When it comes to food, the Central Coast serves up no shortage of amazing meals, however, if you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary here are some foodie experiences that will be sure to impress, starting with...

Experience an Artisanal Australian lunch

Saddles Mount White celebrates all that is Australiana, both in the landscape that surrounds the homestead, and in their seasonal menu showcasing Australian cuisine. For the foodie, a long Saddles lunch is an artisanal experience featuring a range of native, bush-inspired ingredients such as lemon myrtle, strawberry gum, and pepper berry. 

Indulge in a luxury picnic 

The Central Coast is not short of picturesque picnic spots, and for the foodie there are a number of gourmet picnic caterers to match the luxury of the landscape. Order a bougie picnic hamper, or full picnic setup and lavish like Kings and Queens in the open air. Some companies showing us how it’s done are Phat Platter, Gypsea Picnics, Elixir Journeys, Forage and Feast and The Mini Grazing Co. 

Cook up a storm with Masterchef Julie Goodwin 

Made famous as our first national Masterchef, Julie Goodwin is a Central Coast local. Visit Julie’s Place for a wide variety of cooking classes for all skill levels. From high tea, to preserving and pickling, to canapés and cocktails, to family meals, it all happens at Julie’s Place! 

Go on a Degustation journey 

You don’t have to be in the Big Smoke to find a degustation experience to tantalise the taste buds. Perfect for the curious, adventurous, and fine-dining foodie, a degustation usually features 6+ different dishes (or ‘courses’) to sample through the menu and story of the chef/restaurant. Often with the option of matching wines, you can really make a special occasion of it. Try The Cowrie, L’isle De France, Yellowtail or Reef in Terrigal, or Box On The Water in Ettalong. 

Oysters on the Hawkesbury

If seafood's your thing, in particular the delicate, salty flavours of the oyster, then you need to make your way to the Hawkesbury. From riverside dining at the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed, to Oyster farm boat tours, Gourmet oyster and seafood lunches, there's even a floating Oyster Wine Bar, whichever your preference the Hawkesbury is, without doubt, the home of some of the Oysters.   

Experience Gin and Gelato at Distillery Botanica 

Distillery Botanica is set on three acres of beautiful gardens teeming with botanicals used in the award-winning spirits and liqueurs. Visit the Distillery Door for tastings, then head to the Bar for a cocktail and serving of Mr Goaty Gelato - voted Best Gelato in NSW by Gourmet Traveller 2020. With everything on offer inspired by The Fragrant Gardens this is a unique opportunity to witness “plant to plate”. 

See inside The Chocolate Factory

Have your own Willy Wonka moment with a visit to The Chocolate Factory in Gosford and take a guided tour to learn how their famous chocolates, nougat, and marshmallows are made. With a shop and cafe on site you can do plenty of tasting, and the kids can even take part in a chocolate-making workshop.

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