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Heading north this spring and summer? Be sure to drop in to Terrigal on NSW’s Central Coast. For a splash and swim – but also to spend a few hours at Meribella, Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific’s oceanfront restaurant which features arguably the best sea views in town, served with a side of old-world glamour.
Housed in an impressive light-filled glass conservatory, the modern Australian restaurant laps up the grid-worthy views thanks to its grand arched windows. Smart, earthy-toned furniture, Art Deco-style lights and pops of greenery complete the space.
It recently welcomed former Muse head Mitchell Beswick as culinary director. Mitchell, who also spent time working in the kitchens of Longrain, Qualia and Pooles Rock, will be working with local producers, fishers and farmers on the menu. Like Dylan Abdoo from Newcastle Greens, who supplies heirloom vegetables and fruit, including purple daikon and native sunrose; Musset Holdings from the Southern Highlands, who grows incredible mushrooms; Newcastle’s Baked Uprising Bakery; and local Nelson Bay fisherman Nathan Crocker, who catches the fresh bonito, kingfish and snapper.
Mitchell Beswick said, “When I first walked into Meribella and looked out at that coastline, it felt like the right moment and the right room for this next chapter of my career. There’s a strong team and loyal guests who care deeply about the restaurant. I’m genuinely excited for people to come and experience what we’re creating together.”
Menu highlights include Terrigal bonito with pickled onion, smoked bonito cream, wild rice and native sunrose; Hawkesbury Loligo calamari with fennel, koshihikari rice and dashi risotto; and charred Paroo kangaroo tartare with purple daikon, hung yoghurt and Jerusalem artichoke chips.
You can – and you should – also opt to pair your meal with wines from the Hunter region, as well as drops from South Australia and Tassie.
Terrigal is an hour-and-a-half drive north of Sydney, making it a pretty great option for a weekend rendezvous. We say, pack your bags, go for a swim and then enjoy a long lunch at Meribella – you won’t look back.