Madame Spice, Ettalong
From the founders of local favourite Chica Chica, Madame Spice is a sophisticated Pan-Asian restaurant tucked away in the Galleria Ettalong Beach. It’s a dimly lit venue styled with sapphire blue walls and velvet blue dining chairs, gold accents and Asian-inspired wallpaper. Designed to be shared, the menu is a mix of small and large plates such as Flash- fried Szechuan Prawns, Wok-fried Angry Bird (chicken), Crispy pork bao, and Shanghai-style Moreton Bay Bugs. Complete the culinary journey with a Mr Rice Guy Negroni – gin, Campari and sweet vermouth washed in rice – or a yuzu and gin spritz.
Wednesday to Sunday, 5 pm to 10 pm 189 Ocean View Road, Ettalong
madamespice.com.au
Parlour Lane, Gosford
Fans of Lyons Den were aghast when they announced their closure earlier this year. But owners Jared and Claire Lyons have moved next door into the Heritage-listed Creighton Funeral building and reimagined it as a classy Art Deco-style wine and whisky bar.
They’ve partnered with local award-winning distillery Amber Lane, as well as Upstairs Wine, to curate an extensive beverage menu, with bar snacks also available. Think dark wood panelling, velvet upholstery, and chandeliers inside this unique space.
Thursday and Friday, 4 pm till late; Saturday and Sunday, 3 pm till late 37 Mann Street, Gosford parlourlanegosford.com.au
Lemmy’s, Terrigal
Lemmy’s is another new sambo shop for the Coast – this one, right on the esplanade at Terrigal. Beachgoers and locals alike have embraced its delicious menu of sandwiches, including the Lemmy’s Special with crispy chicken schnitzel and a house-made secret sauce; the classic NYC-style Katz’s Reuben; and the Terrigillian, with tuna smash and yuzu mayo. Coffee and an acai bar round out a perfect grab-and-go menu for between beach dips.
Open daily, 8 am to 5.30 pm 48 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal
lemmysdeli.com
The East Deli, East Gosford
This is the second venue for husband-and-wife duo, Lydia and Tyson, the couple behind Hands Down Sandwiches. They’ve grown a bit of a cult following in the area. The East Deli will incorporate their delicious sambos, such as Smoked Stack Brisket with queso, pickled onions and jalapenos; the King Katsu Chicken with kimchi, lettuce and wasabi kewpie; or the Deli Classic loaded with pastrami, sauerkraut and provolone, topped with seeded mustard and garlic mayo, among others. The shelves will be stocked full of deli goods – think housemade bread and butter pickles, granola and cured meats – and there will also be a full in-house menu and coffee by local roaster Legend Coffee and Culture.
Open daily until 4 pm 4/103 Victoria St, East Gosford
handsdownsandwiches.com.au
Moobi Burgers, Wamberal
Due to popular demand, Moobi Burgers has just expanded its offering with a second store in Wamberal. Owned by meat expert and butcher Scott Wilson and his partner Dominique – who also own Moobi Valley butchery – Moobi Burgers has become one of the Coast’s most talked about burgers, much-loved for its wagyu beef patties that are made daily in-house. Scott takes pride in quality cuts and dry ageing meat and creates unique flavours such as a Truffle Wagyu Cheeseburger, Texas Cheeseburger with candied jalapenos and a Big Moob with double patties. There are also chicken burgers, wings and sandwiches on the menu.
Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am to 2.30 pm and 5 pm to 8.30 pm 772 The Entrance Road, Wamberal
moobiburgers.com.au
Jasper’s, Long Jetty
In the heart of Long Jetty, Jasper’s is a cosy fusion-cuisine tapas restaurant. The changing menu is filled with quality Aussie produce, including native ingredients. Creative dishes include the signature kangaroo tail cooked in native pepper berries, saltbush and beetroot; an-fried ricotta gnocchi stuffed with saltbush and macadamia pesto; kaffir lime prawn skewers; and duck pancakes served with Illawarra plum sauce. The restaurant is BYO; head down the road to Upstairs Wines, which offers Jasper’s diners a discount.
Thursday to Saturday, 5 pm to 10 pm; Sunday to Tuesday, 5 pm to 9 pm 34 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
jasperslongjetty.com.au
Noodl Street Food Kitchen, Gosford
From the same crew behind South End Social, Noodl Street Food Kitchen is a faster, more casual dining option to their much-loved café, located just a few doors down. The mouthwatering menu is a mix of Asian-inspired street food, with new dishes being added all the time. The Schezuan-style Dan Dan noodles have quickly become a customer favourite, followed closely by the Korean fried chicken bao buns.
There are also small bites available including Aburi tuna and crackers, salt and vinegar edamame and karaage chicken wings.
Wednesday to Sunday 11 am to 8 pm Lower Ground Floor, 38 Mann Street, Gosford
instagram.com/noodlstreetfood
Big Little Brewery, Gosford
The local owners of the Coast’s newest brewery had a vision: to create a space where great beer, good people and family could come together and create what they call ‘Big Little Moments’. With a strong community feel, the taproom in Gosford is laidback and slightly rustic, welcoming both kids and furry friends. As for the beer, the Oatmeal Stout has garnered a cult following in its first three months, converting even non-Stout drinkers. There’s also Hard Lemonade, created using Eastcoast Beverages’ lemon juice, and there’s a small wine list curated in partnership with BamVino Cellars in Green Point. From midday on Fridays and Saturdays, there’s a food truck and sport on the big screen, and live music on Sundays. Make your way through the different beers on tap to join the 100 Pint Club.
Wednesday, midday to 8 pm; Thursday, midday to 9 pm; Friday and Saturday, midday to 10 pm; Sunday, midday to 8 pm 7 Kirrawee Road, Gosford
biglittlebrewing.com.au
Carne & Cucina, Erina Heights
Carne & Cucina is a new and unique venue from Nicola and Alexandra Coccia, the dynamic duo who previously owned lauded restaurant Osteria il Coccia. Described as a place where gourmet butchery meets artisan Italian cuisine, Carne & Cucina houses Saratoga Quality Meats (the butchery) and a relaxed restaurant, serving Chef Nico’s signature flame-cooked meats, artisan pasta and other authentic Italian dishes. Choose from the a la carte, set or group-sharing menu, or peruse the range of ready-to-cook meals to take home.
Wednesday and Thursday, 5:30 pm ’til late; Friday and Saturday, midday to 3 pm and 5.30 ’til late (butchery is open seven days) 1/488 The Entrance Rd, Erina Heights
carnecucina.com.au
WORDS MEGAN ARKINSTALL
