Where the Illawarra’s Top Chefs Go for Coffee, Cheap Eats, and Fine Food
Ever wondered where the Illawarra’s top chefs like to eat, drink, and play in their downtime? We asked eight of them for their favorite spots in the region, and here are their answers:
Daniel Sherley, Debutant
Favorite Coffee Spot: Opus on Keira Street
Go-To Meal Out: Harbourfront Restaurant, Belmore Basin
Favorite Cheap Eat: Saigon Senses in Wollongong Central and Chef’s Choice on Keira Street
Favorite Place to Buy Fresh Produce: Leisure Coast Fruit Market
What He Loves Most About the Illawarra: The abundance of beaches and having friends and family nearby
Thomas Chiumento, Night Parrot and Mia Mia
Favorite Coffee Spot: Lee and Me in Wollongong
Go-To Meal Out: Lupa on Keira Street
Favorite Cheap Eat: An Chut Chut in the arts precinct for Chicken Banh Mi
Favorite Place to Buy Fresh Produce: Harley and John’s Seafood in Fairy Meadow
What He Loves Most About the Illawarra: His family, especially his daughter Mia, and the beautiful Blue Mile
Valerio Montessi, Santino Restaurant
Favorite Coffee Spot: Levendi in Belmore Basin
Go-To Meal Out: K.Malu on Keira Street
Favorite Cheap Eat: His Boy Elroy on Keira Street
Favorite Place to Buy Fresh Produce: Passion In Fruit in Coniston
What He Loves Most About the Illawarra: Being surrounded by nature, with mountains and the sea
Tim Stanton, Diggies
Favorite Coffee Spot: Three Flamingos in Albion Park
Go-To Meal Out: Babyface on Keira Street for their tasting menu
Favorite Cheap Eat: Kiama Scoops for a traditional pork roll
Favorite Place to Buy Fresh Produce: Kiama Farmers Markets and Leisure Coast Fruit Market
What He Loves Most About the Illawarra: The rolling hills and the abundance of fresh seafood
David Beus, The Waterfront
Favorite Coffee Spot: Georgia Rose at the Shell Cove Marina
Go-To Meal Out: Babyface, Bangalay Dining in Shoalhaven Heads, and Night Parrot on Crown Street
Favorite Cheap Eat: Peter’s Bakery in Fairy Meadow for banh mi and Hungry Monkey in Kiama
Favorite Place to Buy Fresh Produce: Leisure Coast and Nowra Farmers Markets
What He Loves Most About the Illawarra: The region offers endless activities for adventurers and nature lovers
Barry Pearson, Boveda
Favorite Coffee Spot: Buck Hamblin in Thirroul and Opus in Wollongong
Go-To Meal Out: K.Malu, unless he’s trying something new out of town
Favorite Cheap Eat: Taco Tuesdays at home with the family
Favorite Place to Buy Fresh Produce: Harley and Johns Seafood, Passion In Fruit, Hasties Top Taste Meats
What He Loves Most About the Illawarra: The stunning view when driving down the mountain
Cory Keating, Bistro On Beaton
Favorite Coffee Spot: Matthew Marks in Shellharbour
Go-To Meal Out: Bull and Bear on Victoria Street in Wollongong
Favorite Cheap Eat: Guzman Y Gomez, which is open late and still offers healthy options
Favorite Place to Buy Fresh Produce: Flame Tree Foods in Thirroul
What He Loves Most About the Illawarra: The region’s working-class community and the opportunity to feed hardworking individuals
Cameron Bailey, Crooked River Winery
Favorite Coffee Spot: Naturally Tasty in Shell Cove
Go-To Meal Out: The Harbourfront with head chef Andy McCormack
Favorite Cheap Eat: Grill’d for simple, healthy, and quick meals
Favorite Place to Buy Fresh Produce: Kiama Fish Market for local and fresh produce
What He Loves Most About the Illawarra: The sense of community, the beautiful beaches, and the rolling hills in Gerringong
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