For a relatively small coastal city, Port Macquarie boasts a vibrant dining scene with an impressive variety of restaurants. Nestled halfway between Sydney and Brisbane on the stunning New South Wales coastline, this seaside gem combines fresh local produce with breathtaking ocean and river views to create unforgettable dining experiences.

Whether you're passing through on a coastal road trip or spending a few days relaxing in this picturesque town, here's our comprehensive guide to the best places to dine in Port Macquarie.

Address: Opposite Town Beach, 24 William St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Price Range: $$$-$$$$
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12pm-2:30pm & 5:30pm-9pm
Reservations: Highly recommended, especially for dinner

Located just steps from Town Beach, The Stunned Mullet has earned its reputation as Port Macquarie's premier dining destination. This multi-award-winning restaurant has been recognized in the Australian Good Food Guide and boasts one hat in the prestigious Good Food Guide.

The sophisticated menu emphasizes fresh seafood and local produce, with signature dishes including the renowned Glacier 51 Toothfish and the twice-cooked pork belly. These culinary creations are complemented by an extensive wine list that has received national accolades, featuring both local Australian selections and international vintages.

The restaurant's modern ambiance and ocean views provide a memorable dining experience, making it perfect for special occasions or a luxurious holiday treat. For the ultimate experience, book a window table during sunset hours and opt for the chef's tasting menu.

Address: 2/18-20 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Price Range: $$-$$$
Opening Hours: Monday-Thursday 5pm-9pm, Friday-Sunday 12pm-2:30pm & 5pm-9:30pm
Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekends

Situated in the heart of Port Macquarie, Bills Fishhouse & Bar offers a contemporary coastal dining experience that balances sophistication with accessibility. The menu changes regularly based on seasonal availability, featuring dishes like charred octopus with romesco sauce, yellowfin tuna tacos, and market fish with caramelized fennel.

What sets Bills apart is their commitment to highlighting locally sourced seafood prepared with modern techniques. The open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding to the immersive experience. Their curated cocktail menu deserves special mention, with the Coastal Spritz and Hastings River Sour being local favorites.

The relaxed atmosphere and stylish decor—featuring exposed brick, warm woods, and blue accents reminiscent of the ocean—make it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. For the best experience, order several smaller plates to share and sample the daily specials, which often showcase the freshest catch of the day.

Address: 269 Hastings River Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Price Range: $$-$$$
Opening Hours: Wednesday-Monday 11:30am-3pm & 5:30pm-9pm (Closed Tuesdays)
Reservations: Essential for dinner and weekend lunches

Perched on the banks of the Hastings River, Whalebone Wharf has been a Port Macquarie institution for over 30 years. This seafood lover's paradise offers diners panoramic water views and the opportunity to watch fishing boats return with the day's catch—some of which might end up on your plate that very evening.

Known for its impressive seafood platters and locally harvested oysters, Whalebone Wharf creates a serene dining environment where the food is as spectacular as the setting. Signature dishes include their famous seafood tower (ideal for sharing), Hastings River oysters served various ways, and the catch of the day, prepared simply to showcase its freshness.

The restaurant's design makes the most of its waterfront location, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor deck. For an extra special experience, time your visit for sunset when the changing colors reflect off the water, or book a long lunch on the deck during warmer months.

Address: 1 Horton St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Price Range: $$
Opening Hours: Daily 7am-9pm
Reservations: Recommended for dinner

Overlooking the Hastings River where it meets the ocean, The Beach House offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with stunning waterfront views. The restaurant's casual elegance makes it suitable for everything from breakfast meetings to romantic dinners.

The menu features a versatile selection of dishes, including fresh seafood, gourmet burgers, vibrant salads, and Australian classics with a modern twist. Breakfast is a particular highlight, with favorites including the smashed avocado with local macadamia dukkah and the Hastings River prawn omelette.

The Beach House's all-day dining concept and varied menu make it a versatile spot for different tastes and occasions. Their spacious deck area is perfect for a leisurely meal while watching boats come and go on the river. Don't miss their sunset happy hour featuring local wines and craft beers at special prices.

Address: 4/74 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia
Price Range: $$-$$$
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 5:30pm-9:30pm
Reservations: Recommended

Specializing in steaks, ribs, and seafood, The Grill is known for its commitment to quality and flavor in a town otherwise dominated by seafood establishments. The restaurant has developed strong relationships with local farmers and producers to source the finest ingredients.

Their menu showcases a variety of premium cuts, including grain-fed and grass-fed options, dry-aged specialties, and signature dishes like succulent pork ribs and lamb shoulder. Each main is complemented by house-made sauces and carefully considered sides.

The warm and inviting setting features leather booths, soft lighting, and a visible open grill where diners can watch their meals being prepared. For the ultimate experience, try the chef's selection of steak with a glass of bold Australian Shiraz from their thoughtfully curated wine list.

Beyond the must-visit establishments, Port Macquarie has several hidden gems that offer unique dining experiences:

Address: 52 The Ruins Way, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Specialty: Modern Australian with Mediterranean influences

Set on the beautiful Innes Lake Vineyard just 10 minutes from the city center, Little Fish combines dining with winemaking. Their menu features Mediterranean-influenced dishes using herbs and vegetables from their kitchen garden. The vineyard setting offers a charming contrast to the coastal venues in town, with alfresco dining among the grapevines. Don't miss their signature dish of twice-cooked duck with cherry sauce, paired with their estate-grown Verdelho.

Address: 62 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Specialty: Breakfast and brunch

This café has developed a cult following for its creative breakfast dishes and specialty coffee. Their avocado toast with house-made dukkah and Persian feta elevates a simple dish to new heights, while their breakfast burger with bacon jam has locals lining up on weekends. The industrial-chic interior creates a Melbourne-style café experience on the NSW coast.

Address: 6/62 Clarence St, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Specialty: Artisanal sandwiches and comfort food

This cozy spot specializes in gourmet sandwiches that are anything but ordinary. Their slow-roasted pork sandwich with apple slaw and crackling has achieved legendary status among locals. With a rotating seasonal menu and house-made everything (from pickles to condiments), Drury Lane represents the growing artisanal food movement in Port Macquarie.

A visit to Port Macquarie isn't complete without sampling these local specialties:

Enjoy locally caught oysters, prawns, fish, and lobsters, often served grilled, battered, or on seafood platters. Many restaurants source their seafood straight from the Hastings River. Whalebone Wharf is a top spot for seafood lovers, but for a casual experience, try Banksia Seafood on William Street, where you can enjoy freshly battered fish and chips overlooking the ocean.

These oysters are a local delicacy, known for their fresh, briny flavor with a sweet finish. They are best enjoyed raw with a squeeze of lemon or in a classic Kilpatrick style. For the freshest experience, visit during the Port Macquarie Oyster Festival held annually in November, where local farmers showcase their finest harvests.

A popular Aussie dish, barramundi is a light and flaky fish often served with crispy chips. The Stunned Mullet is well-known for its high-quality seafood dishes, but for a more casual take, try Saltwater Café on Town Beach, where you can enjoy your meal with uninterrupted ocean views.

Port Macquarie has macadamia farms and avocado orchards in its hinterland, so you'll find dishes featuring these local ingredients in many menus. Don't miss the avocado smash with macadamia dukkah at Sandbox Coffee Bar, or the macadamia-crusted fish at The Stunned Mullet. For a sweet treat, try the macadamia and white chocolate cookies at Urban Grain Bakery.

Pair your meal with locally brewed beers from Moorebeer Brewing Co. or Black Duck Brewery, both offering tasting rooms to sample their creations. Wine enthusiasts should visit Cassegrain Wines, just 10 minutes from the city center, known for their premium Australian wines with French influences. Their vineyard restaurant offers wine pairings with seasonal menus showcasing local produce.

Several innovative restaurants are incorporating native Australian ingredients into contemporary dishes. Try the wattleseed pavlova at The Stunned Mullet or the kangaroo fillet with Davidson plum sauce at Bills Fishhouse. These dishes offer a taste of Australia's indigenous food culture with a modern interpretation.

The fertile region around Port Macquarie supports numerous farms. Visit the Port Macquarie Farmers Market (every Tuesday) to purchase local produce directly from farmers. Restaurants like The Stunned Mullet and Little Fish Café prioritize these local ingredients, offering true farm-to-table dining experiences.

For a special evening with your partner, The Stunned Mullet offers the perfect combination of sophisticated cuisine, attentive service, and beautiful ocean views. Request a window table during sunset for a truly memorable experience.

Whalebone Wharf caters well to families with their spacious setting and menu options for all ages. Their early dinner service is particularly popular with families, and the riverside location provides natural entertainment as boats pass by.

Start your day at The Beach House with their excellent breakfast menu and panoramic views of the river mouth. Their outdoor deck is the perfect spot to plan your day's adventures while enjoying dishes like chili scrambled eggs or coconut pancakes.

For a relaxed midday meal, head to Social Grounds on Clarence Street. Their laid-back atmosphere and menu of gourmet sandwiches, vibrant salads, and excellent coffee make it perfect for a quick but satisfying lunch.

Bills Fishhouse & Bar accommodates larger groups with their flexible space and share-plate approach to dining. Their central location makes it convenient for everyone, and the lively atmosphere adds to the celebratory mood.

The region's premier food and wine festival showcases local producers, chefs, and winemakers. The main event transforms the Port Macquarie foreshore into a gastronomic wonderland with tasting stalls, cooking demonstrations, and live entertainment.

This celebration of the local oyster industry offers tastings, shucking competitions, and educational talks about sustainable farming practices. Local restaurants create special oyster-focused menus during the festival.

Featuring local breweries and those from across Australia, this festival combines beer tastings with food pairings, live music, and brewing demonstrations.

This self-drive tour allows visitors to explore local farms, meet producers, and purchase fresh produce directly from the source. Many of the restaurants mentioned in this guide source their ingredients from these very farms.

During peak tourist season (December-February and school holidays), reservations are essential at most restaurants, especially for dinner. Book well in advance for fine dining establishments like The Stunned Mullet.

Port Macquarie maintains a relaxed coastal vibe, but upscale restaurants like The Stunned Mullet request smart casual attire. Most other venues welcome diners in neat casual wear.

When in doubt, order seafood. The proximity to both river and ocean ensures exceptional freshness. Ask servers what was caught locally that day for the authentic Port Macquarie dining experience.

For the best experience at waterfront restaurants, time your meal around sunset. The changing colors over the water create a magical atmosphere for dining.

Most Port Macquarie restaurants can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Bills Fishhouse and The Beach House offer particularly good options for vegetarian and gluten-free diners.

From sophisticated fine dining establishments to casual cafés with stunning views, Port Macquarie's culinary scene offers something for every palate and occasion. The city's commitment to showcasing local seafood, produce, and wines makes dining here a highlight of any visit to the NSW Mid North Coast.

The combination of fresh ingredients, talented chefs, and spectacular waterfront settings creates dining experiences that rival those of much larger cities. Whether you're savoring Hastings River oysters while watching the sunset or enjoying a perfectly grilled steak after a day of exploring, Port Macquarie's restaurants add a delicious dimension to your coastal getaway.

Ready to experience Port Macquarie's incredible food scene for yourself? Plan your culinary adventure today! Use Traveloka for booking waterfront hotels with restaurant views, finding great deals on flight tickets to Port Macquarie, renting a car to explore the local food producers, and purchasing attraction tickets for activities between your gourmet meals. Your foodie paradise awaits!