Taverna — Restaurant in Kingscliff

Taverna was recommended to us by our celebrant Nat from Under the Arbour as an option for our wedding reception. We were looking for a small, intimate venue with great food and Taverna absolutely delivered.

The majority of our communication with Jenny was done via email and phone calls. Jenny was kind, prompt and thorough in our discussions, ensuring everything we wanted (and hadn’t thought of ourselves) was covered in the lead up to our wedding day. Our plans for a small outdoor ceremony were in doubt as there had been a lot of rain in the lead up with more forecast on the day. They graciously offered us the use of the restaurant as a back up plan and we are so thankful they did as it just kept raining. It is a testament to the team how quickly they were able to factor in the ceremony occurring inside the restaurant and adjust accordingly.

For our reception, we arranged for a banquet style menu as we wanted it to feel like a family dinner. The team really contributed to this atmosphere, with our family and guests all complimenting how attentive and personable they were. There was more than enough food for everyone and it was all incredible. The food was such a highlight for us and we are not likely to forget it any time soon. We were pleasantly surprised the leftovers were packaged up for us to take home, and the food was just as delicious the next day!

As a couple who tried to be intentional in their wedding planning decisions and love food, we think it’s rather special that we will be able to come back and celebrate our wedding anniversary here. For anyone looking for a venue for a small event, we would certainly recommend Taverna. You will be well looked after.

Rebekah &...

We were excited to share a meal after two weeks apart, but unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations—especially for $150. We ordered a mix of share plates, hoping for a proper mezze-style meal with everything arriving together. Instead, the halloumi came out first—deep-fried, rubbery, and bland—and we waited another 25 minutes for the rest of the food.

The fried potatoes were soft and oily rather than crispy, topped with mashed Danish feta and thick-cut spring onions that overpowered the dish. The lamb cutlets, served with tzatziki and “mint oil,” were unseasoned, and the mint oil didn’t have any noticeable mint flavour. While the tzatziki was fine, the rest of the meal lacked the authentic Greek flavours we’d hoped for. Even the coconut margaritas had no discernible coconut taste apart from the dusted rim.

The restaurant itself was hot and cramped, which added to the discomfort. When we asked the waitstaff about the timing of our dishes, we were told, “It’s coming,” but no further effort was made. When asked if we were happy with our meal, we said, “Not particularly,” but the comment was ignored. To top it off, they don’t serve coffee or light sweets after the meal—a staple of Greek dining that would have been a nice touch.

While the restaurant has potential, it feels more like modern Australian cuisine than truly Greek-inspired. If you’re looking for authentic Greek food or a proper mezze experience, I’d recommend going to a restaurant...

Been wanting to dine here for years. Finally did & I’m so glad it went above and beyond my expectations!

I come down to Kingy often & since dining here, every time I’m in the area I’m instantly craving the halloumi with honey. You have to get it as a starter!! The honey over the crispy crust but soft inside halloumi blend so well. The whipped feta with tomatoes was lovely too.

We also got the lamp cutlets. I’m not the biggest fan of this cut of meat, it didn’t win me over unfortunately but still had lovely flavour. My partner really enjoyed it though.

We never really order chicken mains at restaurants (unless it’s Korean fried chicken) but decided to try their chicken. Omg?! Honestly so delicious. The crust was perfectly crunchy. The chicken was still so juicy and flavourful inside. I wish there was more! The garlic sauce was so delicate & delicious. Not to try and de-class this dish but think of it as an upmarket, deconstructed chicken Kiev? Hahaha

Only comments for improvement are the potatoes, I wish they did something to make the skin more crispy & add some garlic to them. Also the table we sat at, the waiters seemed to forget about us in the corner as after seating us, we didn’t receive the menu for 20 mins & 2 other tables who came in after us had their orders taken before us. (We’re a bit socially anxious so took us a minute to work up the courage to ask someone for menus)

But would dine here again. Thinking of booking my birthday here...