The best restaurants, cafes & bars on the Coffs Coast

The Coffs Coast is known for its fantastic local produce and relaxed coastal dining vibe, with an exciting array of restaurants, cafes and bars on offer. Here’s where to sample some of foodie delights of the region.

Destination NSW

Dec 12 -

min read

The Mermaid Beach House

Located on Park Beach in Coffs Harbour, The Mermaid Beach House is a casual Italian restaurant with a focus on the best local ingredients. They even grow some of them on-site. Go for the Feed Me menu to sample the best of what’s on offer and make sure you try the delicious house-made focaccia.

The Mermaid Beach House, Coffs Harbour

Bellingen Brewing Co

For craft beer and wood-fired sourdough pizzas, head to Bellingen Brewing Co. This cosy brewery has a strong sustainability focus and was designed and created using local timbers and salvaged materials. If you’re not into beer, there is also a selection of Australian organic wines and excellent cocktails.

Group of friends drinking beer at Bellingen Brewing Co, Bellingen

Good Time Charlie’s

Grab a New York-style bagel and a delicious coffee before you hit the surf in Nambucca Heads. This small and friendly specialty coffee shop also does fantastic toasties and is conveniently located on the main street.

Good Time Charlie's, Nambucca Heads

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar

Tucked away behind a hidden laneway door in Coffs Harbour, Dark Arts Cafe & Bar has a little bit of everything: locally roasted coffee, craft beer, wine, cocktails, live music and comfort food – think all-day breakfast and lunch menus brimming with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and kid-friendly options. Whatever time of the day you visit, there’s always an inviting hustle and bustle.

Dark Arts Cafe & Bar, Coffs Harbour

Bar Que Sera

In the trendy little town of Sawtell on the Coffs Coast, which boasts great cafes and boutiques lining beautiful beaches, Bar Que Sera was opened in 2020 by a husband-and-wife team relocating from Melbourne. The relaxed bar/restaurant serves seasonal share plates and bar snacks alongside boutique wine, cocktails and craft beer, celebrating quality independent producers.

Bar Que Sera, Nambucca Heads - Credit: Bar Que Sera

Za'atar Bellingen

Set in the heart of Bellingen, Za'atar is a Middle Eastern kitchen serving up Israeli-style falafel, hummus and street food. A fantastic spot for vegans, vegetarians and meat lovers, the extensive menu is available both to eat in and take away. You can also stock up on Middle Eastern produce for creating meals at home.

Za'atar Bellingen, Bellingen

Latitude 30

With an unbeatable location overlooking the ocean in the Coffs Harbour Marina Village, Latitude 30 serve incredibly fresh seafood – caught each morning by the local fishers. Make sure you try the impressive seafood platter, featuring fresh lobster, prawns, bugs, oysters, ceviche and housemade bread.

Friends enjoying food and drink at Latitude 30, Coffs Harbour

Lime Mexican Sawtell

For a taste of Mexico, head to Lime in Sawtell. This burrito bar and taqueria features an extensive menu including tacos, quesadillas, nachos and churros, as well as delicious margaritas. Don’t miss happy hour from 3-5pm on weekends and 4-5pm on weekdays.

Friends enjoy cocktails and tacos at Lime Mexican, Sawtell

Critters Distillery

Spirit connoisseurs should drop into Critters Distillery in Woolgoolga. Made from Australian wheat and locally sourced cane sugar, every drop of their alcohol is fermented on-site. Take a tour of the venue or simply stop by for the tasting experience.

Group of friends enjoying gin and vodka at Critters Distillery, Woolgoolga

The Seaview Tavern

Further up the coast in Woolgoolga is The Seaview Tavern, a family-friendly hotel offering excellent pub meals and an expansive beer garden. With a kid's area, live music, gaming and more, there is something for the whole family at this welcoming establishment. If you’re unsure of what to order, then go for the extremely popular chicken schnitzel.