Coffs Harbour’s dining scene is changing, with a fresh wave of talent reinventing some familiar spaces. This innovative shake-up is all about exploring bold flavours, creative menus, and vibrant atmospheres that turn every meal into an experience. Whether it’s a pig on a spit by the sea, pizza perfection at sunset, or a fresh take on a local favourite, these are the must-visit foodie finds of the season.
Executive Chef Brad Sloan presents Aanuka Beach House’s approachable new menu
Located along the pristine shores of Diggers Beach in Coffs Harbour, the newly established Aanuka Beach House is fast becoming known for high-quality yet approachable dining. Under the leadership of executive chef Brad Sloane, it looks set to continue thriving.
Hailing from Nowra on the NSW South Coast, Brad’s career has taken him across the globe, working under legendary chefs like Marco Pierre White in the UK and alongside renowned Australian chefs Pete Evans and Matt Kemp in Sydney. More recently, Brad has been working with Tilley & Wills, creating some of Australia’s most iconic venues, including the newly renovated beach club, Aanuka Beach House.
Beautifully made meals at a fair price
If you’re picturing high-end, exclusive dining by the sea, think again. Aanuka Beach House is where everyone can enjoy a beautifully made meal at a fair price. Exploring the tastefully renovated beach club, with the many spaces to relax in or outdoors, makes you feel like you are on holiday at a tropical island resort. Expect a relaxed menu to boot, blending casual, pub-style favourites with a strong emphasis on fresh local seafood and high-quality ingredients. “There’s pub classics—schnitzels and steaks—but we also try to tie in a lot of local seafood such as swordfish, marlin and tuna,” boasts Brad.
Brad appreciates the direct-from-the-boat freshness that Coffs Harbour’s fishermen provide when sourcing seafood. “The prawns are cooked on the boat and brought straight in. No sitting in a market for days—it’s straight off the boat and onto the plate.”
When asked about standout features of the menu, Brad says the wood-fired pizzas have been a hit from the beginning. “They’re a Naples-style wood-fired pizza, very Italian, with simple but high-quality ingredients. The dough is tricky to handle, but the end product is incredible.”
Aanuka Beach House has been surprising guests with spit-roasted meats for special occasions. “On New Year’s Day, we did a pig on a spit. It’s just about doing something interesting and keeping people engaged,” says Brad.
And in case you’re wondering, his personal favourite on the menu is the fish curry. “We’re by the ocean, so it just makes sense. It’s got that balance—light but hearty, fresh but satisfying,” shares Brad.
Take me there: Aanuka Beach House is at 11 Firman Drive, Coffs Harbour.
Going slow at Stef&Co: an innovative hospitality concept years in the making
The brainchild of local hospitality guns Stef, Vito and Robbie, Stef&Co is unlike anything seen on the Coffs Coast. A unique hospitality concept evolves throughout the day, so no two visits to Stef&Co will ever be the same. Plus, with stunning views over Coffs Creek, it’s almost impossible not to feel relaxed at this venue.
Explore three distinct but interconnected spaces—a bakery, a bar, and a restaurant—each with its own identity, yet fuse together in perfect harmony. “The synergy between the three spaces will allow our guests to seamlessly move from one to another,” Stef explains. “You come for dinner, have a drink before or after, or enjoy breakfast, coffee and pastries in the morning.”
A menu that echos a passion for quality and authentic flavours
Quality comes first at Stef&Co, where everything is made in-house from authentic ingredients.
We can’t pass up the sourdough, focaccia, and croissants baked from scratch at the bakery-style cafe. “If you want a croissant-like in Paris, you need the right ingredients. We wanted to take it to the next level—making [our own] natural bread and pastries,” says Vito proudly.
As the sun sets over Coffs Creek, Stef&Co undergoes a remarkable yet seamless shift, evolving into a family-friendly pizzeria, lively cocktail bar and intimate entertainment venue. The nighttime menu is designed to be fun, boasting an array of share plates, pizzoli, and authentic pizzas (made with slow-fermented dough), all served in a warm, inviting waterfront setting.
Sellouts include the pumpkin ravioli filled with ricotta, served with burnt butter, sage and sultanas. The line-caught ceviche made using kingfish is priced at a very reasonable price and is absolutely to die for. During the evening, guests can indulge in handcrafted cocktails or select from a curated mix of fine Italian, European, and Australian wines.
Business partners or brothers from another mother?
Stef, Vito, and Robbie’s journey to creating Stef&Co was led by genuine friendship, shaped by years of working together. Stef, a seasoned restaurateur who also owns ‘Stef Beachstone’ at Sapphire Beach, previously ran a well-known Italian restaurant, ‘Fiasco’ in Coffs Harbour. Here, he met Vito, who provided catering services to Stef and ended up working as Fiasco’s chef. Robbie eventually joined the trio in 2019, working at the restaurant bar. Since then, the boys have been inseparable.
While the trio each have their own area of expertise, their camaraderie is clear. In fact, many people assume they’re family. “People always think we’re brothers,” Robbie laughs. “Maybe not by blood, but we are by choice,” adds Vito.
‘Time to Slow Down’—the philosophy behind the brand
The slogan ‘Time to Slow Down‘ is more than just a tagline—it’s a reaction to the fast-paced nature of modern dining. “People should come to restaurants to enjoy and relax, but they treat it like a job—reviewing everything like a critic,” Stef says. “So, slow down, chill out, enjoy your time.”
PS: Stay tuned for the grand opening of their ‘Oysteria’ restaurant space at Stef&Co, providing an intimate dining experience for extra special occasions.
Take me there: Stef&Co is at 319-321 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.
Darby & Co cafe breathes new life into Coffs Harbour’s Jetty strip
When Ash Munro opened Darby & Co at Coffs Harbour Jetty, he wasn’t just launching another cafe. And yes, aside from its exceptional coffee, innovative food, and warm, welcoming vibe, there’s more on offer than just a great menu—community. This family-owned and operated cafe is already breathing new life into Coffs Harbour’s famous ‘Jetty Strip’, and we reckon it’s well worth a look.
From golf greens to coffee beans, and a menu that breaks all the rules
Ash’s journey to cafe ownership isn’t your typical one. A longtime hospitality worker who once managed multiple venues, including ‘Treeo’ in Sawtell, he also spent years travelling Australia as a professional golfer. That experience shaped his appreciation for different cuisines and food cultures—something you can taste in Darby & Co’s menu.
When you combine a passion for food with a vision for something different, expect the unexpected. Darby & Co’s menu blends Australian cafe staples with Asian-inspired flavours, reflecting Ash’s love of the region’s cuisine.
A brekky staple, made in a refreshingly unique way, the Eggs Benedict is served on a house-made potato rosti instead of bread, with dill oil for an added fresh, herby twist. The Gluten-Free Pancakes are winning hearts. This sweet treat comes served with a blueberry compote, roasted apples, and topped with vanilla ice-cream with a coconut biscuit crumble, drizzled with maple syrup. The Nasi Goreng bowl—an Indonesian-inspired dish—has been quite popular, with its crispy pork pieces.
When it’s time for lunch, their Bánh Mì sandwich with marinated pork or tofu, pickled veggies, cucumber, cilantro, sriracha mayo and a side of fries, definitely hits the spot. The Teriyaki Steak or Chipotle Chicken Bowls are served on a bed of steamed rice, and each come with a range of delicious sides and toppings. Or, if you’re a fan of a twist on a classic favourite, the Cuban Ham or Pesto Chicken and Sundried Tomato Sambos are absolutely delicious. “Australian food is all about adaptation,” Ash says. We take classic dishes and make them our own.”
The cafe’s inclusive menu caters for many different preferences, including gluten-free and celiac-friendly options. There’s even a dedicated (and very delicious) kids menu, hitting home their family-friendly approach.
Darby & Co has been open for over two months, but Ash is already thinking ahead. The fully licensed cafe plans to introduce cocktail nights and a tapas-style evening menu within the next six months. “I wanted to bring something higher-end and fun to the cafe scene in Coffs,” Ash explains. “Not just your basic cafe, but somewhere that stands out in service, food, and experience.”
But hold up a minute, who’s Darby?
Darby & Co isn’t just a catchy name—it’s personal. “Darby was my great-grandfather’s nickname,” Ash shares. “He went to war, and they didn’t want to call him Ashley because it was too ‘girly’—so they called him Darby instead. It stuck for life.“
Now, that family legacy lives on in a cafe that is all about family, connection and community. “We don’t just want to be a place where you grab a coffee and leave; we want to create a real community here,” Ash says. “We want to be part of our customers’ lives and for them to be part of ours.”
Take me there: Darby & Co is at 360 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour.
