Whether you’re making the hour-and-a-half drive north to Sydney’s charming Central Coast for a day trip or a holiday, you’re bound to find several cool and trendy restaurants. And, if you’re hoping to eat your way through everything the Central Coast has to offer, you won’t be disappointed- a delicious array of restaurants await you! Here are the best restaurants on the Central Coast.
Table of contents
- 1. Osteria II Coccia
- 2. Saddles
- 3. Yellowtail Restaurant
- 4. Safran
- 5. Pearls on the Beach
- 6. Seasalt Restaurant
- 7. Ocean Restaurant
- 8. Chop N Grind
- 9. Tropicana Social Club
- 10. LOS DOS HOMBRES
- 11. The BOX on the Water
- 12. Suq Restaurant
- 13. Osteria a’Mano
- 14. Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf
- 15. The Bon Pavilion
- 16. The Wild Flower Bar & Dining at Bells at Killcare
- Restaurants on the Central Coast FAQs
1. Osteria II Coccia
Are you looking for a fine dining experience to make your getaway that extra bit special? Osteria II Coccia is here to help. The restaurant focuses on the best meat and fish cooked over wood in their charcoal oven. They have a set 6-course menu, as well as a vegetarian option too. Expect plenty of fire and flames, paired with delicious food and wine.
Address: 40/189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach
Phone: (02) 4327 8952
Hours: Thursday- Saturday 5 pm – 9 pm, Sunday 12 pm – 2 pm
2. Saddles
The quality of food at Saddles in Mount White is up to par with the restaurant’s stunning location, surrounded by dense bushland on the idyllic Central Coast island. The bakehouse, eatery and nursery is seamlessly rustic, formal and casual, all in one. We recommend the san choy bow style king prawns, which are delicious and will pair well with your surroundings. Grab a spot on the balcony for a bit of extra-zen.
Address: 20 Ashbrookes Rd, Mount White
Phone: (02) 4370 1152
Hours: Monday – Sunday 8 am- 5 pm
3. Yellowtail Restaurant
For one of the best dining experiences on the Central Coast, make a beeline to Yellowtail in the vibrant suburb of Terrigal. The restaurant is modern Australian, with subtle influences from the Middle East, the Mediterranean and Asia. The menu is just as exciting as the combo of cuisines- ever-changing and seasonal.
Address: Shop 3/1 Campbell Cres, Terrigal
Phone: (02) 4384 6656
Hours: Monday – Thursday 5.30 pm – 10 pm, Friday- Sunday 12 pm – 2 pm/5.30 pm – 10 pm
4. Safran
A delicious Turkish twist on the traditional, modern Australian influence that populates the Central Coast fine dining scene, Safran is contemporary Turkish dining at its best. Located in Ettalong Beach, chef Suleyman Kirbancioglu brings his passion into his cooking so much you can taste it. They also offer a group dining option for 11 people and over, so if you’ve got a big crew, Safran is the place to come.
Address: 81/189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach
Phone: (02) 4342 7030
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday 5.30 pm – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 2.30 pm/5.30 pm – 9 pm
5. Pearls on the Beach
With the stunning location of Pearls on the Beach, you’d think it’d be hard for the food to compare, but once your food comes out, you won’t know where to look! With uninterrupted views, countless awards and a delicious al carte menu serving up everything from the garden, land and sea, make sure you come with an empty stomach.
Address: 1 Tourmaline Avenue, Pearl Beach
Phone: 02 4342 4400
Hours: Thursday – Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm/6 pm – 9 pm
6. Seasalt Restaurant
Are you staying at the Crowne Plaza in Terrigal for your Central Coast getaway? Well, this restaurant is just downstairs! Despite the ease, this restaurant attracts plenty more people than just guests, thanks to its delicious food and breathtaking views over Terrigal beach. The menu focuses on fresh, local produce and reflects the diversity of the chefs.
Address: Crowne Plaza, Pine Tree Ln, Terrigal
Phone: (02) 4384 9133
Hours: Monday – Friday 6.30 am – 10 pm, Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 11 pm
7. Ocean Restaurant
One of the best restaurants in the Central Coast for fuss-free seafood, Ocean Restaurant in Blue Bay offers a relaxed, tasty dining experience. For mains, we recommend the pan roast Tasman sea trout, baby potatoes, fennel, leek and white miso butter. Finish it off with the caramelized quince tart tatin served with gingerbread ice cream for dessert.
Address: 102 Ocean Parade, The Entrance
Phone: (02) 4334 4600
Hours: Monday – Saturday 6 pm – 10 pm
8. Chop N Grind
Burger lovers, look no further! Chop N Grind is Terrigals local hot spot for life’s two main pleasures- burgers and beer. Small and family-run, owner Scott is the talk of the town with his big smile and delicious burgers. An excellent array of craft beers accompany your meal and burgers in a bowl if you’re looking for something on the lighter side.
Address: 3/98 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal
Phone: 0415 332 123
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 11 am – 8.30 pm, Friday – Saturday 1 am – 9 pm, Sunday 11 am – 8.30 pm
9. Tropicana Social Club
Tropicana Social Club is one of the best restaurants in the Central Coast for pizza, drinks and good vibes. Don’t feel ready to escape Australia just yet? Don’t worry- Tropicana will transport you to where you’d rather be- the tiki bar, Hawaiian decor and exotic cocktails will make you feel like you’re on an island holiday.
Address: 61 Trafalgar Ave, Woy Woy
Phone: (02) 4327 7567
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday 5 pm – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday 5 pm – 10 pm
10. LOS DOS HOMBRES
Mexican is one of the most popular cuisines, with so many delicious options everyone will leave feeling satisfied. Los Dos Hombres is the very best Mexican food on the Central Coast. Located in the Entrance, the vibrant foodie hub attracts plenty of tourists looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience. Fuss-free, fun, nachos and margaritas – could it get any better?
Address: 147/3 Victoria Ave, The Entrance
Phone: (02) 4332 2229
Hours: Monday – Friday 5 pm – 8.30 pm, Saturday – Sunday 11 am – 2.30 pm/5 pm – 8.30 pm
11. The BOX on the Water
Gifted with a spectacular location along Ettalong Beach, the BOX on the Water serves up world-class Australian cuisine with a fresh multicultural influence. Their signature dishes include The BOX seafood sharing plates, the drunken pâté, the house craft ale-battered flathead and chips, and the whole fried tamarind snapper. If you’re in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a delightful ferry ride from Palm Beach will get you here in just 25 minutes.
Address: Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve, The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach
Phone: (02) 4339 3369
Hours: Monday – Wednesday 11.45 am – 3 pm, Thursday 11.45 am – 3 pm/ 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm, Friday – Sunday 11.45 am – 8.30 pm
12. Suq Restaurant
Designed for sharing, Suq is one of the best restaurants on the Central Coast to visit if you’re with a group. Gather your pals and enjoy the warm, intimate space as you eat your way through their fresh, locally sourced, global menu. The yellowfin tuna sashimi, wasabi, sesame dressing, pickled ginger is life-changing, as is their house-made spiced Illabo lamb rolls with minted yoghurt- delish!
Address: 80 Ocean View Dr, Wamberal
Phone: (02) 4306 0859
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 6 pm – 9 pm
13. Osteria a’Mano
A little taste of Italy awaits you in Wyong on NSW’s Central Coast. Osteria a’Mano is dedicated to serving up the finest, most authentic Italian cuisine in the region. There are several options for gnocchi and penne kinds of pasta as well as all the other favourites. You’d be crazy not to pair your meal with a delicious Italian wine from the extensive drinks menu.
Address: 66 Pacific Hwy, Wyong
Phone: (02) 4353 4444
Hours: Tuesday – Thursday 5.30 pm – 9 pm, Friday – Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm/ 5.30 pm – 9.30 pm
14. Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf
Woy Woy locals can’t get enough of Fisherman’s Wharf, and given that it’s been there for 40 years, that’s saying something! The relaxed atmosphere and small community vibes are perfectly accompanied by sustainably sourced, fresh and simple seafood. Open in the warmer months, it’s the perfect spot to make those special summer memories.
Address: The Boulevarde, Woy Woy
Phone: (02) 4341 1171
Hours: Monday – Thursday 9 am – 5 pm, Friday – Saturday 9 am – 6.30 pm, Sunday 9 am – 4 pm
15. The Bon Pavilion
Looking for one of the best restaurants in the Central Coast that doubles as a gastropub? Head to The Bon Pavillion in Gosford, and you won’t be disappointed. The menu features everything you can think of, with plenty of seafood and Asian-inspired dishes making the cut. The venue is huge and vibrant, with bright murals covering the walls- the perfect place to spend your Friday night.
Address: 159 Mann St, Gosford
Phone: (02) 4302 1593
Hours: Wednesday – Thursday 11.30 am – 10 pm, Friday – Saturday 11.30 am- 12 am, Sunday 11.30 am – 5 pm
16. The Wild Flower Bar & Dining at Bells at Killcare
Effortlessly romantic and perfectly whimsical, The Wild Flower Bar & Dining at Bells at Killcare will guarantee a very special dining experience. Nestled within the gardens of Bells boutique hotel, the restaurant is an exciting mix of Mediterranean and Moroccan flavours. Celebrity chef Sean Connoly is the man behind it all, so expect to be amazed.
Address: 107 The Scenic Rd, Killcare Heights
Phone: (02) 4349 7000
Hours: Monday – Sunday 7 am – 3 pm
Restaurants on the Central Coast FAQs
The best Italian restaurant on the Central Coast is Osteria a'Mano.
The best restaurant to eat at by the water on the Central Coast is The Box on the Water.
For the best fine dining on the Central Coast, head to Boathouse Bar & Dining.
