Dining out at the best cafes and bistros.
The lower reaches of the lush Manning Valley embraces rivers, valleys and country villages with eateries famous amongst locals. If you're a lucky visitor to these quiet backroads you can enjoy the food the locals keep just a little secret. Here are a few suggestions to tempt your tastebuds the next time you dine out around Coopernook, Hannam Vale and Moorland.
Coopernook Hotel
A classic Aussie pub by the Lansdowne River with classic pub food done well: roasts, burgers, schnitzels, beer-battered flathead plus more. Kids eat free on Saturdays (accompanied by their hungry parents of course), and there's usually some live music to help you chill out while you consider their famous rissoles.
Try the Farmers Mixed Grill for a hearty taste of country life or the burgers stacked so high they may need an aircraft safety beacon.
Hannam Vale Store & Café
This spot is a gathering place for locals who love good food, with themed nights for dinners (Sunday roasts, tacos, curries to name just a few) plus gorgeous homemade treats to enjoy with excellent coffee.
A true hidden gem to seek out, try a super tasty vegetarian dish (that may just rock your world): crispy spinach balls layered with tzatziki, cashew mayo, spiced chickpeas and mixed salad. Just leave room for the house-made filo tart served warm with ice cream, drizzle of honey and crushed pistachio.
Moorland Cottage Café
The ‘best scones on the coast’ is a claim easily proven correct here: try the specialty scones that change weekly such as raspberry white chocolate or choc choc chip blueberry.
But don’t miss the whole range of tasty goodness with daily specials for breakfast and lunch under the jacarandas, even High Tea for special occasions.
Riddles Brush Chocolates & Treats
Are chocolates a food or a treat? Whatever the answer, here you can indulge your chocolate-as-a-food-group passion with homemade truffles and pralines.
Enjoy with a tea or coffee and maybe get a slice of delicious cake to take home for those who missed out.
Stones Oysters, Coopernook
On the Harrington side of Coopernook across the highway, Stones is forever famous for their fresh oysters and other sensational fresh seafood, you can now enjoy breakfast and lunch there on weekends.
Get a tray of Kilpatrick or mornay oysters ready-made to grill plus a seafood platter, just to celebrate being near the water.
