AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Wollongong & The Illawarra Restaurants

Wollongong’s seaside cafes and elegant restaurants offer a variety of dining options, whether you are looking to share a pizza with family and friends or relax with a post-swim brunch. Wollongong's & The Illawarra’s culinary scene, which includes some of the city's most well-known and highly rated restaurants, is to die for. Due to the influx of young artists and business owners who are reimagining the city, the concentration of excellent restaurants and bars in and around Wollongong has increased significantly.

Popular Cuisines : Cafe  Modern Australian  Thai  Bakery  Chinese  Indian  Italian  Asian  

"Iconic Venue that always delivers"
Boasting sweeping views across Wollongong Harbour, tri-level Harbourfront Restaurant on Endeavour Drive is stunning both night and day. Breezy outdoor decks and floor-to-ceiling windows make the mo...
Cin Cin Wine Bar

Cin Cin Wine Bar

Mediterranean   $$$$$   Open Now

Kiama

Bottomless WeekendsEvery Saturday and SundayChoose from 1 of 3 grazing or meze food options and a bottomless drinks package on selected wines, beers and cocktails for 2 hours. $65pp for our standard bottomless drinks package or ask us about ...
Ruby's Mount Kembla

Ruby's Mount Kembla

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Opens Fri 6:00 PM

Mount Kembla

14 Chef Hat Award
Discover a quaint cottage complete with original floorboards, open fireplaces and memorabilia of a time gone by at Ruby’s on Harry Graham Drive in Mount Kembla. With three private dining rooms, a m...
Restaurant Santino

Restaurant Santino

Italian   $$$$$   Open Now

Wollongong

12 Chef Hat Award
Tucked away in the corner of a lively laneway in central Wollongong, find Italian-style bistro Restaurant Santino on Globe Lane. Expect a classic feel with an ambience ideal for a Dirty Martini and...
Austi Beach Cafe

Austi Beach Cafe

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Fri 8:00 AM

Austinmer

Beachside Breakfast FavouritesBook Now!Austi Beach Café brings fresh, vibrant breakfast favourites to the coast, from fluffy ricotta pancakes and classic big breakfasts to chilli prawn scrambled eggs, smashed avo, smoked salmon toast an...
"Readers' Choice 2019 - Thai"
Banquet Dining at Harbour ThaiOnly $39 ppIndulge in authentic Thai flavours with At Harbour Thai Restaurant’s Banquet 1 — a two-course feast for just $39 per person. Begin with appetisers like crispy spring rolls, curry puffs and grilled ...
Host Your Next Event at Resin BrewingEnquire today!Celebrate your next event at Resin Brewing! We host weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and more for up to 200 guests across our deck, bar, or heritage spaces. Enjoy customizable menus—canape, buffe...
Otis Deli

Otis Deli

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Fri 9:00 AM

Kiama

Seasonal Salad Bar at Otis DeliTry us today!Discover the vibrant, ever-changing salad bar at Otis Deli, where fresh, seasonal produce is transformed into colourful, flavour-packed dishes. Enjoy favourites like Broccolini Miso Crunch, Charred...
Debutant

Debutant

French   $$$$$   Open Now

Wollongong

A classic French bistro combines with a Modern Australian steakhouse at Débutant on Keira Street in Wollongong. This sister venue to Rookie Eatery, serves sophisticated steak frites for the modern ...
The Deli

The Deli

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Fri 7:30 AM

Gerringong

Located on Fern Street in Gerringong, The Deli is a laid-back coastal favourite serving fresh, vibrant food in a warm, community-minded setting. Known for its wholesome plates, quality coffee and e...
RUKI Robatayaki

RUKI Robatayaki

Japanese   $$$$$   Open Now

Wollongong

All Day DiningWhy wait for the weekend?From Friday to Sunday, we kick off at 12pm. Feel like having a boozy lunch at 3pm or a chill dinner at 4pm? We won’t judge. Sleep in, rock up at noon, and order skewers and beers like it’s m...
Situated in Windang, Thai Niyom Restaurant brings warm hospitality and vibrant Thai flavours to the coast. The focus is simple: quality, consistency and dishes that taste great every single time. T...
Stacks Eatery

Stacks Eatery

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Opens Fri 6:30 AM

Kiama Downs

Just steps from Jones Beach in Kiama Downs, Stacks Eatery is a breezy beachside café serving fresh Allpress coffee and flavour-packed breakfasts, brunches, and lunches. With smoothies and milkshake...
Figtree Gourmet Kitchen

Figtree Gourmet Kitchen

Pizza   $$$$$   Open Now

Figtree

Restaurant & Catering Association
When visiting the Illawarra region and the taste for authentic Italian cuisine calls, make your way down Bellevue Road to discover Figtree Gourmet Kitchen. As the area's longest-established wood-fi...
"Readers' Choice 2019 - Breakfast"
The Hungry Monkey

The Hungry Monkey

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Fri 6:30 AM

Kiama

Happy HourWednesday Happy Hour4 pm-6 pm $10 cocktails, $5 tap beers, wines and spirits.
Madam Choi

Madam Choi

Asian   $$$$$   Open Now

Thirroul

Classic Chinese with a Pan-Asian twist is what you will find on the menu at Madam Choi on Lawrence Hargrave Drive in Thirroul. A rustic vibe of recycled timber, bifold windows and subtle lighting a...
Halfday Deli

Halfday Deli

Pizza   $$$$$   Open Now

Wollongong

$20 PIZZA NIGHTS Every TuesdayHeaps good pizza and tiramisu nights. Bookings are a good idea or get takeaway.
Opus Coffee Brewers

Opus Coffee Brewers

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Fri 7:00 AM

Wollongong

PIZZA BAGELSEVERY FRIDAYEvery Friday we make limited loaded pizza bagels using our bagel dough. Mortadella + Pistachio with a pecorino romano finish pictured. They go quick and flavours change all the time :)
"Sublime seafood & views to match"
Bombora Seafood

Bombora Seafood

Seafood   $$$$$   Opens Fri 8:00 AM

Wollongong

Celebrate NYE 2025 at Wollongong HarbourFireworks, Buffet & More!Ring in the New Year with the best view of the 9pm fireworks and a 3-hour seafood buffet paired with a premium beverage package. Gather your friends and family for a night of indulgence, festive vi...