Located on the idyllic far south coast of NSW, Moruya is a picturesque town, blessed with natural beauty, as well as a thriving food and wine scene.
From delectable local produce to nearby wineries, Moruya is filled with unique south coast charms and more than enough restaurants to keep you happy. So, if it’s delicious food and wine you’re after, you’ve come to the right place!
Opening image: Couple enjoying the food and wine scene in Moruya. Image: Destination NSW.
Farmers markets
One of Moruya’s highlights is its vibrant farmers’ markets. If you take your food shopping seriously, you’ll enjoy interacting with local growers, trying some of the local fruits and organic veggies, and filling yourself up with cheeses, homemade preserves, and freshly baked bread. What’s not to love? The Sage Farm market is every Tuesday afternoon at Riverside Park, The market has an excellent reputation in the surrounding districts as an authentic farmers market and the organisers pride themselves in making sure customers can be sure that what they purchase from any stall holder adheres to their “farm fresh” philosophy.
On Saturdays, you can visit the Moruya Country Market, with a large variety of stalls – everything from gourmet pizza to fruit, veggies, and coffee galore!
Seafood paradise
Moruya’s coastal location offers an abundance of fresh seafood. Taste the finest locally caught oysters, prawns, and fish. From fine dining establishments to a casual fish and chips meal on the waterfront, Moruya’s seafood scene is sure to delight seafood lovers.
Check out the River Moruya, Kiah Seafood, and the Pickled Octopus Thai seafood cafe.
Restaurants galore
Whether you’re seeking a caffeine fix or a cozy spot to unwind, there are plenty of fabulous cafes in town, including the Gundary Store Cafe, famous for its “big breakfast” the Church Street Pizzeria, and you can enjoy some fabulous “pub grub” at the Adelaide Hotel. Grab a burger and chips at the Blue Heron Cafe, a coffee and sweet treat at the Waterfront Bistro, and we’re told John and Willy’s Cafe has some of the best lunches in town!
The Moruya Bowling and Recreation Club is known as one of the friendliest clubs on the coast. ‘A small club, but big on value’, it’s a lively atmosphere with great customer service and hearty meals. The Shore Street Dining has a great range of classic bistro favourites and delicious contemporary Aussie cuisine to suit almost everyone’s taste.
Here are our top tips:
- Riverfront Bistro & Wine Bar: Located along the Moruya River, this bistro combines stunning waterfront views with a great menu – fresh seafood dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients, expertly paired with a selection of regional wines. It’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
- Bistro Chez Dominique – cooking French-inspired food every Thursday and Friday at the Air Raid Tavern. The food is described as “authentic, old-fashioned but inventive, inspired by French and Italian classics.” The dishes all begin with the sourcing of the produce, which inspires the ever-changing menus. All vegetables come from small farms around Moruya, including Borrowed Grounds growers, Old Mill Road farm, Stepping Stone farm, Evan Street Farm, Patsy’s Farm, Little Frog farm – and even herbs and veggies from the chef’s friends’ backyards! All the flours, grains, pulses and sugars are organic or sourced at The Pantry in Moruya.
- Moruya Waterfront Hotel: For a relaxed dining experience, this family-friendly venue offers a range of options, from pub classics to contemporary Australian cuisine. Enjoy a hearty meal in the beer garden while overlooking the river, or unwind in the cozy dining area. The diverse wine list features a variety of local wines, ensuring there’s something to please every palate.
- The River Moruya: Nestled in the heart of Moruya, The River Moruya is a vibrant and modern restaurant that embraces the town’s culinary heritage. With a focus on local and seasonal ingredients, their menu showcases the best of what the region has to offer. From mouthwatering seafood to flavorsome meat dishes, there’s a dish to satisfy every taste. Complement your meal with a glass of wine from their extensive list featuring local and international labels.
- There are plenty of food events each year in Moruya , including a “winter cooking workshop” in July, so you can time your visit to coincide with these fun events!
Wonderful wineries
There’s a handful of great wineries in the area and here’s our top two:
- Tilba Valley Winery – with ten acres of established vines the Tilba Valley Wines has been producing grapes for over 40 years of wine production in the area. The historic property is stunning and was chosen for its northerly aspect. There’s something for the wine and beer lovers: the team has been brewing onsite since early 2019 with varieties of beers including dark ales, lager, sours and pales. Tilba Valley also produces Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Reisling, Traminer, Shiraz, and Chardonnay. Treat yourself to lunch by the vineyards; the restaurant has a daily specials list to complement the wine and ales list and is described as “imaginative.” This sounds very tempting to us!
- Crooked River Wines boasts 280,000 liters of stainless steel fermentation tanks and 70,000 liters of oak barrels. In 20 years of production, the Crooked River Wines team has won multiple awards for its premium quality red and white wines. With over 12 hectares of vines, Crooked River is the largest vineyard on the South Coast. Visit the cellar door for tastings or treat yourself to a long, slow lunch at the Paddock to Plate restaurant. You’ll love the spectacular views overlooking the vineyard and the delicious new menu from award-winning chef, Cameron Bailey.
Enjoyed reading about the food and wine scene in Moruya? For more amazing ways to experience Moruya and surrounds, check out our three-day itinerary.
All this and more is at your fingertips. Use the Rex route map to plan your flight to Moruya.
