Coral Grill and Seafood

Set on the Terrigal seafront, Coral Grill and Seafood brings a relaxed, beachside ease to serious surf and turf. It is a place for steak and seafood enthusiasts to unwind over expertly mixed cocktails and a thoughtful list of fine wines, equally suited to laid-back drop-ins or lively group gatherings. The mood is welcoming, the flavours assured, and the focus is on high-quality produce prepared with clarity.

In the kitchen, simplicity meets finesse. Think king prawns grilled, their sweetness lifted by sweetcorn cream and gazpacho salsa, or beef tartare finished with smoked egg yolk emulsion, crispy potato and a whisper of soy dressing. Larger plates lean into pristine cooking and balanced textures: barramundi with a delicate potato crumb, fennel soubise, asparagus and leek oil, or chicken supreme paired with cauliflower, mat puree, tarragon butter and roast carrot.

Sides keep things honest and moreish — pommes frites with roasted garlic aioli, or fried Brussels sprouts brightened with lemon dressing — while desserts strike a comforting chord. Baked cheesecake arrives with rhubarb compote, rhubarb sorbet and almond crumb, and the sticky date pudding is lavished with whisky caramel and vanilla ice cream. Little diners are looked after too, with chicken and chips or steak and chips.

Easy-going by design and big on flavour, this is coastal dining done right. Pull up a chair, raise a glass, and let the tide of good times roll in.