29 Jul 2022
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13 Cosy Dining Spots in the Shoalhaven
That glow in the windows, the gentle clink of cutlery and soothing hubbub of fellow diners – there’s something comforting and warm about stepping in from the darkness on a Winters' night to enjoy a cosy dining experience. The cooler weather offers the perfect chance to experience this kind of setting. Allow us to take you, in no particular order, on a quick tour of a delicious baker's dozen of such restaurants across the Shoalhaven, on NSW's South Coast.
Located in Pyree, halfway between Nowra and Greenwell Point, this popular restaurant has embraced the history and character of its namesake surroundings to serve up a delicious mix of rustic and seasonal dishes. Here, ‘locally sourced’ is not just a slogan – with many ingredients sourced locally from their garden or nearby growers, while bread is made fresh daily right on site.
Menu pick: Confit Duck Leg or Smoky Braised Lamb Pappardelle
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Culburra Beach, Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads and Holiday Haven Currarong
This Nowra establishment can be found at the southern end of town – offering a warm and relaxing ambience. A relative newcomer to the local scene, they proudly state that their menu has been designed ‘to provide simplistic and delicious food using the freshest produce and changing seasons’. A great place to gather with friends or the whole family.
Menu pick: Moroccan Spiced Chicken or Roast pumpkin
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Culburra Beach and Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads
Cosy food is comfort food – and when you’re away from home, there’s nothing more comforting than a meal cooked by “mamma”. In this case, “mamma” resides in a stealthy side-street suburban Bomaderry “home” location, while the delicious rustic menu is matched by the rusty, unpretentious surroundings as you enjoy mamma’s authentic delights.
Menu pick: Spaghetti Marinara or Supreme Pizza
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads
Berry is a great spot to enjoy a special dining experience, and here in this French style bistro and wine bar, you have all the ingredients for a cosy night in. While they have drawn inspiration from classic French bistro dishes, they proudly put their own “South Coast spin” on the menu to create unique flavour combinations that are regularly updated. A fun, flavoursome night out.
Menu pick: Snapper Meuniére or Roast Pumpkin tarte tatin
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley and Holiday Haven Shoalhaven Heads
This Sussex Inlet favourite takes “dining on the water” literally – with the restaurant so close to the drink that it has its own jetty with boat/SUP hire, fuel bowser and fishing gear! And speaking of drinks, you’ll love sipping on your favourite beverage as the waves gently lap the timber deck – a sunkissed spot by day and cosy dining choice on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Menu pick: You can’t get much fresher than any seafood dish on the menu!
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Swan Lake
Located in Huskisson, this popular spot has its roots in Thai cuisine – its owners bringing a wealth of experience down from their days in the Sydney Thai restaurant scene. However, here they celebrate the entire Southeast Asia region, with a banquet of delights (quite literally) that will tempt taste buds that you never knew you had!
Menu pick: Pork loin katsu or Wok-tossed garlic and chilli butter Prawns
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach, Holiday Haven White Sands and Holiday Haven Currarong
If you haven’t heard of Rick Stein, you’ve likely been living under a land-based rock, such is his reputation for seafood sumptuousness. And here at Mollymook’s Bannisters hotel, his signature is all over the menu – designed to highlight fresh local seafood, thoughtfully paired with wines. By day, the restaurant’s sweeping ocean views are majestic. By night, the food is just as memorable.
Menu pick: Saltwater Barramundi Fillet or Sri Lankan Salmon Curry
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Ulladulla and Holiday Haven Lake Conjola
This Ulladulla bar and restaurant is the kind of place where you plan to simply begin your evening at (with its wide range of cocktails and wines) but end up staying for its share plates and tacos that channel delicious Central American flavours. Enjoy a seat overlooking the harbour and you won’t need a ruse to convince everyone to stay longer.
Menu pick: Lamb Barbacoa or Jackfruit Tacos
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Ulladulla, Holiday Haven Burrill Lake and Holiday Haven Lake Tabourie
Located in Worrigee, 20 mins from Jervis Bay, this contemporary venue has a firm finger on the pulse of how to communicate “coast meets country” – both in its indoor/outdoor styling and unfussy menu. The clue is in the name, with a philosophy that’s big on sustainability – using plenty from their kitchen garden or sourced locally. A relaxing spot that caters to all ages.
Menu pick: Succotash Gnocchi or Smokehouse Brisket
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Currarong, Holiday Haven White Sands and Holiday Haven Huskisson Beach
People used to say that Milton “punched above its weight” in the sheer quality of venues that such a small town could offer. Nowadays, expectations are calibrated to expect something special, and Harvest – set just out of town on a 3 acre farm – is just that. Surrounded by nature, this cosy venue is a visual feast as well as a literal one, with food, drink and entertainment to enjoy throughout this unique setting.
Menu pick: Popcorn prawns or Pulled pork Nachos
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Lake Conjola and Holiday Haven Ulladulla
Head back into Milton township and The Guild will see you filled with modern and traditional Italian cuisine – on a mission to offer the best handmade products without the expensive price tag. Proudly bringing “a slice of Milano to Milton since 2014”, you’ll love any slice of its organic, seasonal menu – a tasty treat in the heart of the South Coast.
Menu picks: Blueberry Tortellini or Regina Bufala pizza
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Lake Conjola and Holiday Haven Ulladulla
This heritage-listed pub, in the heart of Kangaroo Valley township, dates back to 1897 – making it one of the region’s earliest such establishments. And everything you need to know about it is right there in the name – with a friendly welcome and a menu filled with family-friendly favourites. A great place for families and kids all year round, it’s the way pub dining should be.
Menu picks: Portobello Mushroom Burger or the classic Chicken Parmi
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Kangaroo Valley
A hidden gem in the seaside town of Culburra Beach, this small and cosy Mexican spot packs a serious punch (and yes, that could be from the colourful array of cocktails). Combining seafood and other fresh ingredients in a zesty, guacamole-and-taco infused mix of gastronomic goodness, it earns top marks for its cosy vibe. You may have to wait for a table, but it will be worth it.
Menu picks: Char Chicken Tacos or Roasted Cauliflower
Closest park(s): Holiday Haven Culburra Beach