Nothing brings joy, peace and serenity quite like the majesty of a water view – whether it is the soothing sounds of the ocean or the tinkle of a river cascading over stones.
It’s a shore way to ease away stress and anxiety as you chill out with a glass of wine, good company and even better bounty from the sea…here are five restaurants to dive into for a shell-a-bration:
Celebrate local seafood and produce across a delicious, contemporary coastal menu at TINTA Belmont on Pacific Highway in Belmont. This lakeside restaurant provides the best sunset views of Lake Macquarie in spectacular surrounds of blue and white striped bench seating, blond wood table settings and an alfresco space to escape and relax from life’s hustle and bustle with family and friends.
Dive right into a memorable meal with char-grilled octopus, Romesco, puffed quinoa and lemon oil, before casting a net over a seafood platter with lobster, oysters, octopus, tuna tataki, scallops, fries and garlic beans.
Find amazing 270-degree views as the sun sets at Geraldton’s only rooftop bar, Old Man & the Sea, on Cathedral Avenue. Enjoy a unique experience at this chilled-out venue located on the roof of the Gerald Apartment Hotel; open and airy for most of the year and kept cosy with specially designed pop-up sea containers offering protection from the coastal breeze.
Expect the best fresh local produce, cocktails, WA beers and wines and exceptional service as you relax to live music and graze on Old Man’s seafood cure – Tasmanian smoked salmon, house-cured octopus, marinated prawns and tortilla chips.
Warrnambool's dramatic coastline forms the spectacular backdrop to Simon's Waterfront restaurant on Pertobe Road. Nestled atop Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club, this idyllic location presents diners with arguably the best views along the Great Ocean Road; whether it’s a brew and gourmet burger with mates in the beer garden, or a coffee on a cosy couch in front of the fire.
If seaside dining puts you in the mood for seafood, opt for prawn and curry spring rolls and chilli jam, before a signature bowl of seafood chowder in a creamy base, served in a locally-made cobb loaf.
Born of a love for fine Italian cuisine, ever-flowing wine and coastal living, Capiche on Lighthouse Parade in Ballina complements any sunset. Poised atop the ocean with panoramic views, every seat is the best in the house as you soak up the sunshine with a cocktail in hand; or revel into the night as the lights grow soft and the DJ starts to play.
Hook a starter of wood-fired prawns, pine nut, garlic and chilli, then twirl a fork around fregola pasta, with clams, smoked mussels, chilli, garlic, tomato and white wine, or pick up a slice of pizza with prawns, fior di latte, chilli and chives.
For a waterfront dining experience in Cronulla, dive straight into Summer Salt Restaurant on Mitchell Road. Expect a stylish light-filled beachfront venue where salty sea breezes await on the alfresco deck, while indoors white-clothed tables and a coastal vibe in keeping with Sydney’s lifestyle guarantee the mood is light, bright and inviting.
You can expect a memorable meal including the freshest local seafood, such as tempura King prawns, nori salt and coconut sriracha, or lobster, bisque, cherry tomato and garlic angel hair spaghetti.
