A Winter Feast of Flavour - Grand Pacific Drive

A Winter Feast of Flavour on the Grand Pacific Drive

If your ideal road trip includes cosy cafés, long lunches, and discovering local gems one bite at a time – this one’s for you. Winter is when the South Coast and Southern Highlands really turn up the flavour, with hearty seasonal menus, steaming mugs by the fire, and vineyards and distilleries that invite you to sip and stay a while.

From ocean-fresh seafood to slow-cooked paddock-to-plate feasts, every stop along the Grand Pacific Drive is serving something worth pulling over for.

Hungry yet? Let’s Go Grand.

Wollongong: Coastal Feasts & Comfort With a Twist

Wollongong is serving up big flavour energy this winter – from modern Italian soul food to nostalgic Aussie classics reimagined with a coastal flair.

Start your culinary stroll at Restaurant Santino, where warm lighting, big-hearted hospitality, and rich, soulful flavours create the ultimate winter comfort zone. Their take on Italian fare is anything but ordinary – the mafaldine pasta with lamb, sugar snaps, anchovies, pecorino, and herbs is a hug in a bowl, layered with savoury depth and just the right amount of zing. Cap it off with an affogato biscotti for dessert – the kind of sweet, strong, crunchy-soft combination that lingers long after the last spoonful. This is slow food made with love, and worth every bite.

For something a little more laid-back but no less flavour-packed, head to South Sailor in Thirroul. A modern take on the classic Aussie fish shop, this beachy hangout brings sustainably sourced seafood to the table with serious style. From tempura prawns and poke bowls to fish tacos and local wines, it’s all the seaside nostalgia – minus the paper-wrapped chips and seagulls.

And for a meal with a view that’s just as grand as the flavours, book a table at The Imperial at Clifton. Perched dramatically on the escarpment edge, this beautifully restored pub pairs panoramic ocean views with a locally inspired menu that heroes Southern Highlands beef, fresh South Coast seafood, and seasonally crafted cocktails. Come for the vistas, stay for the dessert.

Shellharbour: Marina Views, Seafood Feasts & Easy Going Elegance

Shellharbour is where coastal charm meets refined flavour, and winter is the perfect time to settle in for long lunches, seafood spreads, and cocktails by the marina.

Start your tasting tour at Relish on Addison, an intimate, modern Australian restaurant nestled in the heart of Shellharbour Village. With a menu that’s all about fresh local produce and creative flair, you’ll want to come hungry. Start with South Coast oysters, dive into the melt-in-your-mouth confit crispy pork belly, and don’t skip the blue swimmer crab linguine – it’s rich, silky, and packed with flavour. Pair it all with something from the cocktail list and settle in – this is refined dining without the fuss.

Just down the road at the stunning new Waterfront Precinct Shell Cove, The Waterfront Tavern brings a whole new level of coastal cool. Overlooking Shellharbour Marina and buzzing with atmosphere, this is the spot for a long, leisurely meal that turns into evening drinks. Executive Chef George Sideris has created a menu that reimagines classic bistro favourites – don’t miss the signature seafood platter or the cold seafood bar, where freshly shucked NSW oysters and delicate sashimi steal the show. With sparkling water views and bold, bright flavours, it’s a feast for all the senses.

Round out your visit at Georgia Rose Shell Cove, a café by day and cocktail bar by night that nails the laid-back-luxe vibe. Whether you’re fuelling up with a big brekky, dropping in for a lazy lunch, or soaking up the marina atmosphere with a signature cocktail at golden hour, Georgia Rose brings colour, creativity, and chilled-out charm to every visit.

Kiama: Vineyard Views, Brunch Bliss & Farm-Fresh Feasting

From sunrise brunches to vineyard lunches and everything in between, Kiama plates up a seriously tasty slice of the South Coast – with views to match.

Set against a backdrop of rolling vines and sweeping valley views, Crooked River Estate is the kind of place that makes you want to linger. This award-winning winery and restaurant blends elegant paddock-to-plate dining with a laid-back country charm that feels just right for a winter road trip. Head Chef Dane Tobias and his team are serving up a menu full of local flavour – don’t miss the crispy zucchini flowers or the sous-vide lamb rump, both bursting with bold, seasonal ingredients. And of course, no visit is complete without a swirl and sip of their house-made wines – go on, treat yourself to a tasting.

If brunch by the sea is more your pace, Diggies Kiama has you covered. This breezy, sun-soaked spot is where locals grab their morning coffee, tuck into a wholesome all-day brunch, or cool off with a cheeky afternoon cocktail. With ocean views and salty air as your side dish, it’s the perfect place to pause, refresh, and soak up that effortless coastal vibe.

And for a taste of community-powered goodness, pull up a seat at The Farmer’s Table. This warm, welcoming café champions local growers and seasonal produce in every dish – from the vibrant Brekky Bruschetta to the crowd-favourite Salty Beef Bagel. It’s about more than just good food here – it’s about connection, care, and celebrating the region from the ground up.

Shoalhaven: Gourmet Journeys & Coastal Indulgence

Shoalhaven is where flavour meets finesse – a region where paddocks, producers, and passionate chefs come together to serve food that’s thoughtful, bold, and absolutely worth the drive.

Start your foodie adventure in the charming village of Berry at South on Albany – a small, hatted restaurant tucked away on a quiet street but known far and wide for its big heart and refined flavours. Hosts John and Sonia welcome you in with a seasonal set three-course chef’s menu that changes fortnightly and puts the best of the region front and centre. Think fresh, local, and thoughtfully crafted, with optional extras like freshly shucked oysters and perfectly matched wines. It’s intimate, welcoming, and a must for those who travel with their appetite.

Next, head south to Bangalay Dining, a standout destination where luxury meets the land. This multi-award-winning restaurant is known for its clever use of native Australian ingredients and clean, elegant dishes that let the produce shine. From the delicate South Coast yellowfin tuna crudo, to the rich, earthy sauteed potato gnocchi, and the dreamy white chocolate mousse, every dish is a work of art. Stay the night in their stylish on-site accommodation and roll from table to retreat in true gourmet road-trip fashion.

And for the ultimate long lunch or sunset session, Cupitt’s Estate in Ulladulla offers something truly special. Overlooking vineyards and rolling hills, this family-owned estate blends house-made wine and beer, fresh regional produce, and a strong focus on sustainability. Choose a casual bite in the Wine Garden or go all-in with a multi-course meal in the Dining Room. Either way, you’ll be treated to warm hospitality, unforgettable flavours, and views that make you want to stay just a little longer – and lucky for you, their luxury Estate Villas are the perfect excuse to do just that.

Southern Highlands: Fireside Feasts, French Flair & Country Elegance

If ever there was a place to eat your way through winter, it’s the Southern Highlands. Here, cool-climate wines, seasonal menus, and a love for local produce create a food scene that’s as comforting as it is sophisticated.

Begin at the storybook-worthy Bendooley Estate, where meals are served with a side of literary charm. Dine beside a roaring fire inside the iconic Book Barn, surrounded by shelves of beloved reads, or opt for a sun-drenched seat among the vines and gardens. The seasonal menu champions the region’s finest ingredients, while the Cellar Door offers tastings with vineyard views, and their evening venue Leo’s by Night brings candlelit country dining to life in the most elegant way.

For a dash of European indulgence, step into the warmly lit world of Bistro Sociale at the Berida Hotel in Bowral. Here, Chef Nathan Jackson serves up modern French-inspired fare with local flair – think buttery sauces, prime cuts, and house-made mustards, all served fireside in cooler months. It’s the kind of place where every bite feels like a weekend away in Paris, without the jet lag.

And tucked in the heart of Berrima’s historic village, Eschalot Restaurant is a true destination for seasonal, paddock-to-plate dining. With an abundant kitchen garden on site and strong ties to local producers, the menu changes with the harvest – always fresh, always beautifully plated, and always deeply rooted in the land it comes from. The setting? Pure countryside charm, wrapped in heritage and hospitality.

From seafood by the sea to paddock-to-plate perfection and everything delicious in between, the Grand Pacific Drive is a road trip made for food lovers. Whether you’re toasting with cool-climate wines in the Southern Highlands, sharing oysters by the Shellharbour Marina, or lingering over long lunches in Shoalhaven, this journey proves that winter is the season to truly savour.

So, bring your appetite, follow your tastebuds, and Go Grand – your next unforgettable meal is just around the bend.