AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

5 Restaurants with Breathtaking Water Views that Redefine Oceanfront Dining


Few things elevate a dining experience like an uninterrupted view of the water - whether it's the open ocean, a serene lake or the lapping waves of a famous beach. These five standout venues combine panoramic vistas with culinary excellence offering not just a meal but an immersive coastal escape.

From fresh-caught seafood in the Whitsundays to Mediterranean elegance in Terrigal, this curated list brings together the best of sea-swept sophistication.

Meribella – Terrigal, NSW

Tucked a mere breath away from the golden sands of Terrigal Beach, Meribella is where Mediterranean soul meets seaside splendour. With its sweeping arches, high-end timber flooring and floor-to-ceiling windows, the venue harnesses every ounce of the Central Coast’s natural allure. You’ll find locals soaking in the view with a glass in hand and visitors indulging in a laid-back yet refined coastal dining experience.

5 Restaurants with Breathtaking Water Views that Redefine Oceanfront Dining

The menu artfully blends Modern Australian with Mediterranean flair. Signature entrées such as the grilled prawns with slow-cooked sugarloaf cabbage and a hint of parsnip showcase the kitchen’s commitment to complexity and balance. The aged duck dish - paired thoughtfully with figs and caramelised shallots - hits a sweet-and-savoury crescendo that makes Meribella not just a feast for the eyes but a culinary highlight on the coast.

Planning a special night out? Book ahead to secure your window-side seat. Make sure to review your experience.

Waters Edge – Parkes, ACT

Perfectly positioned on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin and nestled among Canberra’s iconic international flags, Waters Edge delivers both gravitas and grace. Vaulted ceilings and plush upholstered seating lend a timeless elegance to the dining room where natural light floods through expansive windows showcasing the lake in its tranquil glory.

5 Restaurants with Breathtaking Water Views that Redefine Oceanfront Dining

This venue’s Modern Australian menu isn’t just beautiful - it’s bold. Dishes like lamb backstrap are executed with pinpoint precision and paired with layers of texture and flavour: think crispy potato galette mashed peas and the umami depth of black garlic finished with the herbaceous hit of native saltbush. It’s this attention to detail that elevates Waters Edge beyond the merely scenic.

Make your lakeside lunch or dinner unforgettable - reserve your table now. Rate your dining experience by leaving a review.

Steamers Bar and Grill – Wollongong, NSW

A short stroll from Wollongong Lighthouse and perched along Marine Drive, Steamers Bar and Grill offers nautical nostalgia and beachfront indulgence in equal measure. The aesthetic - a crisp blend of oceanic blues warm timber and hanging brass accents - brings to mind relaxed luxury with a subtle maritime touch. Whether you’re on the terrace or inside by the wide glass windows the view of City Beach is always centre stage.

5 Restaurants with Breathtaking Water Views that Redefine Oceanfront Dining

As for the food: it’s a Modern Australian love letter to coastal produce. The dry-aged Scotch fillet is a robust centrepiece complemented by blistered cherry tomatoes, horseradish and thyme butter and a rich savoury depth that lingers long after the final bite. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like the sea smells - clean fresh and deeply satisfying.

Got waves on the brain? Book a beach-view seat and enjoy every salty breeze, then review your meal.

Seascape Restaurant & Bar – Surfers Paradise, Qld

Set right above the vibrant stretch of Surfers Paradise beach, Seascape brings three levels of dining flair - though it’s the fine dining floor that truly steals the show. Bi-fold windows open fully to invite sea air and the sight of rolling waves while the interior’s timber finishes and soft lighting keep things stylishly grounded.

5 Restaurants with Breathtaking Water Views that Redefine Oceanfront Dining

Seafood here is an art form. From the tang of citrus in the coconut tempura prawns to the smoky sweetness of a char-grilled WA lobster dressed in lemon and garlic butter, every plate celebrates ocean flavours in high definition. When paired with a signature Lady Marmalade gin cocktail, it’s the ultimate holiday indulgence - even if you’re just dining after work.

Seating fills fast - lock in your ocean-view table now. Show your appreciation by leaving a review.

Coral Sea Pavilion – Airlie Beach, Qld

Hidden within a boutique resort overlooking the turquoise expanse of the Coral Sea this Airlie Beach gem is made for sunset lovers and seafood devotees alike. The venue offers relaxed poolside charm by day and soft-lit elegance by night, with cabana seating available for the ultimate private oceanfront vibe.

5 Restaurants with Breathtaking Water Views that Redefine Oceanfront Dining

The seafood platter is a local legend: featuring lemon-herb reef fish, calamari, Whitsunday Tiger prawns, oysters, bugs, housemade ceviche and clams - this is no ordinary share plate. With crisp chips, vibrant salad and pillowy Turkish bread on the side, it’s an all-in seafood celebration best paired with a chilled white and the slow burn of a tropical evening.

Make it your coastal ritual - book your poolside table or private cabana today.

From urban lakefront refinement to barefoot beach elegance, these venues prove that exceptional dining is as much about location as it is about flavour. Whether you're a seafood connoisseur, or simply chasing a view to remember, each destination offers an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

 

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