The Waterfront was THE most popular spot in Merimbula for breakfast and brunch, and no wonder. It…read morewas right on the town boardwalk, with open views of the estuary beyond. It had everything such a place should have: decent food, good coffee, and people watching. There was also plenty of parking nearby on an expanded section of roadway next to the visitor center. Like a lot of places in town, the menu was a little small. They had one type of omelet, an eggs benedict dish, one pancake dish, etc. I chose the "eggs my way" dish on both my visits, since I just wanted something basic and flexible. This came with a number of optional side for an extra cost: baked beans, spinach, roasted tomatoes, sausage or bacon. (Australian bacon is like a piece of Canadian bacon joined to a piece of american bacon - back bacon meets pork belly). We saw a lot of regulars here, with a few sitting in the same spots (I assume they get there early). Nice hometown feel, but that's true of a lot of places in Merimbula. A really nice spot, but not my favorite in town (that role is filled by Bar Beach Kiosk); Grading on the local curve, this one gets 4 stars.

Another gem in Merimbula. This is a favorite of the local first responders, and it's no mystery…read morewhy. Coming from the US, where eggs Benedict with house made hollandaise is a rarity, theirs is superb. While I haven't had it, many of my coworkers rave about the house made OJ too. For that matter, they have all enjoyed their meals to a man (and woman).

Delicious steak sandwich with the lot and plenty of outdoor seating…read more I would definitely stop in again if we were down this way.

Best cafe in Town, the only cafe to offer a unique choice of Flame Grilled chicken, which is tender…read moreand tasty. Great service and all at an affordable price, what else could you ask for? To top it all off go and visit the antique shop next door which will take you back to the past with a vast range of old wares and collectables. 10+

Cranky's is a must go to cafe located on the Fishpen, across from Ford Oval in Merimbula. Casual &…read morerelaxed atmosphere, wonderful sauces, relishes, homemade style burgers served inside & fantastic fish & chips from the takeaway courtyard. Be delighted. Love the place & as a local this is where we go.

Awesome cafe right in the heart of Merimbula beach. We stopped here for coffee, sandwiches, beer,…read morejuice, etc during our trip and everything was excellent. Friendly staff. Great options. Check it out!

Exceptional food, both presentation, freshness and taste…read more It's a historic setup. Service was superb (12 guests meals delivered all at once)

Ordered: 2 pies (turkey), Gnocchi, Lemon Tart, glass of Shiraz & bottle of Fifty Lashes. Wanted to…read moreeat more......... Great service, relaxed and friendly environment in the middle of nowhere. Can't wait to go back!!

Pleasant venue. My impression was that it was more of a restaurant than coffee shop but they were…read morehappy to do "just coffee"! Business is for sale (July 2025)

It was a quiet day in the restaurant. Food was ordinary. Staff not attentive to clearing plates…read more Coffee is usually good, but not today, actually awful. Servers would benefit with basic etiquette training. Such a pity as the food used to be good and the decor is lovely.

We stopped at Nick's for breakfast and wished we hadn't…read more Our orders were pretty simple--poached egg on toast with a pot of tea for the missus and scrambled egg on toast with sausage and a long black coffee for me. Somehow the drink orders got lost. We had to follow up, and the drinks arrived at least 20 minutes after we initially ordered. Food service was also glacially slow. The restaurant had only a few customers, so there shouldn't have been any issues. When the food did arrive, the missus' poached eggs were perfect. But my scramble, which arrived a few minutes after hers, was scorched, while the sausage was just barely warm. To Nick's credit, the waitress was apologetic and voluntarily comped us for the very late drinks. However, visitors can get better breakfasts and service at the other bakeries and cafes along the Lake Entrance Esplanade.

Full of locals for lunch taking advantage of their lunch special. Decor is good. View is great…read more Staff are a little outnumbered but on the job. The panang beef was a little too watery and a little short on peanut flavour for my taste but at $13 it was great to sit gown and enjoy the view and the meal. Forgot two meals but they arrived pronto once pointed out and gave us on for free yo make up for it. Overall, a good stop.

There is a large choice of cafes in Bairnsdale, but the New Leaf Cafe is definitely the best in my…read moreopinion. You can usually get a good gauge on how good an eatery is by how many people are there, and the New Leaf is always buzzing with life. The food is delicious and nutritious, the staff are lovely, and they also offer a fantastic catering service. If you're passing through and want a tasty lunch be sure to check it out- it is inside a hardware store but don't let that put you off- it just means you also have the option of dining out in their beautiful garden department.

Great breakfast wrap and coffee, very relaxing garden centre surroundings. Recommended.read more

One of my favourite ever cafes. I'm from Melbourne and…read morepicky as anything about cafes and coffee and can't BELIEVE that little old Bairnsdale is so lucky to have this one. I've eaten there and had take away many many times and it is consistently excellent. I've never had a single bad meal and their coffee is fantastic. Generous serves and quality ingredients, and a really good menu. Service is great too.