For a long time Wollongong's restaurants were seriously overshadowed by Sydney, but thankfully that's now a thing of the past. Nowadays, the gong is a dining paradise. Tapping into its multicultural population and proximity to Sydney, this harbour city offers something for everyone. It might not be a metropolis, but in the Illawarra you can enjoy cuisine from Asia, Europe, America and, of course, Australia itself. So dive into your local scene and check out Quandoo's selection of enticing Wollongong restaurants.
Wherever you find yourself in Wollongong, you'll find gourmet eateries opening up almost every month. That's how competitive and dynamic the foodie world has become in this corner of New South Wales. Check out the range of options on proven dining districts like Keira Street, or find out about the newer places on Crown Lane. The CBD has places of its own, and there are harbourfront and seaside restaurants in Wollongong too. As they say, the world is your oyster… in Wollongong.
If you need some spectacular lunchtime tucker, look no further than the great restaurants in Wollongong for a midday meal. For instance, when you need a gourmet sandwich, that's no problem as there are Vietnamese cafes serving banh mi baguettes, or burger joints where Aussie beef is combined with homemade relishes and fresh, local produce. Or for something a little more gourmet, some of the best seafood restaurants are in Wollongong where the region's excellent freshly caught produce are the star of the show – that goes perfectly alongside a bottle of sauvignon blanc, for a lunchtime treat of course.
It’s no secret that Australia is the home of cafe culture. And in Wollongong you’ll find cosy, trendy and funky cafes serving up expertly made coffee alongside freshly made brunch dishes and some sweet treats to boot. Pop into TLC Cafe on Crown Street and get yourself one of the coffees that have made them famous in the area and go for a tasty eggs benedict for breakfast, or housemade lasagna for a little later in the day. Or if you find yourself in Corrimal on Railway Street, Coast Cafe boasts the best roast lamb burger in town – trust us, it’s seriously good!
Taking advantage of its multicultural population, Wollongong restaurants are some of the most diverse around. Wollongong attracted huge numbers of Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese, Italian, Greek and Eastern European arrivals in the 20th century and now their descendants are starting up some stellar eateries. Venture around the world checking out global cuisine, and sample crispy duck salads from Vietnam, New York style reuben sandwiches, or tasty massaman curry from Thailand. If you want a gastronomic adventure, you can try a different world cuisine every time you head out for some chow at Wollongong's finest restaurants.
Wollongong's restaurants are also fabulous places to find some bonzer locally sourced food. New South Wales is one of the country's agricultural heartlands, so the produce is of an extremely high standard. You’ll find some of the best lamb, beef and vegetable produce in the world, and Wollongong restaurant chefs are finding some delicious ways to serve it of late. The same applies to local seafood. Head to Seacliff Restaurant in the city centre for freshly caught salmon with cauliflower and squid ink puree, or opt for the cold seafood platter with Balmain bugs, blue swimmer crabs, Sydney rock oysters and smoked salmon. Whatever seafood restaurant in Wollongong you find yourself in, you’re well placed to find the freshest fish around.
Australian tucker has thankfully moved on from pies and baked dinners. Modern Australian cuisine is up there with the best in the world, blending the nation's rich multicultural traditions with a large Asian influence, with local produce and modernising it for the 21st century. Enjoy lemon-infused barramundi, succulent steaks, fresh salads and calamari – all on the same menu. Then, there are upscale pie shops, where organic ingredients and handmade crusts blow old fashioned pies out of the water. If you love variety and locally sourced food, and you fancy an Aussie feast, Wollongong's restaurants will be a revelation.
One thing is for sure, Australians do a seriously good breakfast or brunch. And in Wollongong, you’ll be able to find all the smashed avo, ricotta hotcakes, salmon eggs benedict or breakfast boards you can poke a stick at. Of course along with a quality coffee, you’ll be in breakie heaven at the multiple Wollongong restaurants and cafes. So, whatever you’ve got a hankering for, restaurants in Wollongong will deliver – check out Quandoo for help selecting the best one.
