Tantalise The Tastebuds Without Leaving Town
by Hannah Castelli
We love our winters in the Illawarra. Cosy cafes, leafy bush walks and plenty of pubs to keep us warm.
But we have to say we’re feelin’ a little jelly when we see our friends or favourite influencers splashing pics of their European summer holidays all over the socials.
There are lots of reasons why a summer in the Amalfi or Barcelona might not be on the cards for you this year – hello chockas credit card! – but that’s ok!
We’ve compiled a list of eating and drinking destinations right here in the Illawarra for you, so you can go on your very own European food safari. No passport needed! Just pack a healthy appetite.
ITALY
Oooh, we love our Italian food and reckon you should head to Ambiance Ristorante in Unanderra. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and their pasta is so delicious it will make you want to do the *chef’s kiss.
Pair your pasta with a glass from their fantastic wine selection.
Sure Rome has the Colosseum but we’ve got Nonna Nina’s Gnocchi.
Cost :: $
Find more Italian restaurants in the Illawarra here.
GREECE
Jumping over the Mediterranean to Greece we hope you brought your stretchy pants because you’re about to feast.
The Living Room in Wollongong serves scrumptious sharing platters loaded with delicacies including keftedes, moussaka, and intriguingly cheeseburger dolmades.
Combine this with the friendly service and a glass of ouzo and coke, and you might as well be in a taverna in Santorini.
Cost :: $
Find more Greek restaurants in the Illawarra here.
FRANCE
Trade in your stretchy pants for your fancy ones because our next stop is at one of the Illawarra’s classiest joints. Debutant is a French Bistro meets Australian Steakhouse and boy do those steaks look good!
If you visit with four or more friends, opt for the Grande Banquet – ooh la la! ANd why not add a glass of real French Champagne to give you that Parisienne feel?
Cost :: $$
Find more French restaurants in the Illawarra here.
SWITZERLAND
When we think of Switzerland we think of ski resorts, The Sound of Music and fondue. Although snow and Julie Andrews are not often found in this part of the world, thankfully the ooey-gooey concoction known as fondue is.
K.Malu Kitchen & Bar serves a fondue for two with your choice of cheese and sides. At the moment they are only offering it from Tuesdays to Thursdays but that’s a pretty good excuse to go out mid-week if you ask us.
They also offer a broad selection of wines from all over Europe to finish off your meal. Who needs Apres-Ski when you have Apres-Cheese?
Cost :: $
Find more restaurants that serve European fare here.
GERMANY
If you’re feeling traditional then this country is for you! The German Club at Kembla Grange is an institution in the Illawarra and is known for the joy that is their yearly Oktoberfest festival.
But did you know that they are open all year long and the perfect spot to head for some old fashioned German food and fun.
A popular choice is the Schweinsaxe [Roasted Pork Knuckle], a mouthful both in name and size. For sipping, try some German schnapps or beer, guaranteed to give you that warm Bavarian Beer Hall feel.
Cost :: $
Find more German restaurants and bars in the Illawarra here.
EASTERN EUROPE
Eastern Europe is probably where all the cool influencers go for their European summer and now you can do the same. Moo Minn on Crown St in Wollongong has such a funky vibe inside you’ll be the one giving envy with your pics on social media.
Aside from the quirky interior and lip-smacking cocktail list they also serve a menu of Czech dishes including spinach and bread dumplings and a Slovak style schnitty with Bryndza cheese, bacon, coleslaw and fries…drool. On Sundays they even offer a bottomless brunch, that’s your next weekend with friends sorted!
Cost :: $
Find more restaurants that serve European fare here.
SPAIN
Okay we admit Spain has beaches that might even rival some of our own but thankfully we have the food to match. Check out Amona Pintxos and Tapas Bar for the kind of paella dreams are made of.
To cap off your meal try the Belmonte, a traditional Spanish drink of espresso with milk and brandy. You’ll be ready to head out and dance the Flamenco all night long.
Cost :: $
Find more Spanish style restaurants in the Illawarra here.
IRELAND
If you’d rather party like the Irish then Dicey Riley’s on Crown St is where you’ll go.
Although it’s an Illawarra classic it still emits all the charm of an Irish Pub complete with Guinness pie. If you prefer your ‘black stuff’ served cold and in a glass, don’t worry they’ve got Guinness and other beers on tap and with gigs on most weekends you’ll be able to get a true taste of Irish craic.
Cost :: $
So, rug up and head out for a European food safari in our own backyard. Spend the rest of winter working your way through the list!
And don’t forget to share it all over social media and tag us @thefoldillawarra or #lovelivinglocal so we can be jelly too!
Head to our Eat + Drink directory for more info about these and other yummy local restaurants.
