SHEARWATER RESTAURANT - Coffs Harbour, NSW

SHEARWATER Restaurant is nestled away from busy Harbour Drive and overlooks a panorama of Coffs Creek at one of its widest and prettiest points. In this secluded bushland setting you can forget you are only minutes away from the growing city that is Coffs Harbour.

No need for art on the walls with this view!

From the outdoor dining area you can often see black cormorants land on the water with a splash, or watch the occasional pelican glide past a vista of mangroves and natural bushland.

And occasionally see might see locals cast a fishing line into the creek in the distance.

This moving scenery of birds prompted me to snap an epic number of iPhone photos, until my thoughts returned to the menu.

I just can’t say no to Gnocchi, so I chose a main of Gnocchi with Pumpkin with burnt sage butter, and my friend ordered the Prawn Pasta. The gnocchi itself is handmade by Emanuele and Leonid of Bellingen Pasta, and cooked to perfection in the Shearwater kitchen – full of flavour and a restrained use of pumpkin sweetness.

I also twirled my fork through my friend’s pasta – I can’t say no to prawns either – and his meal of large juicy prawns with a hint of lemon was delicious.

Service is friendly and prompt in this popular lunch venue, with manager Adam Hawke at the hospitality helm.

I asked my friend to describe the vibe of this popular lunch venue and he replied, "A happy, chatty buzz, without loud music."

Sitting outdoors and eating quality food in this relaxed space I could feel myself breathe and hear myself relax. To me that’s the magic of a leisurely lunch.

SHEARWATER is all about quality food enhanced by hospitality and spectacular scenery. They cater to a wide mix of diners – couples, groups celebrating, girlfriends catching up, and several tables with an informal business vibe.

Tiny Welcome Swallows flit across the creek below and that is how you feel when dining here – welcome.

SHEARWATER RESTAURANT | Bookings (02) 6651 6053 The Promenade, 321 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW

Food Review written by Awia Markey and published in the Mid North Coast Arts Guide, October 2023 issue.