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.

The Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific has been standing tall since 1988, but forget what you think you know of this property. The hotel has recently been given a major makeover. The just-renovated and refurbished Pacific Suite marks a new era for the iconic hotel. The spacious suite boasts stunning views of the beach, an ensuite, lounge area and 6-seat dining area. But it is not only big, it’s also impeccably styled. Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific teamed up with trend-setting Aussie furniture designer Coco Republic to design and furnish the Pacific Suite. And boy did they deliver. The result is the perfect example of seaside luxury done right. Buttery leather furnishings, one-of-a-kind marble tables and muted pastel tones are elegant and understated and don’t detract from the vivid ocean-blue backdrop of Terrigal Beach. Guests staying in the Pacific Suite also have access to Pacific Club VIP services. The newly launched exclusive service includes a personal concierge, daily cocktail hour, valet parking and private transfers around the local area. If you need to secure a restaurant reservation, the Director of VIP Services can help with that. Simply text or call them and they will sort it. Keen to explore more of the Central Coast? A complimentary transfer can be arranged so you don’t have to worry about getting lost, finding parking or having one too many drinks at a long lunch. Talk about 5-star treatment. terrigalpacific.crowneplaza.com

Unless you’re picnicking on the sand, you’ll get the best views of the beach while dining at Meribella. Located on the first floor of Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, the sophisticated light-filled conservatory boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and is dripping in old-world charm. Tables line the windows so you can watch the waves crash while dining on a 5- or 7-course contemporary Australian menu. You can choose to match the menu with Antipodean wines or imported wines from around the world. Dishes are rich in flavour – butter is packed with caramelised onion, herb oil is made in house fresh from the herb garden – but remain true to the restaurant’s seaside location – with fresh dishes like crudo of scallop with remoulade, roasted barramundi and a salad of heirloom beetroot with kohlrabi and goats curd. meribella.com.au

Treat yourself to a long lunch at Coco Bar & Dining. Located on Terrigal Esplanade, where the main strip of shops are, Coco Bar & Dining serves up a tasty and fun Asian-fusion menu with everything from bao to dumplings, yakitori and coconut prawns on it. Don’t look pass one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, like the Coco Iced Tea or Watermelon Margarita, all of which are a deliciously refreshing sip, especially if you’ve opted for some of the spicier dishes. cocoterrigal.com.au

Sunset downers should only be consumed at Meribella Bar. Offering equally stunning views of the beach as Meribella restaurant, the bar is the perfect spot to indulge in a cocktail or glass of Champagne paired with freshly shucked Coffin Bay Pacific oysters. If you’re feeling peckish the bar menu features truffle fries, a prawn roll on a brioche bun and salmon tartare. And if you’re too comfortable to move on to another venue, you can stay for dinner with a couple Meribella menu items available at the bar – like the roasted barramundi – and additional bar mains like a NY steak frites or Wagyu burger. meribella.com.au

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to breakfast spots in Terrigal, but Luna should be your first port of call. The popular brunch spot is usually heaving with hungry diners on weekends, so you may have to wait for a table, but it’s worth it. Usual suspects like avo on toast are featured on the menu, but have a Luna twist on them. For something a little different the pulled pork breakfast tacos or shakshuka eggs. instagram.com/lunaterrigal

Worked up an appetite swimming at the beach? Cross the road and head to Lemmy’s. This just-opened deli sandwich shop is serving up hearty-sized made-to-order sandwiches that will satisfy the appetite of the hungriest of diners. Be prepared to make a mess devouring the Lemmy’s special which is packed with crispy chicken, homemade secret sauce, buffalo mozzarella, baby spinach and basil pesto all squished between a baguette. These bad boys were made for Instagram. lemmysdeli.com

Sonoma If you’re peckish for a pastry, head to Sonoma Bakery on Church Street – a street behind the Surf Club. Expect the cult classics like the chocolate and coconut layered lamington, the luxurious cinnamon rolls and the cultured butter croissant, if you’re choosing sweets, and a coffee delivered in a recyclable takeaway cup. You’ll also be able to pick-up a generous selection of freshly baked sourdough and specialty loaves as well as some delicious savoury pies. sonomabakery.bopple.app

After opening in 2016, Yellowtail has solidified its place as one of the first seafood fine dining restaurants on the coast and remains a local gem. Located in the heart of Terrigal village, this small restaurant is perfect for a special occasion offering a refined, elegant and seasonal menu by chef Scott Price. Open for lunch and dinner, diners can select from the a la carte menu or the ‘chef’s pick’ degustation with an optional curated wine pairing. yellowtailrestaurant.com.au

Offering expansive views of Terrigal beach and the ultimate people-watching position, Swells is a fuss-free yet elegant dining experience where patrons can sip on a cocktail and watch the world go by. Situated on the top floor providing rooftop dining, this restaurant and bar offers an accessible menu with generous portions of modern Australian classics. Entree highlights are the tempura zucchini flowers and the grilled Australian King prawns while the beef fillet with braised cheek, seafood bisque and the mushroom and goats cheese tortellini are popular mains. Pop in for lunch to select from the a la carte service or a set two or three-course dinner menu from $79. swellsterrigal.com

Buried in the middle of the village is Panino Toscano, a proud Tuscan sandwich bar serving made-to-order Schiacciata sandwiches with authentic Italian fillings. This hole in the wall is the real deal with the majority of the produce imported from Italy, including their olive oil from Tuscany, with the rest handmade by their Italian family business. Living la Dolce vita is at the heart of this traditional bar, with patrons encouraged to sit down and sip on a glass of Chianti while their sandwich is being prepared. Build your own or choose from the eight sandwiches listed on the menu, including the Arezzo with hot salame, smoky scarmoza cheese and a homemade mortadella and pistachio sauce. paninotoscano.com.au

If you’ve started the morning slow, don’t worry, you can take advantage of the all-day brunch menu at Island Time. Nestled along the strip of cafes opposite the beachfront, this coastal espresso bar is a true local favourite and one of the only cafes in the village with generous indoor seating, as well as outdoor tables and chairs. Wherever you sit, you’ll have front-row seats to the hustle and bustle of the main beach strip with a generous health-focused menu of freshly-squeezed juices, wellness bowls, burgers, and more. If you’re lucky, nab a freshly-made croissant delivered from neighbouring Sonoma bakery. islandtimecafe.com.au

As one of the few fine dining experiences in Terrigal, The Cowrie certainly has elevated status, and we don’t just mean its panoramic viewpoint. Perched high above the village and hidden along the Scenic Highway, the award-winning destination boasts panoramic vistas of Terrigal with a seasonal menu which showcases much of the local produce. There are not one but several menus to choose from, including an entirely plant-based option with organic teas or wines to match. Seafood is the hero at The Cowrie with exceptional detail and dedication committed to championing the local catch. Share an extensive selection of rock oysters or sashimi-grade yellowfin tuna for starters, before navigating the generous menu where a bespoke cheese selection is also available. It’s worth popping into the new underground cellar to sip on the premium Japanese whiskies, but we recommend calling ahead as The Cowrie allows just one reservation per day. thecowrie.com.au

Whether you’re having wood-fired pizza’s and refreshing cocktails on the roof or treating yourself to the full menu in the downstairs restaurant, at Rhonda’s you’ll get a taste of contemporary Italian food by the sea. It’s convenient and stunning seaside location is just the cherry on top.