The Bay Cafe — Restaurant in New South Wales

If you have never been here you are missing out on a truly remarkable dining experience and everything this restaurant has to offer.

Settled on a bend in a back Street of the magnificent Toowoon Bay 200 or so metres from the ocean, you’ll find this lovely little restaurant. ( Definitely not a cafe but named as such )

From the moment I arrived in this semi fine dining 30 seat restaurant, I was made feel warmly welcome. The decor is very plain yet simple, somewhat outdated but you feel like you’ve just stepped inside someone’s home and that alone was very inviting and comforting.

The service here is highly professional and attention to detail was impeccable.

For entree I had the chilli prawns for main I ordered a seafood platter and I was not disappointed, after a short wait my lovely a la carte styled entree arrived and I gobbled each delicious bite down and then eagerly awaited my main, about 15 minutes later a spectacular opulent showpiece had arrived before me and I knew it would taste as good as it looked. I even had a little Internal moment of “ oh my !!! “ ( droool … mmmmm… mmm …mmm ) I can only describe it as the eye candy jackpot of food experiences. My main was professionally presented, it was a colourful artistic arrangement of beautiful seasonal fruits, salads, edible flowers, a good variety of fresh seafood both cooked and fresh. Fish, prawns ( done several ways ) Balmain bug, crab, scampi, oysters, smoked salmon, scallops, lemon, sauces etc. every single item impressed me both aesthetically, and texturally, and was a delicious a array of culinary perfection on the taste buds.

The Desert platter was again a perfectly prepared and artistically presented array of deliciousness. The Coffee was very well made and served in perfect tandem with the desert platter.

Not only did everything that was served to me was delicious it was also visually appealing and the entire dining experience from start to finish left me completely and utterly satisfied in single every way.

I have dined in many many restaurants near, far and abroad and this one is now in my top 10 of all time.

( To the owners, chefs and service staff, thank you for a magnificent dining experience.)

I highly recommend this restaurant

Bookings advisable

Fresh, plentiful, good value for money.

Suitable for a quiet dinner for 2, or a...

I'm still reeling from the incredible dining experience we had at The Bay Cafe! This outback/seafood gem is a MUST-VISIT for anyone looking for a truly exceptional dining experience. Owners Peter and Helen are the epitome of hospitality, going above and beyond to ensure every detail is perfect. Their passion for the industry shines through in every aspect of the restaurant.

The food was nothing short of sensational! We devoured the Cajun Chicken and Marinated Beef Strips for entrees, both of which were cooked to perfection. The chicken was tender and juicy, with the Cajun seasoning adding a delightful kick. The beef strips were a crowd-pleaser, and the accompanying sauce was ridiculously delicious.

For mains, we opted for the Chicken stuffed with Camembert cheese (which lived up to its promise) and the veal medallions with mushroom sauce. The mango sauce paired with the camembert-stuffed chicken was a masterstroke, while the veal medallions were cooked to tender perfection.

Desserts were the pièce de résistance! The homemade brandy snap basket with house-made macadamia ice cream was a revelation, and the sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce is, without exaggeration, the best in Australia. I've had my fair share of sticky date puddings, but this one sets the bar.

The ambiance is warm and inviting, with beautiful photos and paintings adorning the walls, all taken and designed by Peter and Helen. It's clear they're dedicated to creating an immersive experience that showcases their love for the country and industry.

A huge shoutout to our wonderful waitress Bec as well, who delivered exceptional service with a smile! She was attentive, knowledgeable, and went above and beyond to make our experience truly special. Bec's warmth and expertise made a fantastic impression, and we're so grateful to have had her looking after us.

Given the news that they're selling and retiring (well-deserved!), I urge everyone to visit The Bay Cafe while they still can. The set menu options are competitively priced, and every cent is worth it. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience truly outstanding food, service, and hospitality. Five stars isn't enough – I'd give it ten...

This morning, as I sit by the stunning shores of Toowoon Bay on the Central Coast, I can’t stop thinking about the incredible dinner we had last night at The Bay Cafe. If you’re searching for the perfect dining experience, let me tell you—this is the place to be.

For over 30 years, we’ve returned time and again with family and friends, and it never fails to amaze us. Why? Because no one understands food quite like Peter, the culinary genius behind the magic. His meals aren’t just cooked—they’re crafted. When I’m asked, “How would you like your steak cooked?” my answer here is always the same: “However the chef thinks it should be.” And every single time, it’s perfection.

Now, don’t be misled by the name. The Bay Cafe may sound casual, but this is fine dining at its absolute best—a hidden gem that would make even Gordon Ramsay smile with approval.

The ambiance? Unbeatable. The food? Extraordinary. If you’re looking for an unforgettable evening filled with impeccable flavors, this is the spot. Oh, and it’s BYO, so don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle.

Do yourself a favor—give The Bay Cafe a try. Trust me, you’ll thank me...