Are you looking for a restaurant to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, engagement or special occasion? There are many restaurants to choose from around the region, however, there are some that exceed expectations and impress every time. Around the Nelson Bay area there are stunning, waterside restaurants that combine Modern Australian Cuisine and local seafood, creating a restaurant experience that you will never forget.
These venues below are my top picks for Modern Australian Cuisine restaurants, which offer a fine dining experience with a relaxed, holiday feel. Why don't you book a table this weekend?
Modern Australian cuisine with local seafood and matching wines at Rick Stein's, Bannisters Port Stephens
at Bannisters Port Stephens is a relaxed, fine dining venue that offers Modern Australian Cuisine, specialising in seafood from the region complemented with matching boutique wines. UK celebrity chef and seafood-lover Rick Stein has restaurants at both Port Stephens and Mollymook, on the NSW South Coast. The Head Chef of the Port Stephens restaurant is Mitchell Turner, who previously worked as the Sous Chef at the Michelin starred
Castle Terrace in Edinburgh. Book early for this restaurant, as it is frequented by people staying at the hotel, visitors and locals. See
here for details and
here for a full article of my recent visit.
2/ Little Beach Boathouse is one of the most popular restaurants in the Port Stephens region. It is located right on the water at Little Beach and offers fresh modern Australian cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh local produce and seafood. If you don't like seafood, they also offer lamb, chicken and pork belly, on the current
menu. Many locals have commented that they always spot a dolphin from their table when they dine at this stunning restaurant. Book early to nab a window seat! See
here for details.
Seafood with a view at Little Beach Boathouse. Image: Original pictures from Little Beach Boathouse Facebook
at Soldiers Point is another popular restaurant in Port Stephens, with local seafood, cocktails and Modern Australian Cuisine overlooking the water. The Seafood Platters are particularly delicious on the
menu. It is located 15 minutes from Nelson Bay around the coastline, at the end of the Soldiers Point peninsula. Ensure you allow time to enjoy a sunset cocktail when you first get there, as the restaurant faces west overlooking the water. See
here for details.
Other top restaurants around the region also include
The Galley Kitchen at The Anchorage Hotel (for in-house guests only),
The Poyer's at Lemontree Passage and
The Saltwater Restaurant at Fingal Bay, just to name a few.
Enjoy your celebration!
Celebrate at The Point! Image: Original pictures from The Point Facebook
Spectacular sunsets at The Point. Image: Original pictures from The Point Facebook
