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 — an Australian 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 - we have chosen our favourite eats which are just a short walk from your room

Metro Merimbula — 4 min walk.  Mediterranean food at its best in a relaxed casual vibe.  Fresh Salads, with a focus on plant based healthy food as well as fresh local seafood and house-made gelato.  Enjoy stunning lake and ocean views as you dine.  It is run by mother and son duo Janine and Billy.  Be sure to put this spot on your dining hit list and make sure you try their specialty cocktails including Negronis, and Gin from local distillery North of Eden.

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 slice of Melbourne in Merimbula - bespoke wine list, well-made cocktails and a French 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.

Bar Monti — 2 min walk. Directly opposite the Hotel and down a Merimbula laneway, Bar Monti is a rustic Italian eatery with pizza, pasta, and traditional Italian favourites -reinterpreted using the best  local and Australian produce. Good wine, great 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.

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.

Dulcies Cottage  —  4 min walk Step back in time and enjoy a cold brew, burger or oysters while you take in the nostalgia of Merimbula.  The cottage itself reimaged since its founcation in 1925.  Wander the this much loved local watering hole and take in the images of the original owners growing up in the cottage and photography of the area, or sit at the long bar and enjoy the local brews and fresh oysters.

A Note on Bookings

Merimbula's best tables get busy over summer and long weekends — we'd always recommend booking ahead. 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.