The Coffs Coast certainly packs a punch when it comes to food and drink.
The local foodie scene has gathered momentum in recent years, with new breweries, wineries, restaurants and cafes showcasing the best in local produce. There are so many culinary adventures just waiting to be discovered. Whether it’s locally brewed craft beers, high-quality spirits or fine wines that you fancy, take a tour down the Coffs Coast brewery trail and taste all that this region has to offer.
The Barrel Run
Visit all these places and more with custom brewery tours from The Barrel Run! Operated by Jaie, whose passion for good quality spirits, wine, liquers and unique craft beer led him to launch a brewery tour company to support local businesses on the Coffs Coast. Sit back, relax and let The Barrel Run take you on an exploration of Coffs’ best artisan spirits, specialty wines and craft beers. Visit thebarrelrun.com.au.
King Tide Brewing
This brand new brewpub in the heart of Coffs Harbour is already making waves in the local craft beer scene. With locally inspired brews and a cutting-edge brewhouse, they are pumping out a full range of frothy creations. This is a place to relax with friends and enjoy fresh quality beer while dining on delicious food from their European-inspired menu.
Woopi Brewing Co
Woopi Brewing Co is a local’s favourite: a proud community craft brewery. Their aim is to to celebrate and connect locals and visitors in a family-friendly environment that reflects the region’s relaxed and vibrant beach culture. And what better way to experience the lifestyle of Woolgoolga than over a delicious cold beer, with great food, good friends and live music.
Two Tails Winery
This boutique winery is located in Nana Glen village, nestled amongst the rolling green hills of the Orara Valley, just a thirty-minutes drive from Coffs. This award-winning family-run vineyard has been operating for 30 years and produces unique grape varieties. Visit the cellar door for tastings or head to the Velvets Restaurant for delicious local fare, vineyard views and alfresco dining.
Jetty Beach House
Jetty Beach House is relaxed and welcoming, serving up great vibes, fab food and excellent drinks. With glorious views over the historic jetty, Muttonbird Island and Coffs coastline, it’s the perfect place to catch up with friends. The team hosts tastings for Gallows Brewing Co, the brainchild of three Coffs locals hellbent on producing great beer. Their latest brews include a clean, crisp IPA (on tap at Jetty Beach House), a choc coffee stout, a mango pineapple sour and a tropical pale ale. The real question is – which one will you try first?
Critters Distillery
Critters Distillery is truly one of a kind. This bespoke distillery produces high-quality vodka and gin from scratch using native Australian botanicals. Their spirits are made from one hundred per cent Australian wheat and cane sugar, leading to an exceptionally smooth and clean character. They are also passionate about sustainability, using recycled packaging and repurposing any waste materials. Take a tour of the facility, meet their head distiller and taste a range of delicious cocktail samples, paired with an Australian antipasto plate.
Latitude 30
Perched right on Coffs Harbour’s breathtaking coastline with stunning views of the marina, Latitude 30 is the place to go for the freshest seafood in town. Their famous seafood platters feature eastern crayfish delivered daily, as well as crabs, prawns, oysters and more fresh off the boat. Designed for sharing, this tapas-style dining creates a perfectly relaxed atmosphere. All their dishes feature locally sourced seasonal produce, with an extensive drinks list to complement. Executive Chef Marcus Blackwell grew up on the Isles of Scilly, and managed restaurants in the UK before opening Latitude 30 in 2011 – and it has remained a local favourite ever since. His philosophy is to keep it simple and let the produce speak for
The Mermaid Beach House
This modern Italian restaurant with an Aussie attitude has been a huge hit in Coffs. With warm, knowledgeable staff under the guidance of head chef Rowan Tihema, who brings twenty-five years of Melbourne fine-dining experience to the plate, you can sense the love and passion the chefs at The Mermaid Beach House bring to their food as soon as you step through the door. Pasta is at the heart of their menu, and it’s all produced in-house. Each dish is simple, fresh and delicious, highlighting local seafood, meats and homegrown produce. The restaurant itself is bright and airy, with a beachy, welcoming atmosphere.
Fishermen’s Co-op
No trip to Coffs Harbour is complete without a visit to the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op! Situated on the marina, this is where you can find the town’s freshest seafood, delivered straight from the boats every day. The Co-op is owned by a group of 40 local fishermen committed to supplying the region with freshly caught seafood. It is best known for its award-winning snapper and prawns, and supplies local restaurants (including Latitude 30) as well as restaurants around the country. If fresh, delicious seafood sounds right up your alley, then the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op is a tasting opportunity you won’t want to miss. Plus, they serve up some of the best fish and chips in town!
Bite Food and Art Tours
Explore the stunning Coffs Coast region on a walking tour which showcases all the city’s great local eats. Bite Food & Art Tours is a great way to connect with others and experience the local community through its fantastic foodie destinations. A friendly local tour guide will share insights and stories about what makes the Coffs Coast region unique. The three-hour Urban Bites Tour will take you on a walking tour around Coffs CBD, where you can sample a diverse range of tastings and enjoy a sit-down lunch. You can also visit the Coffs Coast Growers Markets to meet local growers and producers. For something a bit different, take the Art, Bites and Sips Walking Tour which allows you to also explore the local creative art scene with a local artist, and see the best of Coffs’ street art, galleries and crafts.
Looking for a place to stay or things to do In Coffs after your tour? Check out this list for ideas.