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Mouth-Wateringly Good Central Coast Restaurants To Check Out ASAP

4 min read

If you’re on the hunt for the best Central Coast restaurants to satisfy even the hungriest of tummies, then look no further because we’ve created a comprehensive list of local spots you need to check out ASAP.

We’re covering only the cream of the crop with everything from classic pub feeds to kid-friendly spots and steakhouse experiences.

The Avairy at Toukley Golf Golf Club:

If you want a hearty meal that will satisfy even the hungriest of tummies without leaving the terrific surroundings of Toukley, then look no further than The Aviary at Toukley Golf Club.

This Central Coast venue is a hidden gem, with something on the menu for the whole family. Pork Ribs In Sticky BBQ Sauce straight from the frill? Tick. Thai Salad feat. noodles, cucumber, salad mix, peanuts, and homemade dressing? Big tick. Mouth-watering Philly Steak roll featuring scotch fillet, caramelised onion, capsicum, bacon, and cheese on a crispy roll? Massive tick!

But wait, we haven’t even gotten to the best bit. The Aviary and Toukley Golf Course sits approximately halfway between Sydney and Newcastle on the scenic Budgewoi Lake, making it the perfect spot to meet with out-of-town family and friends to show them the best of the Central Coast.


Hadley’s Dining at Mingara Recreation Club: 

If you’re after one of the best Central Coast restaurants to visit with friends and family, then look no further than Hadley’s Dining at Mingara Recreation Club.

As the heart and soul of Mingara Recreation Club, Hadley’s Dining is the place to go to share great times with friends and family over a delicious meal and of course, drinks.

This Central Coast restaurant is open seven days a week, with plenty of vegetarian and gluten free options available. Our pick from the menu is the Char-Grilled Cajun Chicken Burger. This burger features a Cajun spiced chicken fillet topped off with lettuce, tomato, Spanish onion, cheese, and chipotle aioli on a milk bun (or a gluten free bun on request).

Hadley’s Dining at Mingara Recreation Club is the perfect Central Coast restaurant to visit with family and friends (Image: Supplied / Mingara Recreation Club)


Norah Head Sporties: 

If you’re after the quintessential bistro feed to add to the best Central Coast restaurants you’ve visited in 2024, then look no further than Norah Head Sporties. Salt Bush Bistro has got you covered with plenty of classic pub feeds and delicious meals.

Be sure to take the family down to Norah Head Sporties on Tuesday nights because you can get two bistro classics for the price of one. We don’t know about you, but we can’t go past the 250g Chargrilled Citrus Marinated Chicken Breast, which comes with your choice of chips and salad or the classic mash, veggies and gravy.

Salt Bush Bistro at Norah Head Sporties has plenty of options for the whole family (Image: Norah Head Sporties / Facebook)


At Baker Street: 

The saying “fresh is best” is more than just a quote for At Baker Street, it embodies everything they serve to their customers. The focus of this Central Coast restaurant is to provide the community with good food to bring them together. Each plate that leaves the At Baker Street kitchen is packed with as much flavour as possible to ensure the customer tastes the love for the food the chefs have with every bite.

We’re just drooling thinking of the Pappardelle Beef Ragu! Seeing (and tasting) is believing so check out At Baker Street for yourself Tuesdays to Sundays from 11am to 10pm in – you guessed it – Baker Street, Gosford.

Every plate that comes out of the At Baker Street Kitchen is packed full of flavour, making it one of the best restaurants on the Central Coast (Image: At Baker Street / Instagram)


Avoca Beach Hotel: 

Nestled into the hillside of the Avoca hinterland, Saltwater Bar & Bistro in the Avoca Beach Hotel is the place to go if you’re looking for a quiet dinner with your partner, family or friends.

ABH is undoubtedly one of the best Central Coast restaurants, taking inspiration from Avoca Beach just two short kilometres away with a seafood inspired menu accompanied by beach-styled décor and a spacious deck for alfresco dining.

Our pick of the delicious menu? The King Prawn Linguine feat. Queensland king prawns and lightly spiced chilli linguine with cherry tomato, garlic oil and gremolata.

And there you have it, the best Central Coast restaurants to try in 2024 and beyond. Bon appétit.

This article has been partially sponsored by Mingara Recreation Club and Norah Head Sporties as part of Star 104.5’s ‘Just For Starters’.

Listen via the Star 104.5 Player, download it now via the App Store or Google Play and take Star 104.5 wherever you go.

Images: unSplash / Jay Wennington

By Bek Lougher