Shoalhaven's Culinary Highlights: New Dining Spots, Highly Reviewed, and Scenic Views

Experience the ultimate food and drink adventure in Shoalhaven, a top NSW foodie destination bursting with flavour and passion. This winter, discover new eateries, top-reviewed venues, and breathtaking views that enhance the dining experience in this vibrant region just two hours from Sydney and Canberra.

Whether you’re seeking new hotspots, acclaimed restaurants, or picturesque dining, Shoalhaven has it all. Kristy Mayhew, Tourism & Economic Development Manager (Acting), Shoalhaven City Council says “Shoalhaven is a food-lovers delight, with passionate chefs who have made the sea or tree change, an abundance of local produce and seafood, and fantastic destination dining whether it be with ocean view or countryside. Winter is a wonderful time to book a foodie getaway. You can treat your palette while also enjoying brisk hikes where the bush meets the beach, whale watching, crackling fires and great locally-made wine. Find out more at shoalhaven.com/food.

New Eateries and Offerings in the Shoalhaven

Nowra’s food scene is vibrant and ever-evolving, with plenty of exciting new additions. One such addition is Punch the Ploughman, a recent pop-up next to Hyper Hyper Coffee, offering a cosy vibe with rustic seating, fire pits, and live music—perfect for enjoying toasties and treats. Blak Cede Cafe, run by the women of local First Nations social enterprise Waminda, brings unique dishes like crocodile pies and other goodies with a native food source twist. Another delightful stop is Espresso Boy Donuts, just off the highway, known for its colourful and creative donuts. For a coastal dining experience, Beach Safari Currarong, led by Maeve O'Meara of SBS Food Safari fame, offers delicious food in the charming town of Currarong. Chef Thiago of Ponte Dining has just taken over The Growers eatery, a few minutes south of the Nowra CBD, with country views and indoor outdoor contemporary drinks and dining.

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Kangaroo Valley, The Woolshed is a brand new restaurant offering an authentic taste of Italy in the stunning surrounds of Kangaroo Valley Golf Course. A restored former woolshed, the restaurant offers sweeping views, rustic décor and a cosy atmosphere. Brad from Terra & Mare also offers authentic Italian in “KV'' at his delicious Pizzeria and Italian Bakery where an array of sourdough bases and amazing handmade desserts wow the locals. Visit Wildes Dining and enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine as a guest in their boutique hotel with stunning Mediterranean courtyard or as a visitor for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Altar Winebar Milton

In Jervis Bay, the culinary scene has welcomed several new additions that complement its natural beauty. Jervis Bay Coffee, with its freshly air-roasted coffee, in-house baked goodies, smoothies, and the evening Martini Club, is a delightful spot from morning to night. Meanwhile, Buds Tavern, dedicated to the family’s late Grandfather, pays tribute to the classic Aussie pub of the 80s, providing a family-friendly atmosphere with classic pub rock tunes. On the shores of Vincentia’s Collingwood Beach,, visit the newly renovated piazza of Burton Street Mall where you can enjoy a range of new and revamped eateries such as Albert N Miso that delivers a community-focused brasserie engaged in the local slow food movement, LaVespa, where an authentic Italian menu of antipasti, pastas and mains transports guests Rome’s great trattorias with each bite, or Phoebe’s Kitchen known for it’s delicious house-made goods for breaky or lunch including dips, jams and take-home meals. Tractorless Vineyard, a sustainable vineyard in the Southern Highlands brings their passion to a beachside cellar door offering wine experiences, foodie events and boutique beer and spirits sales.

The townships of Milton and Mollymook pair historic charm with new culinary hotspots. Delly’s Really Good Sandwiches, the new venture of Alex and Joe Delly of Small Town Food & Wine fame, serves sandwiches inspired by Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City. Using high-quality ingredients like cold cuts from LP’s in Sydney and house-made pickles, their menu includes standout items like hot roast beef and chicken and tarragon sandwiches.

Additionally, Baar Baar offers a contemporary twist to traditional Indian cuisine with both innovative and classic dishes. Prickly Pear focuses on Mediterranean seafood, using locally farmed and caught seasonal ingredients to create delightful dishes in a cosy, family-owned setting.

Shoalhaven’s Most Loved and Well-Reviewed Culinary Gems

Berry boasts several well-reviewed establishments that have earned the love of locals, visitors, and critics alike. SOUTH on Albany stands out with its hatted status and local produce-focused menu, crafted by renowned chef John Evans. The Famous Donut Van continues to draw crowds with its cinnamon and Nutella-filled donuts. For those seeking an elegant yet relaxed dining experience, Queen St Eatery offers a neighbourhood wine bar come chic French bistro atmosphere.

Towards the coast, several dining spots have garnered excellent reviews and are beloved by the community. Bangalay Dining, a hatted restaurant on Seven Mile Beach, is celebrated for its imaginative cuisine infused with Indigenous flavours by chef Simon Evans. Equally adored is Pelican Rocks Café in Greenwell Point, renowned for its award-winning seafood, including the title of best fish and chips in NSW for many years in a row.

Jervis Bay is home to well-reviewed dining venues that pair great food with beautiful surroundings. WildGinger, an Asian fusion restaurant, is a favourite for its vibrant flavours and lively cocktail hour, making it popular among both locals and tourists.

Blak Cede Cafe Nowra

Milton and Mollymook feature several standouts, well-reviewed establishments. new to the block. Bar Yuki, is inspired by the fun atmosphere of Japanese bars, offers live music, DJ sets, and a diverse drink menu, making it a hit with the local crowd. The Milton Hotel, received a hat in the recent Good Food Awards for its elevated pub grub much of which is cooked on fire, and paired with onsite brewery Dangerous Ales craft beer and fine whiskey. Visit the home away from home for celebrity chef here in Mollymook at Rick Stein at Bannisters, acclaimed for its fresh, locally-sourced seafood and stunning ocean views. Hayden’s Pies, a South Coast destination since 2003, is known for its delicious pies featuring from classic flavours to the more unconventional like Butter Chicken and Thai Green Curry, winning best pies in NSW according to Delicious Magazine.

Culinary Delights with Stunning Views in the Shoalhaven

In Ulladulla, exceptional dining experiences come with breathtaking views. The brand new Native Harbourview, offers relaxed elevated healthy dishes with a picturesque harbour backdrop.

Jervis Bay’s natural beauty is perfectly complemented by its dining options with incredible views. The Gunyah, at Paperbark Camp, a treetop restaurant in the heart of Jervis Bay’s coastal forest, serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon cocktails, and dinner, all emphasising locally sourced and seasonal produce.

Continue further down the coast to Milton and you’ll find Altar Bar, with its unique garden spaces and live music, is a hidden gem in Milton’s countryside, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. Cupitt’s Estate provides a picturesque setting with boutique wine and beer, and a farm-to-table dining philosophy, allowing guests to savour their meals while overlooking lush vineyards and rolling hills. Lagom Bakery, located on the edge of Burrill Lake, specialises in artisanal sourdough and handcrafted viennoiseries, offering a serene setting to enjoy delightful baked goods with tranquil lake views.

Foodie Events

Additionally, foodie events take place all year round, from regular markets in Ulladulla, Milton, Kangaroo Valley, Nowra, Berry and Huskisson to Coastal Forage, a food trail event this September is a picturesque and delicious 10-course degustation walk along the white sands of Jervis Bay, perfect for exploring the region's culinary scene.