Best Restaurants In Forster: Where To Eat Like A Local

If you’re searching for the best Forster restaurants, you’re likely planning a relaxed coastal getaway and want to know where to enjoy a good meal without overthinking it. Forster’s dining scene reflects its laid-back lifestyle, with fresh seafood, waterfront settings, and a mix of casual cafés and special-occasion venues. 

This guide highlights some of the most popular places to eat in Forster NSW, grouped by dining style and occasion, to help visitors choose where to dine with confidence and spend more time enjoying their stay.

Best Restaurants In Forster

The following places to eat in Forster NSW are grouped by dining intent, making it easier to match different plans, budgets, and preferences. Each restaurant is included for its consistency, popularity, and location within key dining areas around town.

Best Seafood Restaurants In Forster

Seafood is a highlight of dining in Forster, thanks to Wallis Lake’s fresh catch and local suppliers. These seafood spots are known for freshness, local flavours, and easygoing dining.

Beach St. Seafoods

Address: Cnr Beach St &, Head Ln, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

A long-running local seafood takeaway known for straightforward, freshly cooked fish and chips, prawns, and oysters. Reviews frequently mention generous portions, quick service, and reliable quality, making it a popular stop for casual meals after the beach.

• Price: $15-$30 per person
• Why locals like it: Fresh seafood, fast service.
• Good to know before you go: Limited seating; takeaway is the main draw

Waterline Boathouse Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar

Address: 15 Little St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Set right on the water, Waterline Boathouse is known for oysters, seafood platters, and relaxed dining with lake views. Reviews consistently highlight the setting and freshness of the seafood, particularly for long lunches.

• Price: $35–$65 per person
• Why locals like it: Waterfront views and quality oysters
• Good to know before you go: Book ahead on weekends and holidays

Lobby’s Fresh Seafood And Takeaway

Address: 62 Wharf St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

A popular takeaway spot offering cooked seafood alongside casual favourites. Reviewers often mention friendly service, generous servings, and consistency, especially during busy holiday periods.

• Price: $12–$25 per person
• Why locals like it: Reliable takeaway with plenty of choice
• Good to know before you go: Can get busy at peak dinner times

Casual Dining & Cafés

Forster’s cafés and casual dining spots suit relaxed mornings, easy lunches, and informal meals between activities. These venues are popular with visitors staying nearby and locals alike.

Beach Bums Cafe

Address: Beach St &, North St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Beach Bums Cafe is a relaxed beachfront café serving breakfast and lunch. Reviews frequently mention the location, outdoor seating, and easygoing vibe, making it a popular stop after morning swims.

• Price: $18–$30 per person
• Why locals like it: Beach views and casual atmosphere
• Good to know before you go: Busy during mornings and school holidays

Tartt

Address: 12 Wharf St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

A small café known for quality coffee and a focused brunch menu. Reviews often highlight consistency and presentation, with many visitors returning for breakfast during longer stays.

• Price: $20–$35 per person
• Why locals like it: Good coffee and dependable brunch options
• Good to know before you go: Seating is limited at peak times

Cafe Toscano

Address: 1 Wallis St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Cafe Toscano blends café classics with Italian-inspired dishes. Reviewers regularly note the friendly service and broad menu, making it a safe choice for mixed groups.

• Price: $18–$32 per person
• Why locals like it: Variety and relaxed service
• Good to know before you go: Family-friendly and informal

Waterfront & Scenic Dining

Waterfront dining is a highlight of Forster dining, with several restaurants making the most of views across the lake and coastline.

Spice Monkey Forster

Address: Reef Apartments, Shop 4/2-6 Wharf St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Spice Monkey offers Asian-inspired share plates in a lively waterfront setting. Reviews commonly mention bold flavours, generous portions, and a social atmosphere.

• Price: $30–$50 per person
• Why locals like it: Share-style menu and waterfront vibe
• Good to know before you go: One of the busier dinner spots in town

Dorsal by the Sea

Address: 1 West St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Dorsal by the Sea is an all-day dining venue offering seafood, grills, and café meals. Reviews often point to the views and flexibility of the menu as key strengths.

• Price: $25–$45 per person
• Why locals like it: Location and broad menu
• Good to know before you go: Sunset dining is especially popular

Thirty Three Degrees

Address: 1 Palm St, Tuncurry NSW 2428, Australia

Known for modern Australian cuisine with a polished feel, Thirty Three Degrees attracts diners looking for something slightly more refined without being formal. Reviews frequently mention consistency and presentation.

• Price: $40–$70 per person
• Why locals like it: Balanced menu and waterfront outlook
• Good to know before you go: Reservations recommended in peak season

Si Señorita Forster

Address: Reef Apartments, Unit 1/2-6 Wharf St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Si Señorita brings Latin-inspired flavours to Forster’s dining scene. Reviews often reference its lively atmosphere and suitability for group dining.

• Price: $30–$50 per person
• Why locals like it: Fun atmosphere and share plates
• Good to know before you go: Works best for groups rather than quiet dinners

Date-Night & Special Occasion Restaurants

For evenings that call for a more refined setting, these restaurants focus on atmosphere, service, and carefully prepared menus.

Modan Kitchen

Address: 8 Little St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Modan Kitchen focuses on modern Asian-fusion dishes with careful presentation. Reviews regularly highlight attentive service and suitability for date nights.

• Price: $45–$70 per person
• Why locals like it: Creative menu and refined feel
• Good to know before you go: Booking ahead is recommended

Wharf St. Distillery Restaurant

Address: 8 Wharf St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

This venue combines dining with an on-site distillery, offering modern Australian dishes alongside house-made spirits. Reviews often mention the unique setting and drinks selection.

• Price: $50–$80 per person
• Why locals like it: Distillery experience and atmosphere
• Good to know before you go: Best suited to adults

Mezza

Address: Shop 6/1 Wallis St, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

Mezza serves Mediterranean-style dishes designed for sharing. Reviews frequently note the relaxed ambience and suitability for small groups.

• Price: $35–$55 per person
• Why locals like it: Share plates and casual sophistication
• Good to know before you go: Best enjoyed with multiple dishes

Bella Bellissimo

Address: Shop 5/58 Wharf Street Access, Memorial Dr, Forster NSW 2428, Australia

A long-established Italian restaurant known for traditional dishes and generous portions. Reviews often highlight familiarity and reliability rather than trend-driven dining.

• Price: $30–$50 per person
• Why locals like it: Classic Italian comfort food
• Good to know before you go: Family-friendly despite being popular for couples

When And Where To Book: Dining Tips For Forster Visitors

Dining in Forster is generally relaxed, though weekends, school holidays, and summer evenings can be busy, particularly for waterfront and seafood restaurants. Booking ahead for dinner during peak periods is recommended.

Lunch services and early dinner bookings are often easier to secure and can offer a more relaxed experience. Outside peak season, some venues operate reduced hours, making it worthwhile to check opening days in advance. With basic planning, eating out in Forster remains enjoyable and unhurried.

How We Chose These Restaurants

To keep this guide practical and useful for visitors, restaurants were selected based on the following criteria:

• Consistently strong customer reviews across multiple seasons
• Convenient access from popular accommodation and holiday areas
• Menus suited to a range of dining occasions and budgets
• Ability to handle peak holiday demand without compromising quality
• Reputation for reliability rather than short-term trends

This approach focuses on helping visitors choose places that are easy to enjoy during a holiday stay.

Where To Stay In Forster For Easy Access To Restaurants

Where accommodation is located can influence how easy it is to enjoy dining out. Staying near the town centre or waterfront areas often allows visitors to walk to restaurants or enjoy shorter drives with easier parking.

Visitors travelling with pets may prefer accommodation close to town, with several pet-friendly accommodation options available in Forster and Tuncurry.

Accommodation options provided by Forster Accommodation Centre include holiday rentals across Forster and nearby Tuncurry, with many properties located close to dining precincts. Choosing accommodation near preferred dining areas can make planning meals simpler during a stay.

Explore More Of Forster’s Food Scene

Forster’s dining options reflect the town’s coastal layout, with cafés, casual eateries, and waterfront restaurants located across key areas. Whether meals are planned around beach days or evening outings, eating out forms part of the overall Forster experience, rounding out a stay without needing extra planning.