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).

One odd thing about Australia, or at least this part, is the number of places that purport to be…read more"clubs" but require no fee to join. Nor do they have any membership criteria, other than to make you show your ID and get a temporary membership for 30 days. If you happen to lose this membership paper, it's no problem - just show your ID again. It makes me wonder why they bother; and the word "club" also sort of loses its meaning. These clubs tend to have restaurants and bars, but they also allow gambling and gaming, so I can only assume this whole charade is a way to get around gaming laws (?) The RSL club is the largest of these establishments in Merimbula (the other main one being the Sapphire club). It's also the one we've found to have the better food. To be more specific: compared to all restaurants, the food is just average; but the service is fast, the servings are large and the prices are better. The advantage of coming here in a group with varying tastes is the menu - It has a tremendous variety. They seem to offer almost anything you can think of; they even have decent selection of Chinese and Thai offerings. No ordering at the table though; all orders must be placed at the counter. All drink orders must be placed separately at the bar. Weird. My meals so far: -- Nasi goreng: large; nicely prepared meats with the rice mix; Spicing was a little too mild. Not the best I've had, but not bad either. -- Lamb shank: a bit disappointing. The lamb was tender but flavor was very dull. The veggie ratatouille underneath also tasted bland, other than being dominated by tomato flavor. The dish featured a over-large pile of peas on top. (and I can only eat so many peas). Not a repeat order -- Pad See Ew: Pretty good and a large serving. And the price ($14 Aus) was hard to beat The RSL club isn't much too look at. The architecture is utilitarian and the inside looks like a large cafeteria. I may be back before my trip is over, but if not I won't be too upset.

For a seaside town and proud of its fresh seafood the RSL could not have butchered it any more…read more Oysters were the smallest I have ever seen. The Barramundi was grey and unappealing with cold prawns. Flathead fillets are hard to stuff up but they managed to. Soggy batter and chips that hardly saw the oil they were so under cooked. After getting rave reviews from a couple of locals we could not have been more disappointed. The saving grace was the service. It was excellent.

No wonder this artisan bakery is so popular - it is a fantastic bakery. The pies were delicious…read moreand the passionfruit brulee was to die for. The coffee was very good too!!

Excellent pies. Tried both the plain beef and the pepper steak, the latter having real green…read morepeppers and not just peppercorns. Could have been a bit hotter temperature-wise, but that's just me.

Best. Waffle. Ever. And best Eggs Benedict in years…read more Who needs a view of the water when the food is this good? Great Sunday morning breaky spot. Friendly staff. Decent prices. We'd have added photos but we ate it all.

Poor service. Rude cashier who refused to provide extra forks for people sharing the dishes.read more

In The Mix was a bakery in Merimbula that I visited several times for coffee. though I never tried…read morethe baked goods or sandwiches, I did like the vibe here a little better than Willis bakery down the street; it was friendlier and newer. The staff seemed to appreciate my business, and the coffee was excellent. I also noted that they offered gluten-free baked goods, though I'm sad to say I did not get a chance to try any before I left town. On my last visit, blueberry muffins were the featured gluten-free item; but I had just finished a big breakfast. (I should have bought one to go). The outside seating also looked quite inviting. If I get the chance to come back (next year), I will definitely return here to try more of their offerings, sit for a while, and people-watch.

Poppy's is one of several nice breakfast/lunch spots in Merimbula. It's only a stone's throw from…read morethe uber-popular Waterfront Cafe, but the vibe is much different. Where Watefront calls out for tourists to enjoy the view and the hum of humanity, Poppy's is more understated, relaxed, secluded. In a shady alleyway off the main strip, it was a good spot to drink coffee, grab a bite, and read a book; or have a quiet conversation. The menu here was small but excellent. On my first visit I enjoyed a delicious breakfast of fried eggs, local sausage, roasted tomato, homemade rye toast, and a rosti (hashbrown) made from potatoes and pumpkin. I was wishing the latter had more pumpkin flavor, but it was still a great meal. On my second visit I was in the mood for a light lunch and ordered their Asian-style salad with chicken, off the specials menu. It was delicious and fresh; and just what I wanted I enjoyed my meals (and the excellent coffee) at Poppies, but I have to say one of the best aspects was the seclusion. The crowds were relatively light here; and I don't think my work colleagues even knew about it. Consequently it almost felt like my own little hideaway.

After a long overnight ride and sleeping in till midday we desperately needed good coffee and…read morebreakfast! Lucky we found this place.. the coffee was strong and just right, and the food was yummy! Reasonably priced, the portions were generous and the staff is very friendly.. Bonus: the cute courtyard under the trees.. Might come for breakfast again tomorrow!

Lunch in Merimbula This is a great option for lunch and…read morecoffee in Merimbula. The rolls and pies are tasty and the pastries were excellent. The coffee was very good too! The service is friendly and the prices are reasonable!

This place is great. It has the best coffee at the best price in town. I've only had the sourdough,…read morebut as a sample it was great (not as tart as I like, but super flavorful, and welcomes a layer of butter, but doesn't need it). Dave (the owner) is there every morning and animated conversations about anything from local diving, to the tribulations of proofing in a warm climate are a welcome start to the day.