Tillermans
A historic waterfront restaurant in Tea Gardens offering French-inspired seasonal Australian cuisine with rustic charm and beautiful river views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Tillermans
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic waterfront restaurant in Tea Gardens offering French-inspired seasonal Australian cuisine with rustic charm and beautiful river views.
Check Opening Days
Tillermans may not be open every day; typically open Friday to Sunday. Consider booking events.
Allow Ample Time
Plan for a 1.5-2 hour dining experience, as it's not a fast-food establishment.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
French-Australian Fusion
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Waterfront Dining Experience
Enjoy a meal with picturesque water views in a charming, rustic-chic setting by the Myall River.
French-Inspired Fine Dining
Savor beautifully plated, delicious French-Australian fusion dishes with generous portions.
Historic Charm
Experience dining in a restaurant with a rich local history, operating since 1883.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Days
Tillermans may not be open every day; typically open Friday to Sunday. Consider booking events.
Allow Ample Time
Plan for a 1.5-2 hour dining experience, as it's not a fast-food establishment.
Book in Advance
The restaurant is often fully booked; recommended to book ahead, especially for weekends.
Inquire About Set Menu
If you prefer fewer than 3 courses, ask about alternatives when making reservations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Days
Tillermans may not be open every day; typically open Friday to Sunday. Consider booking events.
Allow Ample Time
Plan for a 1.5-2 hour dining experience, as it's not a fast-food establishment.
Book in Advance
The restaurant is often fully booked; recommended to book ahead, especially for weekends.
Inquire About Set Menu
If you prefer fewer than 3 courses, ask about alternatives when making reservations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tillermans is lauded for its delicious, fine-dining-style meals, friendly service, and picturesque waterfront location. Diners frequently praise the quality of food and the pleasant atmosphere. However, some guests have noted that the restaurant can be pricey, and there are occasional mentions of inconsistent service or the set menu not suiting everyone's preferences.
"Lovely friendly service! Delicious meals with a good 3 course meal deal fine dining and beautifully plated meals.
The 3 course French lunch meal (the deal includes wine) costs $40. The salmon entree was generous with crunchy bread pate. The chicken was hot and great portion. The dessert also nice hot sweet waffle? with strawberry and blackberry. The soup of the day was cold tomato with hot bread, nice combination!
There were some flies flying around unfortunately (summer).
We had a fantastic experience. Thank you!"
Giovanni Mellisa Soesanto
"You could not get a better location for a wonderful lunch, the service, food and atmosphere was 5 star, and to make the afternoon even better, the music being played was incredible, brought back so many memories and emotions from growing up in Brisbane, thank you to the wonderful staff for providing the playlist for the music, forever grateful"
John Ainsley
"Food was what I would consider fine dining. Relatively small Restraunt. Service was fast and friendly. Atmosphere was nice. Slightly pricey but food quality and taste lived up to the price.
Our only complaint was they the only menu option was the 3 course. We rarely eat more than two courses and often share an entree or desert. I feel a 2 course option would have been appropriate.
Also the crème brûlée was a bit heavy with the sage.
We would dine here again on our next visit to tea gardens but would have to starve ourselves before tackling 3 courses each."
John B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Tillermans typically operates from Friday to Sunday, but it's best to check their specific opening days before your visit.
Yes, it's highly recommended to book in advance, as the restaurant is often fully booked, especially on weekends.
While offering fine dining, some guests find the prices to be on the higher side, particularly for the set menu.
Tillermans often features a set 3-course menu. Inquire when booking if you prefer fewer courses.
Yes, Tillermans can be booked for events, making it a suitable option for special occasions.
Yes, there are a couple of outdoor tables available for dining with dogs, both shaded and in the adjacent garden.
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The longest continually operating restaurant on the NSW North Coast, Tillermans can trace its history back to 1883. Today, it’s a warm and welcoming French-inspired cafe and bistro. The indulgent menu includes dishes like a breakfast trifle, sauteed mushrooms with garlic and hazelnut butter, twice bakes goats cheese souffle, and a very Gallic fromage and charcuterie board with duck terrine, chicken liver pâté and pork rillettes.
Port Stephens' Best Restaurants, Stays And Things To Do
On your day trip to Tea Gardens in Port Stephens’ north, book a waterfront table at Tillermans. This is definitely one of those if-you-know-you-know spots, packed with country charm, an excellent award-winning menu and a lot of local history to back it all up. The site is actually the longest continually operating restaurant on the North Coast of NSW, with records dating back to 1883.
10 Best Restaurants in Port Stephens: Discover Coastal Dining at its Finest
Tillermans is a charming waterfront restaurant on the shores of the Myall River. It offers a blend of Modern Australian cuisine with French flair. Known for its commitment to fresh, local ingredients, the restaurant provides an unforgettable dining experience that draws visitors back time and again.
Where to Eat in Port Stephens
Lock in a waterfront table at Tillermans, where country charm and homely food awaits. This lunch spot is actually the longest continually operating restaurant on the North Coast of NSW. While records date back to 1883, Tillermans has been here since 1996.
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