The Tropic

Overview

Occupying the ground floor of the Terrigal Pavilion, The Tropic brings a polished, Mediterranean-leaning dining room to one of the Central Coast's most coveted waterfront addresses. The 280-seat restaurant boasts uninterrupted ocean views, with custom floor-to-ceiling windows and a mirrored back wall ensuring every seat gets a slice of the coastline.

The sprawling space channels relaxed coastal glamour, from yellow terrazzo tabletops paired with linen directors' chairs to a striking, custom-glazed 12-metre bar finished in lemon-hued Spanish tiles and an oversized bullnose edge. Soft finishes and pared-back tones complete the timeless seaside feel, while a private dining room — kitted out with pink and yellow marble tables — offers set menus starting at $80.

Megann Evans Photography

In the kitchen, a Modern Australian share menu takes cues from the Med. To start, expect shucked-to-order oysters with chardonnay mignonette, beef tartare with capers, quail egg yolk and a house dressing, alongside antipasto like burrata-crowned pesto and pickled white and brown anchovies. Larger plates include lightly seared goldband snapper, grilled wagyu flank and thyme-and-lemon roast chicken, all designed to be passed around the table.

A celebration-ready drinks list rounds things out, spanning more than 90 bottles of champagne and wine — including magnums — alongside house cocktails like a bergamot-spiked margarita and a handful of crowd-pleasing beers on tap.

Megann Evans Photography

Images: Megann Evans Photography.