The Best Restaurants on the Central Coast Right Now

The Central Coast's restaurant scene is built on a foundation of the region's own produce (the Hawkesbury River's oysters, the Central Coast's market gardens, the Southern Highlands' produce 90 minutes south) and a dining population that includes both local residents and Sydney weekenders with high expectations. The best Central Coast restaurants occupy a mid-market position that provides excellent produce at prices below Sydney equivalents, which is exactly what Sydney visitors coming for a weekend are looking for.

The Cowrie — the Terrigal restaurant with clifftop views is the Central Coast's most celebrated dining address, with a menu of contemporary Australian cuisine using regional NSW produce and the seafood of the Central Coast waters. The room's position above The Haven and the ocean views provide the dining-with-a-view experience that the Central Coast's geography uniquely allows.

Lou's Place — the Avoca Beach restaurant that has built a loyal following among the Central Coast dining community and Sydney weekenders with a seasonal menu and a commitment to regional produce that goes beyond the usual Central Coast approach. The wine list's independent bottle shop character is a distinguishing feature.

The Quarterdeck — the Narooma-style coastal seafood experience that The Quarterdeck in Terrigal most closely approximates, with fresh locally caught seafood simply prepared and a setting on the harbour that provides the Sydney crowd's preferred Central Coast casual dining experience.

Gosford RSL dining — the RSL and surf club dining culture of the Central Coast provides the reliable mid-market option for locals who want good food without the Terrigal premium, with clubs including the Gosford RSL and the Terrigal Surf Club providing quality bistro dining at genuinely accessible prices.

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