From freshwater to saltwater: Kingscliff, Tweed Heads and environs cafés and restaurants
The variety of cafés, hotels and restaurants around the Tweed Heads and Kingscliff areas is simply amazing. From scrumptious pub food to dishes from around the world, this area has it all. And, there’s a lot of coastline to admire while you’re having a relaxed breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Located just south of the Queensland border, Tweed Heads is home to a growing number of gourmet offerings. With the local trawler fleet based here, there’s plenty of glorious fresh seafood on offer.
While Tweed Heads and Kingscliff are the main larger towns in the region, don’t forget to venture a little further along the coast to Cabarita Beach, Casuarina, Hastings Point and Pottsville. You’ll find some intriguing and varied eateries in these beachside suburbs including some surprising fine dining restaurants. Don’t forget to get your river vibe too by visiting Chinderah on the beautiful Tweed River.
Café lifestyle
For the best local café in the area, our top pick is the Baker & Farmer Bakery, Bar and Grill in Pottsville. Here you can find the freshest bread, the yummiest pastries and everything in between. Of course, the café serves great coffee so you take some time out of your day to sit back and enjoy a top brew as you watch the world go by. There’s also Baked at Ancora, located right on the river at Tweed Heads, a gourmet bakery/café where you can delight in the yummiest Parisian-style pastries or ala carte options for breakfast or lunch.
Pubs and clubs
While we’re spoilt for choice with cafés and restaurants, we can’t go past our local bars and hotels. At Tweed Heads, you have The Ivory Tavern, set on the banks of the Tweed River, which offers a delightful waterfront deck, ideal for a Sunday session
For a family friendly meal, our top choice is the Pottsville Tavern in Overall Drive. This hotel offers value for money lunch specials and a welcoming atmosphere. They also have a courtesy bus so you can relax and have a drink or two.
Image source: Chinderah Tavern
For a slightly different view, the Chinderah Tavern sits overlooking the tranquil Tweed River and is definitely a favourite with locals. Affectionately known as “The Chindy”, this hotel offers hearty pub meals that you can enjoy on the expansive shaded deck with a coldie or two. If you go there for lunch, you’ll probably end up taking half your meal home for dinner (as locals love to tell you).
Right in the heart of Kingscliff on Marine Parade, you’ll find the Kingscliff Beach Hotel, otherwise known as “The Kingy”. You can enjoy a delicious meal in the al fresco dining area or some top pub grub in the sports bar. The Kingy also has live music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.
The Salt Bar is also in Kingscliff and offers an extensive menu featuring pub classics and a constantly changing selection of local and seasonal favourites. They also have a sports bar with Trivia every Wednesday night.
For a relaxed lunch right on the beach, you simply have to check out Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club. Here you can sit and watch the surf and beachgoers while enjoying a relaxed meal and a cold drink. Apart from the usual bistro favourites, their fully licensed bar and bistro also offers mouthwatering daily specials.
Restaurants
If you love food from around the world, you’re going to really enjoy our choice of restaurants in the area. For the most amazing Greek food and hospitality, we love Xenia Grill at Casuarina. You can choose from their à la carte selection or share a banquet with a few of your closest friends and family.
Image source: Xenia Grill
For the freshest of fresh fish or delicious fish and chips, drop into the very popular Scales Seafood on Kennedy Drive at Tweed Heads. Next door to Scales, you’ll find Riverland, who boast the ‘Worst Burgers’ and ‘Award Losing Chips’. Of course, their food is quite the opposite.
Down on Minjungbal Drive at Tweed Heads South, you’ll find MOFOS Tweed Heads, where they make the most deliciously fresh burgers, fish and chips, and salads.
If you’re craving some traditional Thai food, you don’t need to travel to Thailand because Kobkunka Thai is right here in Kingscliff. Here you can enjoy a traditional green curry or some delicious spring rolls and fish cakes. The restaurant also offers takeaway and delivery if you prefer the comfort of your home.
For something completely different, Kathmandu Kitchen is worth a visit. Enjoy traditional Nepalese and Tibetan dishes that will tantalise your taste buds with all the exotic flavours. They also offer takeaway.
Local Fine Dining on the Tweed Coast
For fine dining, our selection includes three award-winning restaurants. Pipit Restaurant offers a set menu that changes according to seasonal availability. What’s unique about this restaurant is that you can watch the chef prepare your meal by taking a seat at the counter around the open kitchen.
In the heart of stunning Cabarita Beach, you’ll find Paper Daisy at Halcyon House. This classy restaurant offers group dining with a menu that includes quality local produce and sustainably sourced seafood. The Halcyon House Bar also has the largest selection of Australian-made gins anywhere in the country. If you’re a gin lover, this is definitely the place to go.
Last but not least is award-winning Fins Restaurant Kingscliff run by celebrity chef Steven Snow. Fins is Australia’s most-awarded regional seafood restaurant and offers fine examples of food prepared by a passionate chef.
Gallura Italian in Stuart Street, Tweed Heads presents authentic Southern Italian fine dining based on fresh, local and traditional ingredients and inspired by the Island of Sardinia.
Enjoy eating out in the Tweed and Kingscliff
There are so many dining choices in the Tweed and Kingscliff regions, you’ll never be bored. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at one of the clubs and pubs or put on your best outfit and enjoy a spot of fine dining at one of the lovely award-winning restaurants on our list.
Interested in learning what other cafés, taverns and restaurants are in the area? Check out our business directory.
