The Terrigal Pavilion is finally here. This is New South Wales’ take on Queensland’s iconic Burleigh Pavilion. Hospitality duo Ben May and Rob Domjen have transformed the former Reef Restaurant into a 760-seat precinct that spans over multiple levels and boasts 180-degree ocean views, which is very much in line with its northern sister venue. When it comes to food it’s coastal dining at its finest. There’s a terracotta pizza oven pumping out wood-fired pizzas, perfect for a post-swim feed. Indulge in oysters, tacos and pub classics on the sun-drenched deck and stay on for sundowners and enjoy front-row seats to the sunset.

Bringing a taste of Italy to the shores of Ettalong Beach on the Central Coast, Amalfi is the perfect spot for a long lunch or aperitivo along the Esplanade. The menu takes inspiration from the restaurant’s coastal location with plenty of seafood dishes featuring king prawns, calamari, oysters, crab, clams and fish. amalfipearlbeach.com.au

A motley crew of influences can stake its claim on Yellowtail, another of the best restaurants on the Central Coast. Sunshine Coast local Scott Price is the chef behind the establishment which melds Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian flavours to the Terrigal 35-seater’s menu. Picture dishes like miso eggplant with tofu and pomegranate, or the beef cheek with white polenta and beer mustard, with a pumpkin, white chocolate, mandarin sherbet and kataifi to finish. yellowtailrestaurant.com.au

There is no shortage of cafes around here, but South End Social remains one of the best in the Central Coast. The Gosford resident is open 7 days a week, serving up breakfast and lunch classics from French Toast, to Bacon and Egg Rolls with decent coffee on the side. And it’s licensed too – roll up for a burger and partner it with a margarita (or similar) in the sun. southendsocial.com.au

Part-butchery, part Italian-haunt, Carne and Cucina is found in the suburb of Erina on the Central Coast. The team behind it is the same who created the now defunct but much loved Osteria il Coccia, and this new venue maintains the same focus on Italian favourites. Though as to be expected of a space now with an in-house butcher, there’s now a greater focus on meat cuts – it’s a carnivore’s fantasy. carnecucina.com.au

Slightly inland from the central coast is where you’ll find Saddles, the John Singleton-owned paddock to plate establishment. This suavely styled homestead, bakehouse, and nursery in one sits on a sprawling parcel of 28 acres of land, nudging Singleton’s horse stud (hence the name). Grab a casual bite of house-made breads and pastries at the bakery, or indulge in something more sophisticated at the dining menu, where fare is an ode to Australiana. saddlesmountwhite.com.au

With floor-to-ceiling windows that let the sea breeze in on warm days as you dine, The BOX on the Water is nestled right in the heart of Ettalong Beach foreshore. Complete with a restaurant, bar and beach kiosk, the Aussie modern menu is ideal for sharing. theboxonthewater.com

Views at The Cowrie are unparalleled. Set high on a hill in the residential area of Terrigal, this beloved restaurant has been serving up the Central Coast on a plate to locals and tourists alike for 30 years. The fine-dining menu is packed with hyper-local produce and changes seasonally. Be sure to request a table on the deck for the best views. thecowrie.com.au

Tucked away in a bushy pocket of Erina, a 10-minute drive from Gosford is the birthplace of Moore’s Dry Gin (the first Australian gin to win gold at the London International Wine and Spirit Competition) and Mr Black coffee liqueur, creations of herbalist and distiller Philip Moore. Pop in for a tasting or join a garden and distillery tour that takes you through the unique plants and botanicals grown on site. distillerybotanica.com

Located on level one of the Budgewoi Hotel, Lago Cucina is a chic addition to the sleepy lakeside town. With terrazzo counters, rattan chairs and whitewashed walls, this Mediterranean-inspired restaurant is Italian at its best. lagocucina.com.au

Part restaurant, part cocktail bar, Pocket Bar is only a stones throw from Terrigal Beach. Here the cocktails are bespoke and the food is an elevated take on comfort food. Come for sundowner and snacks or make a meal out of your visit. houseofpocket.com.au

It’s on the southern cusp of the Central Coast that you’ll find the seaside village of Patonga. Quaint and quiet, this place is not only ripe for watersports, but now also the home of the latest Boathouse venue. The nautically themed escape has a trio of apartments (one, two, and three bedroom options) perched above its restaurant and bar. Each room boasts a kitchenette or kitchen, private balcony and those all-important water views. Travelling with a group in tow? There’s the Patonga Cottage next door which can host up to 10 at a time. theboathousehotelpatonga.com.au

Though the best known place to stay in the Central Coast (and still one of the most luxe) is undoubtedly Bells at Killcare. Sitting on the idyllic Bouddi Peninsula, it nudges the top of the cliff, gifting it some seriously outstanding views of the neighbouring Pacific. Picture a cluster of five-star cottages, suites and villages, all embracing a distinctly Hamptons-esque design. You can always drop by for a day visit too; dine at produce-focused resident restaurant Wild Flower Bar and Dining, indulge at the hotel’s much adored spa. bellsatkillcare.com.au

There’s plenty of waterbonrne activity to enjoy along the Central Coast (of course), but if you crave a day on land there’s nothing quite as sweet as picking fruit with your family and friends. At Meliora Farm you can do just that, the avocado and citrus farm has been family run since 1925 and today welcomes the public to come pluck produce from its paddocks in Gosford’s Peats Ridge between June and December. meliorafarm.com.au

Ever wanted to learn how to surf? The Central Coast Surf Academy is the perfect spot pick up the basics. The academy takes kids and women’s groups as well as advanced surfers. centralcoastsurfacademy.com