13 Fine Dining Central Coast Restaurants to Visit Now

This is the ultimate guide to restaurants on the Central Coast that focus on fine dining, outstanding menus and offer a city-like experience.

From an Italian eatery in Ettalong to the very best Terrigal restaurants right now, here’s where to book when you’re wanting a true foodie experience.

Osteria il Coccia, Ettalong

It’s no secret that Ettalong’s segway into the #1 epicurean destination on the Central Coast was cemented by the arrival of Osteria il Coccia in 2019. At its helm is renowned Italian-born chef Nicola Coccia, who creates dishes with unrivalled passion and care. The wine list is a joy, as is the atmosphere.

40/189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong

RELATED: The Best Seafood Restaurants to Visit on the Central Coast

The Bon Pavilion, Gosford

No Coast foodie list would be complete without Bonfire, The Bon Pavilion’s in-house restaurant. The experience here is always sophisticated. Seriously, no dish will disappoint. But for us, our go-to is the orgy of mushrooms. We’re talking the fluffiest ricotta gnocchi you’ll find outside of heaven, with a smorgasbord of ’shrooms. It’s for you, fungi aficionados.

159 Mann St, Gosford

Safran, Ettalong

It’s absolutely outrageous for any true Coastie not to have visited Safran in Ettalong. Award-winning for a reason, here you’ll find the most-superior Turkish food outside of Turkey. It’s authentic but presented with a contemporary flair. Try the pistachio kofte and thank us later.

81/189 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong

SUQ Restaurant, Wamberal

It’s likely you’ve driven past SUQ Restaurant’s distinct coral exterior in Wamberal and vowed to visit soon. It’s time to stop gawping and promising, and set a date, as this is one of the most magnificent restaurants on the Central Coast. It’s all European fling feel here. Try the fried goat’s cheese. It’s a true delight.

80 Ocean View Dr, Wamberal

Pearls on the Beach, Pearl Beach

A bit of a hidden gem, Pearls on the Beach is a stunning beach house-style restaurant on the Central Coast. The view over Pearl Beach is as stunning as the ever-changing menu that focuses on using in-season produce. If you can nab the pomegranate glazed roast quail with beetroot labna, you’re in for an epicurean memory maker.

1 Tourmaline Ave, Pearl Beach

Central Coast Restaurants: Terrigal

Yellowtail, Terrigal

A fine dining experience like no other, Yellowtail focuses on a blend of modern Australian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian influences. But what unites it is Yellowtail’s chef Scott Price’s firm eye on top-quality produce. We’re talking high-grade wagyu, the finest snapper sashimi and superior seafood, to name just a few.

Shop 3/1 Campbell Cres, Terrigal

The Cowrie, Terrigal

For those who enjoy fine dining and stunning sea views then it has to be The Cowrie. Located high above Terrigal, this restaurant not only has panoramic ocean views, but also some of the finest seafood and fish dishes you’ll find in our region. Also, don’t leave without trying the white chocolate Rocher featuring coffee cream and white coffee anglaise. A sensation.

Arc Est., Terrigal

The ocean inspires Terrigal’s newest high-end restaurant, Arc. Est. The oysters arrive with a stunning champagne mignon. The kingfish ceviche is an outstanding explosion of flavour. And the Vietnamese barramundi is cooked to perfection. But don’t worry, meat lovers, the slow-cooked lamb shoulder is your fix.

Shop 7/18 Church St, Terrigal

L’isle de France Terrigal

There’s something special about L’isle de France and it isn’t just down to it being one of very few French restaurants on the Coast. Everything from the lighting to the atmosphere, the menu and wine list, is just flawless. We highly recommend trying the Joues de Boeuf à la Bourguignonne with a glass of La Tour Travers 2018. Really, a stunning example of a restaurant all-rounder.

1 Ena St, Terrigal

Restaurants Central Coast: The Fine Dining Collective

Saddles Mt White

For many, the menu at Saddles Mt White might be tight. An option of seven mains. But it’s all about quality over quantity here at Saddles, with each dish a culinary success. The menu rotates with the seasons, but a recent favourite has to be the Little Hill Farm chicken, which comes with grilled peaches and a buttermilk dressing. The flavours are refined and the presentation spot on.

20 Ashbrookes Rd, Mount White NSW 2250

The Lucky Bee, Hardys Bay

Restaurateurs Rupert Noffs and Matty Bennett were the talk of the town in New York, and it’s no surprise that Hardys Bay has welcomed them with open arms when the Australian incarnation of The Lucky Bee arrived. Authentic South East Asian meals of steamed pork buns, crispy duck spring rolls and Thai peanut red curry of chicken are what you’ll find here, and what will leave you blown away.

 60 Araluen Dr, Hardys Bay NSW 2257

The Wild Flower Bar & Dining, Killcare

The Wild Flower Bar & Dining, located at Bells at Killcare, is undoubtedly a favourite restaurant on the Central Coast with out-of-towners. But locals, grab back what is rightly yours and book a table. From Mediterranean to Moroccan the flavours here are authentic, elegant and, most importantly, oh-so fresh. Any pasta dish is a winner.

107 The Scenic Rd, Killcare

Cecilia’s, Toowoon Bay

Found in stunning Toowoon Bay, Cecilia’s modern and sleek restaurant will have you coming back for more. With a highly sophisticated menu and wine list, Cecilia’s provides a unique dining experience with a Japanese flair. Dishes change throughout the week, but one of the bestsellers is the yellowfin crudo, wasabi, salted plum and cucumber. We adore.

89 Toowoon Bay Rd, Toowoon Bay