Is there anything more summery than spending your morning by the beach before throwing on a shirt and looking for a bite to eat? When it comes to cafes (and beaches) we’re spoilt for choice, but here are some where it’s perfectly acceptable to tie a beach towel around your waist and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Pantry @ Stanwell Park
Formerly Stanwell Park Beach Kiosk, Pantry @ Stanwell Park boasts parkland and escarpment views and has a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu. Plus, it’s open seven days.
1 Station Street, Stanwell Park
Austi Beach Cafe
With breakfast, lunch and housemade, authentic gelato, what more could you want?
104 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Austinmer
Shells Diner
An old-school milk bar complete with vintage posters on the walls, daily burger specials and a beer garden around the back.
106 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Austinmer
Thirroul Beach Pavilion
First opened in 1940, this historic Thirroul cafe couldn’t be more beachfront if it tried – and it’s open every day.
23 Cliff Parade, Thirroul
The Point Cafe
Just a short distance from Sandon Point Beach is local favourite The Point Cafe, offering a huge selection of breakfast and lunch staples. This cafe is also fully licensed.
40A Point Street, Bulli
Bulli Beach Cafe
Open daily for breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks, Bulli Beach Cafe is sure to be bustling if the sun’s out, with unbeatable balcony views over Bulli Beach and rock pool. It’s also fully licensed.
68 Trinity Row, Bulli
Ruby’s Cafe
Serving breakfast favourites, classic burgers, wraps and seafood, this open-air cafe has a homey atmosphere. It's open seven days.
1 Farrell Road, Bulli
Olive’s
Operating out of Bellambi Surf Club, Olive’s is open daily for breakfast, lunch and great coffee. Plus, it’s right on the beach!
Morgan Place, Bellambi
Levendi
You can dine in or takeaway daily at Levendi, the kiosk atop Wollongong Harbour. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, early dinner (closing at 7pm), and sweet snacks in between.
81 Cliff Road, Wollongong
Yachtie’s
Easily one of Wollongong’s cutest and best-kept secrets, Yachtie’s at Wollongong Harbour serves breakfast, lunch, coffee and the best hot cinnamon doughnuts in the region!
85 Endeavour Drive, Wollongong