Take a seat on the sun-drenched terrace at Mollymook’s Rick Stein restaurant, and prepare for a seafood meal you won’t soon forget. The international chef, restaurateur and TV presenter’s restaurant at Bannisters by the Sea hotel offers superb fresh local seafood in a coastal-chic setting made for lingering. bannisters.com.au

Feel nourished in a whole new way at Milk Haus, just west of Mollymook. Situated in a former cheese factory, this wholefoods café aims to deliver fresh, honest, simple fare free of toxins, preservatives and anything artificial. milkhaus.com.au

Discover how memorable food has deliciousness and simplicity at its heart at neighbourhood bistro Small Town Food and Wine in the heritage town of Milton. It’s all about local produce, share plates and old world wines at this casual eatery. smalltownmilton.com.au

If you’ve never tasted oysters straight from the farm, you’re missing out big time. Jim Wild’s is home to the fastest shucker in town and it’s the best place in the region to find rock and Pacific oysters that positively melt in your mouth. facebook.com/JimWildsOysterService

Casual coastal dining vibes meet a lush rural outlook at The Growers, near Nowra, where you can just pop in for a local wine, or pair your drink with local-produce-inspired dishes, from a South Coast prawns pizza to a seasonal gnocchi. thegrowersshoalhaven.com.au

Embrace farm life at Silos Estate near Berry, a working vineyard and alpaca farm where you can enjoy a refreshing stroll through the vines and the onsite art gallery before settling in for a tasting. silosestate.com

Gaze out over the vines from the popular restaurant at Cupitt’s Estate, a family-operated boutique winery, cellar door, restaurant, bar, microbrewery and fromagerie all conveniently located at the one beautiful coastal countryside setting between Ulladulla and Milton. The property is also home to one of the south coast’s best micro-breweries, so make sure you pack a solid thirst and hearty appetite. cupittsestate.com.au

This funky Central American eatery is new to the region, but already making waves thanks to their unique flavours, stylish interiors and beautiful views of Ulladulla Harbour. theruse.com.au

Soak up the rural ambience of Bawley Vale Estate near Bawley Point, where you can relax with a glass of wine by a duck-filled pond outside the sleek, modern-industrial tasting room. bawleyvale.estate

Brought to you by hospitality stalwarts Sonia Greig and John Evans, who can already count 3 Weeds and Bistro CBD among their iconic eateries, South on Albany is a light-filled neighbourhood eatery with a buzzy atmosphere. You’ll want to try everything, so it’s worth booking multiple trips to this foodie fave. southonalbany.com.au

Fun fact: Coolangatta Estate is the Shoalhaven region’s most awarded winery. While good wine is a given, you can also book a luxe picnic experience near the vineyards that comes with wine and a charcuterie board all set up for you on a picnic table. coolangattaestate.com.au

Experience sweet delights and simple pleasures at this Berry icon. Located next door to the post office in the heart of Berry, this bakery is renowned for its mind-blowing organic sourdough bread and always-changing array of cakes and pastries. milkwoodbakery.com.au

Nestled within a historic building, this institution is the perfect spot for every type of diner. Cool off with an ice cold beer on the deck in summer, or kick back with a whiskey in the lounge come winter. The dining menu is seasonal and features local produce that is cooked in a wood fired oven. themiltonhotel.com/menu

No trip to Berry is complete without a visit to The Famous Berry Donut Van. Hot cinnamon donuts are served straight out of the van that will satiate the appetite of hungry travellers. berry.org.au/taste/berry-donut-van

This whole foods vegetarian cafe first opened in 1980 and has been plating up the freshest, locally sourced produce since. Set by the ocean, all meals and desserts are equally delicious and health conscious. pilgrims.cafe