Port Stephens Food & Drink: Top 5 Spots You’ll Want to Visit

Port Stephens, that gleaming coastal paradise a little to the north of Sydney, very likely is more than just a pretty face. Yes, it’s absolutely got beaches that would make a postcard jealous and scenery so stunning it feels almost unreal. However, beyond the sun-kissed sand and shimmering water lies a culinary scene really just waiting to be discovered. It’s got things that will absolutely tantalize your taste buds. From ocean-fresh seafood to local wines that taste very, very special, Port Stephens offers a whole variety of eating and drinking adventures. The top spots around are highlighted a bit for your next visit.

1. Little Beach Boathouse: Seafood with a View

Imagine, basically, sitting down to a plate of freshly caught seafood while the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. That, very simply put, is the Little Beach Boathouse. Located right on the water at Little Beach, its picturesque views are, that is, almost as memorable as its food. The Boathouse is super known for its oyster bar, where you’ll almost always find a selection of local oysters served every which way – natural, Kilpatrick, or with a fancy mignonette. The menu, it is so full of variety, it really does celebrate the sea’s bounty. You might try, like your friend suggested, their grilled barramundi with lemon butter sauce, the seafood platter that just overflows with prawns, scallops, and lobster, or their fish and chips done to perfection.

The Boathouse, it has a pretty relaxed vibe, is really a place where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy what feels like that perfect dining experience. That extensive wine list will possibly impress even the most picky enthusiast. Plus, their cocktails, like their famous ‘Sunset Martini,’ are the best way to begin your dining adventure. Is that right? The location that’s beachfront is, I have to say, very convenient, making it the ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a meal out with the family. You can, in other words, wander down the beach, enjoy a drink at sunset, and, finally, dine in style. What’s even better is that you get to just watch those boats gently bobbing in the harbor. It’s such a picturesque moment. Read our full review: Little Beach Boathouse Port Stephens Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Little Beach Boathouse)

2. The Wharf Restaurant: Contemporary Dining in Nelson Bay

Very beautifully situated in Nelson Bay, The Wharf Restaurant, too, is a dining venue that provides sophisticated meals with a modern twist. It seems to have earned a stellar rep for its great service and imaginative menus that highlight, for example, seasonal produce and the freshest seafood around. You’ll want to start, in the first place, with their crispy-skin salmon with asparagus and hollandaise sauce, their prawn and scallop risotto, or very possibly their perfectly grilled steaks with rosemary-infused butter.

The ambiance in The Wharf is sophisticated and stylish without being, basically, stuffy. As I was saying, floor-to-ceiling windows give you spectacular views of the bay. With those in place you have an outstanding experience from arrival until you leave, It might just be, actually, the place you would like for a special occasion, date night, or, that is, any time you are really in the mood for that perfect, high-end experience. To put it differently, The Wharf also boasts a wine list that showcases both local and international wines, making it the perfect complement to its meals. Make sure, basically, to book a table to ensure you don’t miss out on experiencing all this location has to offer. After dining, there’s nothing better, naturally, than a casual stroll around the marina. That is because The Wharf restaurant provides more than just a place to eat. You also get the full picture of those stunning Port Stephens landscapes and, indeed, an opportunity to relax. Read our full review: The Wharf Restaurant Nelson Bay Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (The Wharf Restaurant)

3. Rick Stein at Bannisters: A Culinary Destination

Rick Stein at Bannisters, just slightly more than in Soldiers Point, actually, brings a touch of seafood royalty to Port Stephens. This location that’s the spot combines super fancy eating with the natural scenery around. In a way it seems it showcases that famous chef’s really very significant and intense passion for all things seafood.

The eatery that’s inside Bannisters offers an array of, kind of, perfectly made plates like the Singapore chilli crab, fish stew, or their perfectly cooked fish and chips. Almost any guest that frequents Rick Stein finds something perfect for the palate. Its position, honestly, gives you clear view on to the water while, that is, enjoying the greatest delicacies that are offered, bringing out, so, so very romantic or chill atmosphere. You might wish, in order to take the fullest out of what they’re offering, also consider their fantastic range or wines so it matches the dishes that are selected to eat. Really, Rick Stein’s locale offers you way more beyond dining out; it lets those that show up be surrounded with amazing quality with both location and food at its foremost core. Read our full review: Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Rick Stein at Bannisters)

4. Murray’s Brewery: Craft Beer and Good Times

So, a spot very close to Port Stephens, in Bobs Farm is home to Murray’s Brewery; very honestly this location will call on to any guest that feels drawn toward some brews made right here and good times alongside it. This local site features, mostly, many tasty beers brewed carefully in house while supplying something for people to appreciate as for drink options for a day’s trip.

Its vast array showcases their craftsmanship in brewing like their Whale Ale for that light beverage feeling, the Rude Boy Pilsner providing more zesty vibes, and the dark flavor versions in their dark stout variety – to be more specific all options pair well with their eatery’s menu choices that emphasize great eating next that, too, tastes delicious together alongside your beverage. Many would wish very much for Murray’s that has laid back places both indoors also being outdoors making them spot on for either relaxing during afternoon times after checking spots and local attraction offerings. To that degree be aware for tours happening around brewery locations but plus many times events take center point; basically ensure getting that information upfront so what it means as optimal utilization that’s seamless with your travel agenda that’s possible to come over without issues down time getting that visit planned down perfect. Read our full review: Murray’s Brewery Port Stephens Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Murray’s Brewery)

5. Anna Bay Tavern: A Local Favorite

As a matter of fact the locale situated around Anna Bay area the very so extremely familiar establishment in that tavern, honestly gives cozy warm spots that is enjoyed within all tourists seeking places near for tasty food plus nice cold drinks around! Its known place giving cozy local warm charm for tourist to try in close spot while tasting great dinners accompanied drinks which could give any travel memorable feeling!

Specifically speaking the selection boasts classic tavern styled food which can vary classic pub meal variety of things; many of them really would wish onto popular classics such as great done steaks even juicy burger options but also great pizzas! Their laid back spot allows local communities meet or vacation goers after touring nearby beaches; for enjoyment that gives nice warm local meet scene at Anna Bay tavern! Also there typically music show are performing on periods what provide bonus atmosphere to the tavern which helps creating spot great moment giving more delight memories made during their day spent over locations over; it seems they allow for locals community enjoy themselves while touring guest making nice meeting scenes overall. Read our full review: Anna Bay Tavern Port Stephens Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Anna Bay Tavern)