Sun, seafood and water views … what a perfect way to enjoy the Far South Coast of NSW. From Narooma to Pambula, there are some unique coastal eateries where you can enjoy the bounty of the sea and estuaries, and savour loads of local flavour.
We went out and tasted the fare at a handful of coastal eateries. Well, someone had to do it!
Oysters, seafood and cocktails at an oyster shed at The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter
BJ & HD Coxon Oyster Farm, River View Rd, Narooma
Yes, a real oyster farmer’s daughter, Natasha, runs this popular spot at her dad’s oyster shed, on the briny waters of the Wagonga Inlet.
You’ll find colourful umbrellas and cocktails, retro furniture, friendly staff, fresh oysters and loads of other seafood. Add local music and it all contributes to a laidback vibe where you can while away several hours watching the tides.
Enjoy oysters straight from the shed, super-fresh fish and chips, an Aussie green-prawn salad with garlic and chilli butter, and fresh lobster. Take a few mates, take the family, and take your appetite.
Open 11:30 am to 5 pm (closed Wednesday and Thursday), with live music on Saturdays. Fully licensed.
Fresh oysters, lobster, and an abundant platter at Wheeler’s in Pambula. Photo: Supplied.
Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant
162 Arthur Kaine Drive, Pambula
The last time we ate at Wheeler’s, we couldn’t resist the half lobster, even though we were surrounded by seven tables indulging in the big, abundant seafood platters for two. And they looked fantastic.
Wheeler’s has been feeding locals and visitors fresh seafood, oysters and great meals for many years and has an excellent reputation. A Valentine’s Day dinner is always something to consider as the venue is elegant and the service great.
You can, of course, just head to the takeaway fish shop and have some of the best fish and chips on the coast, or buy your seafood and supplies for a feast at home, including oysters from the shed next door. Fully licensed.
A great wine list and cocktails accompany excellent seafood at Tidal. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
Tidal Restaurant and Wine Bar
23 Beach Street, Merimbula
If it’s seafood plus you’re after, you will enjoy this lovely dining room overlooking Merimbula Lake.
There is a seafood platter to indulge in, and the fish of the day is always accompanied by choice ingredients and flavours, with beautiful light sauces from the skilled hands of chef Gavin Swalwell.
Oysters, mussels, prawns, excellent steak and chicken – there is so much flavour coming out of the kitchen, you can visit again and again. Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday for dinner. Fully licensed.
Savour gorgeous views over the Merimbula beach and bar at the Merimbula Wharf. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
Merimbula Wharf Restaurant
The Wharf, Lake Street, Merimbula
We love visiting this restaurant, with its glorious views over the Merimbula Lake bar and the long, curving beach towards Pambula. There are always people fishing off the historic wharf, and there’s an aquarium where you might even see some cuttlefish hatching.
The restaurant is open from 10 am Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and coffee, or a beer and a snack, and for dinner Friday and Saturday nights, when you may enjoy seeing dolphins in the sunset. And we are not even kidding.
Host Anthony and his team look after their diners, offering cocktails, beer specials and a robust menu covering your favourite seafood and shellfish, as well as lamb, chicken, pasta, duck and risotto, with lovely big flavours.
You can choose a two or three-course menu and kids are well catered for. Can we just say, the fish and chips here are on our list of the best on the coast.
Casual dining on the freshest of the fresh under the mangroves at The Oyster Barn. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
The Oyster Barn – Farmgate Kiosk
49 Oyster Track, Millingandi
Head down the track to the mangroves on the shores of Merimbula Lake, to the outdoor tables at this working oyster shed right over the lake edge.
Talk about fresh … Merimbula oysters available several ways, crispy salads adorning platters of prawns, scallops, perhaps a bisque, in a rustic and unique environment. It’s a bit of a local secret, just quietly … In holiday periods you can order fresh seafood packs.
Open Monday to Saturday until 3 pm, from 10 am each day except Saturday (11 am). Unlicensed.
Pividori’s is on the sands of Tathra Beach. Photo: Lisa Herbert.
Pividori’s Tathra Beach
6-8 Andy Poole Drive, Tathra
You could not find a more beautiful location for dining than upon the sands of a gorgeous surf beach, could you? That is where Pividori’s is, in the historic Tathra Beach Kiosk building under towering Norfolk pines, right on the sand.
The dining room feels like a lovely long and light-filled veranda looking out over the waves.
Pividori’s offers a small but satisfying menu that includes market fish and other seafood, and the wine list is worth exploring. Fresh oysters are from nearby Wapengo Lake and taste of the sea.
Open Wednesday to Saturday for dinner, Thursday to Sunday for lunch. Fully licensed.
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