy Gourmet used to run on Blackwall Rd.
Mr Stewart, who has a media background, has mastered sensational pizza. He said a point of difference at Tropicana Pizza Pizza was the 30 hour cold fermented dough.
“The yeast breaks the gluten down so it’s much better for your stomach,” he said.
The dough is not only light and holds it’s form, but is full of flavour. The menu is small, yet packs a punch with choices such as Tony Pepperoni, Big Hungry, Triple Cheese and Fisherman’s Wharf with locally sourced seafood.
Open Tuesdays to Thursdays from 5pm, and Fridays and Saturdays from 4pm
Grand Pavilion
Situated in both Ettalong Beach and Terrigal, The Grand Pavilion is a go to for not only our favourite Indian dishes but when we are keen to delve into the rich history of Indian cuisine.
The menu is packed for choice and the staff are there to guide you all the way. They will cater to your every need when it comes to how spicy or not-spicy you like your dishes.
For this diner, the Goanese fish curry is out of this world, along with the Madras Beef and
Dahl Tadka which is a North Indian delight with lentils that have been simmered in a slow fire overnight.
Plenty of choices for the kids as well.
The Bay Cafe
Hidden in Toowoon Bay is a restaurant that has established a reputation for it’s phenomenal seafood, owned by Peter and Helen Mortimer.
In a simple and comfortable setting, this restaurant let’s the food do all of the talking.
The Bay Cafe serves the freshest lobsters, a range of seafood platters as well as a dish with prawns done in six different ways.
It also features outback food, so look out for the Kangaroo Fillet, Barramundi, Emu Fillet, Crocodile and char grilled Scampi.
Open 7 nights for dinner from 6pm and lunch Thurs to Sun from noon.
Frederico’s Bar & Eatery
Frederico’s brings Latin American inspired food to the Point Frederick, along with South American wines and cheeky cocktails.
There’s Taco Tuesday, Frederico’s Fajita Fiesta every Wednesday, Nachos Thursday and Happy Hour Tuesday – Sunday from 4.30pm-5.30pm.
The man himself Frederico is the little brother of the crew that run The Box on the Water in Ettalong. He describes himself and the restaurant as “strong, passionate, fiery, fun”.
A self-confessed nacho fiend, I couldn’t go past the Nachos Grande with slow cooked chilli beef. The menu is just full of exceptional flavour combinations from the eggplant ceviche, pork belly tossed in honey caramel and paprika and oregano marinated chicken skewers.
The churros are a must for the sweet tooths.
Chop N Grind
There’s rarely am empty chair in this award-winning Terrigal burger joint.
“A good easy feed, with a good beer” – that’s how they describe themselves and that’s enough for me.
“We like our burgers big and tasty, our drinks cold, the music easy to get into, and an atmosphere that makes you feel like a local.”
Some of the burgers are giant, however showcase the freshest of ingredients.
My personal favourite – the “HOT CHICK” – butter milk marinated fried chicken, spicy slaw and garlic aioli closely followed by THE MEXICAN – wagyu/chorizo pattie, spicy beans, jalapeños, tomato lettuce, sour cream, avocado.
The Wild Flower Bar & Dining
When Bells at Killcare reinvented itself in late 2019, the Wild Flower Bar and Dining was born – and is proving just as popular.
The iconic Central Coast 5-star resort attracted celebrity chef Sean Connolly who is leading the kitchen alongside owners Karina and Brian Barry. Connolly has broadened the restaurant’s Italian style to a modern-European approach – and a touch of “theatre”.
“And as a romantic at heart, I’m always searching for the perfect dining experience,” he said.
“We are going to unearth some of the incredible seafood from our local Hardy’s Bay fishermen. We’re also going to inject a little more life to the dining experience … and we’ll be creating more theatre on the floor with trolley service and table-side cooking including salt-crusted fish cracked right there on the table and pasta tossed fresh in front of your very eyes.”
Many people have returned from the restaurant saying “it’s the best it’s ever been”.
www.bellsatkillcare.com.au/restaurant-and-bar/
Bar Toto
Bar Totó was established early in 2013 and helped set the coast up for its food revolution with the idea of “bringing back the old-world charm of wining and dining to the Central Coast.”
Hidden in the Cinema Paradiso complex in Ettalong Beach the Italian trattoria is the ideal spot for a cocktail and grazing plate.
Lead by Australia’s top 100 cocktail craftsman Peter Clarke and international pizza competition medallist Jerry Altavilla, Bar Totó is on the must list.
The menu is an experience in itself, from classic cocktails and cured meats and cheeses handmade by local Italian producers to charcuterie, formagio and cichetti plates.
Open Friday 4pm-10pm, Saturday 12pm – 10pm and Sunday 12pm – 9pm
Safran
Another Ettalong Beach gem is Safran which offers contemporary Turkish dining inspired by Chef Suleyman Kirbancioglu.
Chef Kirbancioglu delves into Turkey’s rich culinary history and showcases the many layers of Turkish food.
An experience you will never forget, with meals including Beyti kebap, 30 hour beef rib and lemon thyme lamb shoulder.
The Flavours of Turkey dessert is a must try with pistachio baklava, helva, Turkish delight, revani cake and vanilla ice cream.
Ela Mesa
Ela Mesa is well known as the little piece of Greece on the waterfront of Woy Woy.
It is a Greek Mediterranean café restaurant with a modern flare.
You’ll feel like you’re on a Greek holiday with the traditional ambience and the food is unforgettable from the freshest seafood, traditionally cooked lamb or delicious Greek sweets and coffee.
My choice is The Greek Street meal package where you are taken on a journey, from the lamb and chicken souvlaki to the Cypriot pork sausage sheftalies and Greek salad. There was a fight over every last bite on this platter. And the desserts … unbelievable.
Ela Mesa is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11.30am.
Pearls on the Beach
Pearls has been running for 18 years under head chef Scott Fox and restaurant manager Melissa Fox – this place got the memo a long time ago that the coast was the ideal location for relaxation and fresh food.
You can just about touch your toes in the sand, with the restaurant nestled in a chic beachside setting.
The food is a blend of contemporary Australian food with the season’s best produce and exceptional wines to match – yellow fin tuna crudo, saltwater barramundi, tagine spiced roast chicken, dark chocolate torte … need we say more.
The Marshmallow Co
It wouldn’t be a proper restaurant list if we didn’t end it with a dessert-only venue.
The Marshmallow Co has a shopfront and dessert bar in the Chapman Building in Wyong, serving their gourmet marshmallows as well as marshmallow-inspired desserts unlike any.
The in-store dessert menu is a sweet tooth’s dream, including the decadent brownie with marshmallow cream, Belgian waffles with marshmallow cream, strawberry cheesecake as well as milkshakes topped with the lightest marshmallow fluff.
There’s also the popular s’mores dip to share with friends or family, where double dipping cannot be helped.
Open Wednesday 10am-5pm, and Thursday to Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday from 11am-6pm
Tell us what you think. Are there other deserving restaurants that should make the cut? Email: Fiona.killman@news.com.au