JOSE JONES RESTAURANT & BAR
This bar in the Thirroul Beach Motel draws a loyal
crowd with live music, from doo-wop a cappella to
“South Coast hillbilly Gothic ballads”. Craft beers go
well with the likes of bourbon-glazed chicken wings
and pork belly sliders.222 Lawrence Hargrave Dr,
Thirroul, NSW, (02) 4268 5406, josejones.com.au
KNEADING RUBY
A wood-fired oven turns out the best pizze in town
at this lively laneway eatery in a converted warehouse.
Expect toppings such as fennel salami, ’nduja, zucchini
flowers, goat’s curd and San Marzano tomatoes.
A generous helping of gnocchi comes with peas and
pancetta, with sides such as shaved cabbage salad
with dried figs and pecans, and chunky polenta chips
with Gorgonzola and cauliflower sauce and kale dust.
Finish with a Negroni granita (or whipped Nutella
for kids). Takeaway is available but it’s better fun to
eat in and enjoy the cocktail shaking, sharp service
and people watching.5 Crown Ln, Wollongong, NSW,
(02) 4229 7829, kneadingruby.com.au
MOORE STREET GENERAL
Opposite the Bread Circle bakery, this nouveau-hippie
café serves Single O coffee in ceramic vessels
handmade by local artists. The service is unhurried
(and sometimes hit and miss), the food homey and
simple, using locally grown greens from Pope’s Produce
in Woonona. Favourites include the doorstop toastie
of Bread Circle sourdough with cashew butter, roasted
cauliflower, roasted pumpkin, micro-greens and
dukkah, and muffins of ricotta and fresh fruit. Hungry
surfers refuel with baked eggs with borlotti beans
cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The boho vibe extends
next door at Indian homeware and clothing store
Haveli, and across the street at Mala Beads.38 Moore
St, Austinmer, NSW, yooying.com/moorestreetgeneral
SOUTH SAILOR
A Cinderella makeover has turned this modest 1940s
fish and chip shop into a lively fish café with a bar
serving light meals such as ceviche and sashimi,
courtyard tables and a kids’ beach cubby. With seafood
from Shellharbour markets, chef Graham Ette elevates
chip-shop fare: grilled, crumbed or battered catch of
the day, fish tacos with chipotle mayo and fennel slaw,
Nepalese fish curry, and a prettily deconstructed prawn
cocktail with seaweed salad and puffed grains. When it
gets busy at weekends, order takeaway and stroll across
the road for a beach picnic.216 Lawrence Hargrave Dr,
Thirroul, NSW, 4268 6008, southsailor.com.au●
GOURMET TRAVELLER 165