When the many visitors thronging Kiama ask locals for their recommendations for quality only the locals know, everyone has their own hidden gem, often just a little off the beaten track of the main streets. 

This week, The Bugle looks at fun but hidden eateries, in alphabetical order, the locals know and recommend.

Next week we will look at a different theme for Hidden Gems in the Kiama LGA the locals know and recommend the visitors want to know and try out!

Blue Swimmer Cafe Gerroa

Owners Daniel Dewhurst, with his wide culinary experience in South America, and Paul Dewhurst, and chef Joey Spencer have brought their big city expertise in giving just the right touch to food to Gerroa and have put together a menu and ambience that reflects Gerroa’s relaxed and summery lifestyle. Within walking distance of Crooked River and Seven Mile Beach you often see a large group of happy visitors and locals filling up the place and enjoying a wonderful menu -whether a light quick meal of local seafood including oysters and prawns and of course for the big dinner the blue swimmer crab. For those feeling a bit brave and especially hungry, ask for the ‘Feed Me’ option which is Chef’s Choice.

Check them out at theblueswimmer.com.au

Fish Vibes Jones Beach Kiama Downs

Just across from Jones Beach in Kiama Downs, at the Jones Beach shops at 13 Johnson Street, is Fish Vibes which takes the classic fish’n’chips and adds a vibe to make the experience more memorable. The Signature Vibes include a Battered Barra roll, the popular Fried Snapper Tacos ad even the Moroccan Charred Octopus Salad. 

Check them out at fishvibes.com.au

Gainsborough Take-Away and Chicken Shop

Found at North Kiama at the Gainsborough shops near the FoodWorks grocery store in Meehan Drive, this is the classic Aussie takeaway where Adrian does all the classics of takeaway food of burgers, fish and chips and roasted chickens with the family recipe stuffing. It's not fancy but it's all-superior, fast, friendly, and enjoyable. Adrian knows everyone in North Kiama, and everyone knows Adrian. 

Little Earth Roaster Cafe

One of the top local coffee recommendations, Little Earth Roasters roasts their award-winning coffee on-site and has a legion of loyal locals who will queue out the door someday to get their daily orders. It is found at the Little Blowhole Shops in Tingira Crescent in South Kiama.

They also have a second cafe site, West End Coffee, which is on Terralong Street opposite Kiama Village and is very popular with the workers at the rebuild of Woolworths there.

Check them out at littleearthroasters.com.au

Lulu’s at The Lodge

Lulu’s is the indoor restaurant at The Lodge at the bottom of Jamberoo Pass at 406 Jamberoo Mountain Road Jamberoo. The drive there shows off Jamberoo Valley at its best. While mostly a wedding venue, you can book a meal from an international chef team who take their food seriously but also love to have fun. There is a great list of local and international drinks at Fin’s Bar, which specialises in some very serious but very fun cocktails. The champagne garden is more outdoors with grazing boards to enjoy outdoors in the wonderful Jamberoo rainforest. 

Check them out at thelodgejamberoo.com.au

Minnamurra Cafe

This cafe is well patronised by locals, whether it's a quick coffee, or a lovely breakfast, brunch or lunch or even a private function, and is found at 1A Rangoon Road, Minnamurra within an easy walking distance of Minnamurra River. They have lately added specialist menus such as Devonshire teas on Tuesdays and artisan pizza nights on Friday nights. Worth signing first to book a table. Check them out on Instagram at @minnamurra_cafe

Moist’N’Glazed

This a cosy and avant-garde-styled doughnut cafe at 28 Bong Bong St Kiama, near the railway bridge and directly opposite Nova Kiama Hotel, which is also rather cosy and avant-garde, and specialises in giant doughnuts with lashings of decorative edibles you can choose to add, and have become popular as a venue for kids birthday parties locally.

Check out their online order system at moistnglazed.com

Ola Chola 

Ola Chola is the featured Mexican food van at the Kiama Farmers Market food alley every Wednesday from 2pm at Coronation Park near Surf Beach in Manning Street Kiama.

Locally based, it pops up at all the local festivals and many other events. It does a big range of burgers (including the La Royal) and chips, but also their classic savoury empanada and a range of nachos and paella bowls. Check them out on their Facebook page.

Slow Dough

This artisan bakery at 19 Bong Bong St, is a newcomer to the Kiama scene and only had their spot opening on Saturday 7 January, 2023. They offer naturally leavened breads such as sourdough but also a range of sweet treats that will change week to week. They will be open three days a week Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8am to 2pm in the old house next to the Kiama Uniting Church. Check them out at slowdough.com.au

Werri Beach Takeaway 

At 29 Pacific Ave, right opposite Werri Beach in Gerringong south of Kiama, doing classic fish’n’chips, burgers and coffee. A simple and enjoyable food option for locals and visitors enjoying the summer at the local beaches especially around Gerringong. A classic style takeaway by the beach, with an open terrace where you can sit and eat and overlook Werri Beach across the road. Best to ring them on 02 4234 1505 and pick up your order when you arrive!

Wild Ginger

Last but only because it's alphabetical, and definitely not least, is Wild Ginger on Collins Street. A local favourite with a set menu with guaranteed share favourites for all, for group meals. If you regard yourself as a bit of a foodie, step up and try their carefully balanced sweet, spicy and salty creations in their Classic Banquet, or even their Signature Banquet, you won't be disappointed. The Yum Cha for lunch is very popular also. The Single Fin Kiosk is open from Wednesdays and offers cocktails and superb fish and chips. Mojito and Barramundi and chips, what is more holiday day bliss than that?

if you are a local why not send your Hidden Gems recommendations inf Kiama LGA to [email protected]