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8 Tweed Hatted Restaurants To Dine At This Year

05 February, 2024

chef hat award winner no 35 cabarita
No. 35 Cabarita Kitchen and Bar

There’s clearly something in the soil in The Tweed region of northern New South Wales. The area’s rich volcanic earth not only supports a growing number of farms and food and drink producers, but it’s also a mecca for chefs and restaurateurs, drawn to the lush landscape, idyllic lifestyle and evolving food profile of the region. 

A growing list of foodie hotspots, from relaxed bistros to elegant eateries, are serving up Tweed-made flavours year-round with many taking out hats in this year’s Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards. 

From seaside spaces to hinterland views, don’t miss these Chef Hat Award winners on your next visit to the Tweed. 

CHEF HAT AWARD WINNERS

TWEED RIVER HOUSE, MURWILLUMBAH

Tweed River House has been gaining accolades ever since opening its doors in late 2021, winning national food awards from the get-go. Set on the banks of the Tweed River in a stunningly restored, century-old manor with verandah views out to Wollumbin Mt Warning, the menu highlights seasonal flavours sourced from valley to coast with a classic French cuisine profile.

Tweed River House Exterior

 

BISTRO LIVI, MURWILLUMBAH

Building the food profile of the Tweed hinterland further is Bistro Livi at M|Arts Precinct, a food-lovers dream brought to life by a trio formerly of Melbourne institution MoVida. Head Chef Ewen Crawford, together with twin sisters Chef Danni Wilson and front-of-house Nikki Wilson (who hail from the region) have created a relaxed but refined space that heroes simple, confident and delicious food. Book now!

POTAGER – A KITCHEN GARDEN, CAROOL

Set on a small, 10–acre farm up high in the picturesque hills of Carool, Potager – A Kitchen Garden is an enduring favourite for locals and visitors – as well as at annual food and tourism awards. Select dishes that hero organic local produce, locally caught fish and grass-fed meat and wander around the flourishing food garden to see where much of the menu’s fresh produce is sourced.

Plate of food from chef hat awarded restaurant, Potager

 

NO. 35 KITCHEN AND BAR, CABARITA

Set just back from popular Cabarita Beach, No 35 Kitchen and Bar arrived in 2021 and developed an instant following. With a team that brings impressive calibre from iconic Sydney hot-spots, this casual but warm kitchen and bar serves up refreshing cocktails and authentic, flavour-filled dishes described simply as: “Italian-ish“.

 

PIPIT, POTTSVILLE

A celebration of coastal lifestyle and sustainable food, Pipit in seaside Pottsville is a regular on awards lists for its distinctive wood-fired cooking and focus on seasonal local produce. Chef Ben Devlin and partner Yen have created a light, relaxed space with an open-plan kitchen that invites diners to watch the culinary process in action. 

chef hat award

 

PAPER DAISY, CABARITA

A few steps back from beautiful Cabarita Beach you’ll find the sophisticated simplicity and swoon-worthy interiors of much-awarded Paper Daisy at Halcyon House. A refined but relaxed space, take a seat to relish Executive Chef Jason Barratt‘s satisfying, thoughtful and deeply memorable dishes, showcasing local produce and sustainably sourced seafood. 

 

TAVERNA, KINGSCLIFF

If you’ve been yearning for Greece and its mouth-watering flavours, Taverna is your best bet this side of the Mediterranean Sea. This Greek-inspired seaside spot has a festive bustle that contrasts its soothing interiors, and a menu that tempts diners into a long lunch or shared plated dinner. With a cocktail list that’s also irresistible, it’s time to say “Yassou” in Kingscliff 

 

FINS RESTAURANT, SALT VILLAGE

Synonymous with seafood and regarded as one of Australia’s most awarded regional restaurants, FINS has been serving up delicious dishes for over 30 years and has well and truly earned its iconic status. Chef Steven Snow and Sommelier/Manager Morgan Snow are passionate about fresh produce, whole fish, quirky wine and pushing the boundaries of dining.

Fins at Kingscliff

In celebration of The Tweed’s good food (and drink), take a seat and join us at the tasting table for a menu that is filled with local flavours and culinary flare! 

 

We wish to acknowledge the Ngandowal and Minyungbal speaking people of the Bundjalung Country, in particular the Goodjinburra, Tul-gi-gin and Moorung – Moobah clans, as being the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waters within the Tweed Shire boundaries. We also acknowledge and respect the Tweed Aboriginal community’s right to speak for its Country and to care for its traditional Country in accordance with its lores, customs and traditions.