Besides its beautiful beaches and scenery, the Central Coast is home to an excellent food scene that continues to grow and impress.
If you’re searching for great places to eat in the area, you’ll find plenty of options for every occasion: a special celebration, a casual family dinner, or a drink with friends.
As a local who’s dined at countless restaurants throughout the region, I’ve put together this list of my top 5 favourites. Each delivers that perfect combo of mouthwatering food, genuine hospitality, and an atmosphere that just feels right.
1. The Cowrie (Terrigal)
Ambience: Perched atop Terrigal’s scenic heights, The Cowrie has some of the best views around. You can see the whole ocean and bay while you eat. Inside, it’s nice without being stuffy, with warm lighting, good furniture, and local art on the walls that add character. It’s fancy enough for a celebration, but you won’t feel out of place if you just want a good meal.
Cuisine: The Cowrie specialises in modern Australian cuisine, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, premium meats, and plant-based options.
Why It’s Special: The restaurant has earned impressive recognition, including the 2024 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence as the Premium Dining Winner in Regional NSW. They also have a private wine cellar for dining. It seats up to six guests, and you’ll be surrounded by their extensive wine collection.
Address: 109 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal NSW 2260
Website: Visit The Cowrie
2. Saddles (Mount White)
Ambience: Saddles Mount White offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, blending rustic homestead charm with contemporary elegance. Guests can relax by the central sandstone fireplace or enjoy serene views from the wrap-around deck overlooking the dam.
Cuisine: Embracing a ‘Paddock to Plate’ philosophy, Head Chef Reece Collins curates menus that focus on local, seasonal produce while incorporating specialties and flavours from afar. The bakehouse tempts with freshly baked pastries and classic Australian treats.
Why It’s Special: Saddles Mount White has been recognised as one of the ‘Most Beautiful Restaurants in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller. The restaurant’s interior features bespoke saddle chairs at the brass-scalloped bar, crafted by artisan saddler Heath Harris, adding a unique equestrian touch.
Address: 20 Ashbrookes Rd, Mount White NSW 2250
Website: Visit Saddles
3. Arc. Est (Terrigal)
Ambience: Arc. Est has a clean, modern interior with a relaxed atmosphere. It suits both casual lunches and more formal dinners, with soft lighting and a calm, welcoming feel.
Cuisine: The restaurant serves modern Australian food with seasonal ingredients. There’s a choice at lunch between a quick express menu and à la carte. Dinner is offered as a set two or three-course menu. The drinks list includes a range of wines and classic cocktails.
Why it’s special: Arc. Est offers a structured but flexible dining experience with well-paced service and a carefully considered menu. For gifting, two types of digital options are available online: standard vouchers for any amount and experience cards that cover set menu packages. Both can be sent directly to the recipient by email.
Address: Shop 7 & 8 / 18 Church Street, Terrigal NSW 2260
Website: Visit Arc. Est
4. Los Muchahos (Ettalong Beach)
Ambience: The interior has a bright, cheerful look with colourful decor, wooden tables, and Mexican-themed touches throughout. Walls are painted with fun artwork, and the layout feels open and casual. It’s a comfortable space that balances energy with ease, making it just as suitable for a quick bite as it is for a family meal.
Cuisine: The menu covers a mix of Mexican and South American favourites. Dishes like burrito bowls, enchiladas, nachos, tacos, and empanadas are generous and full of flavour. There are vegetarian options and a good range of cocktails, including classic margaritas and piña coladas.
Why it’s special: There are Mexican hats on hand for families and friends to take fun photos during their meal. Service is friendly without being over the top, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious. The restaurant also offers delivery and pickup through multiple platforms for those eating at home, making it easy to enjoy their food wherever you are.
Address: 207 Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach, NSW 2257
Website: Visit Los Muchachos
5. 8 at Trinity (Technically Lake Macquarie, but too good not to include)
Ambience: This place has that rare combination of elegance and ease. Right above the Trinity Point Marina, it’s surrounded by sparkling water, coastal bushland, and beautifully landscaped terraces. The grand dining room features 6.5-metre-high ceilings and seats over 350 guests, making the whole space feel open and relaxed.
Cuisine: Modern Australian with European flair. The menu makes the most of local produce, with standout dishes like the premium seafood platter, Singapore chilli prawns, handmade pizzas, and a show-stopping Wagyu Tomahawk MBS9+. The cocktails are playful and polished, and there’s a wine list of over 400 bottles for those who love to explore.
Why it’s special: Although it’s just outside the Central Coast in Lake Macquarie, 8 at Trinity easily fits among the region’s top dining spots. Its location on the water, impressive scale, and polished menu make it a standout. It’s also part of a larger precinct that’s being developed into a luxury destination, with plans for a hotel, day spa, and expanded marina already underway. Gift vouchers are available, too, which can be a thoughtful option for special occasions.
Address: 81 Trinity Point Dr, Morisset Park, NSW, 2264
Website: Visit 8 at Trinity
Conclusion
The Central Coast has firmly established itself as a worthwhile food destination, with restaurants catering to all tastes and occasions.
Each restaurant offers something special, from stunning ocean views to cozy fine dining spaces. As a local or visitor, you’ll find something to love at all these places.
I hope this guide inspires you to try some Central Coast restaurants. Book a table at one of these spots and see for yourself why our local food scene deserves attention.
For those considering moving to or investing in the Central Coast, these dining options are just one aspect of what makes this area special. As a local buyer’s agent, I have extensive knowledge of the region’s suburbs and property market. If you need help finding a home or investment property, I’m here to assist you.
