Wake up to this regionʼs beaut beachside brekkies, fresh local seafood and relaxed, refined dining.
The Coast crowd is up early. Plenty to surf, the rest seemingly in the queue at Burnt Honey Bakery in Avoca, where kouign-amann and stunning sourdough are just the start.
In Killcare Heights, retro camper van Arnie’s Espresso Bar has sweets and single-origin espresso on lock, as does Glee Coffee Roasters HQ in Wyong, while Macs Beach Cafe does beachside brekkie rolls with the best of them.
Stocking up? Woy Woy is where to start. Fishmonger D & L Witchard handles seafood the right way, while grocer Young Barons sells staples from names like LP’s and Malfroy’s Gold. Stay for a bowl of handmade pasta, or hit Woy Woy Fisherman’s Wharf for fish and chips.
In Long Jetty, Upstairs Wines carries local beers and natural wine, as does their Ettalong shop, a block from the Galleria, where Warung Malaysia sells kueh from the counter and Chillis Deli grills dry-aged steaks over charcoal (also try Chillis Cottage in Davistown).
The Cowrie (Terrigal), Lago Cucina (Budgewoi) and The Wild Flower Bar and Dining (at Bells in Killcare) are all destinations for more refined fare, Kefi is a Greek newcomer down at Koolewong, while it’s cacio e pepe and rib-eye all the way at Carne & Cucina, attached to Saratoga Quality Meats in Erina Heights.
Then if you’re staying up late, Pocket Bar in Terrigal offers cocktails and live music until 2am on weekends.
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David Matthews is a food writer and editor, and co-editor of The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide 2025.
