The 5 Best Restaurants in Regional NSW for Your Summer Travels
Published 09 December 2024
As the summer holidays are fast approaching, you’re probably in the heat of planning an end of year getaway. Whether that be for a day, a weekend or even a week, New South Wales is packed with plenty of sighs to see and, most importantly, plenty of places to eat.
This is exactly why we’ve set out on an adventure to find the top regional restaurants for summer. Whether you’re travelling down south to Wollongong or Ulladulla, up the Central Coast or perhaps through to Port Stephens and the Hunter region, we’ve got you covered.
So before you pack the car, be sure to read on through for the best restaurants in regional New South Wales you need to add to your summer travel itinerary!
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It's perfect for long lunches and big views with a glass of something local in handYou need to try the five-course tasting menu with matching winesLook out for vineyard views from the hilltop dining room that go on foreverIf you’re looking for good food, great wine and spectacular vineyard views, you can find all of this wrapped up in one at Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant. Found in the Hunter Valley, Esca is famed for their memorable modern Australian cuisine that comes to life with the help of locally sourced produce. Beyond the memorable dining experience, there is plenty to see and do here thanks to the onsite cellar door, outdoor amphitheatre and accommodation. Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend or a week, be sure to pop this regional restaurant on your list.Read more -
Under an hour-and-a-half south out of Sydney will land you in North Wollongong. Here amongst the crashing waves and white sanded beaches you’ll find one of our favourite regional restaurants of New South Wales, Lagoon Seafood. With front row views to North Wollongong Beach, since 1986 Lagoon Seafood Restaurant has been the ultimate destination for some of the freshest, locally sourced seafood. With breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows, this multi award-winning restaurant offers an a la carte or four set menus for its guests. The Sesame Crusted Salmon is a must try.Read more -
Sensational views and scrumptious seafood. Prepare to salivate as we transport you to a world of opulence with Rick Stein at Bannisters. Located three hours from Sydney and just a short drive away from Ulladulla, Rick Stein is a must-visit dining destination where fresh, locally sourced seafood is paired with sensational wines picked by inhouse sommeliers. Led by head chef Remi Lachiaille, menu highlights include the Japanese Fish Cakes, Chargrilled Tuna Steak with salsa verde and the Sliced Bluefin Tuna with ponzu and grapefruit.Read more -
Under an hour’s drive north from Sydney’s CBD will land you at a horse haven reigned up in the rugged landscape of Mount White. This is Saddles, one of the best restaurants in regional New South Wales. With breakfast to dinner menus, Saddles Mount White is famed for their Australian cuisine that is championed by floor to ceiling horse décor. And, if the interiors aren’t good enough, the breathtaking verandah that overlooks out onto the meticulously kept gardens and lake will. An absolute must visit!Read more -
Heading to Port Stephens this summer? For a breath of fresh air, make sure to put Shoal Bay Country Club on your itinerary. With the sounds, sights and smells of the crashing waves from Shoal Bay Beach just a touch away, this breezy beachside hub truly comes to life. A true diners delight, here visitors can pick and choose from either the café-style Mermaids; the sun kissed bistro with floor-to-ceiling windows at The Kitchen & Patio; or traditional Greek cuisine at Atmos.Read more