The warmer months have well and truly arrived, and it’s got us thinking: where can we spend our weekends basking in the sun, by the water, with a drink in hand?

If you're asking the same question, you're in luck. We've done the hard work for you and compiled this guide to the best spots for waterfront dining in the Central Coast, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens.

CENTRAL COAST

Avoca Beach House
Located right on the shores of its namesake beach, Avoca Beach House features locally famous food. Enjoy its high-quality seafood, amazing share-style platters, and sensational cocktails in the restaurant with 180-degree beach views.
Where: 3/85 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach

Drifters Wharf
From the founders of Mumbo Jumbos and Shady Palms comes Drifters Wharf. Since opening at the backend of 2021, Drifters Wharf has become Gosford’s go-to waterfront eatery and live music haven.
Where: 12A Dane Dr, Gosford

Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed
Get your hands on the freshest seafood right on the edge of the Hawkesbury River at the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed over at Mooney Mooney.
Where: 6 Kowan St, Mooney Mooney

Mumbo Jumbo’s
This Caribbean-inspired bar and restaurant features nothing but good vibes, good food, and good drinks all whilst overlooking Terrigal Beach.
Where: 92 Terrigal Esp, Terrigal

Osteria il Coccia
Step inside Osteria il Coccia and you instantly feel at ease with the light Mediterranean-inspired interior lending spaciousness to this luxurious restaurant. 
Where: 49 The Esp, Ettalong Beach

Pearls on the Beach
Nestled in the corner of Pearl Beach, sheltered by Norfolk Pines and beach grass, Pearls has uninterrupted views of the beach and ocean, captivating you with some of the best scenery on the Central Coast.
Where: 1 Tourmaline Ave, Pearl Beach

Terrigal Beach House
This iconic beach bar sits right on top of Terrigal Beach and features endless good times in the form of foodie treats and excellent cocktails.
Where: 40 Terrigal Esp, Terrigal

The Beachcomber Hotel 
The Central Coast’s Queen of the North, The Beachcomber Hotel & Resort, more affectionately known as The Beachie, had a massive makeover in 2021 and has since returned with fresh, sophisticated style.
Where: 200 Main Rd, Toukley

The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
Looking for something a little further afield? We might have found the ultimate slice of heaven on the Central Coast: The Boathouse Hotel Patonga. With coastal views and easy tunes on the weekends, it's a lovely spot to unwind of an afternoon.
Where: 6-8 Patonga Dr, Patonga

The Box on the Water
This stylish spot sits along the Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve and features modern Australian fare alongside scenic water views through its ceiling-high windows.
Where: Ettalong Beach Waterfront Reserve, Ettalong Beach

The Entrance Social Club
The impressive refreshed venue has become a hub for live music, delicious waterfront cuisine, and refreshing signature cocktails.
Where: 87 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance

Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf
Discover locally sourced and sustainably caught seafood right on the water at Woy Woy Fishermen's Wharf. You don't get much fresher than this when it comes to seafood on the Central Coast!
Where: The Boulevard, Woy Woy

NEWCASTLE

Âpé Yakitori Bar
Brought to you by the experienced team behind Nagisa and Susuru, you can be assured Âpé Yakitori Bar will deliver a multi-sensory drinking and dining experience. Think tasty morsels of Japanese food, well-crafted cocktails, and plenty of sake.
Where: The Boardwalk, 3N/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Blanca
Inspired by the coastlines of Greece, Sicily, and Turkey, Blanca invites you in for a European summer dining experience in the harbourside Honeysuckle precinct.
Where: 2/11 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Casa Nova Italian
Delicious woodfired pizza and enticing handmade pasta await at Casa Nova Italian Restaurant and Bar.
Where: 20/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Customs House Hotel
Customs House Hotel offers up seasonal Mediterranean meals and fine wine in an elegant 1877 building with a decadent terrace. Enjoy with a drink in hand as the beer garden comes alive of a late afternoon.
Where: 1 Bond St, Newcastle

Elementa
Perched right on the waterfront at Maryville looking towards Carrington, Elementa has quickly become a much-loved spot for an elevated breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Where: 76 The Lane, Maryville

Harbour Bar
Located along the strip of restaurants in Honeysuckle, Harbour Bar is a great spot to enjoy an afternoon session as you watch the sunset over Newcastle Harbour.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Honeysuckle Hotel
An mix of modern, rustic, and industrial design, Honeysuckle Hotel stands tall on the shoreline of Newcastle Harbour with spectacular waterfront views.
Where: Lee Wharf, Lot 31 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Merewether Surfhouse Beach Bar
Merewether Surfhouse Beach bar is a triple threat: it’s got unparalleled views, great food & drink, and top-tier coastal vibes. Stop by for $5 tacos from 3pm-5pm, Wednesday to Sunday.
Where: Merewether Surfhouse Lower Level | 5 Henderson Pde, Merewether

Merewether Surfhouse
Can you get a much better view of the Newcastle coastline than from the top of Merewether Surfhouse? Spending an afternoon at the bar or restaurant on a sunny day is an ideal date or friend catch-up.
Where: 5 Henderson Pde, Merewether

MoneyPenny
Another gem along the Honeysuckle strip, MoneyPenny is your go-to for retro harbourside vibes and some of the most quirky cocktails you can get your hands on in Newcastle.
Where: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Nagisa
The contemporary Japanese cuisine at Nagisa is a favourite amongst serious foodies, and with a view over the harbour you’ve got it all – good food, good drinks, and good views!
Where: 2/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Nautica
Located within Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club, Nautica offers a diverse menu with chef Luke Carpenter at the helm. Sit inside if the weather is rough, or head out into the courtyard basking in the sunshine and watching the boats pull in.
Where: 95 Hannell St, Wickham

Paymasters
There is a real charm about the iconic Paymasters cafe, situated in an iconic heritage building Newcastle’s East End. This spot has stood the test of time, welcoming back loyal locals year after year.
Where: 18 Bond St, Newcastle

Queens Wharf Hotel
Head to Queens Wharf Hotel to dine and drink right on the harbour. Soak up the fresh air while you enjoy seafood, pub classics, and of course, cocktails.
Where: 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Restaurant at Noah’s On The Beach
Watch the waves of Newcastle Beach at the restaurant at Noah’s On The Beach. This spot offers buffet breakfast as well as a la carte lunch and dinner.
Where: 29 Zaara St, Newcastle East

Rustica
Rustica is an Mediterranean dining experience unlike any other in Newcastle. With expansive views over Newcastle Beach and a unique, stunning interior, it’s a venue sure to wow.
Where: 2/1 King St, Newcastle East

Scratchleys
It needs no introduction – Scratchleys is one of Newcastle's most iconic waterfront venues and is known across town for its seafood. Order a seafood platter, then sit back and relax as you watch the world go by.
Where: 200 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

Signal Box
Dine-in one of Newcastle’s most historic buildings that has been meticulously repurposed as Signal Box, a restaurant specialising in seafood. Sit up the top on a nice day for the best views!
Where: 155 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

The Dockyard
For a casual drink on the harbour, you can't go past The Dockyard. Keep an eye out for its weekly cocktail special to snag a great deal.
Where: 13/1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

The Icon Thai Restaurant
With a prime location overlooking Newcastle Harbour, The Icon Thai Restaurant is a favourite for classic dishes and some out of the ordinary Thai fare that will have you coming back to try more.
Where: 2/15 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

The Kingfish
Boasting a comprehensive and well-balanced menu, The Kingfish serves up fresh, quality seafood, with Mediterranean-inspired flavours. There's plenty of small and large plates on offer, as well as five different types of seafood platter – including a vegan one!
Where: Unit 19/15-17 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Thermidor
Brought to you by hospitality veterans Josh and Jess Gregory, Thermidor is an oyster bar and brasserie that is coastal dining at its finest. The share-style menu features plenty of seafood cooked over fire, plus there's a live oyster shucking and three types of sashimi on offer at all times.
Where: Shop 1/7 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle

Wharf 350 Bar & Restaurant
With prime positioning on the Honeysuckle promenade inside Rydges Newcastle and a breathtaking vista of the harbour, Wharf 350 is something to be experienced. It's recently had a revamp, so head in for cocktails and bar bites, or an indulgent meal.
Where: 350 Wharf Rd, Newcastle

LAKE MACQUARIE

8 at Trinity
Experience Lake Macquarie’s modern contemporary Australian restaurant situated right on the waterfront at Trinity Point. The fitout is impressive, as are the views and the huge, comprehensive menu.
Where: 81 Trinity Point Dr, Morisset Park

Brownsugar Restaurant
This modern restaurant features seasonal Australian cuisine in a sleek space with contemporary lighting and water views across the lake from Warners Bay.
Where: King St & The Esp, Warners Bay

Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows
Caves Coastal Bar & Bungalows is an ideal spot to enjoy a refreshing icy cold drink, a long lunch, or an out-of-town beach getaway. Situated right off of Caves Beach, you'll get the fresh ocean breeze and coastal views.
Where: 27 Mawson Cl, Caves Beach

Crusoe’s on the Lake
Crusoe's on the Lake sits on the edge of Lake Macquarie right off of the Pacific Highway in Belmont and has taken full advantage of its location. The massive deck space is just calling for guests to enjoy a long lunch or afternoon session to take in that gorgeous sunset over Lake Macquarie.
Where: Ada St, Belmont

Martha
Martha is Belmont 16s Sailing Club's stunning new restaurant, introduced as part of a huge upgrade to the iconic club. Soak up panoramic views of Lake Macquarie while you dine on Mediterranean food and sip cocktails.
Where: Level 1 Belmont 16s, The Parade, Belmont

Pippi’s at the Point
Sit back and enjoy the absolutely spectacular views whilst your ears take in the live music and your tastebuds enjoy the seafood menu and all the best cocktails, beers, and wines at Pippi's at the Point.
Where: 199 Main Rd, Speers Point

The Gunyah
Just up the road from Crusoe’s on the Lake, The Gunyah is a favourite local pub featuring all your usual pub feeds and a view that has one of the best sunsets over Lake Macquarie.
Where: 644 Pacific Hwy, Belmont

TINTA Belmont
TINTA Belmont certainly makes the most of its waterfront vantage point. Sitting on the balcony on a sunny day eating seafood is a great way to relax and come together with friends.
Where: 690 Pacific Hwy, Belmont

PORT STEPHENS

Atmos
Atmos brings traditional architecture and the relaxing atmosphere of the Greek Islands right to the shores of Shoal Bay. The menu is full of modern Greek fare and flavours – exactly the sort of thing you want to eat when you're right in front of the water.
Where: 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

Little Beach Boathouse
With a seafood restaurant upstairs and a casual waterfront bar downstairs, Little Beach Boathouse is the perfect spot for a long lunch, relaxing dinner or an evening of cocktails whilst you watch the sun go down. You might even be lucky and spot a few dolphins going past.
Where: 4 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay

Restaurant 2317
Named after the Soldiers Point postcode, Restaurant 2317 sits pretty at Soldiers Point Marina, overlooking the water from its second-storey vantage point.
Where: 2D Sunset Blvde, Soldiers Point

Rick Stein at Bannisters
Port Stephens’ go-to seafood restaurant sits inside Bannisters and offers an expansive space which is the perfect combination of contemporary industrial design and luxe lounge vibes.
Where: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point

Saltwater
Treat yourself to modern Australian cuisine with an Asian twist at Saltwater. The venue is perched atop the Surf Life Saving Club and gives you delightful views of Fingal Beach.
Where: 1/3 Marine Dr, Fingal Bay

Shoal Bay Country Club
This place has become a bit of an institution up here and it has certainly not lost its buzz. Why not hike up Tomaree and treat yourself to a glass of wine or two afterwards?
Where: 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay

The Deck Cafe, Restaurant and Bar
Overlooking the marina at Soldier's Point, The Deck has some of the most stunning water views in the region. Make sure you try the fresh oysters, Mussels Mediterranean, and Fritto Misto.
Where: 1/2 Sunset Blvd, Soldiers Point

The Galley Kitchen
Located inside Corlette’s The Anchorage, The Gallery Kitchen showcases the region’s growing culinary reputation and incredible produce all whilst looking out over the shores of Port Stephens.
Where: 26 Corlette Point Rd, Corlette

The Poyer’s
Located in Lemon Tree Passage, The Poyer's is a family-owned and operated cafe and restaurant serving up some of the most interesting seafood in Port Stephens.
Where: 42 Cooks Pde, Lemon Tree Passage