MacMasters Beach
The Macs Beach Cafe. Recently changed hands and the standard of coffee is now sky high. Really good brekky based menu too. Very friendly spot to watch the surfers on the point and enjoy a B&E roll with a coffee. Jazz on Thursdays from 10.30.
The Surf Club is open on Friday and Sunday nights from 5pm, so if you felt like a drink and a simple meal....
Loo Loo's coffee shop is 2 kms out of town towards Kincumber, if you are wanting a chill vibe and great coffee.
They also have a quirky cafe, LooLoo's Coffee Warehouse at 12/11 Cochrone St, Kincumber. Old couches, artwork, like sitting in a loungeroom - limited food menu, but they roast their own coffee beans.
Copacabana
Really great bakery for bread but also a sensational selection of pastries. And the coffee and Chai are great too. BYO mug if you want to take away or borrow one of theirs, in keeping with their sustainable philosophy. Either drive or a nice way to start the morning by walking along the beach
Great pizzas and a nice place to have a beer.
Kincumber
Kincumber Post Cafe: Good breakfast/brunch/lunch/coffee
Pomegranate by Fresko Nice cafe in the Kincumber village shops next to Coles. Some really fine greek inspired pastries.
Hardy's Bay / Killcare
Hardys Bay have 2 good cafe options, The Fat Goose and Hardy's Bistro. Both are good, casual options for breakfast, brunch or lunch.
There is a fabulous homewares store above, MoochInside.
Killcare Surf Life Saving Club has a cafe downstairs, good for a hamburger etc, and the tables spill on to the lawn. There is a restaurant upstairs with more expensive 'restaurant' style food.
Bells at Killcare: 5 star boutique hotel and restaurant set in an old house, lovely gardens. Italian menu. They also have a little bakery that sells fabulous pastries and bread.
Avoca
Avoca Surf House - the newest revamp in town. Right on the beach, unpretentious, cool vibe. Fabulous location for a drink, lunch or dinner. Mostly seafood menu, but plenty of vegetarian options. Very community oriented and relaxed. (photo above)
Like Minds: Good spot for coffee/breakfast/brunch. Located 1 km out of town.
Becker and Co - good spot for coffee, small but interesting menu, good food. Tables are just outside on the pavement. Cool, chilled feel.
Ettalong
Ettalong is an unexpected bundle of surprises. You can spend a couple of hours here.
Lovely walk along the beach on a calm morning or evening. You can literally walk several kms along the beach.
Osteria Il Coccia is possibly the best restaurant on the central coast. Not cheap but I think the set menu is worth every cent.
The Box on the Water - lovely location. Particularly nice on a sunny morning to sit here or for a drink on a warm evening.
Coast 175: Smart, 'beach chic' cafe. Good food - breakfast, brunch, lunch
Margarita Daze: Just been revamped and is right on the beach. Style - Hamptons, light filled beachy. Fabulous spot for evening drink. Emphasis on seafood.
Lords of Pour: Excellent coffee and muffins cooked by the owner's mum. Good toasted sandwiches. Grab take-away and sit on the beach.
There are several 'boutiques' on Ocean View Rd, Ettalong.
On the weekend, check out the bizarre, bazaar! The most unusual collection of little shops in the most unexpected building - where Cinema Paradiso is.
Salmon & Co: Great florist/small furnishings, little decorative pots, interesting bits and pieces
Bowlz N Tingz
Great smoothie bowls and juices
Terrigal
There are lots of cafe and restaurant options here and a couple of fashion stores worth a look, and a lovely menswear store.