Coffs Harbour, on the NSW North Coast, used to be famous for such culinary delights as frozen chocolate-coated bananas (my kids still ask for them) but on our recent trip north we gorged ourselves on gourmet fare that was rather more sophisticated.
Where to eat on the Coffs Coast
One thing that all the restaurants in Coffs have in common is good (efficient) friendly service – and enormous helpings. Here are a few stand-outs.
Finz at the Breakfree Aanuka Beach Resort serves a mouth-watering array of hearty dishes such as slow roasted lamb shanks and ravioli of beef cheeks as well as a great selection of local seafood.
My aptly named son, Fin, is rather partial to beef cheeks and lamb shanks so he’s in foodie heaven on our first evening here.
Yknot Bistro in the Yacht Club on Marina Drive at the Jetty has a great choice for lunch and dinner – I can heartily recommend the red curry and Fin’s also rather please with his surf ‘n’ turf.
Latitude 30, upstairs at the Coffs Harbour Jetty serves up a fantastic selection of dishes, with a truly global influence. From saffron angel hair crab pasta to Spanish paella and Royal Thai Yellow curry of Morton Bay bug tail. YUM.
At Shearwater I go for the lighter choice of fennel, mushroom and pea risotto while Fin goes for (big surprise) Shiraz braised beef cheek on cawliflower cream, baby carrots, broccolini and mushroom jus. It’s good apparently.
Last but not least, a very cool little food truck down by the jetty selling gourmet hamburgers named after musical genres. Fin opts for a reggae chicken.
Bello markets
Bellingen – so many gourmet delights and home-knit yoghurt stands it’s difficult to know where to start.
Our visit happily coincides with Bellingen Community Markets, held on the third Sunday of each month.
One of the best activities here is of course people watching, which is how we happily spend the morning, in between spending money on organic coffee, olive oil, peanut butter and woollen hats.
If you’re so inclined you could also have a Tarot card reading, get a massage, go for a camel ride or attend the Eco Faith outdoor ‘church’.
There are street musicians every few hundred yards, competing for an audience of beanie-clad kids and delicious cooking smells coming from all directions.
As well as a great selection of organic fresh produce, jams, pickles and cheeses, there’s a rainbow-like selection of hand-knitted, tie-dyed and vintage clothing stands.
That and the odd stand selling furniture made from old car tires and or offering to align your chakras.
