The Poyer's

Overview

Waterfront dining venues aren't hard to come by in Port Stephens, but The Poyer's takes this notion one step further by jutting out right over the water. This family owned business, with chef Ludovic Poyer at the helm, is a hidden gem in the sleepy town of Lemon Tree Passage. While it's open for dinner on Friday and Saturday nights, we suggest heading there for brekkie or a leisurely long lunch (from Wednesday to Sunday) to take full advantage of the view across the bay.

The kitchen utilises local produce and presents it with a European flair — think roasted quail with pain d'épice (a French-style spiced bread), snail risotto with red wine butter and duck confit. There's also a share-style tapas menu, though it's currently not available due to COVID-19 restrictions.

After lunch, check out the nearby Koala Reserve, which marks the start of a boardwalk to Nyrang Park through lush mangrove vegetation.