The Entrance Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in The Entrance

March 19, 2018 Jeremy Dunfee

Discover the best restaurant in The Entrance, Australia including The Entrance Hotel, Bistro Jinja, Indigo - Eats, Treats & Bar, Ocean Restaurant, Chang Thai, Two Birds Gallery Cafe, Coast 89 cafe, The Bay Cafe, The Entrance Lake House, The Italian Restaurant
Things to do in The Entrance

1. The Entrance Hotel

87 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance, New South Wales 2261, Australia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, Pub, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$39 - HK$141 +61 2 4332 2001
Excellent
31%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
8%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 284 reviews

The Entrance Hotel

The Entrance Hotel is regarded as one of the most beautiful hotels between Sydney and Newcastle, open since 1927. Highlights of The Entrance Hotel include: -Scenic waterside location -Modern Bar -Bistro open all day from 11:30am until late -TAB and Gaming Lounge -Big Screen showing live sports outdoors -Book a function in a variety of different spaces, any style any budget

Reviewed By Tony G - Chatswood, Australia

The menu looks like most pub menus, but the execution is better than most. The Atlantic salmon and fish tacos were standouts, but the burgers and fish and chips were also very tasty. The servings were very generous but, unlike most pubs, they had not sacrificed quality for quantity. The pub also offers some very pleasant spaces for dining, especially on a balmy summer evening, and an impressively wide range of beers.

2. Bistro Jinja

12 The Entrance Rd | Azzurro Blu Wharf, The Entrance, New South Wales 2261, Australia Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner HK$39 - HK$173 +61 2 4333 4999
Excellent
60%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 267 reviews

Bistro Jinja

Relaxed waterfront dining offering a selection of Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese dishes together with some Australian bistro classics. Fully Licenced, BYO wines welcome (corkage fee applies)

Reviewed By Jenny H - Gosford, Australia

Quality food,nice,hot,fresh and flavorsome.All the food coming out looked lovely.Service was good.Prices were OK however some of the the meals are large,could share a main with some menu items.Limited menu should satisfy most people.Good mix of drinks .The crew were attentive.I didn't find them rude just very busy.Only place for me to eat at The Entrance now.Keep up the freshness well done !

3. Indigo - Eats, Treats & Bar

12-14 Mingara Dr, Tumbi Umbi, The Entrance, New South Wales NSW 2261, Australia (Formerly Indigo) Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Outdoor Seating Bar, Australian, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$31 - HK$353 +61 2 4349 7799
Excellent
27%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
10%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 123 reviews

Indigo - Eats, Treats & Bar

Relax and enjoy the Modern Australian menu at Indigo - Eats, Treats & Bar. Seafood, signature steaks, chefs specials, classic schnitzels and more. Don't miss the indulgent desserts and be tempted by one of our many cocktails. Enjoy the Sunshine on the Terrace and sit back with a barista made coffee.

Reviewed By Kel2477

I ate here with a friend today and we both agreed the food was dreadful. We both ordered the special of the day, the chicken fajitas, and it was barely edible. The chicken super peppery, the avocado tasted like a packet dip, the tortilla so...MoreHi Kel2477, Thanks for the feedback about our $12 Mexican Monday special. If you would like to email [email protected] he is our Food and Beverage Manager and would love to learn more about your experience with us.

4. Ocean Restaurant

102 Ocean Pde | Blue Bay, Central Coast, The Entrance, New South Wales 2261, Australia Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Seafood, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +61 2 4334 4600
Excellent
54%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 288 reviews

Ocean Restaurant

Reviewed By symone20182018 - Greater Sydney, Australia

The locals had raved about this venue so we decided to dine there at 8pm on Saturday night.
The main course was average and overpriced for what it was, but enjoyable enough. The service was very poor...we had to ask for a second glass of wine....and even water. We had been asked directly after finishing the main course...would you like anything else? At that stage of the eating our response was “ohh...no thank you”.
We waited to be brought the dessert menu or to be offered coffee but it never eventuated. At around 9:30pm there was a stench of pine disinfectant that wafted through the restaurant. It was quite offensive. However, in a desire to complete our dining experience at approx 9:45 we asked to see the dessert menu to be told the kitchen was closed!
The communication in this restaurant was poor and the service was equal. I am struggling to rate this restaurant at even a 1 Star! I have had better dining experience at a local cafe in Long Jetty.
.

5. Chang Thai

U 3 155 the Entrance Rd, The Entrance, New South Wales 2261, Australia Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff Asian, Thai, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +61 2 4332 8989
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62 reviews

Chang Thai

Reviewed By Crystal836 - Bateau Bay, Australia

I've been going to Chang Thai for years now and the food and service never disappoints. The food is always fresh and tasty and very generous with great friendly service to follow. If your looking for a delicious Thai meal you cant go past Changs!!

104 Pacific St, Toowoon Bay, New South Wales 2261, Australia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout Cafe, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +61 2 4333 6742
Excellent
59%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 116 reviews

Two Birds Gallery Cafe

Reviewed By James M

Staff were friendly and service was excellent. The steak Sandwich was great - a decent cut of meat and not overcooked. Coffee was nice too!

7. Coast 89 cafe

89 Toowoon Bay Rd, Toowoon Bay, New South Wales 2261, Australia (Formerly 89 Coast cafe) Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, Australian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +61 2 4333 7999
Excellent
44%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 119 reviews

Coast 89 cafe

Reviewed By iain_lmta - Toronto, Australia

I first encountered Coast89 on my way back to my motel from an ocean swim on Sunday, 18th February at about 7:45am. The barista on duty was chatty and friendly with excellent conversation skills. The older lady (breakfast chef) was an attention-to-detail person ... almost painstakingly perfectionist in plating foods for the sit down diners. I was quite impressed.
While waiting for my takeaway coffee, I scanned the blackboard menus and daily specials and decided that this would be our family lunch venue later in the day. The food descriptions were tantalising. The wording, despite the very dodgy spelling, described very high-end meals over a wide range of protein mains and side dishes.
And so we came for lunch. The waiter was friendly but of the Manuel (Fawlty Towers) variety. He set my wife's place up correctly but then set my table-place in complete reverse. He was so tentative but tried to be caring about taking our order correctly and Reading it back to us.
The lunches were pricy but very well prepared from excellent produce. I had the house steak Sandwich and my wife had the brioche chicken burger. The salad vegetables were great. Both meat products were very good and had well-suited condiments. The servings of hot chips in separate bowls were perfectly cooked and size-appropriate.
So, why only a three out of five, I hear you asking.
(1) After we ate the great mains, no-one came near us. My wife was hankering for a post-lunch coffee and we were ignored for nearly 20 minutes, In the end we had to get up and go to the barista area/cash-register (just 1.5m from where we were seated) to ask someone to notice us and then to order a coffee.
(2) My 'gag' experience. I noticed that the table water in the bottle was a peculiar taste. I look closely and saw cloudy sediment at the bottom of the bottle. I then observed that diners at the next four tables with the same style of bottles also had the cloudy brown sediment too. It then occurred to me that the bottles are refilled but likely seldom washed and never, it seems with a bottle-brush.
(3) Diner control. The staff seemed oblivious to the fact that three nearby tables to the one with the little boy who parents had brought his toy-box to lunch with him were in the firing line of thrown toys and calling out. When the parents did nothing, we expected that the staff would intervene and remind the parents or provide the small boy with a diversionary activity. Not so.
(4) The open toilet doors! While largely the fault of indiscriminate diners who went to the toilet but then did not close the door on exit, we were constantly serenaded by filling cisterns, running taps, etc. One staff member did close the door of the toilet a couple of times during our 80 minute stay ... but NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Why not just add a really good spring-loaded door-closer and end this foul problem forever, Coast 89?
(5) Traffic noise. While not the restaurant's fault per se, maybe more could be done to close the windows on the main road side.
Over all, we enjoyed our food but not the service, not the open toilet and not the other diners. The morning visit had promised so much but we felt Coast 89 and its lunch staff (minus the chefs) came up well short.

8. The Bay Cafe

141-143 Bay Rd, Toowoon Bay, New South Wales 2261, Australia Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Seafood, Australian, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner HK$149 - HK$298 +61 2 4332 7135
Excellent
50%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
10%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 119 reviews

The Bay Cafe

Reviewed By aussieboone - Berkeley Vale, New South Wales, Australia

My wife and I have eaten here many times and walk out happy with everything, tonight however was totally the opposite, we had calamari for entree and it was rubbery and the coating was horrible for main we had bay lobster with scallops, king prawns and oysters we got half lobster 1 oyster 1 scallop 1 king prawn and the tiniest amount of lobster for $75 a plate, desert was yummo.
The staff are awesome and so is the atmosphere but we are going to think twice about going to Bay Cafe again, maybe management need to look at the pricing and quality of the food served.
Extremely disappointed by our once favourite restaurant.

9. The Entrance Lake House

1 Oakland Avenue | The Entrance, The Entrance, New South Wales 2261, Australia Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Reservations, Private Dining, Accepts Credit Cards Bar, Australian, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$94 - HK$212 +61 2 4332 5253
Excellent
53%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
8%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 594 reviews

The Entrance Lake House

From the freshly ground coffee and home baked treats to our a-la-carte meals, High Teas, and finger foods, the emphasis at The Entrance Lake House when it comes to our food and beverages is on quality, freshness and taste - all enjoyed while savouring the ambience of The Entrance Lake House's beautifully restored interior and admiring the uninterrupted lake views. Our Chefs combine the freshest, seasonal produce (sourced locally whenever possible) to create mouthwatering, beautifully presented dishes that reflect our multicultural heritage and relaxed coastal lifestyle. We are fully licensed and cater to special dietary requirements and any theme to suit your special celebration, function or wedding. All menus feature our specially sourced range of quality coffees, teas and other beverages. Being fully licensed, we also boast an extensive wine list featuring a selection of local and imported reds, whites and sparkling wine varieties, beers and cocktails. If you are planning an event such as a wedding, a Christmas party, a special celebration or a corporate function, our Event Management Team will tailor a menu that perfectly aligns with your vision, your theme, your taste, your group size and your budget. Contact Us to book a table or to have a chat about how we can tailor a truly memorable event for your function, wedding or special celebration.

Reviewed By Rachelle H

Visited the lake house for dinner and wine tasting with my friend. It does require a booking prior however the staff are very accommodating and friendly. We ended up sitting at the best table of the restaurants overlooking the water. The new owner facilitates the wine tasting and is a knowledgeable and friendly man who takes great pride in his business and quality of his produce. The waiting staff are attentive and their warm welcoming nature adds to the pleasure of the experience dining here. Both wine and food is delightful. This is truely a special place to visit.

10. The Italian Restaurant

12 The Entrance Rd, The Entrance, New South Wales 2261, Australia Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$110 - HK$251 +61 2 4333 8885
Excellent
38%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
14%
Terrible
9%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 318 reviews

The Italian Restaurant

Reviewed By Jules170959

My husband and I have eaten here often as we are locals in the area, and we have found the food so good, but decided tonight to have a seafood platter. The waitress told us they had run out of lobster, so she asked if we would like some extra prawns and Balmain bugs to make up for the lobster. We agreed and when the platter arrived, it looked amazing, but it was not good to eat. The substitute bugs and prawns were at the bottom of the platter served warm smothered in pesto (which was not stated). You could not taste the seafood, only the dried up looking pesto smeared all over everything. We could not eat any of that. The French fries on the platter were stone cold on arrival, and the fresh fruit was a kiwi cut in half and half an orange. The fresh prawns and battered fish and oysters were the only part that was nice. The small lobster on top (served cold) had a strange taste to it, something we had not tasted before. Over all, it was a disappointing meal and a bad choice by us. We will definitely be back as their other meals and desserts are so good, just think twice before ordering the seafood platter perhaps. Totally not worth the $140. The manager offered us free desserts which we declined. We would have preferred she knock the price down a bit. We have had better platters elsewhere. Oh well, we live and learn.

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