The Blue Door Belligen

Award-winning chef Dylan Cashman and his wife, wine director and co-owner Angelica Nohra have opened The Blue Door Bellingen. Located in a heritage-listed former bank, the 24-seat restaurant retains much of the building's existing character, with timber floors, soft tan leather seating, colonial green and white tones and an open kitchen creating an immersive and relaxed setting. At the heart of The Blue Door is an ever-changing seven-plus-course tasting menu shaped by the best produce available each week. Cashman and his team work closely with local farmers and producers, personally visiting the farms they source whole animals from, while vegetables come from no-till and regenerative growers across the Mid-North Coast. Rather than asking farmers to produce to a predetermined menu, the kitchen takes its lead from what's naturally available, allowing the menu to evolve with the seasons and putting the region's produce front and center. For a more casual experience, the six-seat bar and four-seat front patio will operate as The Blue Door Wine Bar, with walk-ins welcome. The snack-focused offering will use the same local produce and ethos as the dining room, with dishes changing according to what the kitchen has available.