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  Italian  Indian  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...
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...
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...
Beachfront Weddings at Lucia’s by the SeaEnquire Today!Celebrate your special day with stunning ocean views at Lucia’s by the Sea, Wollongong’s premier beachfront wedding venue. From elegant reception spaces to exceptional dining and personalised servi...
The Black Duck

The Black Duck

Thai   $$$$$   Opens Sat 12:00 PM

Wombarra

Massaman Beef CurryA Must Try!Warm up this season with the rich and comforting flavours of The Black Duck’s signature Massaman Beef Curry. Priced at just $20.90, this gluten-free favourite features tender beef slow-cooked in a ...
"Sublime seafood & views to match"
Bombora Seafood

Bombora Seafood

Seafood   $$$$$   Opens Sat 8:00 AM

Wollongong

Above Wollongong Harbour’s glistening waters sits Bombora Seafood, a unique dining experience in breezy, stylish surrounds on the jetty. Versatile for all occasions, be it a romantic evening or fam...
Meat & Grain Steakhouse

Meat & Grain Steakhouse

Steak   $$$$$   Open Now

Wollongong

The Perfect Winter Dish Book Now!Beef cheeks, served with mash, creamy spinach, and a rich beef jus. A warming, comforting dish - perfect for cooler days. Place a booking via the link below!
Osteria Lume

Osteria Lume

Italian   $$$$$   Opens Sat 5:00 PM

Wollongong

$25 Pasta and $25 Cotoletta Every Wednesday Pasta Wednesday $25 pasta and $25 cotoletta from a selection of menu Items changing weekly and offering $10 kids' pasta or cotoletta. Click on more info to book:
Jin’s Place on Princes Highway in Fairy Meadow is a cheerful reinterpretation of casual Korean and Japanese dining. A moody vibe awaits indoors with slick black tiles, neon signage and blond wood t...
Steamers Bar and Grill

Steamers Bar and Grill

Modern Australian   $$$$$   Opens Sat 11:30 AM

Wollongong

Restaurant & Catering Association
Succulent seafood and sparkling sea views await diners at Steamers Bar and Grill on Marine Drive in Wollongong. A blue and white nautical theme with hanging brass lanterns and blond wood furniture,...
Southwest Barbecue

Southwest Barbecue

Grill   $$$$$   Opens Sat 8:00 AM

Appin

Those seeking the deliciousness of low and slow barbeque fare in Wollongong, head down Appin Road to find Southwest Barbecue. Located on Appin Road, expect a rustic vibe of recycled timber, softly ...
KG Cafe Kiama

KG Cafe Kiama

South African   $$$$$   Opens Sat 7:00 AM

Kiama

Kiama 2025 Winter FestivalWinter FestivalSaturday July 12 from 5.00pm, KG Cafe will be having an Outdoor Cinema Night in conjunction with Kiama Council for their Annual Winter Festival. Feature film is Top Gun Maverick - Bring a blanket a...
Truffle Dinner 7th August5 courses $100pp We will be hosting a Truffle Dinner on Thursday 7th August partnering with Black Diamond Truffle from Oberon. 5 course set menu with a matching wine option available. Limited tables available for t...
Loaf Cafe Stanwell Park

Loaf Cafe Stanwell Park

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Sat 7:00 AM

Stanwell Park

Loaf Cafe Most Popular Dish Visit Us Today!Karaage sambo! Our most popular sandwich to date! Karaage, salad, cucumber, pickled coleslaw, jalapeño mayo + sriracha. If you haven’t given this sambo a taste, come down to Loaf this weekend and s...
The Oak At Illawarra

The Oak At Illawarra

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Sat 7:00 AM

Oak Flats

It’s love at first bite when you dine at all-day breaky café The Oak at Illawarra on Central Avenue in Oak Flats. Boasting a bright and breezy vibe of recycled timber floors, wood panelling adorned...
Minnamurra General Store

Minnamurra General Store

Cafe   $$$$$   Opens Sat 8:00 AM

Minnamurra

Did Someone Say Brunch?Order Now!We have a wide menu or breakfast and lunch items to choose from. Perfect for a brunch date! Either place an order via the link below or visit us in person!
"Readers' Choice 2019 - Thai"
Boasting a stunning waterfront venue and exotic cuisine to suit, spoil yourself and loved ones At Harbour Thai Restaurant at the ocean end of Addison Street in Shellharbour. Offering a spacious, op...
"Readers' Choice 2020 - Pizza"
Figtree Gourmet Kitchen

Figtree Gourmet Kitchen

Pizza   $$$$$   Opens Sat 5:00 PM

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...
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...
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 ...