Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, pubs, clubs, food courts & takeaway favourites
Planning a holiday in Salamander Bay, NSW, and wondering where to eat around Port Stephens?
You’ve come to the right place!
Port Stephens has plenty to offer food lovers, from waterfront restaurants and relaxed cafés to award-winning pies, fresh seafood, fish and chips, local pubs and convenient food-court favourites.
Whether you’re staying at Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort, exploring Nelson Bay Marina, spending the day at Shoal Bay Beach or heading towards Soldiers Point and Anna Bay, you’ll find something to suit your appetite and budget.
We’ve put together this Aussie Chillout guide to places worth checking out, with a focus on strong Google reviews, local favourites and convenient options for holidaymakers.
A quick note about ratings: Google ratings and review counts change over time. We’ve included approximate publicly indexed ratings available in October 2026 as a guide. A perfect rating based on 40 reviews is not directly comparable with a strong rating based on thousands, so we recommend checking recent reviews before deciding where to eat.
Salamander Bay & Port Stephens at a Glance
Destination: Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and Port Stephens, NSW
Best known for: Fresh seafood, waterfront dining, cafés, bakeries, pubs and relaxed coastal eating
Best for: Families, couples, groups, coffee lovers, seafood fans and visitors looking for affordable takeaway
Local areas covered: Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay and nearby Port Stephens villages
Our tip: Mix a few meals out with easy takeaway nights. Pick up pies for lunch, enjoy coffee before a beach walk, and save a waterfront restaurant for a special evening.
30+ Great Places to Eat in Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay & Port Stephens NSW
Restaurants & Dining Out
1. Atmos in Shoal Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.7/5 from 2,200+ reviews
If you’re looking for a memorable dinner, Atmos is a popular Greek and Mediterranean restaurant within the Shoal Bay Country Club precinct.
Expect a holiday atmosphere and Greek-inspired dishes suited to sharing with family or friends. It’s a good choice for couples celebrating a special occasion or anyone wanting to turn dinner into part of the Port Stephens experience.
Best for: Greek food, date nights and a special meal.
2. Little Beach Boathouse in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.6/5 from 2,100+ reviews
For a meal beside the water, Little Beach Boathouse is one of Nelson Bay’s standout dining destinations.
The waterfront setting is a big part of the appeal, while the menu focuses on modern Australian dining, seafood and regional ingredients. Consider it for a long lunch, sunset drinks or a special dinner.
Best for: Waterfront dining, seafood and special occasions.
3. Dumpling Mamas Bar & Dining in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.8/5 from 330+ reviews
Fancy something different from the usual pub meal?
Dumpling Mamas is a highly rated option for dumplings and Chinese-inspired dishes, with a bar atmosphere that makes it suitable for a casual evening with friends.
It’s worth considering when you want a relaxed meal in central Nelson Bay.
Best for: Dumpling lovers, casual dining and small groups.
4. Giwa Chicken & Beer in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.8/5 from 180+ reviews
For a Korean-inspired meal, put Giwa Chicken & Beer on your list.
Fried chicken is a feature, making this a good option for a casual dinner when you’re after something a little different from seafood or traditional Australian fare.
Best for: Korean-style fried chicken and informal dining.
5. Authentic Thai Restaurant in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.6/5 from 800+ reviews
When you’re craving Thai food, Authentic Thai Restaurant is a well-reviewed choice in Nelson Bay.
It’s a handy option for a relaxed dinner featuring familiar Thai favourites. Check the current menu if you have particular dietary requirements or want to order takeaway.
Best for: Thai food, family dinners and casual meals.
6. Nostimo At The Bay in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.7/5 from 180+ reviews
Nostimo is another well-rated restaurant to consider when you’re planning a meal out in Nelson Bay.
It’s worth checking the current menu and availability if you’re looking for a relaxed dinner with family or friends.
Best for: A sit-down meal in Nelson Bay.
7. Sandpipers Restaurant & Bar in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.4/5 from 680+ reviews
Sandpipers is a long-established dining option in Nelson Bay, with seafood and restaurant-style meals among the choices.
It’s worth considering for a meal out when you want something more substantial than a quick takeaway.
Best for: Seafood and relaxed restaurant dining.
8. 2 Brothers Indian Restaurant in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.3/5 from 600+ reviews
Fancy a curry after a day exploring Port Stephens?
2 Brothers Indian Restaurant offers an alternative to the area’s seafood and pub menus. It’s a useful option for groups who enjoy Indian cuisine and want a sit-down meal.
Best for: Indian food and curry lovers.
9. Oceanic in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.2/5 from 200+ reviews
If you’d prefer to stay closer to Salamander Bay, Oceanic is a local restaurant option to investigate.
Check its current menu and opening hours before visiting, especially if you’re planning dinner during a busy holiday period.
Best for: A local meal without heading into Nelson Bay.
10. Blue Moon Pizza in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.8/5 from 75+ reviews
Sometimes the best holiday dinner is pizza shared around the table.
Blue Moon Pizza is a highly rated local option to look up when you want an easy meal to take back to your accommodation. It can be particularly handy for families and groups who want a relaxed night in.
Best for: Pizza takeaway and easy family dinners.
Cafés, Coffee & Breakfast
11. The Little Nel in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.4/5 from 1,300+ reviews
The Little Nel is a popular breakfast and brunch destination with a relaxed, beachy feel.
It’s a good place to start the day before exploring the marina, walking along the foreshore or heading out to the beaches. Expect café-style breakfast choices and coffee.
Best for: Breakfast, brunch and a leisurely start to the day.
12. The Buoys Nelson Bay in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.7/5 from 560+ reviews
The Buoys is a versatile café, restaurant and bar in Nelson Bay.
It suits visitors who want somewhere that can work for a daytime coffee or a more substantial meal. It’s also worth considering when your group wants food and drinks in one place.
Best for: Coffee, brunch, lunch and drinks.
13. Nelson Way Café, Restaurant & Bar in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.6/5 from 600+ reviews
Nelson Way is a well-reviewed all-rounder for breakfast, brunch and casual dining.
It’s a useful choice if you’re meeting friends or travelling with people who want a range of café-style options.
Best for: Breakfast, brunch and casual meals.
14. The T-Spoon Cafe in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.8/5 from 160+ reviews
A convenient local café for breakfast, coffee and a casual bite.
The T-Spoon is a handy option when you want to stay in Salamander Bay rather than drive into Nelson Bay. It’s also located around the Salamander Bay Square shopping area.
Best for: Breakfast, coffee and an easy daytime meal.
15. SATRA Coffee Co. in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 5.0/5 from 160+ reviews
Coffee lovers may want to seek out SATRA Coffee Co., a highly rated local coffee stop.
Its perfect indexed score comes from a smaller review pool than some of the region’s larger cafés, but it still makes an appealing option for your morning caffeine fix.
Best for: Coffee and a quick stop before heading out.
Cheese, Dairy and Savoury Gourmet Treats
If cheese is high on your list, allow time for a dedicated food stop. Some producers offer tastings or light meals, while others are better suited to buying local produce to enjoy later.
16. Pirate Coffee Roasters in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 5.0/5 from 80+ reviews
Another coffee stop worth checking out is Pirate Coffee Roasters.
Smaller coffee businesses may have more limited trading days than larger cafés, so check the latest hours before making a special trip.
Best for: Coffee lovers looking to try a local favourite.
17. Sip and Slice in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.7/5 from 70+ reviews
Sip and Slice combines café-style breakfast and coffee with casual food such as burgers and pizza.
That makes it a flexible option if you want something simple during the day or an easy meal without a formal restaurant setting.
Best for: Breakfast, coffee, burgers and casual meals.
18. Nice Cafe Nelson Bay in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.4/5 from 600+ reviews
Nice Cafe is another option to consider for a coffee or casual daytime meal while exploring Nelson Bay.
It’s a handy addition to your shortlist if you’re looking for a relaxed café stop in town.
Best for: Coffee and café-style meals.
19. Essence Cafe in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.5/5 from 280+ reviews
Essence Cafe is a well-reviewed café option for breakfast, brunch and coffee.
It’s worth considering for a relaxed start to the day before exploring the marina or surrounding beaches.
Best for: Breakfast, brunch and a casual catch-up.
20. Kite House Cafe in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.9/5 from 35+ reviews
Kite House Cafe has a particularly strong Google score, although its review count is smaller than that of the larger cafés.
If you enjoy finding smaller local businesses, it may be worth a visit. Check current trading hours first.
Best for: A smaller café experience.
Bakeries, Pies & Food-Court Favourites
21. Red Neds Gourmet Pie Bar in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.6/5 from 440+ reviews
A must for anyone who loves a good Aussie pie!
You mentioned Red Nelly Pies. The business I could verify is called Red Neds Gourmet Pie Bar, in Nelson Bay.
Red Neds is known for its wide range of gourmet savoury pies, with classic flavours alongside more unusual combinations. It’s an ideal stop for lunch on the go, a quick snack between activities or something easy to take away.
Why not grab a pie and find somewhere pleasant to sit while you enjoy the coastal scenery?
Best for: Gourmet pies, bakery-style takeaway and a quick lunch.
22. Bakers La Vie in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.5/5 from 145+ reviews
For a traditional bakery stop, Bakers La Vie is worth checking out.
It’s a practical choice for savoury bakery items, sandwiches, rolls, cakes and other easy takeaway options. It can be particularly useful if you’re packing lunch before a day out exploring Port Stephens.
Best for: Bakery treats, savoury bites and takeaway lunch.
23. Salamander Bay Square Food Court in Salamander Bay
A convenient choice when everyone wants something different.
If you meant the food court at Salamander Bay Square by “Salamander Gate Food Court”, this is a handy stop for holidaymakers who want quick, convenient food while shopping or exploring the local area.
Rather than being one restaurant with a single Google rating, the food court brings together individual food outlets. Two options worth checking are
Sushia Salamander Bay – approximately 4.9/5 from 400+ reviews, for sushi and Japanese-style takeaway.
Go Kebab and Curries – approximately 4.3/5 from 80+ reviews, for kebabs, curries and a quick meal.
The T-Spoon Cafe is also around the Salamander Bay Square area if you’re after coffee or breakfast.
Best for: Quick meals, takeaway, different tastes and convenience.
Find Salamander Bay Square on Google Maps
Pubs, Clubs & Casual Dining
These additional wineries give you more choices for exploring Hunter Valley wines. Check their current tasting formats and hours before deciding how many to visit in one day.
24. Shoal Bay Country Club in Shoal Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.3/5 from 4,000+ reviews
The Shoal Bay Country Club is one of the best-known places to eat and drink in the area.
Its waterfront location and range of dining options make it a useful choice for groups with different tastes. You can make a meal part of a day exploring Shoal Bay Beach or the nearby Tomaree headland.
Best for: Casual meals, drinks, groups and a lively holiday atmosphere.
25. The Salamander Hotel in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.7/5 from 1,300+ reviews
For a local pub-style meal, The Salamander Hotel is worth considering.
A pub can be a practical choice when travelling with family or friends and looking for familiar meals in a casual setting. Check the current menu and facilities if you’re visiting with children.
Best for: Pub meals, family dining and a casual drink.
26. Wests Nelson Bay in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.0/5 from 1,800+ reviews
Wests Nelson Bay is a club-style venue offering a casual dining and drinks option.
It’s worth checking if you’re after a relaxed meal with a group. As with many clubs, confirm dining times and any visitor sign-in requirements before going.
Best for: Casual meals, groups and club facilities.
27. Tynan Wines in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 5.0/5 from 250+ reviews
For something a little different, Tynan Wines is a wine-bar option in Salamander Bay.
It’s worth investigating if you’re looking for a relaxed drink rather than a full restaurant meal. Check the current opening hours and any tasting or food options before visiting.
Best for: Wine and a relaxed local outing.
Takeaway, Fish & Chips & Easy Holiday Meals
28. Salt Mine Fish & Chips in Salamander Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.4/5 from 1,100+ reviews in publicly indexed listings
When you’re in a coastal holiday destination, fish and chips should be on the menu at least once!
Salt Mine Fish & Chips is a convenient takeaway option in Salamander Bay, with seafood, burgers and other casual favourites.
Pick up dinner and enjoy a relaxed evening back at your accommodation after a day at the beach.
Best for: Fish and chips, seafood takeaway and easy dinners.
29. Aussie Fish & Chips in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.5/5 from 220 reviews
For another classic seafood takeaway option, look up Aussie Fish & Chips in Nelson Bay.
It’s a good choice for a casual lunch or dinner when you’d rather keep things simple. Grab your order and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere around town.
Best for: Traditional fish and chips and casual takeaway.
30. Little Mavs Seafood Takeaway in Nelson Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.1/5 from 110+ reviews
Little Mavs is a seafood takeaway option at the Nelson Bay marina.
It’s handy if you want fish and chips or other seafood without sitting down for a full restaurant meal. The marina location also makes it easy to combine a takeaway stop with a walk by the water.
Best for: Seafood takeaway and a casual marina-side meal.
31. Aussie Bob’s Fish & Chips in Shoal Bay
Google rating: approximately 3.8/5 from 1,000+ reviews
Fish and chips at Shoal Bay is a classic holiday experience.
Aussie Bob’s is close to Shoal Bay Beach, making it an easy option if you’re craving a traditional seaside takeaway.
I’ve included it because you specifically asked for fish and chips at Shoal Bay. Its Google rating is more mixed than many of the other places in this guide, so it’s worth reading recent reviews before choosing it.
Grab your fish and chips, enjoy the sea air and make the most of a relaxed beachside meal.
Best for: A traditional fish-and-chips stop near Shoal Bay Beach.
32. The Iron Door Craft Street Food in Shoal Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.5/5 from 50+ reviews
The Iron Door is a casual street-food option worth investigating if you’re after something a little different from the usual takeaway choices.
Its review count is relatively small, so check recent feedback and trading days before planning your visit.
Best for: Casual street food and a different takeaway option.
33. Scoop and Roll in Shoal Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.7/5 from 190+ reviews
No coastal holiday is complete without an ice cream or sweet treat.
Scoop and Roll is a well-rated dessert stop in Shoal Bay, with ice cream, sorbet and other sweet options. It’s an easy addition to a beach walk or an after-dinner stroll.
Best for: Ice cream, desserts and a family treat.
34. Zenith Cafe, Restaurant & Bar in Shoal Bay
Google rating: approximately 4.4/5 from 650+ reviews
Zenith is another option in Shoal Bay if you’re looking for a café-style stop or casual meal while exploring the area.
It’s convenient to combine with a visit to Shoal Bay Beach, a walk around the village or a trip to the nearby headland.
Best for: Coffee, casual dining and a stop while exploring Shoal Bay.
Our Aussie Chillout Foodie Tips
For a quick lunch
Try Red Neds Gourmet Pie Bar in Nelson Bay or Bakers La Vie in Salamander Bay.
For coffee and breakfast
Consider SATRA Coffee Co., The T-Spoon Cafe, The Little Nel or The Buoys.
For fish and chips
Look at Salt Mine Fish & Chips in Salamander Bay, Aussie Fish & Chips in Nelson Bay or Aussie Bob’s near Shoal Bay Beach. Check recent reviews before deciding.
For a special dinner
Little Beach Boathouse and Atmos are worth considering for a more memorable dining experience.
For convenience
Salamander Bay Square is a useful stop if you want to combine shopping with a quick meal. Check individual outlet ratings, menus and opening hours.
For a sweet treat
Scoop and Roll in Shoal Bay is a good one to keep in mind after a beach day.
Planning a Holiday in Salamander Bay?
One of the advantages of staying in Salamander Bay is being within easy reach of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, the beaches, local shops and many Port Stephens attractions.
You can enjoy breakfast at a local café, spend the day exploring the coastline, pick up takeaway for a relaxed evening or head out for a waterfront dinner.
And you don’t have to spend a fortune every day. Mix a few special meals with bakery lunches, food-court stops and classic fish and chips.
Why Stay at Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort?
If you’re planning a Port Stephens getaway, Condo 105 @ Horizons Golf Resort provides a base for exploring Salamander Bay, Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay and the wider region.
After a day out, you can come back, put your feet up and enjoy a more relaxed evening.
Explore during the day. Eat well. Relax at night.
That’s the Aussie Chillout way!
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating in Port Stephens
- Where are the best places to eat in Nelson Bay?
Nelson Bay has a range of highly rated options, including Little Beach Boathouse, The Buoys, Dumpling Mamas, Authentic Thai Restaurant and Red Neds Gourmet Pie Bar. Your best choice depends on whether you want a special dinner, café meal or quick takeaway.
- Where can I get fish and chips in Port Stephens?
Options include Salt Mine Fish & Chips in Salamander Bay, Aussie Fish & Chips in Nelson Bay, Little Mavs at the Nelson Bay marina and Aussie Bob’s in Shoal Bay. Check current Google reviews and opening hours before visiting.
- Where can I buy pies near Salamander Bay?
Red Neds Gourmet Pie Bar is in Nelson Bay, while Bakers La Vie is in Salamander Bay. Both are useful options for a quick bakery-style lunch.
- Is there a food court in Salamander Bay?
Salamander Bay Square has convenient food outlets, including options for sushi and kebabs. Check the individual outlet listings for current ratings, menus and trading hours.
- Should I book restaurants in advance?
For popular restaurants, waterfront venues and busy school holiday periods, booking ahead is a good idea. Check each restaurant’s current booking arrangements.
- Do Google ratings change?
Yes. Ratings and review counts change as customers leave new feedback. Use the figures in this guide as a snapshot and check the current Google Maps listing before you go.
Ready to Eat Your Way Around Port Stephens?
From gourmet pies and great coffee to waterfront dining, seafood and classic fish and chips, Salamander Bay and Port Stephens offer plenty of choices for your next getaway.
Try somewhere new, support local businesses and enjoy the best of the coast.
Stay. Explore. Eat. Relax.
Chill Out Like a Local with Aussie Chillout!
