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The Central Coast is known for its incredible beaches, but did you know it’s also loaded with cracking restaurants? From fine dining at Yellowtail and Safran, to seaside feeds at The BOX on the Water and Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf, plus burgers, Mexican and woodfired pizza, there’s something for every mood. Here are our recommendations on the best Central Coast restaurants worth the drive.
Best Restaurants on the Central Coast at a Glance
- Best Fine Dining: Yellowtail
- Best Italian: Osteria a’Mano
- Best Waterfront Dining: The BOX on the Water
- Best for Burgers: Chop N Grind
- Best for Pizza & Drinks: Tropicana Social Club
What Are the Best Restaurants on the Central Coast?
1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. 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
9. 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
10. 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
11. 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
12. 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
How We Chose This List of Central Coast Best Restaurants
We pulled this list together by leaning on our trusted team, checking Google reviews, asking for locals’ recommendations and checking credible online sources. We made sure the list covers a mix of fine dining, casual eats, waterfront restaurants and family-friendly favourites. If we’ve missed a spot you reckon belongs on the list, get in contact. You can also view our editorial policies and standards here for more information.
What to Do on the NSW Central Coast?
The NSW Central Coast has plenty going on. You can spend the day at Avoca or Terrigal beach, walk the Bouddi Coastal Track, or grab fish and chips at Woy Woy. The Entrance is worth a stop to see the pelicans, and if you’re hungry, well, any place on this list will do the trick. Families should check out the Australian Reptile Park or just let the kiddos run amok at Umina Beach.
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Restaurants on the Central Coast FAQs
Osteria a’Mano in Wyong is the place to go for good Italian. The pasta is absolutely on point, and the wine list has plenty of Italian bottles to match.
The BOX on the Water at Ettalong is hard to beat for seafood with a view. Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf is another go-to, especially in summer.
Yellowtail in Terrigal is known as the best fine dining on the Central Coast. The Wild Flower Bar and Dining at Bells at Killcare is another option for something a little more upscale.
Los Dos Hombres at The Entrance. Big feeds, fair prices, and the margaritas don’t hurt either.
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