Steamers offers streetwise advice.
The award-winning Steamers Bar and Grill is located in City Beach, Wollongong. Enjoy street food from all over the world. The winter menu features rustic dishes with lots of heartiness and flavor (try the Tuscan goat pie or braised rabbit gnocchi). At the same time, the Edison globes, lanterns, and fireplace give the dining room a magical, cozy feel. Don’t be put off by the cold season if you want to dine outside. Heat lamps and blankets will keep you warm on the beachside balconies.
How to make the most of any market
Every Wednesday, the Kiama Farmers’ Market transforms Coronation Park into a foodie paradise. The stalls will open when the bell rings at 2 pm (in winter, 3 pm during daylight savings), and you can find everything from free-range eggs and artisanal gelato made by The Pines Micro-dairy in Jamberoo to sourdough from Flour Water Salt. Grab some gourmet treats, doughnuts, or empanadas. Sit in the sun and watch the parade.
Get a taste of oysters at the source.
The Farm Gate & Oyster Shed, located in Batemans Bay, is the place to go for quality oysters that are straight from their source. The Clyde River is home to some of the best Sydney rock oysters. Take some home or enjoy them by the fire pit overlooking the Clyde. There’s also great coffee and cakes for those who don’t like oysters.
Rick’s cool side
A trip to the South Coast would not be complete without a stop at Rick Stein’s Bannisters Mollymook. This restaurant is known for its delicious seafood and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The Pool Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset cocktail by the fire or outside. After dinner, you can relax in the warm and intimate atmosphere of the restaurant. The daily changing menu is a five-star seafood delight. Think coconut chili shrimp and kingfish with salsa verde.
Eschalot is a great place to eat.
The star of the show is seasonal produce at the Southern Highlands. In the heart of historic BERRIMA, this heritage-listed sandstone bungalow offers a warm welcome. The head chef, Matty Roberds, uses his kitchen garden to create some of the most delicious dishes. Enjoy a winter feast with dishes like dukkha-crusted Lamb Shoulder with Tahini Dressing or Paella-stuffed Bullhorn Peppers with Veracruz Sauce.
Take the oyster trail.
The pristine waters of the Sapphire Coast produce some of the best bivalves in the world. You can enjoy them in a variety of ways and places, as each estuary (Wonboyn Lake, Pambula Lake, Merimbula Lake, Nelson Lagoon, and Wapengo Lake ) has a distinct flavor. The Sapphire Coast Oyster trail was launched in winter and celebrated “merroir,” as opposed to “terroir.” It invites you to create your itinerary. Wheelers Restaurant in Merimbula is the place to go for delicious local seafood.
Enjoy a tavern meal.
The Waterfront Tavern, perched on a cantilever over the water with large glass windows that offer views of the boats bobbing around the marina, will keep you lingering long after sundown over a seafood plate, beef ragu, or lamb shanks. The fireplace, along with the impressive cocktail list on offer, will warm you up quickly. The tavern forms part of Shellharbour’s newest waterfront dining district, The Waterfront Shell Cove, which features a variety of exciting new restaurants to discover.