If you’re in town for the True Story Festival or just here in the lovely Illawarra for the day, rest assured Thirroul has all your food and beverage needs covered.
But first you need to get the lay of the land.
'Little Thirroul' is south of the railway bridge and features loads of quaint coffee shops, sushi and burger joints and the Ryan’s hotel for pub grub and bands.
Over the bridge is where you have the big smoke amenities: a couple of (smallish) supermarkets and a very famous petrol station featured in the television series One Night as well as gift shops and nurseries and more food options.
So now you know your way around, here’s a few of our fave local spots to wine and dine.
Little Thirroul
This charming wine bar and deli never misses, whether you’re tucked away inside or enjoying the live music in the courtyard on the weekends. Co-owner and head chef Jordan Brogan has created a small but deliciously balanced menu featuring everything from antipasto platters to creamy pastas and pantry staples. Speaking of ‘pantry staples’, ask to try the Renegade Spirits Moonshine selection from the Southern Highlands. You can thank me later.
Stephanie is happy to guide you through the delicious cocktail and wine list. Vegetarian options are available and dogs are always welcome.
368-370 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Thirroul
Owned by friends Joel, Michael, Liam and Marko, Ciro’s Pizza has only been around since 2023 but is already a cult fave. Set on the corner of Thirroul’s busy main street, there’s a bit of an inner city vibe but the looming escarpment is a reminder that you are firmly in the Illawarra.
The sourdough pizza bases are chewy and charred from the wood-fired oven, with the Shrooms pizza a not to be missed star – think creamy fior di latte mozzarella with the tang of freshly squeezed lemon. Lots of vego and gluten-free options, with the risotto another stand out.
Takeaway available.
1 Raymond Rd, Thirroul
Don’t be alarmed by the long-stemmed (faux) red roses on the table. You haven’t stumbled upon a speed dating event, rather it’s a very Madam Choi flourish indicating reserved tables. The menu is best described as Asian fusion but for me, it’s the classic Chinese dishes full of comfort and nostalgia with the honey chicken and fried ice-cream in particular taking me back to childhood. It’s part of the reason that they were awarded the Australian Good Food Guide Readers' Choice award in 2023.
With lots of vegan options, including the salt and pepper tofu, which even the non vegans in our group fought over, and a dedicated gluten-free menu, this restaurant has something for everyone.
5/291-301 Lawrence Hargrave Drive Thirroul
With a modern, coastal vibe and the fabulously appropriate fish-scale tiles, South Sailor is Thirroul’s local fish bar.
If you’re after a bit of indulgence, you can’t go past South Coast appellation oysters shucked to order and a bump (or two) of caviar. For those with a less sophisticated palette (yes, I’m referring to myself), the Baja fish tacos with crumbed Barra and fennel slaw, along with the good old-fashioned fish and chips are always a delicious option.
Don’t love fish? No problem with beef burgers, vegan curries and mushroom tacos all proving super popular. Don’t ask me how I know, but the cocktails are to die for.
216-218 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
This one’s a bit of a secret. Finbox, a much-loved cafe and surf shop by day, transforms into an Izakaya-style eatery at night.
The onigiri served with creamy mayo and the pan-seared veggie gyoza are so good, I find it hard to choose anything else although the yakitori chicken with its pickled ginger mayo and the steaming bowls of ramen that float past almost make me want to try something new.
Plenty of sake to sample here, and the Mandarin Paloma makes for a refreshing start, or end, to the night.
1/269 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul
Honourable mentions
With a small but delicious bar menu, visiting Frank’s is like hanging in the coolest person you know’s lounge room, if they had an enormous record collection and amazing musical acts playing.
3/2a Raymond Rd, Thirroul
The newest kid on the block has caused a bit of a sensation with their loaded açai bowls and coconut soft serve. The after-school rush is a tangle of students and e-bikes but Saturday night, 'Dessert Night', is where it’s at with warm açai sundaes on gooey fudge brownies and choc chip cookies.
4/309 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul