South coast eats: Batemans Bay and surrounds
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From freshly shucked oysters on the banks of the Clyde River to wood-fired pizzas overlooking the marina, the Batemans Bay region is a foodie’s dream.
Whether you’re after authentic Chinese in a seaside setting, hearty Italian perfect for sharing, or fish and chips so fresh they were swimming this morning, this coastal stretch has flavours for every mood.
We’ve rounded up the best spots to eat, drink, and settle in for a while – because good food tastes even better with an ocean breeze.
Get ready to discover why Batemans Bay is about far more than sand and sea.
Sam’s Pizza (Batemans Bay)
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Sam’s is hearty Italian at its best and perfect for date night on the South Coast. Serving pizza, pasta, salads and more along with craft beer and wine, the best way to eat at Sam’s is to order several dishes to share with a bottle of wine (of course).
The best seats in the house are out the back, facing the marina – make sure to book around sunset.
3 Orient Street, Batemans Bay | samspizzabatemansbay.com.au
Innes Boatshed (Batemans Bay)
The Innes Family have been catching, cooking and serving the freshest local seafood for three generations, so it’s no wonder that their fish and chips are famous. Caught straight from the ocean and cooked for your plate, both the fresh and cooked fish menu changes daily.
The one thing you can expect is it’ll be fresh – and honestly, that’s all you could want when down the coast.
1 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay | innesboatshed.com.au
Se7en Café (Batemans Bay)
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Promising good vibes, good times, and good food, at Se7en Café you’ll find fresh and flavoursome options for breakfast and lunch. And with two locations to choose from, you have the perfect excuse to make multiple trips to try the menu.
Their original location (Se7en Café By The Sea) features views of the beautiful Clyde River (where they source their oysters) while Se7en Café In The Centre offers an easy option when exploring the local shops. And from buttermilk waffles with house-made pistachio cream to tempura fish tacos and an avo crostini, each venue has something different to treat your tastebuds.
Se7en Café By The Sea: 31 Clyde Street, Batemans Bay (Upstairs at Batemans Bay Lodge) | Se7en Café In The Centre: 1 Perry Street, Batemans Bay | se7encafe.com.au
The Oyster Shed (Batemans Bay)
Located on the banks of the mighty Clyde River, The Oyster Shed is a “farm gate for fresh oysters sold directly to the public”, which means you can eat them then and there on the spot and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views or take them home for later.
Even better, they also sell a range of condiments that have been hand-picked specifically for their complementary nature to the oysters and you can also indulge in salads, tarts, slices and coffee.
5 Wray Street, Batemans Bay | oystershed.com.au
Crumb (Batehaven)
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Crumb is the perfect example of Australian café culture on the coast. This hidden gem of a café serves a wide variety of brunch and lunch options, using fresh and locally sourced produce. Each trip might see you with a new favourite meal as the menu is constantly updated to reflect the produce in season.
Make sure to leave room for dessert, because the cake cabinet is worth a look…
268 Beach Road, Batehaven | facebook.com/CafeatBatehaven
Raymond’s at Malua Bay (Malua Bay)
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Serving the community since 1989, Raymond’s is an icon of the South Coast, and dishes up authentic Chinese food in a modern seaside setting.
The menu is extensive and has something for every kind of diner, but if deciding what to eat is (understandably) too hard, go with Ray’s top picks, which include the San Choy Bow, deep-fried eggplant and sizzling garlic king prawns.
Shop 3, 4 Kuppa Avenue, Malua Bay | raymondsatmaluabay.com.au
ARLO (Mossy Point)
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Cooking to the seasons and sourcing everything locally, ARLO promises a meal full of authentic flavours of the South Coast. Located within Oaks Ranch and open to the public to book a table, settle into the restaurant – which spills out to the patio and pool deck – and choose from the vast selection of wines, spirits and cocktails.
As for the food? Crab and prawn toast with ink aioli, Sydney rock oysters and sardines served with flatbread, aioli and salsa verde will give you your seafood fix.
340 Old Mossy Point Road, Mossy Point | oaksranch.com.au/dine
Fox Dog Distillery (Mogo)
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Opening for all-day dining as well as cocktails and tastings from 11 am, Tuesday to Sunday, Fox Dog Distillery offers relaxed, family-friendly dining. Serving up hearty meals that perfectly complement their handcrafted spirits, parents can relax knowing their children will be catered for while friends can kick back with a cocktail.
What’s on the menu? Burgers, pizzas, tacos and more. And our tip is to try the Mandarin gin. You can thank us later.
Sunnyside Farm, 312 Tomakin Road, Mogo | foxdogdistillery.com
The Rivermouth General Store (Tomakin)
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A hipster home away from home, this surf-themed store and café does fantastic breakfast, lunch, coffee and snacks. Serving a menu that’s rooted in nourishment and joy (and an atmosphere that’s coastal, chilled, and a little bit quirky), the food ranges from a chilled creamy rice pudding to nori-dusted fish and chips.
Looking for something sweet? Their cakes are homemade and delicious, while their smoothies and juices will always hit the spot. And if you’re stuck for a cute and unique gift, their selection of surf and beach-related books, knick-knacks and accessories is perfect!
101 Sunpatch Parade, Tomakin | therivermouth.com.au
The Patch (Tomakin)
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Located in the Tomakin Sports and Social Club, this family-friendly indoor-outdoor bar and eatery showcases the abundance of fresh produce from the region. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, the menu covers everything you could think of – from classic schnitzels, pastas, burgers and pizzas to korma curry and prawn mornay.
Have kids with you? Don’t worry, little tummies will also be very happy with a dedicated kids’ menu that includes a free tub of ice cream with their choice of topping and sprinkles.
71 Sunpatch Parade, Tomakin | tomakinclub.com.au/the-patch
