The Finest Waterfront Restaurants on The Central Coast

If you’re on the Coast and you’re not eating by the water at least some of the time, you’re missing the point. With more than 40 beaches (and plenty of bays, lakes and rivers too), we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to waterfront restaurants on the Central Coast – and they’re worth your attention.

We’ve pulled together our top picks for long lunches with breathtaking sea views – plus a few that are only a stone’s throw from the shoreline – for those days when the location matters as much as what’s on the plate.

The Best Waterfront Restaurants, Central Coast NSW

 1. Kefi Koolewong

When the Meraki Group took over this iconic waterfront venue, we had a feeling something special was coming – and Kefi has well and truly exceeded expectations. The name translates to ‘good times‘ in Greek, and they’re not wrong! With panoramic views of Brisbane Water stretching out in front of you and sun-drenched interiors accented with blue, white and timber, it immediately feels like a Mediterranean escape. Expansive windows means every table has a view, or head outside and enjoy a spritz on the deck for more of an al fresco experience.

Drinks are a big part of the experience here. The wine list is extensive, the cocktail list is a lot of fun – with mocktails that fit right in – and they host happy hours every Fridays. Kefi also has a private dining room for more intimate gatherings, plus wedding and event packages that make the most of that ever-present water view.

And of course, the food. Generous and full of flavour, this is proper sharing food, meant to be eaten together. The slow-cooked lamb shoulder is fall-off-the-bone perfection, and don’t leave without trying their spinach & feta spanakopita with a creamy lemon labneh – this is proper comfort food, which sums up the whole experience really. It feels like being taken care of by a yiayia, and we could all use more of that.

Koolewong Marina, 19 Brisbane Water Dr, Koolewong

Book your tickets for ‘A Day on the Marina’ and help Kefi raise funds for those affected by the 2025 Koolewong bushfire

2. Dunes

Sitting right on Soldiers Beach, Dunes knows exactly how to do waterfront dining – which isn’t surprising, given it’s part of The Dish Group (four waterfront venues and counting). Located on level 1 above the surf club, the views are unreal, stretching across the sand and out to sea, so no matter when you visit, the ocean’s always part of the experience.

Naturally, seafood is the star here. Head Chef Niko Glynatsis – who’s been described as a sea-loving Greek with strong pirate energy (we’re here for it!) – is big on fresh Australian produce, with WA tiger prawns and Sydney Rock oysters as staples. We’ve had a sneak peek at their boujee new menu landing in early March, and you’ll be drooling with dishes like SA octopus with white anchovy caper butter, grilled Mooloolaba king prawns, Spencer Gulf kingfish crudo, and a daily market fish battered to order using a family recipe.

That commitment to local carries through to the drinks list too, with strong ties to Hunter Valley winemakers and a calendar dotted with wine dinners – including one with Oatley on 27 February (you can book here). Throw in Friday happy hour, a cruisy Sunday sesh, daily chef’s specials and a cocktail list of 27 (including a discounted ‘Bartender’s Choice’ if you’re happy to roll the dice), and it’s an easy yes. Even better if you can snag a table on the deck! When it’s not trading as a restaurant, Dunes also doubles as a seriously good-looking beachside wedding and events venue – hard to argue with that backdrop.

Soldiers Beach Surf Club, 101 Soldiers Point Dr, Norah Head

3. The BOX on the Water

When you’re talking absolute waterfront dining on the Central Coast, The BOX on the Water is right up there. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Broken Bay and Box Head like a postcard, and on those magic days when they’re thrown open and the whole place is drenched in sea air & sunshine, it’s pretty hard to beat. Inside feels contemporary and polished, a great pick for a long lunch or special dinner, but we’re partial to pulling up a chair by the rock wall, drink in hand, and taking in Ettalong Beach (while patting all the doggos).

Now obviously, the views might stop you in your tracks, but the food here well and truly holds its own. The signature seafood feast for two is a standout, stacked high with hot & cold seafood, or you can go the grazing feast and sample a bit of everything – finished with an Eton mess for that iconic taste of summer. Around the corner, the beach kiosk keeps things relaxed, opening from 7am daily so you can get your caffeine fix while the kids burn energy on the playground or at the beach. The restaurant itself trades into the evening, and it all just works – The BOX manages to cater to everyone without ever feeling stretched.

A little insider tip? Once a month, they host Beats by the Beach, with live jazz, mellow tunes and cocktail specials as the sun goes down. It’s a real treat, and such a beautiful way to experience this much-loved Ettalong spot. Take a look at their website to see upcoming events for the year ahead.

The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach

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Waterfront dining is kind of our thing on the Central Coast

4. Amarilla

We booked Amarilla for our Coasties Christmas lunch last year, and it was a very good call. Inspired by Spain’s tapas culture, the menu’s all about sharing… though the Basque cheesecake almost caused a full-blown rift when the three of us tried to divide it fairly! Luckily, the uninterrupted ocean views across Terrigal Haven calmed things down – it’s impossible to feel anything but peaceful with that outlook. And for anyone booking dinner, how incredible to watch sunset skies give way to the glow of Terrigal’s lights across the water.

Now open 7 days a week, you can take your pick from the waterfront dining room or covered deck – there really aren’t any bad tables here. Sundays are also a vibe thanks to Sunday Sangria Sessions, with live music from 4–7pm. And if you’re hunting a Central Coast venue with serious wow factor, Amarilla ticks all the boxes for intimate weddings and private events. A relaxed, social dining experience to remember (and repeat).

2a The Haven, Terrigal

5. Swells

When the occasion matters – birthdays, anniversaries, the stuff you don’t want to leave to chance – you book Swells. A big part of that comes down to Chef Paul and his long-standing team, many of whom have been there since opening in 2021. That consistency shows, from a considered menu of modern Australian dishes like the best-selling prawn dumplings with crispy pork belly, tempura zucchini flowers and crispy barramundi, to service that’s friendly and warm without feeling too formal.

Then the setting does the rest. Elevated above Terrigal Beach, the dining room & terrace look straight out over the ocean, and from pretty much every seat you’re reminded why this stretch of coast cops so much love. Bright and airy, Swells is just as comfortable for a relaxed lunch as it is for an evening meal as the light fades over the water. Groups of 10 or more are well looked after with a dedicated bookings organiser, and midweek diners should keep an eye out as the popular Wine & Dine special returns in February, offering a main and quality glass of wine for $45, or main, glass of wine and dessert for $55.

112 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

6. Peats Bite Restaurant

If you want the full “we made a day of it” experience, Peats Bite is it – you literally get there by water (they’ll sort transfers when you book). It feels special from the second you pull up, with welcome drinks on offer and photo ops everywhere you look. Settle in for a leisurely long lunch, with attentive service and an unforgettable dining experience. Between courses, wander down to their pool and play a game of finska on the lawn. We were invited last year and it was genuinely the best day, we wanted to move in (still do – we’ve got our eyes on their chic waterfront bungalows) and we still gush about it every chance we get.

Sunny Corner, Hawkesbury River

 

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7. The Balcony

Are ocean views high on your list? Sitting upstairs at Shelly Beach Surf Club, looking straight out over the water, it’s hard not to slow down once you’re seated at The Balcony. It works well for a long lunch after a beach walk, or dinner when the light starts to soften. Bonus points for being very family-friendly without feeling chaotic.

Shelly Beach Surf Club, Shelly Beach Rd, Shelly Beach

8. Avoca Beach House

You know what’s always a good idea? Lunch at Avoca Beach House. Mere steps from the sand, it’s bright, breezy and easy, with balcony seating that books out in advance – and the balcony is dog-friendly, so shake the sand off after a big walk and make yourself comfortable. Great way to keep things relaxed, but you’ve still gone somewhere nice. Try the seafood platter.

3/85 Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach

9. The Tropic

There’s always a bit of buzz here, especially as the sun starts to drop. With Mediterranean-inspired plates, fresh seafood and cocktails that complement the waterfront views across Terrigal Haven, The Tropic works particularly well for sunset bevvies. Lively without being chaotic, this is right where you want to be.

Ground Floor, The Pavilion, 2 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal 

10. Margarita Daze

This one’s very relaxed when we’re talking waterfront restaurants on the Central Coast, and surprisingly great if you’ve got kids in tow. Overlooking Umina Beach with views across to Lion Island and Barrenjoey Head, Margarita Daze has plenty of space, a super casual feel and no pressure to keep things tidy or quiet – their Mexican flair is playful and unapologetically fun. Popular for group catch-ups or when you want to be near the water without locking in anything formal. And order a margi (or two), obvs.

345 Trafalgar Ave, Umina Beach

11. The Beachie

Talk of the town after their multi-million dollar transformation in 2021, The Beachie is a Hamptons-inspired waterfront venue that dazzles pretty much everyone who walks through the front doors. Sweeping views north across Budgewoi Lake can be seen from the bistro, the outdoor bar area or book a poolside cabana for the ultimate swag afternoon. Don’t want to leave? Then don’t. They’re a hotel too.

200 Main Rd, Toukley

12. Drifter’s Wharf

A crowd-pleaser for good reason, Drifter’s Wharf shows off the best of the Gosford waterfront. The venue has changed hands a lot over the years – how you remember it shows your age – but the current team have absolutely nailed it. Beachy interiors, stone-baked pizzas and more events than you can shake a stick at, you’ll find yourself here often.

12a Dane Dr, Gosford

A Stone’s Throw From The Water

Central Coast waterfront restaurants don’t have to be on the water…

1. Little Miss

Little Miss is fun. Full stop. Set just back from the water in Terrigal, inside the historic old post office building, it’s been buzzing since moving from West Gossy in 2025 – and we’re clearly not the only ones who’ve noticed. Little Miss has just earned its first Chef Hat, making it one of only four venues on the Central Coast recognised for 2026. Pretty impressive for a place that keeps everything feeling effortless. Open seven days, with lunch specials, coffees and creative cocktails on offer, there’s really no bad time to visit… but they do have bottomless brunches all day Sundays. Just saying.

Food-wise, you’ll probably want to order everything, starting with an indulgent ‘bump’ of Greek caviar. The Mediterranean-inspired menu boasts grilled squid with a spicy ‘nduja and herb emulsion, cauliflower florets with smoky romesco, chargrilled chicken dusted with sumac & Aleppo chilli, and hand-cut hot chips that never last long on the table. Little Miss is familiar in all the right ways, bringing people together without overthinking it. You feel right at home here… if only home came with an endless supply of tuna crudo and killer cocktails.

4 Ash St, Terrigal

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2. The Boathouse Hotel Patonga

The ultimate day-trip classic. Grab a table, watch the water, then wander across to the beach after. Lunch followed by a refreshing dip in the ocean is dreamy. The food and setting at The Boathouse makes the trip feel worthwhile every time – even better if you can book their courtesy bus, or pair it with a ferry ride to Palm Beach and back. Happy hour daily, a cute picnic plate for the kids – and possibly the most lush bathrooms on the Central Coast. They also do the hotel + kiosk thing, so you can keep it casual or make a proper afternoon of it – or longer if you book one of their gorgeous apartments.

6/8 Patonga Dr, Patonga

3. Anchor on Hardys

Fresh seafood, waterside location (with picturesque views to boot), cosy ambience – Anchor on Hardys feels a world away from the everyday. Order a glass of vino and feel your shoulders begin to relax as you watch the boats bobbing in the bay. Our tip: get there for piano hour on Friday and Saturday from 5pm, paired with aperitivo drinks, or enjoy $3 oysters during happy hours. Check their Instagram to see what’s coming up.

60 Araluen Dr, Hardys Bay

4. Foreshore Bistro & Cafe

When you want something easy with a view, this is a solid little find on the northern end of the Central Coast – it’s within Gwandalan Bowling Club and it looks straight over the lake. Foreshore is relaxed and affordable, with classic bistro favourites and an outlook that punches above its weight, plus they do regular specials and happy hour which is always welcome. Loved by locals.

Gwandalan Bowling Club, 70 Gamban Rd, Gwandalan

5. Terrigal Beach House

Our go-to when we want to be sure everyone is happy & catered for is always Terrigal Beach House. It’s kid-friendly, dog-friendly, fully accessible and it has a magnetic, welcoming energy – it’s practically impossible to walk past without popping in for a quick drink. The indoor space is bright & airy, but the terrace is where you want to be: beach views, sea breeze and live music every Friday to Sunday – or if you’re feeling flush, go the whole hog and book a private beachfront cabana.

40 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal

CONTINUE READING: The Best Seafood Restaurants on The Central Coast

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