Restaurant
1 / 3

Sandpipers Restaurant and Bar - Restaurant Nelson Bay

,

A family-owned gem in Nelson Bay offering a creative, modern Australian menu with a focus on fresh seafood and perfectly cooked meats.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Restaurant

Sandpipers Restaurant and Bar - Restaurant Nelson Bay

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A family-owned gem in Nelson Bay offering a creative, modern Australian menu with a focus on fresh seafood and perfectly cooked meats.

"The food at Sandpipers really speaks for itself; fantastic food matched by impeccable service."

TIP

Book Ahead

Secure a table during busy periods, especially if you desire outdoor seating.

BYO Option

Consider bringing your own wine with a $5 corkage fee per head for an affordable choice.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 9PM

Cuisine

Modern Australian, Seafood

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+61 2 4984 9990

Address

81 Magnus St, Nelson Bay NSW 2315, Australia

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Prawn Linguine & Seafood Delights

Prawn Linguine & Seafood Delights

Indulge in outstanding dishes like the signature Prawn linguine special and generous portions of fresh seafood.

Discover Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Port StephensGoogle Review
Tasting Platters

Tasting Platters

Share an assortment of delicious bites with the popular tasting plates, perfect for trying a variety of flavors.

Google Review+2
Cozy & Welcoming Atmosphere

Cozy & Welcoming Atmosphere

Experience top-notch service in a cozy, family-owned restaurant with a laid-back ambiance.

Google Review+1
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Book Ahead

Secure a table during busy periods, especially if you desire outdoor seating.

BYO Option

Consider bringing your own wine with a $5 corkage fee per head for an affordable choice.

Midweek Specials

Look out for midweek specials offering great value on two-course meals.

Street Style Dining

Enjoy street-style dining with a good menu selection and a range of drinks.

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Ahead

Secure a table during busy periods, especially if you desire outdoor seating.

BYO Option

Consider bringing your own wine with a $5 corkage fee per head for an affordable choice.

Midweek Specials

Look out for midweek specials offering great value on two-course meals.

Street Style Dining

Enjoy street-style dining with a good menu selection and a range of drinks.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Sandpipers Restaurant is consistently praised for its delicious and creative modern Australian seafood and meat dishes, with many diners highlighting the fresh ingredients and perfect preparation. The friendly and attentive service contributes to a welcoming dining experience, making it a top choice for many visiting Nelson Bay. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few mention issues with certain dishes being too spicy or salty, and one noted a lack of high chairs for toddlers.

"Had an amazing dinner at Sandpipers Restaurant recently! I ordered the steak, which was cooked perfectly—tender and full of flavor. The plating was really nice, and everything looked just as good as it tasted. My friends tried the tasting plate and the carbonara pasta, and they loved it too.
The staff were friendly and made sure we had a great experience. It was a bit busy, but the food made it worth the wait. If you’re looking for a spot with delicious food and great service, I’d definitely recommend Sandpipers!""

Gyanu K.C.

"Beautiful food and friendly service. Highly recommend the seafood chowder and prawn pasta (though it was a little too spicy for me) Fish of the day was great too. Will definitely come back next time we're in Nelson Bay"

Paul ng

"Excellent and delicious food. Eating the food made me want to come again. The food I recommend is the prawn and the the meat combo. The food was great and their service was great. They were really friendly and served without hostility. It was a bit slow but other than that I recommend this place."

Shirley He

What People Like

Amazing food quality
Fresh seafood
Friendly and attentive service

What People Dislike

Occasional spiciness/saltiness
Limited toddler facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Diners rave about the Prawn linguine special, seafood platters, seafood chowder, and pork belly.

Discover Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Port StephensGoogle Review+2

Yes, outdoor seating is available and recommended if the weather permits for a more enjoyable experience.

Google Review

Yes, Sandpipers offers a BYO option with a $5 corkage fee per head.

Google Review+1

Yes, it is highly recommended to book in advance, especially during busy periods, to secure a table.

Google Review

While generally accommodating, one reviewer noted a lack of high chairs for toddlers.

Google Review

Prices are considered fair and reasonable for the quality of food and service provided.

Google Review+1

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

bohvp.mttpov.com

Sandpipers Restaurant menu #4 of 180 places to eat in Nelson Bay. Two Bobs Bakery menu #7 of 180 places to eat in … 2 Brothers Indian Restaurant in Nelson Bay - Order from … 2 Brother WebView the full menu from 2 Brothers Indian Restaurant in Nelson Bay 2315 and place your order online. Wide selection of Indian food to have … take something/someone with a grain of salt 2 Brothers Indian Restaurant Restaurants Nelson Bay NSW 2 Brother THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Nelson Bay - Tripadvisor Web3 Brothersss Indian Restaurant flaunts ingenious Indian cuisine by complementing the flavours and traditions of India – using fresh, local, … WebInnovation and creativity.

Visit Source →
Australia Travel Hub

10 Best Restaurants in Port Stephens: Discover Coastal Dining at its Finest

Located in the heart of Nelson Bay, Sandpipers Restaurant offers a taste of Australian and seafood cuisine in a comfortable, inviting setting. Known for its thoughtfully crafted dishes, the restaurant provides a welcoming spot for casual dining that appeals to families, groups, and anyone looking for a relaxing meal. While not on the waterfront, Sandpipers makes up for it with a menu that showcases fresh, flavourful options, from the grilled octopus and chowder to unique twists like the white chocolate spring roll dessert.

Visit Source →
Search and Stay

Discover Top 10 Seafood Restaurants in Port Stephens

This family-owned Sandpipers in Nelson Bay is a cosy restaurant, perfect for a peaceful dinner. Serving a menu based around classic steak and fish meals as well as more modern fusion-style dishes where seafood naturally plays a large role. Complemented by a reasonable wine list, the Sandpiper menu boasts the best Prawn linguine with whole butter-fried scampi for miles and the mixed seafood chowder is also a fan favourite.

Visit Source →
Nelson Bay Accommodation

Nelson Bay Restaurants, Cafés, Eateries

Sandpipers is a family-owned and operated restaurant with a commitment to using the freshest local seafood and produce ensuring a modern Australian menu that caters to all tastes. With its combination… of great food, attentive service, and a laid-back ambience, it is the ideal destination to experience the finest offerings of Nelson Bay. Opening Hours Monday – Sunday: 5:30 PM

Visit Source →
Hunter and Bligh

The Weekender: Nelson Bay, NSW

Sandpipers is the classiest restaurant in town, serving up modern Australian cuisine with the freshest local produce. Indulge in satiating dishes like slow-cooked Sandpiper’s Pork Belly ($34), Cashew Nut Butter Chicken ($34), Scotch Fillet ($38) or even Slipper Lobster Linguine ($34). Match your savoury choice with a boozy beverage before topping it off with dessert.

Visit Source →
localista.com.au

Restaurants in Nelson Bay, NSW, AU

Dolphin House Korean Restaurant is a must-visit for those craving Korean cuisine, and Sandpipers Restaurant is well-known for its range of satisfying dishes. Nigronis Pizza offers wood-fired pizzas and modern Italian fare in a cozy atmosphere, and Sienna's Pizzeria & Bar is a popular spot for a relaxed yet glamorous dining experience.

Visit Source →
weekendnotes.com

Where are the Most Romantic Seafood Restaurants around Nelson Bay

Other romantic seafood restaurants in the Nelson Bay area include Shoal Bay Country Club , Mavericks on the Bay , Oysters on the Bay , Sandpipers , The Wharf and the Seafood Buffet Dinner Cruise on Moonshadow Cruises .

Visit Source →
Concrete Playground

A Weekender's Guide to Port Stephens

Another option is Sandpipers Restaurant, which you'll find in town. Here, the kitchen whips up all kinds of seafood wonders, like prawn hot pot with Turkish bread, seafood chowder and crab and parmesan arancini.

Visit Source →
Drone & DSLR

Explore Port Stephens, NSW - Top Things To Do

Visit Source →
The Retreat Port Stephens

Food and Wine NSW

Visit Source →
Sandpipers Restaurant and Bar - Restaurant Nelson Bay (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide