From fireside oysters to a Pambula seafood institution, South House's guide to the best dining near Merimbula, close by and a little further afield.

Where to Eat: A South House Guide to Dining in Merimbula

Some nights, you won't want to leave. Our fireside bar and poolside bar are built for exactly that — a Sapphire Coast wine, something local on the menu, no reason to go anywhere else. But Merimbula has quietly become one of the best food towns on the NSW South Coast, and a stay at South House is as good a base as any to explore it. Here's where we send guests, from a five-minute stroll to a worthwhile drive.

Close to South House

Tidal Restaurant & Wine Bar — 4 min walk Merimbula's answer to serious seafood, care of Executive Chef Gavin Swalwell. Expect ethically sourced local seafood alongside pork, duck and beef for the non-seafood crowd in your group, all matched with a considered wine list. This is the one to book for a special-occasion dinner. 23 Beach St, Merimbula. Wed 5–8pm; Thu–Sat 11:30am–2:30pm & 5–9pm; closed Sun–Tue.

Umi-Ko Izakaya — 2 min walk Lanterns, neon and a genuinely good ramen bowl. Umi-Ko brings small and large plates, sashimi and izakaya classics to the Sapphire Coast — the pork katsu curry is a favourite, and the kimchi poke bowl is a lighter lunch option. Good for a casual night that doesn't feel like a compromise. 56 Market St, Merimbula. Tue–Sat 5–9pm; closed Sun–Mon.

Bar Superette — 2 min walk A chic, welcome addition to Merimbula's food and bar scene — bespoke wine list, well-made cocktails and a menu built for a long lunch or a decadent dinner. If our fireside bar has you in the mood for another round elsewhere, this is where to go. 16/20 Market St, Merimbula. Open daily 12–9pm.

Mezcals Merimbula — 3 min walk Leaning fully into authentic Mexican cooking — bold, colourful plates made with fresh produce and traditional technique, with lake views from the upstairs dining room. A good option when the group wants something with a bit more heat and noise. Upstairs, 5/2 Market St, Merimbula. Closed Thu; otherwise lunch and dinner sittings most days — check current hours before booking.

Bar Monti — 2 min walk Down a Merimbula laneway, Bar Monti is a polished Italian eatery with a seasonal, pasta-forward menu that reinterprets Italian classics using the best local and Australian produce. Good wine, good pasta, no fuss. 6/11 Merimbula Dr, Merimbula. Mon, Thu–Sun 5–9:30pm; closed Tue–Wed.

The Waterfront Cafe — 3 min walk For daytime dining, this multiple-award-winning licensed cafe sits right on the Promenade with views over Merimbula Lake. Owner-operated, with a modern Australian menu built around fresh local produce — a reliable pick for breakfast or a lakeside lunch before a swim. Cnr Beach & Market St, Merimbula. Open daily 8am–2pm.A Little Further Afield

Wheeler's Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, Pambula — approx. 10 min drive Worth the short drive. Wheeler's is a Sapphire Coast institution — an architecturally striking building with its own oyster bar and takeaway window, serving a signature seafood platter built on oysters from Wheeler's own farm. If you do one big seafood lunch on this trip, make it this one. 162 Arthur Kaine Dr, Pambula. Mon–Sat 12–2pm & 5–8pm; Sun 12–4pm only.

Kitty's, Club Sapphire — 2–3 min walk A playful, laid-back Asian fusion bar within Club Sapphire — share plates, dumplings and some of the best cocktails on the coast. A fun, casual detour if you're after something different from classic coastal seafood. 119 Main St, Merimbula. Wed–Thu 4:30–9pm; Fri–Sat 12–2:30pm & 4:30–10pm; closed Sun–Tue.

Club Sapphire Pacific Bistro — 2–3 min walk Classic club dining — scotch fillet, garlic chilli prawn linguine, chicken parmigiana — with a game of barefoot bowls on offer beforehand. Easygoing, generous, and popular with locals for a reason. 119 Main St, Merimbula. Open daily 10am–10pm.

A Note on Bookings

Merimbula's best tables get busy over summer and long weekends — we'd always recommend booking ahead, particularly for Tidal and Wheeler's. Our friendly team are always happy to assist with your reservatons or more detailed recommendations. 

And if you'd rather not go anywhere at all — the fireside bar and poolside bar are always an option, stocked with the same Sapphire Coast producers this guide is pointing you toward.