Get a taste of Ocean Shores with these eateries
Ocean Shores is surrounded by the charming beachside villages of South Golden Beach and New Brighton while slightly to the south is the laid-back village of Brunswick Heads.
Apart from the beautiful beaches and coastal scenery, you’ll find plenty of interesting and delectable eateries in the region. You’ll find delightful cafés where you can sit back and enjoy the scenery while sipping on a latte and a number of hotels and taverns for a pub meal with the family.
For that special night out, head to one of our more sophisticated restaurants to enjoy dining with family and friends.
We’ve chosen some of our favourites. Cafés are now reopening and we now have the luxury of sitting in our favourite local and watching the world go by. On all days, you can enjoy breakfast or a burger for lunch at Mrs Birdy coffee shop at 19 Beach Avenue, South Golden Beach, a top spot to enjoy breakfast or lunch, with the menu including perennial favourites like the BLT. The café also serves delicious fish and chips and freshly roasted coffee. To celebrate the end of the week, on Fridays Mrs Birdys is open for dinner, with gourmet pizzas on the menu ‒ perfect for sharing with friends.
Image source: Mrs Birdys
If you’re heading down to Brunswick Heads, check out the Happy Dolphin Cafe right on The Terrace. They offer delicious breakfasts and a healthy lunch menu. (Even though NSW is reopening gradually, it’s worth checking with the Happy Dolphin team first before venturing to visit.)
For the coffee connoisseur, there’s Kisos Foods right in Ocean Shores shopping village (our next door neighbour). Not only can you enjoy their special latte blends right in the cafe, but also, you can take some home with you.
Those visiting New Brighton can head to Yum Yum Tree Café, right next to the New Brighton store. Head there for breakfast to sample the delectable Grilled coconut bread with honey-glazed bananas or crepes with wild berries and cream or yoghurt.
Pubs and taverns now reclaim their rightful places as community hubs. If you like trying local beers, you simply must visit Hotel Brunswick to try their signature SUMMER Ale. This brew is hand-crafted at Seven Mile Brewery, which is just down the road at Ballina. While you’re there, why not have a classic pub meal that includes fresh local seafood as well as seasonal specials and international dishes?
Image source: Hotel Brunswick
At the Ocean Shores Tavern, affectionately known as the Tav, you’ll find some great pub food as well as crisp cold beer and even coffee and cake.
For another family-friendly venue, let’s not forget our own Ocean Shores Country Club. The Horizons bistro is the perfect spot at which to enjoy some classic Aussie bistro specials like fish and chips or salt-and-pepper squid while you watch the ocean and, from May to November, any passing whales. (We’ve even seen breaching whales while sipping on a glass of wine.)
In Brunswick Heads overlooking the Brunswick River sits Trawlers Bar & Kitchen. If you’re craving an espresso martini, this is the place to go. They also have some enticing meals on offer including duck spring and calamari, and roasted olives, kale and sweet corn arancini. Not your usual pub food and definitely worth the short drive to Brunswick Heads.
When the local pub or tavern isn’t enough, these restaurants will likely fit the bill. If sharing a pizza with friends is what you love, then why not try some delicious up-market pizza at Flavour Ocean Shores Pizza? This popular venue caters for vegetarians, too, with loads of interesting and varied vegetarian options. Also on their menu are traditional favourites such as beef lasagne, shepherd’s pie and slow-cooked lamb with potato bake.
For sushi and other traditional Japanese dishes, try Sabi Sushi. They have an extensive menu and are open seven days a week. For more Asian food choices there’s also Fleet Restaurant Ramen, which offers delicious ramen meals for all noodle lovers.
Looking for a more elegant venue for a celebration dinner? If you prefer more sophisticated dining, then check out Cadeau Bar & Restaurant in Brunswick Heads. Their speciality is a set four-course menu for all diners. (Don’t worry, vegetarians; you can choose the vegetarian set menu.) This menu includes some snacks to share, a delectable starter, a satisfying choice of main course and a scrumptious dessert. You can even add a cheese platter if you wish.
With so many luscious food options available in the Ocean Shores region, we found it hard to choose our favourites. Whatever your taste, you’re sure to find a café, pub or restaurant to suit any occasion. Happy eating!
Interested in learning what other cafés, taverns and restaurants are in the area? Check out our business directory.
