If you’re heading to Port Macquarie for a little getaway, a quick google search of ‘where to eat in Port Mac’ may just leave you with too many options to choose from! Being the foodies that we are, we’ve tasted, we’ve tested, and we may have broken the bank but these are our TOP picks for a Port Mac foodie day.

Morning Coffee at Little Shack 

Wanting to start the day off right we headed straight for the Little Shack for a quality cup of Joe. Located right at the start of the Breakwall and next to NRMA’s Breakwall Holiday Park, Little Shack will be sure to brighten your day not only with its food and drink options but with its relaxed yet fun vibes.

Opening in Early 2019, the riverside café serves up the best brews with beans from trusty coffee roasters Will & Co and has a super simple food menu sure to hit the spot first thing in the morning.

To Drink: Soy Caramel Latte & Almond Cappuccino.

Where: 1 Munster St
When: Mon-Sun | 6am-2pm
Website: click here

Other favourites to check out:

• Four Espresso
  Corner Clarence and Murray St
• Social Grounds
  1/151 Gordon St
• Urban Grain Bakery
  Shop 17 Peachtree Walk Arcade, Hay St

Breakfast at Bandwagon

Choosing somewhere for breakfast is never an easy option at the best of times, but it’s even harder in Port Mac because the town has so many brilliant spots to pick from. Driving around town it was Bandwagon that caught our eye; bursting with Byron Bay vibes.

With its pared-back white shopfront and upcycled timber, Bandwagon has a definite beachy-hipster tone going on, it also happens to serve up some of Port Macquarie's best coffee with beans from ONA in Sydney and some great quality food.

Expect to see all your Aussie café favourites on the menu but of course, with a bit of Bandwagon twist.

To Eat: The Benny with Bacon & The Granola Bowl
To Drink: Green Tea & Beetroot

Where: 76 William St
When: Mon-Fri | 7am-2pm
Sat-Sun | 8am-2pm
Website: click here

Other favourites to check out:

• Sandbox
  Tuppenny Rd
• LV's on Clarence
  1/74 Clarence St
• Drury Lane Eatery
  Shop 5/26 Clarence st

Lunch at Zebu Bar & Restaurant

With Port Macquarie known for its coastal location, it was a no brainer that lunch needed to be somewhere by the water. We also love a good interior, and so it wasn’t hard to find our lunch spot; Zebu Bar & Restaurant.

Listed as one of Port Macquarie’s most iconic waterfront venues, one step in the door and you can understand why. The perfect synergy of coastal chic and playful vintage; it’s almost like the Hyde Hacienda Bar & Lounge in Sydney has come to the shores of Port Mac.

Situated inside Rydges Port Macquarie by the Hastings River, the funky bar and lounge boasts a sophisticated yet light and airy dining spot with a fresh and flavoursome menu. Not only known for its lunch menu, Zebu Bar & Restaurant is also a favourite for breakfast and afternoon cocktails!

To Eat: Pumpkin & Feta Arancini, Mezz Plate with hummus, feta, chorizo, cured salmon, falafel and red pepper dip, and Broccolini with toasted almonds and butter sauce.

Where: 1 Hay St
When: Mon-Thu | 7am-8pm
Fri-Sat | 7am-9pm
Sun | 7am-2pm
More Info: click here

Other favourites to check out:

• Whalebone Wharf Seafood Restaurant
  269 Hastings River Dr
• Chow Haus
  124 Horton St
• The Beach House 
  1 Horton St

Enjoy an Afternoon beer at Black Duck Brewery

You don’t have to travel too far from the Port Macquarie CBD to get your hands on some quality craft beer, and we’re not talking about ordering a schooner from the closest pub, but straight from the barrel. The Port Macquarie craft brewing company, the Black Duck Brewery, offers guests craft beer brewed onsite, beer garden, pizza and snack bar menu. 

The Black Duck Brewery is Port Macquarie’s very own boutique craft beer brewery. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the brewery offers all the chance to not only enjoy a beer right where the beer is brewed but more than likely share a couple with the brewer himself, Al, who is usually around and up for a chat. 

Where: 6 Acacia Ave
When: Wed-Thu | 12pm-6pm
Fri | 12pm-8pm
Sat | 1pm-5pm
More Info: click here

Other favourites to check out:

• Wicked Elf Beer
  1/58 Uralla St
• Moorebeer Brewing Co.
  18/35 Merrigal Rd
• Bar Florian
  6-14 Clarence St

Dinner at MakiMoto

After eating pretty typical modern Australian cuisine all day, we were always going to be trying something a little different for dinner. With Port Macquarie having SO many options when it comes to cuisine, including but not limited to Indian, Thai, Chinese, Turkish, and our pick; Japanese.

MakiMoto is located right in the centre of town with the menu focussing on fresh and healthy Japanese gourmet food combined with a fusion of traditional and contemporary interiors.

To Eat: Edamame, Kingfish Carpaccio, Prawn Tempura Roll, and Chicken Katsu.
To Drink: Choya Plum Sake

Where: 22 Horton St
When: Sun-Wed | 12pm-2.30pm |6pm-9pm
Thu-Sat | 12pm-2.30pm | 6pm-9.30pm
Website: click here 

Other favourites to check out:

• Stunned Mullet
  24 William St
• Bill's Fishhouse & Bar
  2/18-20 Clarence St
• Reyhana
  2/29 Horton St

Wind up the day with gelato from Blue Cow Gelato

There's nothing better than winding up the day with a scrumptious dessert, and Blue Cow Gelato is where you need to go!

The queues speak for themselves but trust us when we say it’s worth the wait. Locally owned and managed, the artisan gelateria makes its own gelato by hand with the aid of its specialist Italian machine.

The flavours change constantly depending on what’s in season and what’s popular, and better still NO artificial colours, flavours or preservatives are used. They’ve even got flavours suitable for vegans, gluten-free and dairy-free customers!

Where: 1/72 Clarence St
When: Mon-Sun | 10am-10pm
More Info: click here

Other favourites to check out: 

• Black Box Pizza & Icecream
  8 Short St
• Swirl Yoghurt & Lolly Shop
  64 Clarence St

Looking for something different? Check out our full guide on where to eat and drink in Port Macquarie.