A Foodie’s Guide to Winter on the South Coast
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It’s no secret that Canberrans flock to the South Coast come summertime—but winter is where it’s at when it comes to good food and wine.
With over 100 beaches falling within the Shoalhaven Shire’s 170km of pristine coastline, sure, there’s plenty to see and do come summer. However, as any self-respecting local will tell you, winter is truly the South Coast’s time to shine.
The crowds are significantly reduced, the sky is blue, the air is crisp, and there’s a plethora of cafés, restaurants, wineries and breweries that make for a splendid weekend of indulgence.
Shake off that winter funk, hit the road and follow this handy guide on where to go whether you’re after a great coffee, envious eats or an alcoholic beverage or two to warm the cockles of your heart.
Just remember folks, in this post-pandemic world, it’s all about calling ahead and making a reservation. Yes, even in winter—these places are that good!
Coffee & Breakfast
Hello Huey. Photo credit @olamoszumanska
Hello Huey
Owned by south-coast local Alysha Bindley, and nestled at the gateway to Matron Porter Reserve, this quaint vintage caravan serves up quality coffee and sweet treats six days a week.
If you’re of the pet-owning persuasion, head on down early for a complementary dog biscuit before venturing on to Narrawallee dog beach (which is open till 10 am). Nan’s rock cakes are a great treat for humans too.
No Bookings required | 102 Matron Porter Dr, Narrawallee NSW | Follow @hellohueycaravan
Duke & Co. Cafe
Feeling like something a little more substantial for breakfast? Dukes is where it’s at. Serving Pablo & Rusty’s specialist coffee and a menu made up of only the best local produce, their Smashed avocado with sautéed mixed greens, toasted seeds, feta and poached eggs is the stuff dreams are made of.
There is indoor seating to boot or a great dog and kid-friendly fenced courtyard to soak up that winter sunshine. Planning to go for a hike later in the day? Grab one of their made-fresh-daily gourmet sandwiches for the road.
No Bookings required | 6/41 Wason St, Milton NSW 2538 | Follow @dukeandcocafe
Salty Joe’s
When in town, city folk appreciate anywhere that opens for business before 8 am, so we’re pleased to report that Salty Joe’s is not only open seven days a week, but from 6.30 am, for those I-need-to-be-caffeinated-immediately early birds.
Their Halloumi brekky burger, with baby spinach, roast tomato and onion relish is not to be missed during the winter months.
Book here | Shop 1, 54 Owen St. Huskisson NSW | Follow @salty_joes
Brunch & Lunch
Milkhaus Milton. Photo credit: @sophielordstudio
Milk HAUS
Bookings at this charming garden-to-plate eatery are a must, as produce is literally plucked fresh from their veggie patch out back (which you’re free to have a stroll through once you’re done eating).
With a menu built around seasonal produce, make a beeline for their famous Nordic spiced porridge in winter, complete with chai poached pear, currants, hemp seeds, toasted almond flakes and your choice of milk, it’s a real treat for the tastebuds. There is an onsite ceramic studio too for a spot of shopping.
Book here | 170 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock NSW | Follow @milkhausmilton
Lagom Bakery
One part bakery, one part deli, three parts delicious. Located on beautiful Burrill Lake, a suburb that can be overwhelming in the summer but a total joy to visit in the cooler months, this is a must-stop for a quick breakfast or lunch on the go.
We’re talking freshly baked sourdough (try the cheese and jalapeno loaf if you can), all the yummy cheeses and meats along with toasted sandwiches to boot. The Kimchi & Comte Gruyère toasty is a new addition to the menu and will make your heart sing and your mouth water.
No Bookings required | 98 McDonald Parade, Burrill Lake NSW | Follow @lagom_bakers
Pilgrims
This vegetarian cafe has been a South Coast staple since 1980, so clearly they are doing something right.
From the Bliss Burger (hello mixed grain patty, fried onion, avocado, cheese, tabouli, sprouts and special peanut sauce) to the Millennium Burger (what’s up curry lentil patty, fried onion, avocado, lettuce, beetroot, cucumber, sprouts, tahini dressing and sweet chilli sauce) there is something on this menu for everyone.
With a plethora of indoor and outdoor (undercover) seating available this is a great option for those with kids or a trusty pooch in toe.
Book here | The Settlement Shop 8/9, 97 Princes Hwy, Milton NSW | Follow @pilgrimscafe
Dinner
Gwylo. Photo credit @gwylomollymook
Gwylo
Out-of-towners are often surprised to find high-brow Asian street eats at sleepy Mollymook Beach shops. But those in the know, well, know that booking weeks, sometimes months ahead is a must if you want to snag a table at this South Coast hotspot.
Dabble in their sashimi-grade market fish with cucumber, shallot, plum, shizo and rice puffs, don’t miss the wok-fried prawns with chilli pepper caramel watercress, coriander and lime and double up on their xin jiang style lamb BBQ skewers with kimchi.
You’ll want to try one of everything on their impressive cocktail list too. If the website says they are booked out, drop them a line for any available bar seating.
Book here | Shop 2/85 Tallwood ave, Mollymook Beach NSW | Follow @gwylomollymook
The Milton Hotel
This onsite restaurant for Dangerous Ales Brewery recently scored itself a hat in Sydney’s Good Food Guide, and rightly so.
The bbq cabbage with sesame and crispy shallots is a real menu highlight, as is Uncle Damos stout braised lamb shoulder with chimmi churri. Now this is a brewery, so wine and cider are limited to nonexistent, but there’s plenty of beer on tap to delight your tastebuds.
Book here | 74 Princes Hwy, Milton NSW | Follow @the.milton.hotel
Pasta Buoy
If it’s authentic Italian flavours you are after, look no further than Pasta Buoy in the heart of Jervis Bay. Handmade daily for dine-in or takeaway their vodka rigatoni with spicy tomato sugo, vodka, cream and classic Cacio E Pepe will trick your tastebuds into thinking you’re in Italy itself. Try the Garlic Butter Sourdough Cob and the Insalata Caprese Burrata salad or live to regret it.
Order online here | 60 Owen St, Huskisson NSW | Follow @pastabuoy
Drink
Small Town Provisions. Photo credit @smalltownprovisions
Small Town Provisions
This petite wine bar, located in the heart of Milton, also doubles as a boutique bottleshop and deli. Dining in? Order yourself a glass (or two) of Pinot Noir with a side of tapas (the burrata and squid are standouts on this small yet ambitious menu).
Before you head home for the evening, nab yourself a bottle of Barolo and a wedge of D’ambert Blue Cheese or some CUCA Anchovy fillets if that’s more your style.
Book here | 1/49 Wason St, Milton NSW | Follow @smalltownprovisions
Flamin Galah Brewing Co.
What started as a passion project for local tradie Sam and his wife Claire in the back yard, is now one of the South Coast’s most popular brewers with over 14 taps on rotation. Punters will find everything from an easy-drinking German Kölsch, award-winning XPA to a Vanilla Pudding Stout and even Vodka Seltzers.
All of which are complimented by the on-site food truck The Nest Jervis Bay, which serves up everything from cheeseburger sliders to nachos and crispy chicken bay buns.
No Bookings required | Unit 8/5 Erina Rd, Huskisson NSW | Follow @flamin_galahbrewingco
Cupitt’s Estate
Whether you’re keen for farm-to-table fine Dining at Cupitt’s Restaurant or Casual Outdoor Dining at Dusty’s Garden Bar there is something for everyone on the grounds of one of the South Coasts most picturesque wineries, which also happens to feature live music on Sunday afternoons.
Travelling with a group? Enjoy a Cupitt’s Estate Wine Tasting in their Historic Cellar Door.
Book here | 58 Washburton Rd, Ulladulla NSW | Follow @cupittsestate
