Whether you’re there for the surf or the lush rainforests and vibrant city life, Wollongong is a great place to live, work and visit.
It is also a hotbed of restaurants and cuisines you need to try…as we continue on our drive around the country highlighting amazing Readers’ Choice-winning venues, here are five we think you need to try:
Readers’ Choice – Regional:
Nestled in the heart of Wollongong and part of the town’s cheery seaside dining scene is Kneading Ruby on Crown Lane. Imposing from the outside with high brick walls, inside is unassumingly elegant, with lofty ceilings giving an airy feel to pair with delicate vines draped across timber ceiling beams and polished floors.
Naturally lit during the day for a breezy café feel and cast under a soft glow for more ambient evening dining, try kingfish crudo, watermelon vinegar and zucchini to start, moving onto lamb shoulder, puttanesca and olives for a memorable main.
Readers’ Choice – Modern Australian:
Succulent seafood and sparkling sea views await diners at Steamers Bar and Grill on Marine Drive in Wollongong. A blue and white nautical theme with hanging brass lanterns and blond wood furniture, evokes memories of oceanside holidays, while the aroma of wood-smoked meat sets taste buds salivating.
Lunch on the terrace with City Beach and Wollongong Lighthouse on the horizon, is an ideal spot to sip a glass of wine, while enjoying a hot and cold ocean board, with prawns, fish, calamari, scallops, salmon, oysters, crab, sashimi, salsa, sauce and rustic fries.
Readers’ Choice – Italian:
Dine with the ‘pasta pros’ at Ambiance Ristorante on Princes Highway in Unanderra. They not only make pasta at this authentic Italian eatery, but they also live, feel and breathe it; from breakfast until dinner, eat in rustic surrounds of exposed brick, polished concrete and intimate table settings, from a menu showcasing seasonal produce.
Twirl your fork around linguine vongole in white wine sauce with chilli, or beef cheek ragu with red wine sauce and rigatoni; those looking to share may opt for pork cotoletta on the bone, lemon butter sauce, apple compote, polenta and green beans.
Readers’ Choice – Asian:
Classic Chinese with a Pan-Asian twist is what you will find on the menu at Madam Choi on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in Thirroul. A rustic vibe of recycled timber, bi-fold windows and subtle lighting awaits indoors, along with traditional Chinese decorations, ideal for lingering over a meal with family and friends.
Using fresh ingredients and housemade pastes, expect to sample offerings like house-special basil chilli duck, or steamed whole barramundi with soy sauce, stir-fried Chinese broccoli and steamed rice.
Readers’ Choice – Indonesian:
Bringing the essence of Bali to the heart of Wollongong by sharing traditionally inspired food is Balinese Spice Magic restaurant on Keira Street. A welcoming demeanour lures locals and travellers from afar into a friendly interior, warmed by soft yellow tones and intricate ornaments, alive with music and the movements of Balinese dancers.
Spiced chicken steamed in banana leaves appeals to start, before Balinese-style roast pork, or slow-cooked beef rendang, with sides of turmeric rice and stir-fried vegetables, washed down with an ice-cold beer or Black Magic cocktail.
