What’s New, Hot & Delicious in Shoalhaven

Hanpden Deli

Experience the ultimate food and drink adventure in Shoalhaven, the top NSW foodie destination that's bursting with flavour and passion. Here, chefs are inspired by the region's multi-award-winning produce and are devoted to the well-established slow food movement.

Indulge in the rich and diverse dining scene, where the beauty of the landscape is matched by the quality of the plated produce. Take your taste buds on a journey with exciting new breweries and distilleries, and reconnect with the art of leisurely dining in one of the region's four hatted restaurants.

New Eateries and Offerings

The Shoalhaven culinary landscape is bursting with new and exciting options. Embark on a food safari that traverses in iconic tourist towns like Kangaroo Valley, Jervis Bay, Milton and more.

Starting in Kangaroo Valley, The Wildes Boutique Hotel has expanded its dining options to include Aperitivo for breakfast and a delectable dinner menu. Just up the road, Hampden Deli Wine Lounge, run by Nick Gardner of Tetsuya’s fame, is a must-visit destination with a sommelier who offers a world-class selection of wines to pair with local bites. And don't miss the newly reopened WoolShed Restaurant at the picturesque Kangaroo Valley Golf and Country Club, where you can enjoy a delicious meal in a historic outback-style setting.

Heading towards Berry, The Rutledge Bar & Eats offers modern tapas in an industrial-vintage atmosphere that's perfect for a night out with friends. For drinks, check out SocialLife a community-focused workspace, grazing, cocktail and wine bar. For those who crave something sweet, Espresso Boy Donuts at Nowra or Shoalhaven Heads is a must-visit, serving up mouth-watering sourdough donuts that are Instagram-worthy delights.

In Nowra, Farmgate Restaurant offers casual dining with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a cosy atmosphere. And in Culburra Beach, The Common South Coast offers high-end casual dining, with cocktails, music, and locally brewed beer from Penguin Head Brewing Co.

Jervis Bay offers more than just stunning beaches. You can enjoy freshly roasted coffee at Jervis Bay Coffee, the only on-site air-roastery in Australia. Stick around after dark for 'Martini Club' and dumplings. Serotonin on Currambene is an original Huskisson cottage that mixes great cocktails with small plates that have a vegan focus. And for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, head to Pasta Buoy in Huskisson for homemade pasta and classic Italian flavours, or try Peter Eva Pizzeria Italiana for dine-in or take-out options, complete with in-house vespa and gelato.

Last but not least, head to Milton, where the relocated Harvest Bar serves up delicious cocktails and small plates in a beautiful atmosphere. And in Ulladulla Harbour, The Social is the region’s newest wine bar, where Australian-only spirits are shaken up into delicious cocktails and a rock and roll vibe with Melbourne-esque vintage décor.

Hatted

The Shoalhaven region is home to some of the best restaurants in NSW, including hatted restaurants South on Albany, Berry, and Small Town Food and Wine in Milton. These restaurants are known for their outstanding cuisine, where chefs are inspired by the region's multi-award-winning produce and devoted to the well-established slow food movement. At Bangalay Dining in Shoalhaven Heads, guests can indulge in modern Australian cuisine with an Indigenous twist, while enjoying breathtaking views of Seven Mile Beach. And let's not forget about The Milton Hotel, a local favourite known for its delicious pub-style food and warm, friendly atmosphere.

Breweries and Distilleries

The South Coast is buzzing with breweries and distilleries, a perfect complement to the many wineries and cellar doors that dot the landscape. These lively venues offer up local vibes, food and music to boot, with a wide range of beers and liquor to sample on-site or take home.

Newcomers to the scene include Swordfish Brewing, a 300 seat waterfront venue in Sussex Inlet and Penguin Head Brewing Co in Culburra Beach with great outdoor seating and food from The Common South Coast. Check out South Yeast Brewing and Husky Brewing for locally brewed craft beer, or visit Flamin Galah Brewing, where not only is there an expansive range of beer to sample but an impressive cocktail list too, with some based on their very own vodka.

Out towards the coastal town of Huskisson and find the relaxed beer garden setting of Jervis Bay Brewing Co, where a range of intriguingly named brews reference local history and landmarks and where sustainability is at the heart of everything they do. Another mainstay of the local brewing culture is Cupitt’s Estate, this award winning winery has its own brewery that has perfected the craft of finding balance in complexities.

For a sample of something more spirited, Tara Distillery is the home of Shoalhaven’s own internationally award-winning, handcrafted gin, vodka, whiskey and liqueurs, proudly made in the heart of the South Coast. Old Salt Distillery is a small batch brewery and distillery run by husband-and-wife Terry and Michelle with an open kitchen, wood-fired grill and a menu that hints at this couple’s fine-dining pedigree. Jervis Bay Distilling Co serves up delectable vodka and gin, including sweet infusions like their South Coast Honey Vodka.

Foodie Events

Additionally, foodie events take place all year round such as the South Coast Food and Wine Festival, Shoalhaven Autumn Celebration of Food, and Huskisson Beer & BBQ Festival, and are perfect for those looking to explore the region's culinary scene.

About Shoalhaven

Whether you are after a rejuvenating, refreshing break, an activity-packed family holiday or a quiet, romantic escape, our region offers it all. The Shoalhaven is bordered by the mountains, coastal plains and 100 magnificent beaches, and includes 50 towns and villages. From Sydney, it is an easy two hours’ drive 160 kilometres south. And from Canberra, it is a two and a half hour’s drive north of around 200 kilometres. Shoalhaven was recently named one of the 100 Most Loved Destinations in the World in 2021 by travel data company Destination Think! An intensive study that analysed more than 1.6 billion online conversations and content pieces publicly available including about 21,330 global destinations revealed Shoalhaven at #21 out of #100 on earth. 

For more information visit www.shoalhaven.com.