Where you need to dine out on the Central Coast

The Central Coast promises passionate foodies delicious destinations galore to explore. From stunning ocean views and inventive cuisine to hidden flavour havens, here’s a selection of the region’s best restaurants. 

A

AVOCA BEACH

Avoca Beach House 
For lunch, dinner, or in-between, just steps to the sand, Avoca Beach House lures you with quality seafood, small bites, and tasty cocktails. Enjoy panoramic views of Avoca Beach, locally sourced dishes, and a hearty welcome.
Where: Suite 3, 85 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach

The Point Avoca Beach
Wrap your day around The Point. A breakfast and coffee must-visit since 2005, it’s known for familiar faces and reliable nosh. Expect things fresh, seasonal, and wholesome, with vegan, vegetarian and GF options. Plus wines, cocktails, and bubbles.
Where: 10 Vine St, Avoca Beach

B

BLUE BAY

Ocean Restaurant
Ocean Restaurant is renowned for absolute seaside a-la-carte fine dining and truly warm service. Sophisticated yet relaxed, dine on fresh, substantial seafood that guests love coming back for. 
Where: 102 Ocean Parade, Blue Bay

C

COPABABANA

Ocean Bar Cantina
A popular tapas spot across from Copa beach, Ocean Bar Cantina brings the blissful ocean breeze, refreshing drinks, and good tunes. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hours, these are a handful of reasons why locals love it.
Where: 2/220 Del Monte Place, Copacabana

E

ERINA

Carne & Cucina
Carne & Cucina is all about celebrating Italian flavours and exceptional produce, from charcoal-grilled premium cuts to handmade pasta, ready-to-heat meals, and global wines, created by master butcher Jason Bowden and chef Nico Coccia.
Where: 1/488 The Entrance Rd, Erina Heights 

La Gioia
Bringing the warmth of Tuscany to Erina, La Gioia Fine Italian Cuisine serves elegant Italian dishes made with premium ingredients and heartfelt tradition. Expect refined flavours, classic techniques, and a dining experience that celebrates La Dolce Vita.
Where: 2/8 Karalta Rd, Erina

ETTALONG

Bar Toto 
Bar Toto may be more bar than restaurant, but their antipasti and cicchetti are made for cocktail pairing. Ideal for visiting for pre- or post-movie in The Galleria, they also host comedy nights and live music in the back lounge.
Where: 83/189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach

KinJi Noodles and Rice
Get Japanese flavours crafted with care at KinJi Noodles and Rice, on Ettalong’s main strip. Try the 7 Sea Salts Ramen plus some eye-catching delicacies. Expect swift service, noodles, juicy, fluffy pork belly buns, wagyu beef donburi, and more.
Where: 1/382 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach 

The Banger Rebellion
Gourmet grilled banger rolls with names like The Duck Cartel and The Spicy Mother Clucker? Yes please! Once a mobile truck, it’s now a fully licensed spot selling basque cheesecake, fresh oysters, and more.
Where: 46 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach 

Tiger Mama
Find fierce flavours, handmade dumplings, juicy duck pancakes, and playful margaritas at Pan Asian restaurant and bar, Tiger Mama, Ettalong. It’s just a minute’s walk to the Ettalong foreshore. Open Monday to Sunday.
Where: Shop 1, 237 Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach

F

FORRESTERS BEACH

The Captain’s Table Restaurant & Bar
The Captain's Table Restaurant and Bar is the place for steak nights and happy hours, affordable prices and family vibes. The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun cocktail will have you smiling. Inside The Quarters' Precinct.
Where: 960 Central Coast Hwy, Forresters Beach

G

GOSFORD

Astra Rooftop Bar
Marvel at the sweeping view across Brisbane Water, 28 storeys up. Dine on Japanese-inspired fare from binchotan-charcoal Hibachi grill to artfully rolled sushi. See day turn to night with a signature cocktail in hand at this sky-high destination.
Where: 108 Donnison St, Gosford

At Baker Street
Under the expert eye of Chef Daniel, diners can expect a kaleidoscope of fine food made with flavour and passion. Be surprised and delighted by the variety brought to the table in the heart of Gosford.
Where: 6 Baker St, Gosford

Gosford Sailing Club
Tucked away in Point Frederick, Gosford Sailing Club brings the community, visitors and boaters together. Dine from a diverse menu extending beyond seafood and salads, and see serene sunsets across Brisbane Water.
Where: 28 Masons Pde, Gosford

Hotel Gosford
Hotel Gosford is not your average local. It’s pub done better. Including the food. Come for fireside dining, live music, mega screens for sport nuts, and weekend nightlife. 
Where: 179 Mann St, Gosford

Ironbark
Ironbark promises flame-grilled flavours and an open-view kitchen from which to spy chefs preparing fine cuts for the woodfire grill. Enjoy relaxed dining from pub-style classics to fine bistro fare. Pair meats with fine wine, inside Archie's on the ground floor.
Where: 108 Donnison St, Gosford

Paolo’s
Pop in at Paolo’s where hearty pizzas made are spun in an open-view kitchen. Honouring trattoria traditions, pizzas are made from Italian flour, topped with for de latte mozzarella, seasonal toppings and locally sourced ingredients.
Where: 108 Donnison St, Gosford

K

KOOLEWONG

Kefi at Koolewong
A Greek waterfront restaurant at the Koolewong Marina, its morish menu moves with the seasons. Delight in dishes like whipped salt cold white polenta, chargrilled wild caught octopus, herb citronette, smoked lemon reduction, or Tia Yia's stuffed eggplant.
Where: 19 Brisbane Water Drive, Koolewong

KILLCARE

The Fat Goose
A busy cafe just steps to Brisbane Water, where Killcare meets Hardys Bay, The Goose is a local institution with bold one-off menus, lively monthly dinner series, and all-day dining. Open 7 days. 
Where: 1 Killcare Rd, Killcare

L

LONG JETTY

Il Toscano Long Jetty
This artisan pasta bar is a hub for traditional Italian. Head pasta maker and owner Matteo has been sharing his passion for quality, authentic Italian for more than a decade. Now in Terrigal, Gosford, and Long Jetty.
Where: 419 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty

Jasper’s
Jasper's is renowned for its modern Australian tapas built for sharing, being BYO and its banquet menu. Grab your wine from Upstairs Wines on Pacific St.
Where: 334 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty

S

SPENCER

The Anchor Spencer
Chilli mud crab, yes please! Drive, arrive by boat or even jetski and get riverfront community vibes at The Anchor Spencer. An old general store reborn, it’s a small business all about community, and you absolutely feel it during a visit.
Where: 4666 Wisemans Ferry Rd, Spencer

T

TERRIGAL

The Tropic at Terrigal Pavilion
Duck downstairs from The Pav for long lunches and sunset dinners, waterside. The menu features freshly shucked oysters, beef tartare, sweet peppers, burrata and pesto, prawn mafaldine, eggplant cotoletta, and then some. Add a signature cocktail or select from the vast wine list.

Little Miss
From the Meraki Group that brought Kefi, Motel Mezza, Hernandos into being is Little Miss. Sit down for fresh flavours, beautiful plates, cocktails by the sea, and ambiance worth lingering in. Unwind, sip, snack, repeat!
Where: 4 Ash St, Terrigal

Read our Terrigal Eats for a full rundown of where to dine in Terrigal.

TOOWOON BAY

Cecilia’s Restaurant and Wine Bar
Cecilia's is home to modern Australian with Asian influences. Their ever-popular food and wine events and evolving menu give foodies ample opportunities to try imaginative creations and sensational flavours.
Where: 89 Toowoon Bay Rd Toowoon Bay

TOUKLEY

Urban Coast 
First time restaurateur Robert brings the freshest ingredients from Cabramatta to the table in Toukley along with a big community spirit. This is Asian fusion with large helpings of heart.
Where: 323 Main Rd Toukley

W

WOY WOY

Ela Mesa
Get your fix of traditional Greek food at Ela Mesa, with Greek and local produce that whisks you away to Greece. Dine inside or out with Maria as your generous host. A live Greek band plays Saturday nights.
Where: 18-22 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy

Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf
Set on a jetty over Brisbane Water, this laid-back seafood spot pairs ultra-fresh fish and chips with waterfront views, pelicans overhead and boats drifting by. It’s casual, unfussy dining done right, with great seafood, good wine and zero pretension.
Where: The Boulevarde, Woy Woy

Satang-Thai Cafe and Restaurant
Satang-Thai Cafe and Restaurant blends relaxed Australian cafe culture with vibrant Thai flavours in the heart of Woy Woy. Expect thoughtfully crafted dishes, quality ingredients, family-friendly dining, Toby’s Estate coffee and a welcoming, home-like space to linger.
Where: 18-22 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy

Spices 29
Inspired by the vibrant flavours of Goa, this Central Coast favourite serves bold, spice-driven dishes shaped by Indian and Portuguese tradition. Expect aromatic curries, fresh seafood, and thoughtful cooking, backed by award-winning credentials and a strong local following.
Where: 34 Blackwall Rd, Woy Woy

WYOMING

Betty’s Backyard Bunker
Betty's Backyard Bunker at Wyoming, with retro 1950s diner vibes may be a cocktail spot but the Betty's Basket, complete with a slice of lemon, tartare sauce and wrapped in butcher's paper is another tasty touch. Plus juicy burgers and gelato.
Where: 59 North Cres, Wyoming

WYONG

Osteria A’ Mano
Hankering for handmade pastas such as gnocchi al gorgonzola and tagliatelle with ossobuco sauce? Traditional Italian is freshly served at Osteria A’Mano in the heart of Wyong. Dive into delicious meats, market fresh fish and flavours from every corner of Italy.
Where: 66 Pacific Highway, Wyong

Y

YARRAMALONG

The Angel Sussuri
The Angel Sussuri is a hidden valley escape in Yarramalong, blending cafe, restaurant, deli and boutique stays within a charming manor house. Wander cottage gardens, dine by the fire or vine-covered deck, browse handmade gifts and linger a little longer.
Where: 1-4 Linga Longa Rd, Yarramalong

Your Guide to the Best Places to Eat on the Central Coast

From beachfront restaurants and waterside bars to cosy cafes and destination dining, the Central Coast’s food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. 

Whether you’re planning a long lunch, special occasion, casual catch-up or a weekend food crawl, these Central Coast restaurants showcase the region’s best flavours, views and hospitality.

Bookmark this dining guide, share it with fellow food lovers and keep exploring – because there’s always another great place to eat on the Central Coast.