Terrigal restaurants that the locals know and love. People who live in Terrigal know that it has a thriving restaurant scene. For those visiting, or looking for somewhere to take friends when they visit the Central Coast, here are five of my favourite.

Arc Terrigal – My current favourite

This restaurant is my absolute favourite at the moment. It’s difficult to decide what I love most about Arc. It could be the lovely rustic, relaxing atmosphere that appeals to me but the food, and quite possibly the drinks, get me every time. It’s also a short walk from the office which is great, but also not so great if you know what I mean. 

Arc offers great service and an amazing atmosphere. As I write this I am salivating at the menu options. Lunch options include several seafood choices from the expected oyster and seafood offerings through to an 8 hour braised lamb shoulder. Perhaps twice cooked roasted pork belly whets your appetite?

Desert options are plenty, with five different options. At the time of writing the offerings include Brulee of the day and Belgium chocolate mousse. If you aren’t already full from your main meal perhaps you’d like to go all out with the Chargrilled Fig Crepe with Whipped Cream and Butterscotch sauce? Yum.

Dinner at Arc is just as impressive. A two course dinner is $65 and three courses will set you back $75. 

Arc is open for lunch Thursday to Sunday and dinner Thursday to Sunday. They have set sitting times  for dinner which are in two hour blocks from 5:45pm, 6:00pm & 6:15pm or 7.45pm, 8:00pm & 8:15pm. Bookings enquiries to bookings@arcterrigal.com.au

Yellowtail Terrigal – Made the ‘best Restaurants Terrigal’ list

This quaint Terrigal restaurant has a great reputation with locals and visitors alike. They have been featured in Good Food and also the Australian Traveller. Their style of cuisine showcases flavours from the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean. 

Yellowtail restaurant offers a fine dining experience right in the heart of Terrigal. As soon as your meal arrives in front of you it’s very obvious that the team at Yellowtail not only love food, they love sharing it with you.

Catering to all food tastes and cravings there are several vegetarian options on the menu along with a wide array of meat and fish options. A  5 course degustation dinner is available from Tuesday through Saturday for $100 per person. For lunch you can opt for the degustation or a 3 course ‘pre-fixe’ choice menu. The menu is updated regularly.

Dinner is available 7 nights a week from 5.45pm and lunch from 12pm Friday to Sunday. The menu at Yellowtail changes weekly so you are assured of the highest quality of fresh local produce.

Reef Restaurant – Delicious Seafood at Terrigal

If it’s seafood at Terrigal you’re after you cannot go past Reef Restaurant Terrigal. Diners can enjoy cuisine which is fresh, simple and straight from the sea. The Reef Terrigal’s menu offers a range of tasty seafood dishes that are sure to please even the most discerning palate!

Like many Terrigal restaurants, Reef restaurant has won many awards for service, food and wine. Reef Restaurant Terrigal has built up quite a devoted following with the Central Coast locals, visitors to the area, and people who make special trips just to taste the delicious food.

Another big drawcard is the enviable view. Positioned right on the shores of the Haven at Terrigal, the position allows diners to enjoy their meal while overlooking some of the blue waters and the hinterland beyond. 

It’s this perfect blend of amazing food, attentive service and stunning location that makes Reef Restaurant Terrigal one of the best restaurants on the Central Coast!

The Reef’s 2 course menu is just $79 which includes bread, canape and a glass of wine. The 3 course option is $89. You can check out the Reef Terrigal menu here.

Post Covid, you can enjoy the Reef dining experience Wednesday to Sunday from 11.30am to 9.30pm and on Sundays for lunch from 11.30am – 2.30pm.

The Cowrie – Fine Dining Terrigal

Don’t judge a book by its cover. If you are a visitor to the area you may be tempted to drive by this iconic coast restaurant.  Don’t. The Cowrie has been one of the Central Coast’s most reputable fine dining restaurants for decades now.

Unlike the other fine dining restaurants in this article, the Cowrie doesn’t dominate a prized position in the heart of Terrigal. Until recently the exterior of the building was pretty unassuming. But don’t let that deter you. The Cowrie has an incredible view and an equally impressive menu.

On entering the restaurant there’s a large bar area with an extensive wine list. Though you could miss the bar completely because you’re likely to be in awe of the view. The floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer breathtaking views over Terrigal beach, Crowne Plaza, Wamberal and Norah Head Lighthouse.  

Now, back to the menu. Executive Chef Dimitris Aronis and head Chef Reece Timora have prepared a mouthwatering array of choices for their fixed lunch and dinner menu. How about Sage and parmesan gnocchi, cauliflower cream, torched broccolini, broad beans and brown butter. Or perhaps the John Dory or pork loin is your preference? 

Two courses at The Cowrie will cost you $79, three courses $89 and four courses $99. There is an option of matched wines which are $30, $45 and $60 respectively. 

The Isle de France – French Restaurant Terrigal

The Isle de France website claims ‘fine french food by the sea’ and it certainly lives up to it’s claim. The owner of Isle de France, Bernard Mallet takes the time to make every patron feel welcome. He is the epitome of someone who loves what they do. And it shows. 

Located on Terrigal Drive, the restaurant is easy to find being just 270 metres from  the Clan motel  (near the Terrigal – Wamberal roundabout). 

This fine dining French restaurant offers views across Terrigal Beach and Wamberal lagoon from both inside and also on the outdoor alfresco areas. 

The Isle de France caters to all tastes and offers not only an a’ la carte menu but also a vegetarian menu, gluten free options, and also a kids menu. A choice of 2 courses is $68 per person and 3 courses costs $78 per person. 

If you’d love to experience a true french croissant or perhaps some french crepes the Isle de France now offers breakfast from 8.30am – 10am on weekends. Lunch is available from 11.30am 7 days and dinner from 5.30pm 7 days a week.

I’m off to lunch now. But where to go and what to order…………………..