Discover the Central Coast's best-kept secrets. From charming cafes and cosy bars to local seafood shops, health stores, and versatile event spaces designed for the community, we unveil hidden treasures that are often overlooked but truly deserve your attention.

Bells Larder at Bells at Killcare

Bells Larder at Bells at Killcare offers a variety of gourmet treats including artisanal cheeses, homemade pastries, and fresh coffee. They sell a plethora of artisanal goods including tinned seafood, boutique beers & wines, and both local and globally sourced condiments. The Bells Larder is beautifully curated by local legend, Michaela Clayton.
Where: 107 The Scenic Rd, Killcare Heights

Bottletree Kitchen

Found in Bensville, Bottletree Cafe serves breakfast and lunch options with delicious sandwiches – including their popular Reuben.
Where: 32 Kallaroo Rd, Bensville

Burnt Honey Bakery

Burnt Honey in Long Jetty and Copacabana is a must-visit for those looking for quality, house-made baked goods. Get there when they open to beat the long queues and get the freshest baked goods.
Where: 298 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty | 1/224 Del Monte Pl, Copacabana

Canton Chinese

Canton Chinese is a local gem opposite The Beachcomber Hotel in Toukley. They offer old-school, succulent Chinese meals and friendly service with a perfectly outdated interior. No frills and no fuss!
Where: 177 Main Rd, Toukley 

Chakos Chooks

Located just opposite the beach, Chakos Chooks is a popular spot for gyros and perfectly cooked chicken and burgers. Finish your meal off with some house-made cinnamon donut fries.
Where: 47 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach 

Charming Thai Restaurant

Offering authentic Thai cuisine with a variety of dishes that transport your taste buds to Thailand.
Where: 159 Pacific Hwy, Charmhaven

Chi Cong Bakery

Known for its freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes, Chi Cong Bakery also serves up one of the best Bánh Mi rolls on the Coast.
Where: 221 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance

Edwards Family Butcher

This family-owned butchery is renowned for its award-winning gourmet sausages and smoked meats. Note – their Christmas hams are worth pre-ordering.
Where: 48/64 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy

Fortune Lane Chinese Restaurant

Serving authentic Chinese with a diverse menu of house-made dim sum. Did someone say duck pancakes?
Where: 4/6 Pine Tree Ln, Terrigal

Green Tangerine

Located in Long Jetty, Green Tangerine is a popular café serving a delicious and healthy menu.
Where: 393 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty

Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed

Located by the Hawkesbury River, this seafood spot is a waterfront paradise for seafood lovers, known for its fresh oysters and seafood delicacies. A perfect stopover, just off the freeway.
Where: 6 Kowan St, Mooney Mooney

Hong Kong Chef

Hidden in the outside food court at Westfield Tuggerah, Hong Kong Chef serves its popular Cantonese dishes – their mapo tofu is delicious.
Where: 50 Wyong Rd, Tuggerah

Jerry Sent Me Bar

Wyong’s new and cosy bar has become known for its warm atmosphere and wide selection of cocktails.
Where: 14/16 Alison Rd, Wyong

Johnny Tapas

This delightful hidden gem in Norah Head offers a taste of Spanish tapas on the Central Coast.
Where: 7 Mitchell St, Norah 

Lavesh Yerevan Pizzas

Located at the back of The Galleria in Ettalong Beach, Lavesh Yerevan Pizzas serves unique Armenian-inspired pizzas and other treats.
Where: 47a/189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach

Mapo Galbi Korean BBQ

This joint is an absolute must-visit for Korean food enthusiasts, offering grilled meats and traditional Korean dishes.
Where: 154 Mann St, Gosford

Margin's Mushrooms

This family-owned business specialises in cultivating a variety of fresh and exotic mushrooms.
Where: 536 Woy Woy Rd, Woy Woy

Miori Japanese Restaurant

Fresh, cheap, and cheerful, Miori Japanese Restaurant is a wonderful Japanese spot in Umina and is great for both dine-in or takeaway.
Where: 312-320 Trafalgar Ave, Umina Beach

Moobi Valley Meats

A carnivore's dream come true. Moobi Valley Meats offers a selection of quality meats, burgers, and cuts – the perfect addition for any barbecue enthusiasts and home chefs.
Where: 3/60 Lakedge Ave, Berkeley Vale

Riverboat Postman

Jump on board as they deliver mail and essentials to remote river-access-only settlements along the Hawkesbury River. Enjoy stunning scenery, and their famous ANZAC biscuits during the journey.
Where: Dangar Rd, Brooklyn

Royal Hotel Wyong

The recently refurbished Royal Hotel in Wyong offers a comfortable place to stay, delicious pub fare, and live entertainment, all brought to you by stage, film, and TV personality, Marney McQueen.
Where: 40-44 Pacific Hwy, Wyong

Salt Pig Deli

The go-to destination for lovers of charcuterie and gourmet treats. Their carefully curated selection of meats and cheeses is a treat for the senses, plus their sandwiches are also incredibly delicious.
Where: Shop 6/220 The Entrance Rd, Erina 

Shhmoakesey’s Gourmet Pies

Recently voted the Best Pies in Australia by Wotif. Shhmoakesey's Gourmet Pies is home to perfectly flaky pastry and lots of filling and you’ll find them at a number of locations on the Coast.

Skinner's Seafood

Serving fresh oysters and prawns plus the catch of the day, Skinner's Seafood in Ettalong Beach does it all from their hole-in-the-wall location. Note – it’s cash only.
Where: Picnic Pde, Ettalong Beach

Spices 29 Goan Indian

Bringing the vibrant flavours of Goan Indian cuisine to Woy Woy. From spicy curries to savoury snacks, it's definitely some of the best Indian on the Coast.
Where: 34 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy

The Hemp Store

The Hemp Store in Woy Woy may not serve food, however, it’s a unique destination for those interested in all things hemp and healing oils. This eco-friendly shop offers a wide range of hemp-based products – clothing, skincare, and dietary supplements.
Where: 4 Oval Ave, Woy Woy

The Honest Cook Lily’s Chillies Dumplings

Located in Umina, The Honest Cook specialises in takeaway dumplings, soups, and Bao. Chef Lily's expertly crafted dumplings offer a burst of flavour and are prepared with a commitment to authenticity.
Where: 426 Ocean Beach Rd, Umina Beach

The Naughty Noodle Fun Haus Factory

The newest Naughty Noodle in Gosford serves as a safe space and a creative hub for multi-arts and dialogue, fully harnessing the arts' distinct ability to inspire, educate, advocate, and drive change on every front. Recently, they've introduced a brand-new restaurant, bar, and event space.
Where: 124 Donnison St, Gosford

The Salty Cod

Bateau Bay’s go-to spot for classic fish and chips. Their dedication to quality and freshness sets them apart in the world of seafood. Get the mushy peas!
Where: Unit 2/103 Bateau Bay Rd, Bateau Bay

Toukley Thai

Whether you prefer mild or spicy, Toukley Thai’s menu has something to satisfy every palate.
Where: 323 Main Rd, Toukley

Upstairs Wines

Upstairs Wines, located in Ettalong and Long Jetty has a carefully curated selection of wines, it's the perfect place to grab your favourite glass or vintage. Plus, great merch and a selection of cheeses from the world!
Where: 46 Picnic Pde, Ettalong Beach | 314-316 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty