Our Six Favourite Ettalong Restaurants to Visit Sharpish

Head over to the Peninsula end of the Central Coast to experience the very finest Ettalong restaurants in all their glory. 

From a fancy feed to a more casual catch-up, Ettalong Beach has recently been dubbed the epicurean epicentre of the region, and for good reason.

Here are some of the hand-picked Ettalong restaurants to put on your Coast foodie bucket list…

1. Osteria il Coccia | The leader

When it comes to dining at the best Ettalong restaurant, Osteria il Coccia speaks for itself. At its helm is Nicola Coccia, an Italian who has worked in some of the finest restaurants Sydney has seen. And here you’ll find that city standard without having to head down the freeway. Think flame-licked scotch fillet which melts in your mouth, topped off with a full-bodied French red wine and a pumpkin sorbet to finish.

Offering a five-course menu that can be made entirely vegetarian-friendly, Osteria il Coccia is a place to indulge in the finer things in life. Enjoy punchy cocktails and some seafood specialities before moving onto the homemade meatballs or dry aged bistecca. This place offers a true fine dining experience right in the heart of Ettalong without the big price tag. Opening hours are Thursday to Saturday from 5:00pm, and Sunday from 12:00pm.

2. Safran | A Turkish delight 

One of the only Ettalong restaurants wearing the industry’s highest accolade is the chef hatted Safran. This true Turkish nook hits the spot with delicious Middle Eastern cuisine that takes you on a cultural journey filled with a rich culinary history. Get a taste for traditional duck borek, fire roasted bullhorn peppers and whipped babaganoush.

Not to mention the daily house made baklava presented delicately and served with a warm smile. Doors open to this cosy abode from 5:30pm, Wednesday to Sunday, with lunch service from 12:00pm on Saturdays. Even with one chef hat, Safran is very affordable, coming in at a below to moderate price, meaning it is a popular place for many locals and Sydneysiders. Bookings are highly recommended. 

3. The BOX on the Water | Coastal bliss

Seaside kiosk by day, sophisticated diner by night, this Ettalong restaurant joins the cast of boujie bars and bistros in town. The BOX on the Water offers prime, panoramic water views of the Ettalong foreshore in a contemporary, stylish space that serves modern Australian cuisine all week. With reasonable prices, it’s a perfect place for a weekday lunch from 12pm, or a weekend breakfast from 8am.

Dinner is also offered from Thursday to Sunday from 5:30pm. The kiosk is open every day from 7am. Start off with the Wagstaffe waggles with candied pecans before moving to the citrus cured kingfish or jackfruit tagine, then wrap it up with a dark chocolate crème brûlée. Beverage choice is endless from coffee to cocktails, craft beers to boutique wines, making it an ideal location for any occasion.

RELATED: The Most Romantic Central Coast Restaurants

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4. Bar Toto | the trendsetter

Jazzy and chic, this trendy Ettalong spot is so much more than a cocktail bar. This is the ultimate tapas hideout for keen bar hoppers and hipsters alike. Italian from head to toe, with a hint of Africa, Bar Toto trattoria and bar is home to some of the sharpest and buttery cheeses hailing from the faraway land. Create your own antipasti board with a range of artisan products, including 24-month aged prosciutto, or turn it up a notch with Nonna’s meatballs, which are sure to make you feel at home.

Stretching across almost four pages, the cocktail list is sure to please all tastebuds with an entire section dedicated to the espresso martini. Open from Thursday to Sunday, 3pm till late, Bar Toto is the perfect way to end the week. Prices are moderate to fair. Get there at 4:30pm and you’ll be able to make the most of mini cocktail happy hour.

5. La Fiamma | A family affair

Brought to the Ettalong restaurants scene back in 2007, La Fiamma has mastered the art of producing an authentic Italian dough topped with the finest ingredients. Their woodfired pizza is genuinely made following a strict traditional discipline set out by the peak Italian pizza-governing body. No kidding.

On top of pizza, the funky La Fiamma also champions some of the most wholesome Italian classics like Sicilian meat balls, carbonara pasta, and eggplant parmigiana. You won’t be able to get past the mozzarella and pea arancini to start. Waltz on in for dinner from 5pm, Wednesday to Sunday, or pop in for lunch on Sunday at 12pm. You definitely won’t bust the bank with this place. 

6. Chica Chica Ettalong | Relaxed Vibe

Opening at the tail end of 2021,  Chica Chica has a slight South American influence to the menu. Try the Argentinian Prime Rib, comprising of a sexy 300grm 6+ marble score Black Angus cooked over open coals, and topped with  chimichurri & Salsa Roja. For the vegies, we’d reccommend the whole roasted calulflower, with garlic, lime and coconut yogurt. Delicious! And while the food is undoubtedly the drawcard here, you’ll be returning for the cocktails. This is one of the best places on the Coast for a margarita. Head over on a Monday for a margarita madness at just $8 a pop.