North Coast Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in North Coast - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Arajilla

    $$$$

    Dining at Arajilla Retreat at least once during a stay on Lord Howe Island is a must. The cuisine, which changes daily, uses fish straight from the ocean and lovely homegrown vegetables. Begin with a drink at the cozy bar, decked out just a little like a gentlemen's club with leather armchairs, and then take a seat at the restaurant with its white walls and one dramatic burgundy-color feature wall. The three-course menu changes weekly, based on what is fresh and in season. Desserts are irresistible and may include black sticky rice with lychee sorbet, toasted coconut, and kaffir lime. In-house guests take precedent over those not staying at the resort, so bookings are essential.

    Lagoon Rd., Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, 2898, Australia
    0265-632--002

    Known For

    • Fresh and quality produce
    • Healthy
    • Sophisticated dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential, Only dinner open to nonguests
  • 2. Fig Tree Restaurant & Rooms

    $$$$

    In this century-old farmhouse with distant views of Byron Bay the draw is upmarket Mod Oz cuisine blending Asian and Mediterranean flavors. Produce fresh from the owners' farm is featured on the lunch platter menu. Each platter is themed like "From The Hills," with a whole free range chicken "spatchcock" cooked in lemon and thyme, with a side of roasted potatoes and cauliflower. As the name suggests, the restaurant also has accommodations: the Dairy and the Sunrise House, two cottages with wonderful views, can both sleep up to eight people; prices are from A$600 a night in the holiday season of Christmas, January and Easter with a minimum stay of three nights. The restaurant and rooms are 5 km (3 miles) inland from Byron Bay at Ewingsdale.

    4 Sunrise La., Ewingsdale, New South Wales, 2481, Australia
    02-6684–7273

    Known For

    • Big with weddings so check on weekends
    • Incredible grounds with native plants
    • Local produce

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Only lunch available if prebooked.
  • 3. Fishermen's Co-op

    $

    Fish-and-chips don't come any fresher than those served at the fishermen's co-op near the breakwall on the northern side of the harbor in Coffs—everything on the menu is straight off the trawler. Although most of the retail space is given to sales of fresh seafood, you can buy freshly cooked (grilled, battered, or crumbed) fish-and-chips here, as well as calamari, fish cocktails, and salads. There are a few tables on a covered deck out front, but the best place to eat is perched on a rock on the nearby breakwall, staring out to sea.

    69 Marina Dr., Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
    02-6652--2811

    Known For

    • Cheap eats
    • Relaxed dining
    • Great at lunchtime

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 4. Lord Howe Golf Club

    $$

    This is a fine place to socialize with the locals and tourists and enjoy some honest, unpretentious food. The on-site Sunset Bar & Grill is open for dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, and the menu includes a variety of roasts (such as roast chicken or lamb), steak with garlic butter, schnitzel, fish, and salads, plus pizza on Sunday nights. Friday night is the "big night out" on the island, when almost everyone turns up for the sunset barbecue—try the barbecue kingfish and grab an ice-cold beer. Desserts include what appears to be the island staple—sticky-date pudding—and ice cream. It's best to come early to take in the view over the golf links and the lagoon beyond. 

    Sturt Rd., Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, 2898, Australia
    02-6563–2179

    Known For

    • The place to go on a Friday and Saturday
    • Relaxed dining
    • Friendly staff

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.--Thurs.
  • 5. Nagisa

    $$

    Overlooking the harbor’s edge, here you'll find fresh produce and traditional Japanese fare. Serving up sashimi, sushi, and noodles, Nagisa is a popular weekend restaurant with a buzzy atmosphere. There's also a lively teppanyaki bar, where you'll be mesmerized by the talented chefs and incredible aromas of sizzling meats and fresh seafood.

    N2/1 Honeysuckle Dr., Newcastle, New South Wales, 2300, Australia
    02-4929--4122

    Known For

    • Fun weekend atmosphere
    • Traditional Japanese menu
    • Cocktail bar
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  • 6. Subo Newcastle

    $$$$

    A bright, intimate star in Newcastle's dining scene, Subo is one of the hottest spots in town and is often booked out weeks ahead. A stylish bistro in the central business district, Subo serves a A$100 five-course tasting plate that changes every six weeks and might include prawn carpaccio and foie gras, confit of chicken wings with blackened corn, Wagyu beef with smoked leeks, and chocolate-orange mousse with rum-and–orange syrup cake. There's also a vegetarian five-course meal available.

    551d Hunter St.
    - 02 - 4023–4048

    Known For

    • Stylish and trendy
    • Extensive cocktail list
    • Must-have desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Mon., and Tues., Reservations essential
  • 7. The Stunned Mullet

    $$$

    Opposite Town Beach, Port Macquarie's best restaurant also has the best views, but don't let that distract you from the food. With so much sea in front of you it's only natural that the menu also features lots of seafood—all of it sustainably line caught or farmed. The menu rotates but generally, there's a seafood mixed with pasta option. And at least one meat option, like pork loin served with quince. The wine list is suitably impressive but limited vegetarian and vegan options.

    24 William St., Port Macquarie, New South Wales, 2444, Australia
    02-6584--7757

    Known For

    • Incredible views
    • Superior seafood
    • Extensive dessert menu with wine pairing

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 8. Barrio

    $$

    The menu works around the restaurant's wood-fire oven and open-flame grill, with everything from hearty meats from local farms to seafood and smoked vegetables. The wine list is extensive, focusing on Australian wines from all corners of the country. 

    1 Porter St., Byron Bay, New South Wales, 2481, Australia

    Known For

    • Fresh local produce
    • Extensive wine list
    • Trendy interiors

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sat.--Wed.
  • 9. Beach Byron Bay

    $$

    A Byron Bay legend, this open-air café is a perfect place to sit in the morning sun and watch the waves. Breakfast runs the gamut from wholesome (award-winning locally produced Brookfarm Macadamia muesli with yogurt and banana) to hearty (corned-beef hash, sautéed spinach, fried egg with béarnaise sauce). For lunch, there's everything from local seafood to the region's finest steak. The café is open for cocktails. It also has an attached takeout section for those who want to have light meals on the run. 

    near parking lot at end of Lawson St., Byron Bay, New South Wales, 2481, Australia
    1300-583--766

    Known For

    • Perfect for day and night
    • Great coffee
    • Fresh fare

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations recommended in summer
  • 10. Coral Cafe

    $

    Located at the Lord Howe Island Museum and Visitor’s Centre, this is a popular café with those exploring Lord Howe’s history. There's traditional bacon and eggs for breakfast and light salads for lunch. And it's licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine at lunchtime. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. 

    Lagoon Rd. and Middle Beach Rd., Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, 2898, Australia
    02-6563--2488

    Known For

    • Friendly staff
    • Cheap eats
    • Convenient location
  • 11. Estabar Newcastle Beach

    $

    Perched right on Newcastle Beach, Estabar is known for its great coffee, organic foods, superb Spanish hot chocolate drinks, and wonderful gelato. Open all day from breakfast until sundown, it's a small space with little tables and a short menu, but it draws a big local following. Breakfast favorites are the porridge with poached fruits and brown sugar on the side, and the homemade baked beans; lunchtime salads include lentil, walnut, and feta. The views over Newcastle Beach, the closest one to the downtown area, are also delectable at any time and if you are lucky, you may see whales offshore in winter months.

    61 Shortland Esplanade, Newcastle, New South Wales, 2300, Australia
    04-4730--0896

    Known For

    • Great coffee
    • Views over Newcastle Beach
    • Local hot spot

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 12. Folk Byron Bay

    $

    This friendly vibrant café is found just outside of Byron and is a firm favorite with locals. It's surrounded by a beautiful garden and native trees with plenty of birds. The focus here is on serving ethical coffee and only local produce. The menu is 100% vegetarian and vegan but even if you're a meat eater you won't feel like you're missing out. Each dish is created with care and packed with flavor. Open every day from 7:30 am.

    399 Ewingsdale Rd., Byron Bay, New South Wales, 2481, Australia

    Known For

    • Outstanding coffee
    • Local favorite
    • Countryside feel
  • 13. Greenback's Eatery

    $$

    Named after a Lord Howe Island fishing vessel, Greenback's Eatery naturally specializes in fresh fish. This casual spot, basically a veranda attached to boat owner Dave Gardiner's house, is open only on Monday and Thursday night (from 6:30), and the only choice on the menu is the catch of the day, but at least you know it's superfresh. You can bring your own wine or beer, although it is licensed. It's small and popular with locals, so book ahead. Dave also sells fresh sashimi packs to take away.

    2 Skyline Dr., Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, 2898, Australia
    02-6563–2208

    Known For

    • <PRO>BYO alcohol</PRO>
    • <PRO>fun on weekends</PRO>
    • <PRO>fresh produce</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Fri.–Wed. No lunch, No credit cards, Reservations essential
  • 14. Merewether Surfhouse

    $$

    Opened on the site of the Merewether Beach's original surfhouse (a lifeguard station), this stunning three-story venue has fantastic ocean views from all three of its eateries. The ground floor café, pizza, and gelato bar are steps from the beach, while the top-level restaurant has expansive panoramas and is open for lunch and dinner. You might begin with the local Port Stephens oysters with shallot vinegar before moving on to a seafood main. The dessert list is extensive and the wine list features wines from the Hunter Valley. The café is open for all-day breakfast and lunch daily, offering burgers and salads.

    Henderson Parade, Newcastle, New South Wales, 2291, Australia
    02-4918–0000

    Known For

    • Always fun environment
    • Different types of cuisine
    • Good coffee
  • 15. Pinetrees Lodge

    $$$$

    For four generations Pinetrees has been opening its doors to visitors, and staff have certainly honed the art of hospitality. Pop into the lagoon-front lodge for a buffet lunch of assorted salads with the dish of the day, or drop in for dinner; the local kingfish is always a highlight. Don't miss the signature "fish fry " buffet with kingfish sashimi and sushi followed by a battered kingfish and chips. The five-course menu changes daily, but you can usually expect sushi, soup, fresh fish, lamb, and beef prepared with homegrown herbs and vegetables, followed by delicious desserts. Afternoon tea is also available.

    Lagoon Rd., Lord Howe Island, New South Wales, 2898, Australia
    02-262--6585

    Known For

    • Signature fish fry buffet
    • Afternoon tea
    • Local institution

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 16. Rustica

    $$$

    Meaning "rural" in Italian, this lushly decorated restaurant with stunning views over Newcastle Beach is one of the shining stars in the city's expanding dining scene. The restaurant serves cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean, from the shores of northern Africa to the foothills of Tuscany. There's sharing plates, substantial meals and the grand banquet, which is a six-course menu costing A$55. There's a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options. The rich, Spanish-inspired interior design includes a retro Mediterranean map on the wall, brass sculptures, and a tiled bar adorned with a bull's head, while the outdoor look is pure Australian beach culture.

    2/1 King St., Newcastle, New South Wales, 2300, Australia
    02-4929–3333

    Known For

    • Stunning views
    • Moroccan vegetable and chickpea tagine
    • Popular local spot

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.–Wed. No dinner Sun.
  • 17. Scratchleys on the Wharf

    $$

    This swank establishment is as close as Newcastle comes to having an iconic restaurant. Enclosed on three sides by glass and perched over the harbor on the busy esplanade, Scratchley's opened not long after the Honeysuckle precinct transformed Newcastle into a hip and happening place more than a decade ago. The restaurant has one of the best views in Newcastle and an extensive menu to please all-comers. Starters include seafood chowder, oysters, and prawn salad, while several dishes—king prawn linguine, and prawn satay with spicy peanut sauce—are available in either starter or main sizes. Non–seafood fans have steaks, lamb cutlets, and corn-fed chicken breast dishes to consider, and a range of vegetarian options and Hunter Valley cheeses to sustain them.

    200 Wharf Rd., Newcastle, New South Wales, 2300, Australia
    02-4929–1111

    Known For

    • Incredible seafood
    • Great views
    • Romantic
  • 18. Shearwater Restaurant

    $$

    This waterfront restaurant with views of Coffs Creek (which is spotlighted at night—look for stingrays swimming by) is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and leaves no culinary stone unturned in its search for novel flavors. The menu in the open-air dining room includes lunch dishes like prawn and scallop red curry. If you want a table on the deck in summer, book ahead. Service is friendly and attentive.

    321 Harbour Dr., Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
    02-6651–6053

    Known For

    • Great service
    • Extensive menu
    • Busy on weekends

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.–Tues.
  • 19. The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant

    $$

    With views of moored yachts and tropical gardens, there’s a real vacation vibe to this eatery. There are espresso coffees available at breakfast and espresso martinis at night, with live bands playing on the weekend as rowdy tables pop champagne bottles. The menu is heavy on seafood with the seared squid salad as a superior starter. For main, the fish of the day is always a winner. Or for meat lovers, the glazed pork belly with fennel and cabbage slaw is delicious. There are also classic Aussie desserts, like pavlova with fresh fruits, but really, this is the place to enjoy a few cocktails into the night instead.

    20 Park St., Port Macquarie, New South Wales, 2444, Australia
    02-6589–5100

    Known For

    • Buzzy atmosphere
    • Sundowner cocktails
    • Fun Sunday afternoons
  • 20. The Byron Bay General Store

    $

    Serving tourists and locals since the 1940s, this is an iconic store-turned-café. You'll find beachy interiors, a vegan-friendly menu, and fresh juices. The smoothie bowls are filled with acai, fresh berries, and nuts. The coffee is often said to be the best in Byron. 

    26 Bangalow Rd., Byron Bay, New South Wales, 2481, Australia
    02-6680--9236

    Known For

    • Fresh healthy eats
    • Trendy interiors
    • Superior coffee

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