South Coast bound? Here’s where to eat and drink

There’s something very inviting about dining at a hotel restaurant and Bella Char at the Mercure Gerringong is perfect for a three course meal, a relaxed cocktail in the sun or just a beer in front of the fire pit. The indoor/outdoor setting and use of regional produce are the winners here.

You can dine inside in front of the fire or outside in the sunny courtyard and terrace. When you open the menu you’ll find contemporary fare showcasing regional South Coast cuisine, with local Illawarra and Shoalhaven produce at the forefront.

And drinks? I couldn’t resist the espresso martini – vodka, kahlua, coffee and hazelnut, enjoyed in the peaceful courtyard.

Watch out for seasonal events like Christmas in July and regular live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Dish Cult’s top pick: NSW South Coast cheese plate – selection of local cheese, quince, dried fruit and lavosh ($19)

Book it here

This is a destination restaurant that I return to every time I visit or pass this part of the coast. I love The Blue Swimmer. Why? The reasons are many. First it’s the location, close to the beach. Then there’s the relaxed atmosphere: the kind of place that is great for a coffee on the front verandah, a simple breakfast or a longer lunch or dinner.

And did I mention the food? I could highlight many things from the menu, but one example is the beer battered fish tacos with pico de gallo, guacamole, slaw, pickled onion and chilli lime mayonnaise.

When staying at Gerroa, The Blue Swimmer is a must-try. Quick tip though, dinner is only available on Friday and Saturdays, so book to avoid disappointment.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Prawn strozzapreti, nduja, chilli, garlic, parmigiana, lemon zest crumb and parsley ($34)

Who doesn’t love simplicity, healthy enticing food, sunshine, coffee and a relaxed, open-aired place to enjoy them all?

A great place to get all of that is at 5 Little Pigs in one of our favourite coastal towns, Huskisson. Go healthy-ish for breakfast with a rainbow trout bagel or, if you’re feeling more decadent, order the toasted coconut rice pudding featuring black sesame and preserved strawberries.

If you’re there for lunch, we love the pan fried gnocchi with roast tomato, capsicum, basil and fried garlic.

It’s true that the main street of Husky has plenty of good places to eat and drink, but this is one of the best. Slip your thongs on, saunter over and try it. You won’t be disappointed.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Local fish, bean and chicory salad, harissa and ajo blanco ($32)

The Hungry Money has saved me from hangriness and the “need for coffee” many times. It’s a hip place with rustic decor, ample room, quality fast food – like the build-your-own burger – milkshakes, coffee and more. My favourite spot is a table on the verandah with a long black in the late afternoon before heading back to Sydney.

If you’ve got more time, stay for dinner! If it’s a Wednesday it’s $12 burger night, otherwise there’s a short but tasty menu of cafe classics like chicken parmi and sirloin steak with Lyonnaise potatoes.

Hungry Monkey cafes are also located in Thirroul and Berry on the South Coast and Bowral in the Southern Highlands. They are all worth a stopover. Enjoy!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Monkey split – banana fritter, Belgian chocolate ganache, butterscotch, peanut and waffle ($14)

Alfresco Coffee Roasters is the kind of place that can easily feel like “your local” on a South Coast holiday. It did on my last stay at Batemans Bay – my local cafe every day for a week, which was great, until I had to go home.

What do I miss? Definitely the coffee (the coffee is roasted locally and is taken seriously but not “too seriously, seriously” – the place has a relaxed and unpretentious vibe). I also miss the cakes and sitting in the sun with a brew and a different treat each day, (Alfresco of course) – simple pleasures worth the drive from Sydney alone.

The good news? Alfresco Coffee Roasters is still there waiting for me (and you) and there is also an outlet at Moruya.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Turkey, apple, coleslaw and mayonnaise panini