Central Coast Food and Wine

The Central Coast is emerging as one of the State’s culinary stars. The region has many noteworthy dining experiences, from beach-chic cafes to pretty picnic areas in national parks. You can sip on artisanal cocktails at waterside pubs, dine on the freshest seafood and even master new culinary skills taught by a chef.

Cool cafes and restaurants

The Bon Pavilion in Gosford is the Central Coast’s newest foodie hub, a huge venue with a restaurant, cafe, bars and cellar door. Settle in for a bottomless brunch or go for freshly shucked oysters and steak in the Bonfire dining room. At the revamped Boathouse Hotel Patonga, dine on seafood and pub classics in the sunny beer garden.

The Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf has also had a makeover. Grab takeaway fish and chips or take a seat in the glass-walled restaurant that just out over the water. Saddles at Mt White is a restaurant and bakery set in 10 acres of bushland. Linger over an Italian lunch at Box on the Water at Ettalong Beach or Bombini Restaurant & Bar in Kincumber.

For a touch of glamour, head to Pearls on the Beach, a breezy beach house that is a fixture in the Good Food Guide. Celebrity chef Sean Connelly has joined the kitchen at Bells at Killcare boutique hotel and sources much of the produce from the kitchen garden. Or sit back with cocktails and share plates at the chic Avoca Surf House overlooking the beach.

Couple enjoying cocktails at Mumbo Jumbos Beachhouse at Terrigal in Gosford, Central Coast

Bars and breweries

The bar scene on the Central Coast is also booming: try Margarita Daze in Umina Beach, Mumbo Jumbos and Rhonda's in Terrigal, Frankie’s Rooftop in Woy Woy and The Savoy Long Jetty. Lovers of hops are in for treat – get a tour and a tasting at Six String Brewing, Bay Road Brewing and Block ‘n Tackle.

Friends enjoying a guided tour of the Six String Brewing Company brewery in Erina, Gosford

Local produce

There are a dizzying array of artisan producers on the Central Coast. Plot your move from Wyong Milk Factory to Little Creek Cheese to enjoy local handmade cheeses. You can also meet makers such as Mr Goaty Gelato at local markets and visit Distillery Botanica in Erina for a boutique tipple and stroll through the fragrant garden.

Budding master chefs can sign up for a cooking class at Central Coast Cooking School, brought to you by the team behind Bombini and Bombini Pizza in Kincumber and Fish Dining in Point Frederick. Australia’s first MasterChef winner, Julie Goodwin, also hosts a range of cooking classes at Julie’s Place in Gosford.

Couple enjoying evening drinks with a view at The Box on the water restaurant and bar at Ettalong beach in Woy Woy, Central Coast

Picnic spots

The national parks and nature reserves on the Central Coast are perfect for picnics. Unfurl your red-checked blanket close to a pretty waterfall, sandy beach, jagged coastline, bright field of wildflowers or lookout above the ocean. You will find lovely picnic spots for family and friends at:

Somersby Falls picnic area in Brisbane Water National Park
Mount Bouddi picnic area in Bouddi National Park
Ironbark picnic area in Popran National Park
Bateau Bay picnic area in Wyrrabalong National Park
Elizabeth Bay or the Palms in Munmorah State Conservation Area