NSW's answer to Queensland’s iconic Burleigh Pavilion is set to put Terrigalon the map this summer, with the multi-level precinct providing casual coastal vibes and community from sunrise until late in the evening.
Terrigal Pavilion, or The Pav as it is already being dubbed by locals, is the latest venture from hospitality duo Ben May and Rob Domjen (Burleigh Pavilion, Mrs Sippy, The Joey).
The pair have spent the past two years transforming the former Reef Restaurant site, with its enviable position right on the shoreline and direct access to the boardwalk, into Australia’s hottest, year-round dining destination.
The 760-seat space is home to three distinct venues that are serving up everything from sunrise smoothies and acai bowls to long lunches, dinners and late-night party vibes with a disco ball to match.
Under the pastel-lettered sign above the doorway and up the terrazzo stone stairs lies the building’s namesake, which occupies the entire top floor.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the turquoise blue waters below, but there’s plenty to look at inside too, from the 2000 kilogram terracotta and whitewashed brick pizza oven, to the high triangular ceiling with its exposed timber and steel beams.
An expansive, custom-made wooden bar, with three-metre-high pastel yellow wine fridges, stands tall at the eastern end of the venue, while on the opposing side is the hero of the space.
A 14m-long, terrazzo bar overlooks a sun-drenched deck adorned with white timber tables and matching umbrellas, perfect for long afternoons with a signature tropic margarita, Aperol spritz or beer in hand.
The food menu features an array of shared plates like freshly-shucked oysters, prawns on ice, potato scallops and fish tacos made with local produce.
There is also a selection of pub classics, including beef nachos, chicken schnitzel, burgers, salads and 10 wood-fired pizzas, all of which can be ordered from a QR code on each table or at the specific food counter.
Domjen says The Pav is the type of place where anyone can pop in for a quick lunch or drink, then find themselves leaving at 10pm.
“It’s approachable, fun and has one of the best views in NSW” he says.
Downstairs, restaurant The Tropic will bring a Mediterranean vibe to the Central Coast.
Pastel yellows - including a bar made with handmade, Spanish tiles - terracotta and custom-made cane furnishings adorn the more elevated, 280-seat restaurant, while a private dining room offers larger groups the chance to celebrate with their own private view of the water.
The Tropic has three set menus available, starting at $80.
With its proximity to the picnic tables and green space at the neighbouring Terrigal Haven, owners May and Domjen have also created The General Store.
Located past the palm trees, underneath the 60-year-old frangipani, the hole-in-the-wall is open for sunrise coffees, smoothies, acai bowls and bacon and egg rolls, as well as fish ‘n’ chips, burgers, pizzas and salads from midday.
Terrigal Pavilion is open seven days a week, from midday until late on Monday to Friday, and from 11am until late on weekends, while The General store is open from 6am.
Visit: www.terrigalpavilion.com.au
