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    Thirroul Restaurant, Cafe & Pub Guide: Where to eat, drink and dine.

    The restaurants, cafes and pubs in Thirroul are fantastic and diverse! Whichever you choose, it’s likely to be a delicious meal and a great experience. Here at What’s on in Wollongong’s Things to do in Thirroul, we’ve sampled the best Thirroul food: Contemporary Australian, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Italian, and popular burger restaurants. We love how Thirroul restaurants try and use our local producers (gets the big tick), buy food sourced from local farmers and have green/planet-conscious practices. So get planning with our Thirroul Dining Guide below! Just 20min drive north of Wollongong, you’ll love the eat & drink options here:

    Table of contents

    Best Restaurants in Thirroul

    Franco Pizza & Wine Bar

    Franco Pizza & Wine Bar is an Italian restaurant featured in The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide. It was awarded the Good Food Guide‘s One Hat Award in 2023. They have a focus on supporting local makers and producers and delicious food. They also have a wide selection of natural and minimal intervention wines to complement your meal.

    Open: Thurs-Fri: 5-10pm, Sat-Sun: 12-3pm & 5-9:30pm
    Located at: 1/382-384 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    South Sailor

    South Sailor is an award winning Thirroul Restaurant, local favourite for all time. Imagine a beautifully styled, modern fish and chip restaurant, with a Japenese, healthy spin. The food is delicious and the atmosphere vibey and fun. They even have a click and collect option at certain times, and designated parking. This restaurant has thought of everything. My favourite dish is their Salmon Poke Bowl. They even have a bar for dine-in customers with cocktails to die for (RSO applies haha!)

    Open: Wed-Thurs: 5-10pm, Fri: 12-3pm & 5-10:30pm, Sat: 11:30am-3pm & 5-10:30pm, Sun: 11:30am-9pm

    Click and Collect available: Wed, Thurs & Sun: 5-7:30pm

    Located at: 216-218 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2516

    Boveda

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – Boveda

    Boveda = A fine dining modern Mexican and Tequila bar. A restaurant with authentic Mexican flavours, great prices, and generous portions. Happy Hour: Saturdays 4-6pm.

    Open: Wed-Thurs: 4-11pm, Fri: 4pm-12am, Sat: 12pm-12am, & Sun: 12-6pm
    Located at: 258 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Toro Sushiya

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – Toro Sushiya

    With delicious Japanese food and quick service, there is a lot to love about Toro Sushiya. My family have experienced consistently great food and service here!

    Open: Tues-Sun: 11am-8pm
    Located at: 1/369 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    The Hungry Monkey

    The Hungry Monkey is the most popular new burger joint in the northern suburbs. They sell burgers and other popular food at great prices. There are also special deal nights on Wednesday and Thursday nights.

    Open: Mon-Tues: 6:30am-3pm, Wed: 6:30am-8pm, Thurs-Sat: 6:30am-3pm, Sun: 6:30am-3pm
    Located at: 3/369 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    The Old South

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – The Old South

    The Old South is a popular restaurant with modern Australian cuisine. Customer favourites include the waffle fries and the chicken burgers. The desserts are also a must-try here. They have children’s meals, and also cocktails on offer here – making it a restaurant for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Happy Hour: Tues-Fri: 4-6pm.

    Open: Tues-Thurs: 4-10pm, Fri: 3pm-12am, Sat: 11:30am-Sun: 12am, Closed Sun & Mon.
    Located at: 303-307 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Old Siam Thai Restaurant

    Everyone has their favourite Thai restaurant in Thirroul. Old Siam Thai is one is mine. My favourite dish here is the Larb Thai Salad. The service is friendly, the food is delicious, and the prices are affordable. Tip: the address is a little deceiving because the entrance is on McCauley Street.

    Open: Mon-Sun: 11:30am-2:30pm & 5-9pm
    Located at: 6/291-301 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Coastal Thai Thirroul

    The reviews are in with this restaurant. It has authentic flavoured food and friendly staff. The prices are affordable and the food is yum!

    Open: Tues-Sun: 5-9pm
    Located at: 305 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Sukkho Thai Restaurant Thirroul

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – Sukkho Thai Restaurant

    Sukkho Thai offers fresh, balanced flavours in their meals. They have great crab fried rice, with many other delicious meals on the menu, and reasonably priced food.

    Open: 11:30am-2:30pm & 5-9:30pm
    Located at: 1/264-270 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Thai Chillout at Ryan’s Hotel

    Thai Chillout has a lovely warm atmosphere, great prices, and authentic flavoured food. Why not have some dinner and then go next door to Ryan’s Hotel for a drink and some live music? This would be a fun way to extend your night.

    Open: Mon-Sun: 5-10pm
    Located at: 138 Phillip St, Thirroul, NSW, 2515

    Pubs and Wine Bars in Thirroul

    Thirroul has a great mix of old-school pubs and modern wine bars. Both offer tasty food and drinks, and many have delicious cocktails. Each has its own vibe. Finding the one that suits you is all a part of the experience.

    Beaches Hotel

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – Beaches Hotel Thirroul

    Beaches Hotel is in the heart of Thirroul. It has pub-style food and a great vibe. Inside there are places to sit quietly and relax. Or there are areas closer to the bar to take in the atmosphere or watch live music. For warmer nights, it has ample outdoor seating as well. Here you can take in the atmosphere and sights of Thirroul. Live music is on most Friday and Saturday nights. On Thursdays, Beaches Hotel offers a two-for-one schnitzel night, and on Friday nights they have a meat raffle at 7pm. Check out their website on the link above for their midweek lunch deals.

    Located at: 272 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Ryan’s Hotel

    Ryan’s Hotel offers a number of dining options. Upstairs is an Italian restaurant called The Deck and a cocktail bar. Downstairs is the Bistro and pub, with live music on most Friday and Saturday nights. Check out their events page for details. The Bistro has pub food with generous servings. My favourite is the steak with bearnaise sauce. On Monday nights, bring a mate and get two-for-one meal deals from 5-8:30pm.

    Located at: 138 Phillip Street, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    The Pickled Poet

    The Pickled Poet is a local wine bar. They have a focus on Australian winemakers and local produce. Their food ranges from tasty grazing platters to gourmet meals. They sell carefully crafted share plates and homemade deli and pantry items. Their gorgeous homemade hampers range from $21-$140. These would make an incredible gift for that foody friend or family member.

    Open: Wed-Sun: 10am-10pm
    Located at: 368-370 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – Seafoam Cafe

    Cafes in Thirroul

    There are so many cafes in Thirroul to choose from. Lawrence Hargrave Drive is like one big cafe strip. But they are all unique. They also all have tasty food and great coffee. We hope our list below helps you choose, but really, there’s no poor choice to be made here!

    Seafoam Cafe & Byrne Surf Shop

    The Seafoam Cafe is an awesome little cafe that is a part of Byrne Surf Shop. They have great coffee and their acai bowls are delicious. Having a coffee at a surf shop is next-level cool, and I love it!

    Open: Mon-Fri: 5:45am-5pm, Sat: 7am-4pm, Sun: 6am-3pm.
    Located at: 6 Railway Parade, Thirroul, NSW, 2515 (opposite the Railway Station on the Western side)

    Buck Hamblin

    Buck Hamblin used to be the local shoe shop, and it was the place everyone went for school shoes. The bones of this store are still the same, and it is a sentimental staple in Thirroul. It’s been given a revival as a lovely cafe that keeps the business name. This cafe is a part of the heart and soul of Thirroul.

    Open: Mon-Sun: 7am-2pm
    Located at: 260 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Saffron’s Milkbar & Deli

    An awesome little milk bar, with a huge range of milkshakes, affordable food, and even a lolly bar!

    Open: Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun: 8:30am-3pm
    Located at: 291 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Martin Place Cafe and Book Lounge

    Martin Place cafe used to be two stores; a cafe and a bookshop. Years ago, the owner decided to combine them and put an archway in between. It is a beautiful concept and creates a lovely ambient feel cafe. This cafe isn’t really for the kids, but I love having a quiet meal here, surrounded by beautiful art and books.

    Open: Mon-Sun: 7:30am-2pm
    Located at: 3/345 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515. (Opposite the library).

    Cucina

    The selection of healthy lunch at Cucina options here makes choosing very difficult. The staff are really friendly, and the food is reasonably priced. I love their smoothies the best, but their coffee is also really good.

    Open: Mon-Fri: 5:30am-4:30pm, Sat-Sun: 7am-3pm
    Located at: 353 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW. 2515.

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – Black Market Coffee

    Black Market Coffee Thirroul

    If you like strong, aromatic coffee, then Black Market Coffee in Thirroul this is the place for you. With a relaxed vibe and quiet places to sit, this cafe is easily a local favourite. They also sell bags of coffee for the people who love their coffee and want to make some at home. They also have tasty food for sale (their Banana Bread is a huge favourite).

    Open: Mon-Fri: 6am-4pm, Sat-Sun: 7am-4pm
    Located at: Shop 2 & 3/368-370 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Honest Don’s Cafe

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – Honest Don’s Cafe

    Honest Don’s Cafe is awesome! During the day this cafe serves honest food and great coffee. Come 5pm Fridays or Saturdays it becomes “Dodgy Don’s” as the happy hour begins! Whether you want an amazing coffee, a mouth-watering burger, or a scrumptious cocktail, you will find it here. Great, relaxed spot. Happy Hour: Fri & Sat: 5-6pm

    Cafe open: Mon-Fri: 6:30am-2pm, Sat & Sun 7am-3pm.
    Bar open: Fri & Sat 5-10pm (sometimes closes early during winter depending on how busy it is).
    Located at: 2a McCauley Street, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Thirroul Beach Pavilion

    A Thirroul Beach Pavilion is cafe in a great location; overlooking Thirroul beach. With a beachy, relaxed atmosphere, and nice food. There’s a lot on offer at this cafe. Make a day of it and swim at the pool, take the kids to the playground, or enjoy the beach. Then pop into the cafe for a lovely lunch or an ice cream. It’s a day that dreams are made of.

    Open: Mon-Fri: 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun: 7am-3pm
    Location: 23 Cliff Parade, Thirroul, NSW, 2515. (On Thirroul Beach, and next to the pool)

    Two Mountains Merchants

    Two Mountains Merchants cafe caters to any dietary requirements. Vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores are all welcome here. With lots of lovely places to sit, whether you choose inside to outside. The garden out the back is lovely and quiet. But there are also quiet spots to find inside. The front enclosed area is beautiful and cosy, with a view of Thirroul to watch the bustle as you eat. Local honey is also on sale, which is an added bonus.

    Open: Wed-Mon: 7:30am-3pm
    Location: 364 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Top 25 Places to Eat and Drink in Thirroul – Sareven Bakehouse

    Sareven Bakehouse

    Sareven Bakehouse – So good, there is often a line out the front of this takeaway cafe and bakehouse. For many years, this was the site of Flemings, a local favourite with amazing pies and baked goods. Sareven has kept the pies, pastries and tasty baked goods, and added great coffee to the menu as well. The Portuguese tarts are super tasty. Get in quick, because the pies and sausage rolls often sell out!

    Open: Mon-Sat: 7am-4:30pm, Sun: 7am-3:30pm
    Location: 365-367 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515

    Blackbird Thirroul

    Blackbird Thirroul – Great healthy meal options, with delectable muffins and corn fritters. The coffee is divine, the service is friendly. It is a cafe where you will always feel welcome.

    Open: Mon-Sun: 6am-2:30pm
    Located at: 3/2 McCauley Street, Thirroul, NSW, 2515.

    Bread, Espresso & Thirroul

    Bread, Espresso & Thirroul – On the outskirts of Thirroul, at the beginning of the hill into Austinmer, you will find this wonderful little cafe. The staff are super friendly, and the food and coffee are delicious. There’s a small amount of seating inside or lots of seating outside. Or why not get a takeaway and wander across the road to the beach?

    Open: Mon-Fri: 6:30am-2pm, Sat: 7am-2pm, Sun: 7am-1pm
    Location: 190 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, NSW, 2515. (Near the hill into Austinmer)

    About the Author: Lisa Hagan
    Lisa grew up in Thirroul and is a mum of four children. A student to life, Lisa loves learning and searching for the most fun things to do with her kids. She loves exploring the Illawarra and surrounds. Searching for fun and educational activities are her favourites for her kids whom she homeschools. 

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