Wine and Dine at the Best Restaurants in Merimbula

A sparkling seaside gem on NSW’s Sapphire Coast, Merimbula has long been a favourite for easy coastal escape, where days are best spent drifting between crystal-clear beaches,, glassy lakes and sun-drenched afternoons that roll effortlessly into balmy nights.

But beyond the postcard views, there’s a food scene that’s seriously worth showing up for. In recent years, Merimbula’s dining offering has levelled up, with a growing mix of restaurants, bars and casual eateries bringing fresh energy to the coast. Think just-caught seafood served metres from the water, cosy spots plating up authentic Japanese, nostalgic American-style diners, and local institutions that still nail a classic pub feed.

Whether you’re planning a weekend away or mapping out your next long lunch, the best restaurants in Merimbula deliver on flavour, freshness and that relaxed, holiday-state-of-mind energy. Come hungry, because you’ll want to try a bit of everything.

Mezcals

Newly opened in the heart of town, Mezcals Merimbula is bringing a fresh hit of colour and flavour to the Sapphire Coast. The menu leans into authentic Mexican cooking, with a focus on bold and vibrant dishes made using fresh produce and traditional ingredients.

It’s our kind of place because it’s the kind of place made for a long, margarita-fuelled dinner. We’d suggest starting with elotes or guac and chips, then move onto tacos (all gluten-free) or heartier mains packed with spice and punchy flavour. It goes without saying but don’t skip on the signature cocktails, either.

Upstairs 5/2 Market St, Merimbula NSW 2548

Banksia Restaurant

You don’t need to travel far for an evening of fine dining, with Banksia Restaurant – less than a 10-minute drive away in the neighbouring town of Pambula – providing one of the best spots for elevated eats in the area.

Take a seat in the charming and cosy restaurant inside the heritage-listed old Pambula Bank, complete with a fireplace and white tablecloths, and make your way through a 3 course feast with matching wines. With a menu changing every fortnight to reflect the best available produce, except to dine on a range of protein and vegetables packed with flavour and texture.

22 Quondola Street, Pambula

Bar Monti

Bar Monti is known for making the best pizzas in town. Opening in 2022, this cute neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar welcomes friends and family with open arms, filling their bellies with modern Italian delights like mortadella meatballs served on soft polenta, pepperoni or Margherita pizza, lamb ragu rigatoni, and the best baked limoncello cheesecake on the South Coast.

Shop 6/11 Merimbula Drive, Merimbula  

Dulcie’s Cottage

Dulcie’s is a character-filled, reimagined 1920s weatherboard cottage serving mouthwatering burgers, wings, oysters, craft beers, and cocktails. Enjoy local ingredients served from a retro caravan under a shady jacaranda tree. Whether you’re sipping drinks in the garden or snuggling up by the fire, Dulcie’s is a must-visit, if not for the food, but for the oh-so-cute photo ops!

60 Main Street, Merimbula

Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar

A top pick from the Australian Good Food Guide, Tidal Restaurant is all about championing the best produce from the South Coast, making a name for itself as one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. The menu offers a masterclass in fresh, local seafood with creative small plates and innovative mains.

From succulent rock oysters to pan-fried Hokkaido scallops, garlic prawns and rich desserts, each dish is crafted with finesse, offering a delicious dining experience in a stunning waterfront setting. As for the drinks, you can expect excellent cocktails, wines, and beer, plus gins and single malts.

23 Beach Street, Merimbula

Umi-ko Izakaya

Tasty and affordable dishes with a side of fun are the order of the day at Umi-ko Izakaya, the eatery bringing authentic Japanese fare to the Sapphire Coast. Lanterns, old-school posters and neon lights draw you in, while the menu of small and large plates, ramen bowls and sashimi will entice you to linger longer.

The pork katsu curry warms the soul, and the kimchi poke bowl with radish and edamame provides a fresh option come lunchtime.

56 Market Street, Merimbula

Bar Superette

Home to expertly-made cocktails, a bespoke wine list, delicious dishes and a chic setting for a long lunch or decadent dinner, Bar Superette has been a welcome addition to Merimbula’s food and bar scene.

Wander in or make a booking, choose a bottle of wine to share, and order a selection of bites from the blackboard, with a rotating selection of dishes that keep the locals coming back for more. Having served the likes of steak tartate, charcuterie boards, prawn sandos and fried cauliflower with pangrattato in the past, you can expect to be as delighted by the food as the stellar drinks selection.

Keep an eye on socials for events at Superette, with vinyl nights and collabs with wineries keeping things interesting all year long.

16/20 Market Street, Merimbula

Kitty’s Bar & Dining

Kitty’s is located within Club Sapphire and offers a delicious dining experience with an Asian-fusion flair. The menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes that blend modern flavours with classic faves like dumplings, pork belly bao buns, five-spice squid salad, donburi bowls, fresh oysters and Korean fried chicken.

The chic mid-century décor – with its 20-metre marble-top bar and a cosy sandstone fireplace – is the perfect backdrop for a long lunch. In summer, the sunny courtyard hosts live music.

119 Main Street, Merimbula 

Now that you’ve had your foodie fix at the best restaurants in Merimbula, it’s time to explore! Take a drive to discover the best walks on the South Coast, or go further with the best road trips in NSW.