From farm gates to fishing trawlers, Port Stephens is known for its local seafood and produce in New South Wales. Foodies and chefs love picking up avocados, summer fruits, figs and macadamias, not to mention the daily catch brought in by local fishermen.
From the cool waters off the New South Wales coast, fishermen bring in fresh prawns, fish, oysters, crabs, lobsters and shellfish each morning. If you’re an early riser, check out seafood suppliers around the marina. Pick up what you need and cook up a feast in your self-contained apartment at Oaks Port Stephens Pacific Blue Resort, or better yet, let our chefs make the most of local produce.
Port Stephens is home to a mix of fine dining and relaxed waterfront venues, and casual fish ‘n’ chip spots great for a beach picnic. Here are some of the best restaurants in Port Stephens to explore, whether you’re planning a special night out or casual places to eat along the coast.
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Little Beach Boathouse
If you’re looking for a long seafood lunch with a view, the Little Beach Boathouse delivers both from its location overlooking the water in Nelson Bay. Settle in and debate whether to order the Spring Bay black mussels cooked in a Thai green curry and coconut broth, or the squid ink spaghetti with prawns. The main restaurant is upstairs, but for something more casual, pop down to Below Deck Café.
Restaurant 2317
Head here for a drink overlooking the ocean while the setting sun lights the water aglow. Restaurant 2317 at Soldiers Point is a favourite for its fresh seafood. Drop in at lunch for pub-style deals or enjoy easy-going dining in Port Stephens without spending too much.
The Deck
As the name suggests, this family-run restaurant centres around a huge alfresco deck set on the waterfront. Head down to the marina where The Deck offers Mediterranean-influenced dishes with a focus on local seafood. Think spanakopita, salt and pepper squid, Greek meatballs, seafood pastas and lamb shoulder.
Rick Stein at Bannisters
Among the top restaurants in Port Stephens, Rick Stein is a standout dining destination. The British celebrity chef says his love of fresh Australian seafood drew him to the area. The menu draws inspiration from local produce, from standout seafood to the best of the land. Try dishes like Singaporean-style blue swimmer crab or indulge in the lobster thermidor.
Shoal Bay Country Club
Port Stephens isn’t all seafood, and there’re plenty of great places to eat beyond the ocean’s bounty. The Shoal Bay Country Club is making a name for itself as a stylish, refurbished waterfront pub, and it just so happens to make a great Neapolitan-style woodfired pizza. Grab a brekkie at the downstairs café, Mermaids, then swing upstairs to the bright and open terrace for a menu of pub classics and pizzas. There’s usually live music on weekends, with DJs keeping the party going until late.
Murray’s Brewery
Murray’s Brewery is an independent craft brewery, with 10 taps pouring stouts, lagers and IPAs, along with a selection of local wines. Find bocce, live music on weekends and a relaxed outdoor setting. There’s also a pavilion dedicated to high tea, and a more refined spot with à la carte dining. Drop in for the daily brewery tour, stop by for lunch at the on-site restaurant, or bring a picnic rug and sprawl out on the lawns.
Tillermans
Lock in a waterfront table at Tillermans, where country charm and homely food await, often mentioned when talking about the best restaurants in Port Stephens. This lunch spot is actually the longest continually operating restaurant on the North Coast of NSW. While the site has a history dating back to 1883, Tillermans has been operating here since 1996. Look out over the Myall River while enjoying a French-influenced, award-winning menu. Better yet, join the owners for a foodie tour through France each September.
Holberts Oyster Farm
Love oysters and eating at the source? The Holbert family has been breeding, growing and selling these bivalves for five generations. One of the biggest producers of oysters in NSW, you can drop by the simple store at Cromarty Bay to pick up a dozen or two freshly shucked Port Stephens rock oysters, Pacific oysters, prawns and more. There’s a handful of picnic tables overlooking the bay and you can BYO wine or grab a beer from the oyster shack and enjoy them by the water.
Bub’s Fish & Chips
Pick up a serve of freshly caught fish at the award-winning Bub’s and take it down to the beach at Nelson Bay. It’s one of those easy places to eat in Port Stephens when you just want something simple by the water.
Choose your fish, whether you want it grilled, crumbed or battered and order it with chips or on its own. Expect a classic fish shop menu with the usual suspects, plus some interesting extras like Thai-style barbecued octopus and a lobster mornay on offer. Bring some cash, Bub’s doesn’t accept cards.
Lemon Tree Passage Distillery
If you’re in the mood for a drink after dining in Port Stephens, it’s an easy place to stop. Lemon Tree Passage Distillery serves local craft gins and vodka, along with cocktails on the terrace. There’s no kitchen, but you can bring something from nearby and settle in for a while.
These are just a few of the best restaurants in Port Stephens. Now it’s up to you, what are you in the mood for? Maybe seafood by the water, or something a little more special for dinner.
Which one would you go to first?
And if you’re staying with Oaks Hotels, our team is always happy to share a few local favourites, help you lock in a booking, or point you toward spots that fit your plans.
