As promised, the follow-up to Trusted Travel’s guide to Wollongong is going to be food, food and more food.
With so many of our awesome staff either living in, or originally from The Gong, we’re gunna let you in on our favourite places to eat out! From fine dining to hip nooks in the wall to food from different corners of the globe, this guide reflects the personal taste of our people. Bon Appetit!
Kel
Steamers Bar and Grill right on the water at Wollongong’s City Beach probably has the best location in town. It has sweeping views that can be enjoyed on a nice evening out or on a sparkling Wollongong afternoon. Steamers also has a large and diverse menu so everybody will be happy!
Dumplings are a comfort food for lots of people and the best in the Illawarra can be found at Kiama Dumpling Shop. It’s cheap, cheerful and most importantly delicious!
Jen
No messing about here. All about big hearty meals.
The Living Room on Keira Street, which specialises in Greek inspired food, classic European and hearty, meaty fare, does an epic all you can eat Sunday roast. Make sure you book it in!
For the best pub grub outside of town, head to Bellambi Pub (Belza to the locals). Their lamb cutlets are to die for and won’t leave you hungry!
Scott
Lately I’ve been loving the food at Balinese Spice Magic. Some of their classic Indonesian dishes like Mie Goreng and Gado-gado are off the chart.
They’ve also got some amazing unique entrees. Share a few among your table.
Lisa
I love to eat at Mylan. Mylan offers a broad range of Asian and Asian fusion dishes with a distinct Vietnamese flair. On a stretch of Kiera Street that has seen so many restaurants come and go over the years, Mylan has stood the test of time and is truly a Wollongong institution. Their Satay is the bomb!
Another vote for Steamers Bar and Grill. The seafood is epic! Take a friend (or 2) and split a woodfired seafood board!
Another Wollongong institution is Samaras Lebanese Restaurant. These guys are the O.G., cult classic Middle Eastern restaurant in the Illawarra. They actually have two locations. One in town and one in Woonona. They also have a food truck which you can chase from spot to spot.
Dave
I grew up in Thirroul – sometimes known as Thai-rroul due to the number of Thai restaurants. There’s not bad Thai in Thirroul so head up north and pick any one of them.
Sukkho Thai, next door to Anita’s theatre, probably has the most interesting menu.
My sister is a massive fan of Old Siam on Macauley Street. She reckons an Old Siam lunch special and bottle of Gatorade on a Saturday will have you feeling chipper regardless of what Friday night held.
I’m also gunna give a vote to Manjits in Corrimal. Yet another Illawarra institution that serves easily the best Indian food that I’ve ever had in Australia. The Barrah Kebab (marinated lamb cutlets) are AMAZING. They also have heaps of good vegetarian friendly dishes.
Ida
I love a unique dining experience and Jasmin Rice Thai in town offers that. Sit on the floor and pick plenty of dishes to share but make sure you order some Yum Duck.
I also love Japanese food. Fresh ingredients are the key to the best East Asian fare and at Roppongi on Market Street they only use the freshest.
Whether you’re a local looking for inspiration or visiting the Gong for the first time. Hit up the places on this list for the best grub in town as voted by Trusted Travel.
Have we missed anything? Comment in Facebook to tell us where to get your favourite tucker in the Illawarra.