Cuisine & Culture

From culinary to epicurean delights, oysters to cocktails to farm to fork, taste your way through our region led by your senses.

Discover why the Central Coast is fast becoming a region known for its world class cuisine and trailblazing culture

Our picturesque natural landscapes and abundant outdoor adventures are usually top of mind when people think of the Central Coast. But in recent years, our diverse region has cemented itself as a culinary and cultural hotspot, rivalling the big cities that bookend our region.

In fact, in 2022 Central Coast was named an ‘Outstanding Region’ in delicious. magazine’s Harvey Noman Produce Awards, recognising our excellent and sustainability-focused producers, food-based experiences and thriving dining scene.

Let us introduce you to an ever-growing group of renowned and award-winning chefs, heading up sophisticated diners and hatted restaurants. Followed by filling your cultural cups with the Central Coast's buzzing art scene and unforgettable day tours and experiences.

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Celebrate the Central Coast's cuisine and culture scene

Immerse yourself in the coast's rich tapestry of restaurants and cultural activities

Tour Australia in a day within the confines of our local coastline

Did you know the Central Coast is now being dubbed as New South Wales mini-Australia? From iconic landmarks to reputable retreats and reptile parks, it's a mini-Australian oasis waiting to be explored.

Come with us as we show you there is more to the Central Coast than the pristine beaches, friendly locals and laidback lifestyle. Unearth a taste of Australia only 90 minutes north of Sydney.

Tour guide

Elvis the Crocodle at Australia Zoo Central Coast

Discover where to find the freshest oysters

The Central Coast is bursting with these salty ‘guardians of the ocean’. Natural, Kilpatrick... however you like them, you now have a local list for exactly where to find some of the top places to get your Coastie oyster fix.

Oyster guide

What's On Foodie Guide

Lunch with Friends at Carne & Cucina

Sunday 20 October. Enjoy an afternoon of flame cooked magic and delicious food with Chef Cam Cansdell and Nico Coccia.

Pearl Beach Food and Wine Fair

26 October 2024. Sample food and wine, speak to the producers and celebrate the local small businesses of Central Coast and surrounds.

Whisky Pairings: A Culinary Luncheon

2 November 2024. Join host Angel Sussurri in collaboration with Amber Lane for a curated 3 course menu with paired whiskeys.

Brisbane Water Oyster Festival

10 November 2024. Taste the freshest locally grown oysters at a festival dedicated to oysters!

Meet the locals who know all about feeding and celebrating our region

Hayley and Jo, Burnt Honey: Using local produce to support Central Coast industries.

Learn why Jo and Hayley love calling the Central Coast home.

Joel Konza Award wining mixologist and bartender

Follow Joel's boutique cocktail itinerary around the region

World renowned and local bartender, Joel takes us on a journey around the coast recommending his top 10 establishments to sip on a classic old fashioned, fruity margarita or an elegant martini. Discover the Coast's vibrant blend of speakeasy bars, rooftop lounges and microbreweries.

Follow the itinerary

Vegan and Vegetarian dining on the Central Coast

About three million Aussies are choosing to eat a vegetarian or vegan diet these days, so it makes sense that more and more plant-based options are popping up on menus around the coast. Herbivores rejoice!

The quality of these veggie options has improved vastly, to the point where they’re often the star of the menu. Even if you haven’t adopted a full-time plant-based diet for yourself, you’ll probably find you’re tempted to order veggo more frequently than ever before when you see what's on the menu at these planted powered venues.

Discover plant powered eateries

Island TimeCafe terrigal Vegan and vegetarian dining

Flavours of the World

With an expanding selection of internationally inspired eateries on the Central Coast you can take a culinary journey around the globe, no passport required.

World cuisine guide

Find buttery goodness at 13 tasty Central Coast bakeries

Explore sweet local spots with our baker's dozen! Featuring 13 trusty, tasty favourites of the fresh baked goods scene on the Central Coast.

We're delivering this batch of must-try bakeries as a traditional baker’s dozen (an essential 12 plus one), but there's plenty of room to grow this list when you embark on your own foodie tour of the region.

Follow our guide

Foodie guide to pizza in our slice of paradise

We believe we have the upper crust when it comes to pizza restaurants on the Central Coast. With many cuisines from around the world in our region, Italian is certainly a big contender. From fluffy deep bases to thin and cripsy, with flavours inspired from Scilly and Rome, check out some of the places to gather your friends and enjoy a slice of the good stuff!

Order a slice

Mouth-watering, finger licking burgers

From the classic cheeseburger to gourmet burgers with all the trimmings, get ready to indulge in works of art that satisfy both hunger and soul with our ultimate burger list.

Bite into these burgers

Where to find fresh seafood on the Coast

Tasty must-try pies of the Central Coast

Savour the flavours of the Coast right from the source

Most Instagrammable food experiences

Sniff out the Central Coast dog-friendly cafés

The Central Coast is a great place to visit for dog-friendly things to do, with a long list of cafes and restaurants where four-legged guests are welcome. Order a latte for you and a puppuchino for your best pooch!

Pup friendly guide