Eat, drink and boogie your way through the Central Coast’s top foodie spots

A sprawling, vibey multi-level pub, The Woodport Hotel is a go-to for late-night cocktails, live music and elevated pub fare led by Sydney chef Mark Ferraro. Recently renovated, the space maximises its creekside outlook with floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu that balances pub classics with standout share plates like burrata pizzette, yellowfin tuna tostadas and merguez lamb skewers, plus a dedicated grill and wood-fired pizza offering. Depending on your mood, settle into the cocktail lounge, bistro, nightclub or waterside deck. It’s a go-to spot for a good feed that always promises an impromptu late-night dance.

AKA ‘The Pav’, this vibrant local hotspot located directly opposite the sandy rockpools of Terrigal Haven is an easy post-swim stop for a drink or bite –they even offer outdoor showers to de-sand your feet. With uninterrupted ocean views, you won’t even feel like you’ve left the beach. Time your visit right to catch standout weekday specials, from $20 parmis and $5 tacos to $15 pizzas and burger deals, plus DJs every Friday and Saturday night. This May, don’t miss the Cinco de Mayo fiesta, a full venue takeover featuring mariachi, alfresco BBQ, tequila-fuelled cocktails and a Mexican-inspired menu. 

It’s easy to slip into holiday mode when you’re visiting the Central Coast. Kick back at Que Sera, a neighbourhood food and wine bar in the heart of Terrigal that blends the relaxed energy Terrigal is known for with a refined, city-style edge. Expect a thoughtful selection of boutique Australian and international wines (many by the glass), alongside a produce-driven menu. Drop in for a quick glass or settle in with a bottle; there’s no need to hurry here.

A recent addition to the Chillis dining precinct in Ettalong Beach, Tutti brings Italian-inspired dining to the Central Coast with a focus on Australian produce, house-made dishes and good ol’ hospitality. Built around chef Cameron Cansdell’s “made from scratch” philosophy, the menu features everything from coal-roasted figs with mozzarella and vincotto to handmade pastas like duck ragu pappardelle and spanner crab cavatelli. Visit on Thursdays from 5pm for $20 pasta, or Saturdays from 3pm until 5pm for Aperitivo hour with $15 margies and $3 oysters. Say no more.

Visiting this Spanish tapas restaurant is a no-brainer when you next find yourself on the Central Coast. Perched above Terrigal Haven, a sheltered harbour at the southern end of Terrigal Beach, it offers sweeping waterfront views and a menu that celebrates bold Iberian flavours alongside Spanish-inspired cocktails. Head in on Sundays between 4pm and 7pm for Sangria Sessions with live music and discounted jugs, or swing by Tuesday for rotating 2-for-1 cocktail specials. And bring your mates – this menu is made for sharing.

Gosford’s buzzing new lifestyle hub, the Archibald Precinct, known by locals as “Archies”, is home to a collection of standout venues, including Ironbark Kitchen for wood-fired modern Australian fare and Paolo’s for classic Italian dishes. Our pick, however, is Astra, the Central Coast’s highest rooftop bar, serving Japanese-inspired plates with a fire-led twist, all set against sweeping skyline views.

There aren’t many places like this on the Central Coast, or anywhere, for that matter, which is exactly why we love it. This butcher-restaurant hybrid blends modern Italian dining with an in-house butcher specialising in fire-led cooking by Nicola Coccia, along with dry-aged meats, handmade pasta, seasonal Italian dishes, and a curated list of French and Italian wines from Alexandra Coccia (Alessa Vino wine boutique). Must-orders include the sourdough with smoked butter (not your usual bread and butter combo, trust us) and the dry-aged ribeye. You can even take the experience home with their signature butter or bolognese sauce.

Start planning your getaway here.