on the Coast

FROM NORTH TO SOUTH, FROM COASTAL CHIC TO COASTAL CASUAL, THE REGION’S RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ SCENE IS BUZZING WITH NEW FACES AND LOCATIONS, AND SOMETHING TO SUIT THE TASTEBUDS AND BUDGETS OF ALMOST EVERYONE. WITH THE EMERGING TREND TO USE LOCAL PRODUCE DOMINATING MENUS, NOW IS THE SEASON TO ENJOY A MEAL OUT.

NORAH HEAD BEACH HAUS, Norah Head

In the glorious locale of Norah Head, between one of the best rock pools and lighthouse, Norah Head Beach Haus opened its doors for business just prior to summer. Previously known as The General Store, new owner Ashlea Hart has given the café a complete overhaul, resulting in a relaxed seaside vibe with a menu to match.

A good starting point is the signature dish, The Norah, consisting of two poached eggs, Tasmanian smoked salmon, Danish feta, grilled mushrooms and baby spinach served on a thick slice of sourdough with a house-made basil pesto. The menu will change seasonally to provide a wide variety of beautiful local produce.

Insta @beach_haus_norahhead_

THE LUCKY BEE, Ettalong Beach

Ettalong Beach is all abuzz after The Lucky Bee restaurant recently made the move from Hardys Bay to the Galleria. The new location is the perfect space for the fun venue with its signature pink and green colour-theme and dazzling disco balls.

While the restaurant doesn't take itself too seriously, the food – a blend of Asian flavours – is seriously good. Different to anything else on the Coast, expect a unique experience where it's all about having a great time.

theluckybee.com.au

TABLE 92, Toowoon Bay

If it’s fast-paced American/Italian food you crave, look to Table 92, located in the upmarket seaside village of Toowoon Bay. Specialising in pasta, pizza, gourmet burgers and schnitzel – all made fresh to order with 100 per cent Australian ingredients – the restaurant has a relaxed, casual vibe and great service. There is $18 pizza every Wednesday and $20 pasta on Thursdays, and cocktail hour Friday to Sunday, between 4 and 6pm.

table92.com

JUSTINE’S COFFEE BAR, Wyong

Another gem to recently pop up in the increasingly gentrified Wyong CBD is Justine’s Coffee Bar, located at the front of the heritage-listed Chapman Building on Alison Road.

It might be small but the exotic décor packs a big punch, with dramatic black walls and a theme reminiscent of old-fashioned coffee plantations. This café is all about the Brazilian bean blend, freshly made local cakes and pastries. Justine’s frappes are gaining a good reputation too.

Aside from the coffee, the thing about Justine’s Coffee Bar is the amazing customer service. Justine might not always know everybody’s name, but she never forgets their order.

Insta @justinescoffeebar

THREE DONKEYS HOME + CAFE BAR, Long Jetty

While the Three Donkeys café is still at its original Wamberal location, the homewares side of the business has relocated to the hip Long Jetty shopping strip, and with the extra bonus of a coffee bar that the previous incarnation didn’t have. Located next door to Plain Janes and Moxie and Muse, you can expect to find the same amazing beverages and desserts loyal customers love.

The space is large and airy, and after you browse the unique homewares you can then relax with a coffee or freshly made coldpress juice or smoothie, and enjoy something from the large range of gluten-, dairy- and refined sugar-free treats.

threedonkeys.com.au

THE DART & FEATHER, Terrigal

A move by the former Davistown favourite to the food and entertainment Mecca that is Terrigal has seen a transformation from a waterfront coastal vibe to a brooding venue complete with live entertainment, great specials and tried-and-tested cocktails delivered by experienced mixologists.

The stunning décor is the perfect backdrop for the contemporary Asian and European fusion menu. Proving popular is the bottomless lunch on Saturdays between 12 and 3pm and Yum Cha on Sundays, also between 12 and 3pm.

Locals’ night is Wednesday and includes a two-course meal for $55 or three-courses for $65, with bread and a complimentary wine, beer or soft drink.

thedartandfeather.com.au/

MARBLE BAR & GRILL, Erina

Quickly earning a reputation for serving the best steak on the Coast, this contemporary steakhouse located in the busy business hub at Karalta Road, Erina, has been open less than a year. Casual fine dining combined with quality steaks – all 10 different types from various price points – has made this restaurant a favourite with the lunchtime crowd.

Seasonal local produce is grilled with an open-flame technique, all set against a minimalist-industrial yet sophisticated backdrop. Enjoy a free house drink with every antipasto board between Wednesday and Friday, 4–6pm.

marblebarandgrill.com.au

THE CASPIAN, Davistown

A stunning, new waterfront experience incorporating Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is the best way to describe The Caspian, a new Davistown restaurant. Opened in mid-January, The Caspian offers traditional recipes cooked on charcoal and wood fire to create a unique flavour. Located in the former Dart & Feather building, the restaurant has two settings from where you can enjoy the food – fine dining overlooking the water or seating in a cozy, casual area.

The barbecue mixed plate with a side of tabouli is proving to be a popular dish. A refreshing lemon and mint drink, a traditional Middle Eastern beverage, goes well with any of the dishes.

Insta @thecaspian.davistown 8

16 SEEDS JUICE CO., Ettalong Beach

Real food, real juice and a great collaboration between local producers makes 16 Seeds Juice Co. at Ettalong Beach worth visiting. Following the juice trend of the last few years, 16 Seeds Juice Co. offers pure, organic, plant-based goodies, including cold-pressed juices, slushies, snow cones, smoothies and good coffee. Delicious toasties and burgers are also on the menu.

Live music gets the place pumping every Friday from 5pm, along with $5 tacos.

16seeds.com.au

BOATHOUSE BAR + DINING, Koolewong

Always popular with the locals is the stunning Boathouse Bar + Dining on the shores of Brisbane Water, next to the beautiful Koolewong marina. Enjoy fine dining or casual dining on the boardwalk and take advantage of the uninterrupted water views.

Lunch and dinner on a Thursday is good value, with the option of a two-course set menu for $65 or three-courses for $75. Either option includes a glass of wine or beer.

boathousekoolewong.com.au

TINTA BELMONT, Belmont

A little further to our north is stunning Lake Macquarie and sitting right on its shoreline is TINTA Belmont, a new restaurant located within the iconic Squid’s Ink Motel. Following a devastating fire some years ago, the motel and restaurant have been completely rebuilt and now have a contemporary coastal feel.

Fresh, sustainable seafood and local produce is the focus at TINTA – try the Etty Bay Barramundi served with crushed peas, herbs and lemon butter emulsion.

Situated between the lake and the Pacific Ocean, the views are next level, and the sunsets are outrageous – worth the trip north just to check it out.

tintabelmont.com.au