Coffee, beachside

COFFEE, BEACHSIDE “I’ll have sand with that.”

THE CENTRAL COAST IS BLESSED WITH 87 KM OF COASTLINE AS WELL AS QUIET WATERWAYS, AND ALONG THOSE SHORELINES, WE LOVE TO SIT AND HAVE A COFFEE AND CHAT, OR DINE OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN. HERE’S A RUNDOWN ON WHERE YOU CAN FIND THOSE SPECIAL SPOTS UP AND DOWN OUR SANDY SHORES.

(Note: Opening hours shown may vary in autumn and winter months.)

PEARL BAY GENERAL STORE AND CAFE

PATONGA

Patonga Boathouse Hotel

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, takeaway fish+chip shop. Licensed. Specialty coffee by Single Origin, Paradox Blend. What the locals say: Great ambience, great location. Come by boat, come by road but don’t come late because it’s super popular.

Hotel: 11am to 8pm. Fish+Chip Shop 7am to 3pm, 7 days. 6-8 Patonga Dr., Patonga.

PEARL BEACH

Pearl Bay General Store and Cafe

Breakfast, lunch and takeaway. Coffee by BlendCo Coast in Lisarow. What the locals say: Great coffee. In a quiet corner of Pearl Beach, away from the crowds.

8am to 2pm, 7 days. 1 Pearl Pde.

UMINA BEACH

The Beach Kiosk

Takeaway food and coffee. What the locals say: Great if you’re holidaying at Ocean Beach.

7am to 3pm, 7 days NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, 90 Sydney Ave.

Umina Beach Cafe

Cakes, coffee, drinks, ice creams. What the locals say: Great location, excellent for families. Coffee is good, view is amazing.

6am to 3.30pm, daily. Under the Umina Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, 509 Ocean Beach Rd.

ETTALONG BEACH

The Box Beach on the Water, and The Box Kiosk

The kiosk is adjacent to the stylish restaurant, The Box on the Water. Kiosk is open for breakfast, lunch, snacks. Specialty coffee by Fat Poppy Roasters. What the locals say: The kiosk offers great casual meals and snacks; bench tables undercover, and chairs and tables by the sea wall where you can put your feet up and enjoy the view and the coffee.

7am to 4pm, 7 days. Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve, The Esplanade.

KILLCARE

Killcare Beach Kiosk

Breakfast, lunch, snacks. What the locals say: Best spot after a beach walk or surf. At the southern end of the beach where you can spread out on the grass, or choose a table.

9am to 2.30pm, daily. Below the Killcare Surf Lifesaving Club, 81 Beach Dr.

Spinnakers Killcare

Lunch and dinner. Specialty coffee by NorthSouth Espresso in Lisarow. What the locals say: Upstairs, the view is unbeatable.

Thursday to Sunday noon to 3.30pm and 6pm to 9.30pm. Above the Killcare Surf Lifesaving Club, 81 Beach Dr.

MACMASTERS BEACH

Barefoot Cafe

The food has an Aussie and Asian influence. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. Coffee by Caffe Mondo. What the locals say: Under the Norfolk pines, with views across the beach. Good food, and no passing traffic between you and the beach.

8am to 4.30pm most days, and 8am to 9pm Friday, Sunday. 100 Marine Pde.

COPACABANA

Cabana Cafe and Bar

Spacious outdoor seating. What the locals say: Nice bar servery under the big Norfolk pine. Dog friendly.

7am to 2pm daily. 202 Del Monte Pl.

Copaccino’s

Breakfast, lunch, pizza, pasta. Coffee by Grinders.

From 7am, 7 days. 216 Del Monte Pl.

Burnt Honey Bakery

To go: Pastries, bread, cakes. Coffee by Little Italy. What the locals say: Unsurpassed pastries, lovely owners, good coffee.

7am to 2pm Wednesday to Saturday, 8am to noon Sunday. 224 Del Monte Pl.

Artie’s Place at Copa

Kiosk under the awning of the Surf Lifesaving Club is under new management in 2021. What the locals say: Low-key, perfect spot to come to for a coffee in wet cossies.

Thursday to Monday 6.30am to 5pm. Copacabana Surf Lifesaving Club, Del Monte Pl.

SPINNAKERS

ARTIE’S PLACE

BAREFOOT CAFE

Wamberal locals Roy, Jo and their Three Donkeys, Sienna, Hunter and Elijah are very proud to own and operate Three Donkeys Wholefood Café & Three Donkeys Home. Offering a lifestyle of eating well, living well and feeling well.

Wholefood Café Home

threedonkeys.com.au

Our menu caters to dietary requirements, specialising in gluten, dairy and refined sugar free options, as well as being Vegan friendly. Enjoy a Specialty coffee or one of our many caffeine free drinks, with your choice of locally made raw desserts. The Home shop offers a unique range of décor, fashion, furniture and flowers. Jo and her team will also help you with any styling advice you may need, and if you haven’t got time to pop in, go to our website and shop online.

WHOLEFOOD CAFÉ Open 7 days. 7am-2pm 6 Ghersi Ave Wamberal NSW 2260 I 02 4339 8052 HOME Open Mon-Sat. 10am-4pm 2 Ghersi Ave Wamberal NSW 2260 I 02 4309 5440

Changing tides and endless good times.

Located in the heart of Terrigal, Terrigal Beach House is a vibrant meeting place for endless good times with stunning beach views and fresh ocean breezes. Enjoy icy cold drinks on the beach terrace or indulge your taste buds with our locally sourced seasonal menu available from 11:30am daily.

Open Hours Monday – Saturday: 10:00am – 3:00am Sunday: 10:00am – 10:00pm

Kitchen Open Sunday – Thursday: 11:30am – 9:00pm Friday – Saturday: 11:30am – 10:00pm

TERRIGALBH.COM.AU

THE BOY AND THE ROSE

DAVISTOWN

Dart & Feather

A mix of fine dining, cocktail bar and more casual lounge with windows that open to create an al fresco feel. No outdoor area, so no dogs allowed. What the locals say: Very stylish restaurant without it feeling too formal. Great sunsets.

Wednesday, Thursday 11.30am to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm. Friday to Sunday 8am to 9pm. 1 Restella Ave.

AVOCA BEACH

Point Cafe

Breakfast, lunch, drinks. Coffee by Schibelloco. What the locals say: A favourite spot, interesting food and always a good buzz. The perfect place to watch the surf and the surfers, and to catch the sea breezes.

7am to 4pm, 7 days. Under the Surf Lifesaving Club, 10 Vine St.

NORTH AVOCA

The Boy and the Rose

Breakfast, lunch, drinks, cakes. Coffee by Glee Coffee Roasters. What the locals say: The cool place in North Avo.

6am to 2pm, 7 days 21 North Avoca Pde.

TERRIGAL

Bellyfish

A landmark in Terrigal, at the northern end of the esplanade. Breakfast, all-day brunch menu, licensed. Specialty coffee by Single O Roasters. What the locals say: Lovely atmosphere, feels like its own little community at the Wamberal end of Terrigal.

5am to 2pm, 7 days. Takeaways 10am to noon. 112 Terrigal Esplanade.

Sixty The Esplanade

Breakfast, lunch, pasta, cakes. Wood-roasted coffee by Wood Roasters in Marrickville. What the locals say: Family-friendly and dog-friendly café. Go there for the coffee and the view.

6am to 3pm, 7 days. 60 Terrigal Esplanade.

Island Time Espresso Bar

Island-style breakfast, brunch, lunch, poke. Coffee by Espressology in Sydney.

7am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. 104 Terrigal Esplanade.

Surf Cafe Terrigal

Breakfast, brunch, surf burgers, seafood, and more. What the locals say: Great location. Go there because it’s right on the beach without having to cross the road. Huge menu with something for everyone.

6am to 3pm, weekdays. 6am to 4pm, weekends. Under the Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club, 1 Terrigal Esplanade

Maccoa @ The Clan

Located just over the bridge, by Terrigal Lagoon, with views over the water and beach, and up to the Skillion. Breakfast, lunch, takeaways with seasonal menu sourced from local suppliers wherever possible. Specialty coffee by The Little Marionette. What the locals say: Delightful veranda area with old-fashioned louvred windows give it a cottage feel. The older kids can amuse themselves nearby on the sand.

7am to noon, weekdays. 7am to 3pm weekends. 1 Ocean View Dr, Terrigal.

TERRIGAL BEACH HOUSE

OCEAN-FRONT AT TERRIGAL CROWNE PLAZA Surfside bar, alfresco terrace, indoor dining, and live acoustic music

The cool place to unwind, kick back, and shake off the salt and sand from the beach is the newly revamped Terrigal Beach House. Pop in after a dip in the ocean, or gather a group of friends for a long leisurely lunch. We think you’ll love the beach views, the friendly buzz, and the warm welcoming atmosphere for families, friends and even pooches.

The interior gurus at Design Madgwick have mixed soft sandy tones and textural timbers with a sophisticated colour palette. A huge marble-topped bar runs the length of the outdoor terrace and there are leather banquettes and easy rattan seating, coupled with solid oak tables for larger groups. Terrazzo flooring extends through the space while timber boards recreate a coastal boardwalk.

The culinary team and group executive chef, Jamie Gannon (who led the food direction for Woolloomooloo Bay Hotel, Woolwich Pier Hotel and The Terminus at Pyrmont) have created a fresh menu underpinned by seasonal, locally sourced produce.

“Expect elevated twists on the classics, and food that is fresh and incorporates a variety of flavours and complementary textures,” says Gannon.

What’s better after a day at the beach than grilled prawn tostadas, fish tacos, a charcuterie board or perhaps one of the many gourmet pizzas on offer. Sip on a cocktail or craft beer.

The Beach House Classics menu offers refined burgers, and star a shroom vegetarian burger. On the Fresh Menu there’s a range of mouth-watering salads including a haloumi and charred pumpkin salad with avocado, pomegranate, lemon, macadamia and quinoa crumb.

Kids are catered for with a selection of classics served with complementary ice cream.

For a more intimate dining experience, settle into the light-filled indoor restaurant and enjoy a spectacular seafood platter of salt and pepper squid, battered flathead, king salmon, Sydney rock oysters, spiced salmon crudo and smoked mackerel paté served with charred flatbread.

Throughout the warmer months, Terrigal Beach House will have live acoustic music most days. Sitting under the cabanas with a spritz in hand as live music fills the terrace, is the perfect way to end your day. We strongly suggest you put it on your radar.

Terrigal Beach House is located at 40 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal NSW 2260 terrigalbh.com.au Open: Monday to Saturday: 10am to 3am. Sunday: 10am to 10pm Kitchen hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11.30am to 9pm. Friday, Saturday: 11.30am to 10pm

TERRIGAL HAVEN

The Cove Cafe

Breakfast, lunch, takeaway. Licensed. Organic Arabica coffee by BlendCo Central in Lisarow. What the locals say: Always buzzing. Upstairs on the long narrow balcony, overlooks The Haven beach, the seagulls and swimmers.

Sunday to Thursday 7am to 3pm, Friday to Saturday 7am to 5pm. Beachside, The Haven.

TOOWOON BAY

Toowoon Bay Surf Lifesaving Club

Breakfast, lunch, drinks. Coffee by Grinders. What the locals say: Best hot chips! Menu specials are always good.

7am to 2pm, 7 days (weather permitting). 160 Bay Rd.

THE ENTRANCE

WAMBERAL

Wamberal Ocean View Cafe

Breakfast, lunch, coffee. What the locals say: Big windows, big view across the dunes to the beach and surf. Good place for small and large gatherings. They do weddings too.

8am to 3pm, 7 days. Wamberal Surf Lifesaving Club, 1 Dover Rd. The Entrance Lake House

Opposite the water at Tuggerah Lake, west of the bridge. What the locals say: Go there for date-night dinners, great for weekend breakfast or brunch, and high teas too.

Saturday, Sunday: Breakfast 8am to 11 am, takeaway noon to 6pm. High tea takeaway, Saturday 11 am. 27 The Entrance Rd.

Waters Edge Seafood Restaurant

Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Coffee by Coast Caffe.

SHELLY BEACH

7am to 9pm, 7 days. 12 The Entrance Rd.

Munchas Cafe and Catering

Breakfast, lunch, takeaway. Dairy milk from Little Big Dairy Co., Dubbo. Coffee by Crave. What the locals say: Perfect location. Love the coffee. Great food, and caters to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free meals.

6am to 4pm, 7 days. Downstairs, Shelly Beach Surf Club, Shelly Beach Rd.

NORAH HEAD/SOLDIERS BEACH

Surfside Snax

THE COVE CAFE

MUNCHAS Kiosk open for breakfast, brunch, sandwiches. Takeaway, delivery. Coffee by Marrichio. What the locals say: Busy place, great excuse to stop and rest after a walk or cycle.

8am to 3.30pm, weekdays, and from 7am weekends, weather permitting. Ted Rafferty Cycleway, Norah Head.

Dunes by Dish

Mostly a bar and restaurant (try their delicious tapas). Specialises in enticing cocktails. What the locals say: Try the coffee cocktail! Dinner, takeaway. Coffee by Buondi Beans.

Friday to Sunday noon to late. Wednesday, Thursday 4pm till late. Upstairs, Soldiers Beach Surf Lifesaving Club, 101 Soldiers Pt. Dr, Norah Head.