Whether fresh seafood, beach picnics, fine-dining restaurants or wineries, the Jervis Bay region on the South Coast of NSW is a must-visit for foodies.
- 4 min read
Top regional restaurants
Rick Stein at Bannisters Mollymook
English celebrity chef Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant sits inside boutique hotel Bannisters by the Sea in Mollymook. The food is simply prepared, but of the highest quality - think Goan-style mussels from Jervis Bay, grilled scallops from Shark Bay - and is perhaps only outshone by sweeping ocean views from the breezy, light-filled dining room.
Bannisters by the Sea, Mollymook Beach
Bangalay Dining
Bangalay Luxury Villas in Shoalhaven Heads has an applauded restaurant known for its use of native Australian ingredients, including lemon myrtle and bunya nut. Try the five-course chef's selection, packed with delicious bites like South Coast oysters with fingerlime and Murray cod with nduja glaze. If you can’t tear yourself away, check in to one of the self-contained villas.
Bangalay Dining, Shoalhaven Heads
The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp
Check in to Paperbark Camp to sleep in elevated safari-style glamping tents, set amid eucalypts and replete with wraparound decks, hardwood flooring, tubs overlooking the native forest and private ensuites. Your meals are served at the retreat’s beloved restaurant, The Gunyah, where dishes might feature cured kingfish with horseradish or grilled lamb with labne. The good news is that you don’t have to be staying here to enjoy the restaurant - although once you glimpse the accommodation, you’ll want to.
The Gunyah at Paperbark Camp, Jervis Bay - Credit: Dick Sweeney
Milk HAUS
This character-filled garden-to-plate eatery on the outskirts of historic Milton is located in a 19th-century converted cheese factory - on site at Milk HAUS there’s also an expansive kitchen garden and a four-bedroom farm house welcoming overnight guests. The menu is seasonal, and is loaded with fresh fruit and veggies plucked by the chefs just moments before you dine.
Milk Haus, Woodstock - Credit: Milk Haus
Local seafood and produce
Jim Wild's Oysters
Shuckers don’t get any more experienced than those at Jim Wild’s Oysters, occupying a shack at Greenwell Point. The estuary of the Crookhaven and Shoalhaven rivers is the breeding ground for Jim’s distinctive Sydney rock and Pacific oysters - the only other thing on the menu is fresh prawns. The motto here is, ‘nothing fancy, but everything's fresh’.
Jim Wild's Oysters, Greenwell Point
Nowra Fresh Fish and Meat Market
As its name states, Nowra Fresh Fish and Meat Market prides itself on serving up just-caught, local seafood. Weekly specials are chalked up, and might include black tiger prawns, squid, lobsters, crab and mussels. You can also grab delicious fish and chips to take away. There are plenty of waterfront spots nearby to enjoy your meal at al fresco.
Nowra Fresh Fish and Meat Markets, Nowra - Credit: Nowra Fresh Fish and Meat Markets
Clyde River Berry Farm
Open seasonally over the summer month, Clyde River Berry Farm grows everything from blueberries and blackberries to strawberries. You can pick your own, or purchase farm-made jams, wild bush honey and ice-cream loaded with the farm’s fruits.
Clyde River Berry Farm, Mogood - Credit: Shoalhaven Tourism
Winery cellar doors
Cupitt’s Estate
There are more than a dozen wineries to choose from along the Shoalhaven Coast, known for producing a diverse range of varietals, from chardonnay to shiraz. Set between Ulladulla and Milton you’ll find Cupitt’s Estate, which not only bottles standout wines but also has an on-site craft brewery and restaurant.
Cupitt's Estate, Ulladulla
Silos Estate
Occupying historic buildings that were once a dairy farm, Silos Estate is as in demand for its wines as its wide-eyed alpacas and guest cottages, nestled amid the vines. Check in or visit the cellar door for outstanding views over rolling green hills, all the way to the Great Dividing Range. Pick up a bottle of shiraz or sauvignon blanc from the cellar door, or enjoy your tipple in the restaurant. Why not stay overnight in one of their suites?
Silos Estate, Berry
Two Figs Winery
With views over the beaches of Shoalhaven Heads, Two Figs Winery produces small-batch, hand-crafted wines produced using sustainable practices. Savour everything from chardonnay to shiraz at the cellar door, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Shoalhaven River. If you’ve got a pooch on board, grab a picnic table on the large swathe of grass and soak up the views.
Two Figs Winery, Berry
Coolangatta Estate
Family-owned and operated since 1946, Coolangatta Estate offers a casual dining and wine-tasting experience overlooking the winery. Experiences range from wine flights in the cellar door to luxe, styled picnics and tours of the estate. If you can’t bear to leave, you can check in to one of the historic lodges on site.
Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads
Mountain Ridge Wines
Sustainability is the credo behind Mountain Ridge Wines, which has a cellar door, restaurant, market garden and accommodation on its site at the base of Cullunghutti Mountain. Sample wines at the cellar door on one of two tasting experiences (the Coast to Country Tasting or the Personalised Wine Flight) or sip your way through their wine paddle. Tuck into mod-Australian cuisine in the dining room.
Mountain Ridge Wines, Coolangatta
Cambewarra Estate Winery
At the foothills of the majestic Cambewarra Mountain, Cambewarra Estate Winery is a family-run boutique vineyard that grows four varietals: chardonnay, verdelho, chambourcin and cabernet sauvignon. Enjoy a glass of wine on the deck or in the vines. Also on-site, check out the Shoalhaven Community Art Gallery, feast at the restaurant, or stay overnight in their converted dairy or boat house.
Cambewarra Estate Winery, Shoalhaven, NSW South Coast
Small-batch breweries and distilleries
Jervis Bay Brewing Co
Located in coastal Huskisson, Jervis Bay Brewing Co creates a range of intriguingly named drops that reference local history and landmarks like the Point Perp Pilsner and the Rainbird Dark Lager. There’s a relaxed beer garden to enjoy those beers (and non-alcoholic offerings, too). Order snacks and burgers from the 5 Little Pigs food truck, enjoy trivia on Thursdays, live music on Sundays and a monthly open mic night.
Jervis Bay Brewing Co., Huskisson
Flamin Galah Brewing Co
There are plenty of places to perch at Flamin Galah Brewing Co including tables on the front lawn, inside at the bar or in the back beer garden. As well as more than a dozen beers on tap at any time, the brewery produces its own hard sodas and vodka, and has an array of popular cocktails on offer. The Nest, an on-site food truck, dishes up handmade pizzas, crispy chicken bao, tacos, dumpling salad and more.
Flamin Galah Brewing Co, Jervis Bay - Credit: Flamin Galah Brewing Co
Old Salt Distillery
This small and charming distillery makes a range of artisanal gins, vodkas and fruit liqueurs that take home awards across the country. Old Salt Distillery also makes small-batch beers and tonics. Enjoy a drink paired with snacks at the bar or a more substantial meal in the restaurant.
Old Salt Distillery, South Nowra - Credit: Old Salt Distillery
Tours and food events
Kenny Escapes Food and Wine Tours
If you want to take in the best of South Coast food and wine, but don’t want to drive, Kenny Escapes Food and Wine Tours are for you. Trips include tastings around Shoalhaven’s cellar doors, but just talk to the team if you would like to organise a bespoke itinerary.
Kenny Escapes Food and Wine Tours, Berry - Credit: Kenny Escapes Food and Wine Tours
Coastal Forage
Set along a breathtaking six kilometres stretch of the Jervis Bay coastline, the Coastal Forage sees guests venture down beaches and along coastal trails enjoying gourmet offerings at ten food stations along the way. Begin at Moona Moona Creek Reserve, where small groups of 20–25 guests depart every 10–15 minutes, and finish your journey ends at Orion Beach, where a van will return you to your starting point. Held annually in September, meet the region’s most celebrated chefs, producers and artisans - including the talent behind Bangalay Dining, Cupitt’s Winery, Paperbark Camp and Old Salt Distillery - before you taste their delicious creations.
Picnic’s Naturally Jervis Bay
Forget plastic cutlery and frayed rugs, Picnic's Naturally Jervis Bay takes their picnics seriously. Choose your location - whether it’s on the sand, in the bush, amid lush garden - and the team will set up a decadent spread, with gorgeous styling, grazing food and (most importantly) no dishes for you to do.
