Central Coast Food & Drink

From waterfront restaurants serving up top-notch seafood to gastropubs offering local produce-driven menus, foodies visiting the NSW Central Coast have plenty to get excited about. This coastal enclave is quietly becoming a culinary hotspot. Enjoy dessert bars, breweries and beachside cafes, as well as arty cocktails on sunny rooftop bars, cooking classes and pretty picnic areas in national parks.

Cafes & restaurants

The Bon Pavilionin Gosford is a huge one-stop foodie hub, with five different drinking and dining dens, including a steakhouse, casual diner, bakery and cellar door. Settle in for a bottomless brunch or opt for freshly shucked oysters and steak in the Bonfire dining room. Another gourmet eatery and bakehouse is the rustic-chic Saddles at Mt White, set on 28 acres of beautiful bushland.

For waterfront dining, head to Woy Woy Fishermen’s Wharf, where you can grab takeaway fish and chips or pull up a seat on the balcony for delicious seafood. Linger over a long lunch at Box on the Water in Ettalong Beach, enjoy stylish pub classics at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga or sit back with cocktails and a grazing board at Terrigal Beach House.

Enjoy woodfired pizzas at eclectic surf shack Shady Palms in Kincumber. For a touch of glamour, head to Pearls on the Beach, a breezy beach house serving local produce. Or try The Wild Flower Bar and Dining at Bells at Killcare, overseen by acclaimed chef Sean Connelly, who sources much of the produce from the kitchen garden.

Bars & breweries

You’ll find plenty of bars serving up scenic views and great vibes on the Central Coast. Try Margarita Daze in Umina Beach, Mumbo Jumbo’s and Rhonda's in Terrigal, Frankie’s Rooftop in Woy Woy and The Savoy Long Jetty in The Entrance. Lovers of craft beer are in for treat – book a tour and tasting at Six String Brewing, Bay Road Brewing or Block ‘n Tackle.

Local produce

There are dozens of artisan producers on the Central Coast. Head to the Wyong Milk Factory for handmade chocolates at Luka Chocolates and gourmet cheeses at Little Creek Cheese (where you can even take a class and learn to make your own). You can also meet local makers such as Mr Goaty Gelato at local markets. Visit Distillery Botanica in Erina to try boutique spirits and liqueurs, and taste unique wines made from fruit (like pineapple and blackcurrant) at Firescreek Winery.

Budding master chefs can sign up for a cooking class at Central Coast Cooking School, and learn the techniques behind making pasta, curries and vegan cooking. Australia’s first MasterChef winner, Julie Goodwin, also hosts a range of cooking classes at Julie’s Place, including how to cook the perfect roast and your favourite takeaway.

Picnic spots

The Central Coast’s national parks and nature reserves are perfect for picnics. Lay out your picnic rug close to a pretty waterfall, sandy beach, jagged coastline, field of wildflowers or lookout above the ocean. You will find lovely picnic spots for family and friends at:

• Somersby Falls picnic area in Brisbane Water National Park
• Mount Bouddi picnic area in Bouddi National Park
• Ironbark picnic area in Popran National Park
• Bateau Bay Beach picnic area in Wyrrabalong National Park
• Elizabeth Bay or the Palms picnic area in Munmorah State Conservation Area