Explore where to dine in Port Stephens
Written by: Nathalie Craig
Port Stephens may be a laidback, beachy region, but it's certainly serious when it comes to serving up quality food. When the seafood and produce is as fresh as it is in Port Stephens, it makes sense that local restaurants have taken advantage.
Are you looking for the best spots to dine in Port Stephens?
Look no further than our guide to the best restaurants in Port Stephens, from Shoal Bay right through to Lemon Tree Passage.
Atmos
Atmos brings the traditional architecture and relaxing atmosphere of the Greek Islands right to the shores of Shoal Bay. The menu is full of modern Greek fare and flavour, exactly the sort of thing you want to eat when you're right in front of the water.
Many of the dishes are family recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Expect mezedes like saganaki, taramosalata and grilled octopus. Large share plates include the mouthwatering eight hour slow cooked lamb shoulder and a whole snapper.
These dishes are perfect for groups, continuing the Mediterranean tradition of communal dining with family and friends. The Greek-inspired cocktails are made for saying ‘Yamas’, while overlooking the picture-perfect Shoal Bay beach.
Where: 35-45 Shoal Bay Rd, Shoal Bay
Cheeky Dog
For a pub atmosphere in Soldiers Point, head to Cheeky Dog, just below Bannisters Port Stephens. True to its name, Cheeky Dog welcomes four-legged companions, so feel free to bring your pooch along for the fun. Expect upmarket pub fare and live music on Sundays to pair with your beverage of choice.
The Mediterranean-inspired menu is filled with local ingredients from in and around the Bay. Choose from bar bites and hearty mains including stone-baked pizza, gourmet burgers, schnitzels and fresh fish. The big screens also make it a popular destination to watch live sports in the Bay.
Where: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point
Crest Birubi Beach
Perched atop Birubi Beach with sweeping 180 degree views across Stockton Sand Dunes and beyond, it’s the perfect place for post swim fish and chips.
Crest Birubi Beach serves up casual yet quality bistro food for breakfast and lunch every day of the week. Think big breakfasts with all the trimmings, fritters, burgers and salads. Crest is the perfect vantage point for spotting dolphins surfing the waves and whales breaching from May until November.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the venue transforms for sunset dinners. Fresh seafood plates with prawns, oysters, salt and pepper squid, and fish of the day are perfect for savouring as the sun dips below the dunes.
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Where: 73 James Paterson St, Anna Bay
The Galley Kitchen
Situated within The Anchorage, The Galley Kitchen is a bright and breezy all-day dining spot showcasing the best of Port Stephens.
With sweeping 180-degree bay views and a seasonally changing menu, expect fresh local produce, standout seafood, and a calm, coastal atmosphere. At The Galley you can start your day with their signature sparkling wine breakfast, settle in for an à la carte lunch or dinner, or treat yourself to a decadent High Tea.
Whether you choose a seat inside the light-filled pavilion or out on the poolside terrace, The Galley Kitchen offers relaxed, destination dining that captures the magic of Port Stephens
Where: 26 Corlette Point Rd, Corlette
Inner Light Tea Rooms Nelson Bay
Few cafés along Australia’s east coast can rival the breathtaking outlook of the heritage-listed Inner Light Tea Rooms. From this elevated vantage point, you’re treated to panoramic views of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and an endless stretch of blue ocean.
The menu features fresh fluffy scones, cake specials that change daily, smoked salmon bagels, fresh sandwiches and many more breakfast and lunch options.
Next to the cafe is the maritime museum, housed in the historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Take a look for a glimpse into the region’s rich nautical past. And if you’re looking for a keepsake there is an adjoining gift shop.
Where: 5a Lighthouse Road, Nelson Bay
Julio’s
Julio’s at Bannisters Port Stephens brings a fresh take on modern Mexican cuisine. Set beside Bannisters’ stunning infinity pool, Julio’s offers sweeping views of the picturesque coastline. You’d be hard pressed to find a better place to sip frozen margaritas and indulge in flavourful Mexican fare.
The menu celebrates the vibrant flavours of Mexico while showcasing the finest local produce from Port Stephens. With a twist on Mexican classics, dishes include market fish tostadas, corn ribs, pork carnitas tacos and Cioppino Mussels.
And the dessert menu is hard to look past from spiced Chocolate brownies to classic churros with dulce de leche. This poolside dining experience is brings together bold flavours and good vibes.
Where: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point
Little Beach Boathouse
Sitting on the shoreline of Nelson Bay’s Little Beach, this coastal gem offers two distinct dining experiences.
Upstairs, you’ll find a stylish seafood restaurant showcasing the freshest local catch, like half shell scallops, snapper tartare and squid ink seafood spaghetti. Downstairs, the relaxed waterfront bar and café, Below Deck, is perfect for unwinding over a drink and sharing locally sourced Holbert’s Oysters and a delicious antipasto plate.
Whether you’re enjoying a long lunch, savouring a romantic dinner, or sipping sunset cocktails, you’ll want to stay longer for the magic waterfront views. You might even be lucky and spot a few dolphins going past while you dine.
Where: 4 Victoria Pde, Nelson Bay
The Poyer’s
Awarded Best Seafood Restaurant in NSW by the Sydney Fish Market, The Poyers is a culinary treasure. Set on the serene waterfront of Lemon Tree Passage, this family-owned and operated restaurant offers a truly special dining experience.
Chef–owner Ludovic Poyer has crafted a menu that pays homage to his French heritage, with a modern twist. For breakfast, expect the eggs to be free range and the hollandaise to be freshly made.
For lunch, the pasta and gnocchi are made in-house and are a perfect accompaniment to a range of fresh local seasonal produce from oysters and abalone to more adventurous options like sea urchin and sea snails.
If you’re just after a coffee and a sweet while taking in the breathtaking view of Port Stephens the Poyer’s make all their mouth watering desserts in house.
Where: 42 Cooke Pde, Lemon Tree Passage
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. The menu lets the fresh seafood and produce shine, while incorporating Asian flavours like nahm jim and miso to keep things interesting.
Diners can indulge in freshly shucked, locally grown oysters, savour a delicate sashimi plate or enjoy a hearty seafood main. For those after something more casual there is also a bar eats menu with options like a whole bowl of prawns or a cheese plate.
The restaurant’s modern design and panoramic waterfront outlook make it an ideal spot for long lunches, sunset dinners, or special occasions. Pair your meal with a refreshing wine or cocktail as you watch the boats glide by.
Where: 2D Sunset Blvde, Soldiers Point
Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens
Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens brings the seafood mastery of renowned Chef Rick Stein to Soldiers Point within the gorgeous Bannisters Port Stephens hotel.
The team in the kitchen takes advantage of the incredible seafood sourced from the surrounding area, offering dishes like chargrilled Nelson Bay yellowfin tuna steak and Nelson Bay lobster Thermidor.
Those who love eating with their hands and getting gloriously messy must try the delicious Singapore Blue Swimmer Crab stir-fried with garlic, ginger, chilli and coriander. Other favourites include the indulgent lobster tagliatelle with handmade pasta finished with a lobster sauce.
Enjoy your meal in the restaurant’s expansive space that blends contemporary industrial and luxe lounge vibes.
Where: 147 Soldiers Point Rd, Soldiers Point
The Little Nel
The Little Nel, tucked just off Nelson Bay’s buzzing main street, is a treasured favourite for Bay locals and visitors alike - and for good reason. The quality of the food is what sets this place apart.
Everything is handmade in‑house with local produce. Their menu changes as regularly as the seasons (often more). Highlights include the breakfast burrito packed with chilli‑scrambled eggs, bacon, corn salsa and house‑made salsa roja and the Belgian waffles with maple cream cheese, crispy bacon and fresh seasonal berries.
Lunch features fresh options like wagyu burgers or tacos with a choice of falafel, grilled fish, tempura prawns or 18 hour BBQ beef brisket. Eat outside on the leafy deck overlooking the gardens.
Where: 3/7 Government Rd, Nelson Bay
Best Restaurants in Port Stephens for Seafood, Views and Local Flavours
Port Stephens is a coastal dining paradise, offering fresh seafood, modern Greek and Mexican cuisine, and stunning waterfront views. Our top picks on where to eat will be sure to delight your tastebuds.
The businesses featured within this article have not paid to be featured, the content has been curated by the HUNTERhunter editorial team. We only promote businesses we love and think our readers will love too!
