As a romantic dinner for two or a plate to share with friends, oyster experiences are a great option for seafood lovers.
The Sapphire Coast is one of the most prominent oyster-producing hubs of Australia, with millions harvested from local waters each year. The pristine estuaries make the perfect growing environment for the native Sydney rock oyster, which can be enjoyed in local eateries or straight from the sea at oyster farm gates. There are many restaurants and ‘shellar doors’ in Merimbula and surrounds where you can enjoy authentic ‘tide to table’ oyster experiences.
Wheelers Seafood Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Whether you’re in the restaurant, at the oyster bar, or getting takeaway, Wheelers is a great place to get a taste of fresh oysters, regional seafood and local produce. Located on Merimbula Lake in NSW, customers can dine overlooking the waters that source the oysters on their plates. Relax with a dozen of their finest and a glass of sparkling at the Oyster Bar, with distant views over the Lake and a gorgeous tropical vibe on the north-facing deck.
Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Cafe
Set at the entrance to the Merimbula Wharf and with 180-degree views of the ocean, this is the perfect place for a meal, coffee or cocktails on the Sapphire Coast. The lunch menu features local Broadwater oysters and freshly-caught fish, plus a selection of salads, burgers and pasta. Merimbula Wharf Restaurant is also open for dinner during the summer months, serving a seasonal a la carte menu. Stop by the aquarium to see local and tropical marine life in 28 tanks – don’t miss the daily fish feeding.
Dulcie’s Cottage
It’s all about the atmosphere at Dulcie’s, a reimagined 1920s cottage with a retro caravan out back serving burgers, beers, oysters and cocktails. With a focus on great produce and local ingredients, Dulcie’s is the perfect place to hang out with your mates and enjoy the very best hospitality on the Sapphire Coast. Open everyday from 12pm-12am, closing 10pm on Sundays.
Valentina Restaurant
With a stunning view over the Merimbula Lake, Valentina is a breath of fresh air: with a simple, clean design and relaxed, contemporary vibe, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the Mediterranean. Valentina offers Italian inspired dishes with fresh bright tomatoes and basil, mozzarella and flame grilled prawns, paper thin small goods and seafood platters, fresh oysters and whipped cod roe, and a wine list worth exploring over a long lunch. Excellent table service and a well-stocked bar make Valentina a hit.
Kitty’s Bar and Restaurant
Opened in January 2022, Kitty’s is a high-end cocktail bar and restaurant. A hidden gem inside the larger venue of Club Sapphire, the chic mid-century fit-out pays homage to the era when the club first opened in the late 1950s. The sandstone fireplace is a hit in winter, or come summer, there is a large courtyard where bands and DJs entertain crowds under the maple tree. The menu has an Asian-infusion influence, with share plates that include dumplings, bao buns, locally produced oysters and other treats. With an emphasis on local distilleries and wineries, Kitty’s is also stocked with a constant rotation of inventive and delicious cocktails, wines and beers.
Merimbula Fresh Seafoods
Merimbula Fresh Seafoods has been providing Merimbula with fresh, flavourful seafood for over 20 years. Stop by the store for cooked and green prawns, a huge variety of fish, as well as mussels, oysters, scallops, calamari, crabs, crayfish, their famous homemade seafood spring rolls, and much more. Their oysters are perfect for stews and soups or simply served raw with fresh lemon and chilled white wine.
For more ways to explore Merimbula and the Sapphire Coast, check out our feature on coastal hopping by boat.
Travel to Merimbula
Rex flies to Merimbula. Book your tickets here and explore your travel options by checking out the route map below.
