The Little Nel

Overview

Whether your Port Stephens itinerary is jam-packed with activities or you're planning to take it easy on the beach, you're going to want to start off the day with a filling (and tasty) brekkie. Enter The Little Nel.

Based in the heart of Nelson Bay, underneath Hotel Nelson, the cafe is a favourite of locals, drawn in by the excellent coffee (by Pablo & Rusty) and extensive breakfast and lunch menus that rely on seasonal produce. While the usual brekkie suspects are ever-present — smashed avo, toasted muesli and bacon and egg roll — the menu, designed by Mathew Key and Dan James, features some experimental dishes. The results across both are, visually and in flavour, damn impressive. Take, for example, the sambal chilli scrambled eggs, served with coconut yoghurt, green papaya and crushed cashews. Or the Medowie garlic mushrooms with whipped feta, chimichurri and Morpeth red kale. Whatever lands on your table will be fresh, colourful and leave you ready to take on a day of sightseeing (or relaxing).

To pair with your feed are freshly squeezed juices, smoothies, milkshakes and the aforementioned coffee. Oh, and it has both nitro coffee and kombucha on tap, too.

Top image: Destination NSW