Deciding where to eat in Coffs Harbour can require a little help because there are so many to choose from!
Perhaps we can look at the past two years of lockdowns and restrictions as a reason why Coffs Harbour’s dining scene is getting so much attention—there’s been a mass exodus of people from Sydney who are setting up camp north of the coast and bringing their lattes and grain bowls with them.
And who’s to blame them? With the affordability of real estate in Coffs Harbour and an unbeatable location along pristine beaches, what’s not to love?
Whatever it is, there is definitely some buzz around this beach town. Fine-dining chefs are packing up their knives and setting up a little culinary community here, alongside baristas, mixologists and sommeliers.
So, if you find yourself in Coffs Harbour and in need of good food and good drinks, head to any of these spots and you won’t be disappointed. Whether it’s knowing what to do in Coffs Harbour or where to eat, Soho’s got you covered.
The Mermaid Beach House, Coffs Harbour
What to expect: Italian
81 Ocean Parade, Park Beach, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
0492 950 124
themermaid.com.au
Order dishes at The Mermaid Beach House and you’ll see the intention behind the food is simplicity and quality ingredients.
The $55 set menu will be the head chef’s selection of the best dishes of the day which will leave you inspired and satisfied.
Find home-made pastas, locally sourced meats and seafood, and produce grown by the restaurant itself. The casual setting, with white walls and simple, homey furniture set just a street away from the shores will keep you coming back.
Mana Chita, Coffs Harbour
What to expect: African curries, sharing plates
384B Harbour Dr, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
(02) 6699 2559
Mana Chita serves up excellent traditional Ethiopian fare. From the friendly staff to the relaxed setting, there are many reasons to love this restaurant.
Originating as a market stall at the Community College in Coffs Harbour, their cooking got so popular that they began catering and soon enough, it was time to open their own restaurant.
Come in a big group and enjoy a platter of African curries served alongside crepes and rice. Definitely one of the good Coffs Harbour restaurants to try.
Bar Que Sera, Sawtell
What to expect: Wine bar, Mediterrarean inspired small plates
61 First Avenue, Sawtell, NSW, Australia
(02) 6658 2831
Bar Que Sera was opened in 2020 by a husband and wife duo. Having worked in several bars in Melbourne like Eau de Vie and Heartbreaker, they opened a European style drinking spot in Sawtell.
The idea was to create a relaxed attitude inspired by their travels through Europe. Find natural wines and cocktails to sip on but if you’re peckish, their sourdough bread and labne or spicy prawn sliders are not to be missed.
Emerald Beach General Store, Emerald Beach
What to expect: beachside comfort food
109 Fiddaman Road, Emerald Beach, NSW, Australia
(02) 6656 1384
@e_b_generalstore
Fun, convenient, laid back, these are the vibes you get from the Emerald Beach General Store. And it’s exactly what brothers Louis and Hugh Riley were trying to achieve when they opened it.
After renovating a 30 year-old takeaway shop, they brought together the homeyness of a friend’s home with the creative menu of your local cafe. There’s a sensitivity towards seasonality as the brothers try to avoid waste.
Sit down for delicious burgers, locally sourced produce and fantastic coffee, all a stone’s throw away from Emerald Beach.
French Basket, Sawtell
What to expect: coffee, pastries and cheeseboards
39 First Avenue, Sawtell, NSW, Australia
frenchbasket.com.au
Looking for a bread fix? Look no further. French Basket serves up freshly baked pastries as well as French toast, crepes and salads. With three French style cafes under their belt, husband and wife owners, Jacobe and Lucile are doing something right.
The secret? 100% French ingredients. And you can taste the difference especially in their croissants. But fret not, the coffee is locally sourced.
This is a great place to pick up a cheese-filled picnic basket to enjoy while watching the sun set on the Sawtell headland.
Ernies Kitchen, Coffs Harbour
What to expect: comfort food in a diner setting
(02) 6658 0920
Shop 1/87 Ocean Parade Equinox Building, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia
Classic breakfasts, fresh grilled lobster, veggie dishes and tons of options for the kids, Ernie’s is the perfect place for casual hangs amongst friends and family. They bring an Australian element to every dish, introducing native spices, herbs and plants.
Fans go for the comfort food and stay for the friendly staff, cosy setting and laid back atmosphere. If you’re in search of where to eat in Coffs Harbour, Ernies will probably have something on the menu to satisfy any craving.
Other notable Coffs Harbour restaurants
Urban Espresso Lounge – located on the jetty strip just a few minutes from Coffs Harbour City centre, find this casual cafe serving up amazing coffee.
Shearwater Restaurant – looking for delicious food and amazing views? Shearwater Restaurant in Coffs Harbour offers an Italian inspired menu which includes natural oysters, roast pumpkin salad and artisanal pasta at a table overlooking Coffs Creek.
Pizza Vino – offering Italian and Mediterranean style sharing plates like homemade pizza and pasta in a tapas bar style setting.
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