Where to eat in Jervis Bay

When you think food and wine in Jervis Bay, you might think fish, chips and a cheap bottle of pinot on the beach.

But that would be silly. While there’s not an overwhelming amount of choice when it comes to restaurants and cafes in this coastal enclave on NSW’s South Coast, there are a few chicken nuggets hidden beyond that ludicrously white sand and sparkling ocean.

And like a regular Sherlock Holmes, I embarked on a mission to find them. Here’s seven top foodie spots in Jervis Bay:

1. 5 Little Pigs

If you take your first meal of the day very seriously, you’re gonna wanna bee-line for the main drag of Huskisson. Because this cute cafe has all the vibes, with quality, locally-produced coffee; a fresh and Instagrammable brunch menu; and an industrial theme that’s reminiscent of Melbourne’s Chapel Street.

Grab a spot outside and be entertained by the action of Huskisson wharf and Currambene Creek, or perch inside at the communal table. Enjoy breakfast treats like a croque monsieur, breaky burger and some very pretty buttermilk pancakes. As for this little piggy, I’m happy to have skipped the roast beef for the zucchini fritters – just wow.

5 Little Pigs | 64–66 Owen Street, Huskisson, New South Wales
5littlepigs.com.au

2. Wildginger

You can’t help but fall in love with this dinner restaurant also on Owen Street in Huskisson. Wildginger expertly brings the flavours of Thailand to NSW’s South Coast – love. It also offers some incredibly reasonable banquet menus, starting at $39.50pp – love. And you can BYO wine, with a bottle-o right next door – so much love.

The crispy pork belly betel leaf with almonds and chilli jam is a must. As is the steamed ocean perch with penang malaysian and fresh turmeric red curry.

Wildginger | 42 Owen Street, Huskisson, New South Wales
wild-ginger.com.au

3. Stonegrill

To be fair, we didn’t actually eat at Stonegrill because it’s a DIY experience, and the husband refuses to pay to incinerate his own steak. Yet, while I couldn’t get him over the finish line, I have heard great things about this steakhouse in Huskisson.

Choosing from beef steaks, a rack of lamb, chicken breast or mixed grill, the idea is that your meat is delivered to the table on a special hot volcanic stone for you to flip and serve as you please. But if you’re also reluctant to play chef, there’s a handful of other mains – i.e. pastas, king prawns and stir fries – that don’t require any culinary involvement.  

Stonegrill | 1/48 Owen Street, Huskisson, New South Wales
stonegrill.net.au

4. Hyams Beach Store and Cafe

This low-key breakfast and lunch spot is right at home in Jervis Bay. At Hyams Beach Store and Cafe, enjoy a simple, fresh breakfast of free range eggs and sourdough, or ‘Susie’s fruit toast’ – Susie makes some good fruit toast.

The 11:30am-onwards lunch menu combines the likes of Coopers beer battered local flathead, served with chips, salad and Hyams tartare sauce; a pasture fed beef hamburger; and a chicken burger, with Burrawang bacon, avocado and pesto mayonnaise on turkish bread.

And do you know what’s also worth doing a jumping jack for? The recklessly good looking Hyams Beach is only 300 metres away.

Hyams Beach Store and Cafe | 76 Cyrus Street, Hyams Beach, New South Wales
hyamsbeachcafe.com.au

5. The Huskisson Hotel

If mod-pub fare and live music is more your style, look up the Huskisson Hotel (or the Husky Pub as it’s known). Back on Owen Street, you can drink up some preposterous views of Jervis Bay at what’s been the locals’ drinking destination since 1932.

As for eats, try the ‘fishwich’ – a sandwich of beer battered flathead tails with baby cos, coleslaw, cheddar cheese and caper lime aioli on a Sonoma milk bun. Or maybe the calamari po boy, ‘husky dog’, bucket of prawns or South Coast charcuterie plate and Tilba Cheese board?

The Huskisson Hotel | 73 Owen Street, Huskisson, New South Wales
huskissonhotel.com.au

6. The Gunyah Restaurant at Paperbark Camp

Given Jervis Bay is a natural theme park it makes sense to continue the outdoors theme and dine among the treetops, watching possums, sugargliders and birdlife go about their business. The Gunyah Restaurant is the dining hall for Paperbark Camp – a secluded bush retreat that offers luxury safari-style tent accommodation. But non-glampers can visit for breakfast or dinner.

The Gunyah Restaurant is a bit more of a splurge with breakfast setting you back $35pp and the three-course set dinner menu costing $70pp. But, if you’re after a food experience that has some serious wow factor, it’s money well spent.

The Gunyah Restaurant at Paperbark Camp | 571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia, New South Wales
paperbarkcamp.com.au/main-content/gunyah-restaurant

7. The Rooftop Bar & Grill at Bannisters Mollymook

Ok, so this one technically isn’t in Jervis Bay but if you don’t mind a drive (50 minutes from Huskisson), it’s a fine choice. Enjoy a cocktail at the bar overlooking the Bannisters’ hotel pool, then move into the breezy, laidback restaurant (also perched in the trees) for a feast of oysters, chicken wings, tacos and burgers.

There’s definitely a holiday feel about The Rooftop Bar & Grill – it reminds me of the W Hotel Seminyak in Bali. Maybe it’s the beachy atmosphere, maybe it’s the fact The Rooftop’s swarming with very attractive people – either way, it’s very reminiscent of the W.

Of course, if you’re a) feeling indulgent b) have money to burn c) celebrating something special d) like to wear a tie to dinner, you can upgrade to the hatted Rick Stein at Bannisters restaurant downstairs.

The Rooftop Bar & Grill at Bannisters Mollymook | 87 Tallwood Avenue, Mollymook Beach, New South Wales
bannisters.com.au/mollymook/the-rooftop-pavilion

Because I’m a helpful bee, if you’re planning a trip to Jervis Bay, here’s another post that could prove super useful or just stale crackers: 8 things to do in Jervis Bay and A step-by-step guide to Steamers Beach walking track.