Welcome to Port Macquarie – where oyster and lobster tastings by the river, buckets of prawns on the pontoon and fine dining in seafood restaurants are all a part of the enviable lifestyle.
And did someone mention sundowners? Let’s dive right in…
Fresh seafood abounds at Bills Fishhouse & Bar
Local Chef Pete Cutcliffe (who also owns top-rated Twotriplefour at Cassegrain Wines) has developed a cult following for his ocean/paddock to plate style. Bills is a casual, modern restaurant that embraces locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients to produce simple, delicious food.
The menu celebrates the produce that makes Port Macquarie so unique, with swordfish sashimi, yellowfin tuna tartare and smoked salmon hash browns to start, and grilled swordfish loin with truffled garlic pangrata or seared ocean trout with smoked parsnip cream and grapefruit vinaigrette for the main course. If you can’t decide where to begin, the Chef’s Tasting includes signature oysters and give courses for only $129 per person. It’s the best way to taste all that the area has to offer.
Make sure to check out the drink list, which includes bespoke cocktails and a wine list with local and international favourites.
Experience the iconic Whalebone Wharf
No introduction is necessary for this Port Macquarie icon, which holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors who are in the know. The nautical chic white boathouse perches over the Hastings River, with panoramic views across the water.
Award winning executive chef Dylan Bowers prides himself on top-quality flavour and freshness, with almost all produce sourced from local suppliers. The menu combines seafood and modern fusion cuisine, with standout dishes including confit ocean trout and crab rillette with pickled vegetables, gin and beetroot salmon gravlax with dill & caper crème fraiche and sourdough, and juicy scotch fillet with twice cooked kipflers in a red wine jus.
If you’re a lobster fan, the team invites you to select your catch live from the tank. Or, for a romantic evening meal, select the Lover’s Package, which comes with an exclusive waterfront table, a bottle of sparkling wine, a two-course seafood platter and an indulgent dessert. With the sun setting behind you and a glass of wine in hand, there’s no better way to spend an evening with your loved one.
The Stunned Mullet is fine dining at its best
The Mid-North Coast’s finest hatted restaurant continues to surprise and delight under the skilled and experienced direction of owner Lou Perri. Located on Town Beach, it combines views across the water to Point Plomer with an innovative menu and wine list. The team here is passionate about wine, with a constantly evolving list from top wineries all over the world. You can browse the collection and select a bottle to enjoy with your meal, or even take one home.
The a la carte lunch menu is available from Tuesday to Saturday, while the dinner service is a fixed price menu of $110 per person. Each guest can select an entrée, main and dessert, with favorites such as the chuck tender with radish, masterstock and wasabi mayo, the tajima flank steak with garlic shoots, spiced jus, carrots and kumara puree, and the salted crème caramel with yuzu, rum jelly, brown butter and black sesame. There’s also a two-course kids’ menu that comes with a soft drink.
Little Shack embraces the holiday lifestyle
Perfectly positioned on the iconic breakwall overlooking the river, Little Shack boasts a retro holiday vibe, where you can relax under a tropical umbrella with a cocktail in hand. The quirky menu sources ingredients from local makers and bakers, and it’s designed to pair perfectly with a relaxed tropical atmosphere.
In the morning, you can expect local pastries, brekky tacos, bacon & egg rolls and yoghurt bowls with barista-made coffee. Then, in the evenings, it’s about chicken & chorizo barbecue skewers, braised lamb bowls with quinoa salad and flat bread, and classic fish & chips with tartare, lemon and hot chips. The whole menu is elevated with the cocktails on tap, as well as made-to-order cocktail jugs.
Make sure to bring your dancing shoes when visiting, as the Shack often hosts Port Mac’s best musos and DJs for mid-week and weekend jam sessions.
Good vibes at Zebu Bar
Located on the Town Green overlooking the river, Zebu Bar is perfect for dolphin and people watching. The venue is inspired by the beautiful Amalfi Coast, with a light and airy atmosphere perfect for a sun-drenched breakfast, waterfront dinner, or cocktails with friends.
The Italian menu includes fresh oysters served with mignonette and lemon, puffy bread with whipped ricotta and ‘nduja, and hearty mains such as lobster fusilli alla vodka, fettuccine carbonara and grain fed sirloin stack with crispy chats and pepper sauce. There’s also a kids menu, which comes with vanilla ice cream.
Make sure to check the website for weekly specials, which rotate seasonally. Every Monday, you can enjoy woodfired pizzas for just $20 (best paired with a glass of wine), while on Thursdays you’re invited to order steak frites for just $29 with any drink purchase. Plus, every Friday and Saturday evening, incredible local talent takes to the stage to serenade guests while they enjoy a sundowner.
Sail away in style at the Boathouse
Located inside the Hamptons-style Sails Resort is The Boathouse Bar & Restaurant, a leisurely dining spot balancing elegant dishes with refreshing drinks. Here, it’s all about having some fun, whether you’re sprawling out on the deck and lawns, or taking in the view of the yachts in the marina from the restaurant.
When visiting, there are three unique areas to choose from. The bar is fitted with funky, retro decor and comfy lounges, where you can order a handmade cocktail and watch the sunset over the water. The restaurant is perfect for romantic dinners, with an extensive menu curated by Executive Chef Laura Baker. Think lobster arancini, seafood & ‘nduja risotto, and dory fillets with charred greens. Or, find a seat on the deck beside the roaring fire pit while the kids search the water for resident water dragons.
Make sure to stop by from 4-5 pm for Social Hour, where it’s all about $8 wine and beer, and $15 cocktails, ideal for post-work drinks in the soft evening light.
Take your tastebuds on a trip at Chop ‘n Chill
A local favourite in prime position on the Town Green, Chop ‘n Chill is an Asian-American fusion restaurant with an imaginative menu that blends the street-style dining of Southeast Asia with the smoked-meat flavours of America. But beyond the food, the restaurant is a love-affair of owners Paul and Jacqueline, who want friends and family to enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in a great location.
While you can order a la carte, with house-smoked Americana meats served alongside bao buns, sizzling teriyaki snapper and chicken roti tacos, the share platter is a must for new guests. Imagine a three-tiered stand typical for high tea, but loaded with Asian bites including grilled prawns, chicken satay skewers, housesmoked minced pork bao sliders and roti bread.
Local musicians often entertain guests, and it’s a great option if you’ve got kids, as they can enjoy the dedicated kids’ menu and attempt to climb the majestic fig tree out the front. Check out the website for weekly specials, including $15 express street eats for lunch from Monday to Friday, and a $75 deal from Mondays to Wednesdays for two main meals and a bottle of wine. On Fridays, you can even kick off your dinner with a $14 flute of French champagne.
Travel to Port Macquarie
Loving the sound of Port Macquarie? For more to do on the Mid North Coast, check out all that Coffs Harbour has to offer.
You can travel to Port Macquarie with Rex Airlines. Book your flight here.
