Wine & Dine at Hillcrest Merimbula
A must-visit for foodies, Valentina is new to the Merimbula dining scene, as a playful yet sophisticated restaurant overlooking shimmering Merimbula Lake. The menu celebrates local produce, seafood in particular, with dishes like abalone carpaccio, marinated bluefin tuna and Balmain Bug roll – perfect for grazing at a long lunch or dinner.
Former hatted Zanzibar Cafe owners, Tetsuya-trained Huw and Renée Jones run Banksia – a fine dining restaurant housed in an old heritage-listed bank on the main street of Pambula. Enjoy a three-course set menu featuring local produce, with dishes such as braised ox cheek, cabbage and tomato gratin with beef fat potatoes and horseradish aioli, and pineapple and macadamia tart with coconut cream and liquorice ice-cream.
Linger over cocktails, craft beers and delicious burgers at Dulcie’s Cottage cafe and bar, set in a delightfully reimagined 1925 weatherboard cottage on the main street of Merimbula. Sit underneath a big old jacaranda tree while awaiting your burger to be made in a restored 1950s carapark caravan. Dulcie’s is run by Kirsty Pongratz and Mitchell Nadin, with support from Pongratz’s husband, Jason Scott, of Sydney’s Swillhouse crew (Shady Pines Saloon and Baxter Inn).
For some of the best oysters around, head to Wheeler’s Seafood Restaurant which plates up Merimbula Lake oysters directly from their own oyster farm. Share a seafood platter for two in the sunshine on the deck, or tuck into ever-changing specials like Lobster tail gnocchi with peas, charred corn and shellfish foam, while soaking up the coastal bush surrounds. You can also drop into the oyster bar for a bite and drink, or grab some takeaway fish and chips from the cafe.
At the entrance to the Merimbula Wharf, you’ll find a firm favourite with locals, the Wharf Restaurant. Savour lunch overlooking stunning 180-degree views of the ocean, choosing from a menu of dishes such as local Broadwater oysters and freshly-caught fish. Or stop in for a quick coffee and selection of homemade cakes.
QUICK BITES
For something a little more casual, we love Market Street Cafe, Bar Beach Kiosk and Cranky’s Cafe for brunch, lunch or a takeaway snack to enjoy by the beach. We also can’t go past favourites like Oyster Barn, MorMors, Toast Cafe Pambula, Wild Orchid Tathra and The Wharf Local Tathra.
STAY IN
If you’re keen to stay put and have the food and drink come to you at Hillcrest Merimbula, we would be happy to arrange catering here at the property for you. See more here.