8 Best Restaurants in North Coast, New South Wales

Fish-and-chips don't come any fresher than those served at the fishermen's co-op near the breakwall on the northern side of the harbor in Coffs—everything on the menu is straight off the trawler. Although most of the retail space is given to sales of fresh seafood, you can buy freshly cooked (grilled, battered, or crumbed) fish-and-chips here, as well as calamari, fish cocktails, and salads. There are a few tables on a covered deck out front, but the best place to eat is perched on a rock on the nearby breakwall, staring out to sea.

Overlooking the harbor’s edge, here you'll find fresh produce and traditional Japanese fare. Serving up sashimi, sushi, and noodles, Nagisa is a popular weekend restaurant with a buzzy atmosphere. There's also a lively teppanyaki bar, where you'll be mesmerized by the talented chefs and incredible aromas of sizzling meats and fresh seafood.

Serving tourists and locals since the 1940s, this is an iconic store-turned-café. You'll find beachy interiors, a vegan-friendly menu, and fresh juices. The smoothie bowls are filled with acai, fresh berries, and nuts. The coffee is often said to be the best in Byron and it opens every day at 7 am.

Located at the Lord Howe Island Museum and Visitor’s Centre, this is a popular café with those exploring Lord Howe’s history. There's traditional bacon and eggs for breakfast and light salads for lunch. And it's licensed so you can enjoy a glass of wine at lunchtime. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. 

Perched right on Newcastle Beach, Estabar is known for its great coffee, organic foods, superb Spanish hot chocolate drinks, and wonderful gelato. Open all day from breakfast until sundown, it's a small space with little tables and a short menu, but it draws a big local following. Breakfast favorites are the porridge with poached fruits and brown sugar on the side, and the homemade baked beans; lunchtime salads include lentil, walnut, and feta. The views over Newcastle Beach, the closest one to the downtown area, are also delectable at any time and if you are lucky, you may see whales offshore in winter months.

This friendly vibrant café is found just outside of Byron and is a firm favorite with locals. It's surrounded by a beautiful garden and native trees with plenty of birds. The focus here is on serving ethical coffee and only local produce. The menu is 100% vegetarian and vegan but even if you're a meat eater you won't feel like you're missing out. Each dish is created with care and packed with flavor. Open every day from 7:30 am.

With its vibrant and fun interiors, this casual eatery is as much about the food as it is the cocktails. There's small plates to share, including pork tacos and chicken wings. Or an extensive pizza menu or four types of burger. Salted caramel piña colada is a stand-out cocktail but the mixologists will create a custom-made drink from your preferences. As the sun goes down, this place becomes more lively.

Named by locals as the best brunch in Newcastle, this iconic café has been in action for over 20 years and is still as popular today. The menu is extensive, with everything from loaded cookies to savory beef mince on toast with poached eggs. It's best known for its unique smoothies, with 20 different varieties. Open every day from 7:30 am.