Come join us as we dive into the dining scene in The Entrance, and we discover the best spots to fill your bellies. Boasting an impressive range of options means we really are spoilt for choice when it comes to the best of The Entrance restaurants and cafes.
From elevated gastro-pub experiences to fish and chips, to award-winning pies, to Asian, South American, casual dining, to toasties on the run and everything in between. Not to mention a neat little cafe culture too.
When it comes to dining in The Entrance, your only issue will be just how to choose where to go. To help you out, though, in true Coasties-style, we’ve handpicked our top choices for your next visit.
The Entrance Restaurants and Cafes
1. The Lakes Hotel
A couple of years ago, The Lakes Hotel underwent a major transformation, with the beloved local pub entering into a new era, yet still maintaining that real “locals” feel and vibe that we Coasties love. Having been around (and serving up the goods) since 1940, The Lakes manages to perfectly nail that nostalgic, come contemporary coastal charm in the pub. Not only that, but the new look also accompanied a revamped, new and improved menu. AHA award-winning executive chef Paul Thornton heads up the kitchen and dishes out delicious, elevated pub classics with a modern twist. It’s a winning combo; brilliant food in a refreshed space with a cool, laidback atmosphere.
On the menu, you’ve got everything from juicy burgers and chargrilled steaks to fresh seafood and share plates to choose from. Alongside daily specials, a seniors menu and a solid offering on the kids menu, all of which keep locals coming back again and again.
Here at Coasties, our top picks include the Arancini, the Salt & Pepper Calamari and the Harissa Lamb Rump. Oh, and don’t forget to try a cheeky Sticky Date Pudding for dessert, because there’s always room for dessert.
Let’s just say, The Lakes ticks all the boxes; it’s there for casual catch-ups, family dinners, long lunches or a drink that turns into boogying to some live music. It’s no wonder The Lakes tops our list of the best places to dine in The Entrance.
See what’s on, check out their menus or make a booking at thelakeshotel.com.au
201 The Entrance Road
2. The Entrance Social Club
The elevated pub experience is where it is at in The Entrance. And, The Entrance Social Club led the charge in the renovation stakes a few years ago. With their overhaul, they set the bar for the pub-going experience in the area. They successfully and consistently exceed expectations with exceptional drinks and dining.
TESC is an exciting, all-round crowd pleaser of a venue. Boasting two distinct personalities, there’s Taffy’s Sports Bar, with its big screens and buzzing atmosphere for the sports lovers amongst us, and then there’s Mrs May Bistro & Bar, which is a touch more refined. A design-led space that’s perfect for those long lunches with mates or date nights in the outdoor (with water views) section or indoors, where the style oozes class!
Now, the menu, let’s start with cocktails because that is always a good place to start. Signatures like Mrs Mays, to classics, well, hello there, Paloma, to an entire menu dedicated to margs! Oh, and a cocktail by the jug menu! Then there’s the craft beer choices and impressive wine list… Don’t worry, though, it’s not all about the drinks; the food here is equally as impressive. We live for the raw menu, and we can rarely go past ordering one of the signature plates, all of which will leave you very satisfied.
Coupled with frequent live music and events, that sun-drenched courtyard (that’s dog and kid friendly) and TESC delivers on all fronts and has truly established itself as a real crowd-pleaser and venue not to be missed.
Keep in the loop with them over on their socials @theentrance.socialclub
87 The Entrance Road
3. Coco Rice and Noodle Bar
Hidden a little further up The Entrance Rd is a quaint and unassuming Thai restaurant that packs one helluva flavourful punch! Say hello to Coco Rice and Noodle Bar, a long-time local favourite. We’re talking big flavour without the fuss. This laidback and casual eatery is all about generous portions, speedy service and those layered, soul food kinda Thai and Asian flavours that will have you coming back for more time and time again.
What we love the most (especially atm) is just how affordable everything on the menu is, making this an easy go for those evenings when the fridge is bare or a quick takeout for lunch.
The menu is jam-packed with deliciousness, no matter which dish you choose. From those fragrant curries where the depth of flavour is second to none to the sizzling stir-fries and noodle favourites like Nasi Goreng and Pad Thai. Once again, the speciality dishes get us! We can never go past the Volcanic Chicken; the dipping sauce is next level. The Eggplant Chilli Jam will blow your mind, and the Lamb Shank Massaman is to die for.
There’s also the usual suspects of satay skewers, money bags, and veggie curry puffs just to kick off the taste sensation.
Coco has the most welcoming vibe and consistently solid food, but don’t just take our word for it, judging from the hundreds of positive reviews out there, you know that this is always going to be a reliable and blooming delish go-to every time!
Order online here
177 The Entrance Road
Where to eat in The Entrance, NSW
4. Albie’s Coffee Bar
This is the spot to grab your morning caffeine fix, along with a dose of boogying moves and tunes, good vibes and banter *the best type. It’s a family-run teeny tiny hole-in-the-wall that pours absolute quality brews alongside pastries and toasties. Situated over near Picnic Point Reserve, Albies is perfect for a quick takeaway while the kids play at the park across the road, or to quench your thirst after a lakeside walk/bike ride.
5. The Greens
As they say, “The Greens at The Entrance is your local club”. Set a short distance from the hustle and bustle of the main drag, it’s got that real hidden gem energy going for it. The atmosphere is relaxed and easygoing.
You can dine in for a casual meal at Theo’s, which boasts a modern Australian menu. Or grab some bevvies to be enjoyed over barefoot bowls with friends and family.
Whatever you’re up for, the food is quality nosh, and great times await you at The Greens.
6. Chi Cong Bakery
If for no other reason you visit this traditional Vietnamese bakery, make it for their Bahn Mi’s! They are, without a doubt, some of the best on the Central Coast. A local gem that also serves up tasty, sweet treats and freshly-baked rolls and breads. Ideal for a quick, affordable lunch that never misses.
The best waterfront dining on the Central Coast
The best restaurants and cafes in The Entrance
7. Ken’s Humble Pie Shop
An absolute Coast icon known for its inventive, handmade pies. They really do have a little something for everyone with their diverse range of speciality and standard pies. The shop is walking distance from the foreshore, and while it’s easy to mistake the outside as just your run-of-the-mill pie shop, it is so much more! Inside, there are trays after trays of freshly made pies and pastries for all times of the day – brekkie, lunch, dinner or dessert. Making Ken’s a must-stop for a hearty, satisfying feed.
8. Big Tuna Fish Co.
Nothing beats a good ol’ fish and chips on a sunny Coastie beach day. There’s seating at Big Tuna Fish Co., but we’d recommend getting your order to go and sitting down at Memorial Park alongside the beautiful Entrance foreshore. A stunning spot for a great meal, no matter what time of year it is.
9. Los Dos Hombres
If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere to pair with epic flavours, then it has to be Los Dos Hombres. This colourful Mexican restaurant comes alive in the evening and serves authentic Mexican eats, like pork belly tacos and Quesadillas. Always a winner in our eyes.
10. Arcady North
Just over at The Entrance North, you’ll find a cheeky little family cafe that is ideal for brunch, great coffee and some damn good burgs! Let’s just say they had us there at “damn good burgs”, but we are also here for the all-day brekky menu. And, we love this beautifully styled space that encourages slow catch-ups and a sense of community.
Check out the sweetest new opening to hit Long Jetty – SwirlznThingz!
