Fathers’ Day is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a chance to pause and celebrate the men who’ve shaped us, supported us, and quietly stood in our corners. It’s less about grand gestures and more about time well spent, and gathering around a table remains one of the best ways to honour that. Here on the South Coast, we’re spoiled for choice.
From vineyard lunches to pub classics, fire cooking to seaside bites, Jervis Bay and its surrounds offer something for every kind of dad. Whether it’s a glass of local wine, a charred steak over fire or a pub classic with a cool beer, it’s the simple joy of family coming together, and the lasting memories from across the table.
In this edition, we share our top Fathers’ Day dining picks, each chosen not just for the food, but for the way they capture what this day is all about.
Tomahawk Feast at Club Jervis Bay
Club Jervis Bay in Huskisson is serving up a feast with a view. At the helm of the Bayview kitchen is new chef Graham Kruger, steering diners straight into a mammoth special: a 1kg tomahawk steak, stacked with beer-battered onion rings, German potato salad, fresh house-dressed salad, chips and a schooner of Stone & Wood, $75.
We spoke to Chef Graham and asked him to share a little about this Fathers’ Day special.
He says, every element on the plate has its place, but it’s the German potato salad that carries a special story.
“The potato salad was inspired by my German background and reminds me of my youth when Sundays meant family gatherings at my grandparents’ home. Everyone would bring a dish, and the potato salad was always a favourite. I learned the recipe from both my grandmothers and my mother. It’s a blend of all three versions, and now I’m proud to share it here.”
Available for lunch and dinner on Sunday 7 September, this Fathers’ Day feast is right here on the bay at Club Jervis Bay. There’s plenty to choose from on the Bayview kitchen menu and if it’s pizza for dad, the Cheesy Grin opens Tuesday-Sunday from 5pm.
Bookings and pre-orders are highly recommended for Sunday 7 September, by calling 02 4441 5282.
Limoncello Experience at La Vespa
If you’re looking to treat Dad this Father’s Day, La Vespa Italian Restaurant in Vincentia shopping village has created something a little different: a full three-course Limoncello Experience for just $35.
It’s generous, full of flavour and comes with a special touch straight from the heart of the restaurant. Owner Lou Casmiri has created a hands-on Limoncello Evening, where each table is treated to a personal demonstration with his very own family recipe.
The menu begins with a choice of starters, creamy Gambari Limoncello prawns or golden arancini served with a delicious house-made Limoncello sauce, this star of the show is a rich, creamy, and refreshing sauce featuring the bright, tart-sweet flavour of Italian limoncello liqueur.
For mains, diners can pick between rich mascarpone and gorgonzola pasta with a bright hint of lemon, or tender scaloppini al Limoncello with prawns. To finish, there’s dessert done the La Vespa way, a mousse or panna cotta infused with their signature Limoncello.
Beyond the menu, hands-on entertainment is highlighted by Lou’s demonstration table set up in the restaurant. Guests are invited to stop by, watch the process of homemade Limoncello come to life, and take home his personal recipe.
Just for Father’s Day, Lou will also be sharing his indulgent Limoncello crema, a new dimension to the classic recipe. This is a treat not usually on offer. We had a sneaky try and it’s divine! Warm, welcoming and a little indulgent, it’s the kind of celebration we think makes Father’s Day feel special.
We sat down and spoke to Lou while he offered a sample of his crema brew and asked him to take us back to his first time trying this iconic citrus liqueur. Lou shares he was just 15 years old in Argentina when his mother Elsa made a batch and ever since he has taken on the family tradition.
For the adventurous, Lou brings out a jar and explains it’s one of his experiments with mandarins and oranges creating new layers of citrus flavour with a different zesty twist.
If you’re spending Fathers’ Day in Jervis Bay, La Vespa promises more than just a meal, it’s an experience to enjoy.
Reserve your table online.
Brazilian BBQ at The Growers by Ponte
If your style for dad is a long, lazy lunch that’s built around fire, flavour, and family, The Growers by Ponte is turning up the heat with a Brazilian-style churrasco BBQ on Sunday 7 September, offering two relaxed sittings at 11.15am and 1.45pm. Located in Worrigee Sports on Greenwell Point Road, it’s about a half-hour drive from Huskisson.
Expect the grill to be loaded with marinated chicken thighs, lamb rump finished with chimichurri, pork and fennel house-made sausages, and salted rump cap beef, each dish carved and served with personal flair.
To balance the rich, smoky flavours, guests can help themselves to a colourful spread of seasonal salads, a quinoa salad with beetroot, spinach and sweet potato; roast pumpkin with feta, rocket and sun-dried tomato; and a warm, crispy potato salad with shallots and salad cream. Rounding out the table will be house-made focaccia, fluffy white rice and a choice of sauces including tangy tomato, smoky BBQ and mustard.
For dessert, sit back and enjoy Belgian chocolate mousse layered with caramelised white chocolate and fresh raspberry, or cool off with a house-made strawberry ice cream.
It’s a celebration designed with the whole family in mind, pricing is suitable for all ages, children’s meals are available, and dietary needs are catered for, with the adult price of $70.50 and kids aged 4-9 $28.50 for a kids’ meal.
Bookings are online only.
Choose Your Favourites at Cambewarra Estate
This year, Cambewarra Estate in Bangalee (North Nowra) is keeping things simple and relaxed with their full à la carte menu available, no set menus in sight. Guests can enjoy the freedom to choose their favourites from seasonal dishes designed to pair effortlessly with Estate-grown wines.
As owner Brett Richardson puts it, “I love recommending our lightly oaked Chardonnay with the snapper fillet $43, these subtle peach notes complement it beautifully. For something heartier, our bold Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect with the Black Angus Eye Fillet Steak $46.”
Their menu offers more casual shared options like tasty tandoori chicken sliders $23 or a slow braised beef sandwich on Turkish bread $26, and a cheese board $38.
Brett describes Father’s Day as a chance to unwind in one of the South Coast’s most picturesque settings with a long lunch overlooking the vineyard, a glass of Estate wine in hand, and maybe a Cambewarra Estate hazy pale ale developed a few years ago in partnership with Cupitt’s Estate.
Drinks are equally versatile. Brett says, “We offer wine tasting paddles, local craft beers and classic cocktails – my recommendation is the Drunk Duck – so there’s something for every dad to enjoy.”
Set against the backdrop of Cambewarra Mountain, the experience is about good food, good wine, and taking time to celebrate with family in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Open from 11.30am to 4pm for lunch on Father’s Day. Bookings are essential.
Kick Off Fathers’ Day Weekend at Old Salt Distillery
Don’t wait for Sunday!
Start Fathers’ Day Weekend at Old Salt Distillery in Nowra’s industrial heart, run by the ever-welcoming chef/owners Terry and Michelle Robinson.
Most of the menu is cooked over fire, and with the open kitchen, you can have a front-row seat. My favourite spot is right up at the bar with a little theatre by Terry, who is a master of the open flame, while sipping something refreshing from the distillery bar.
The flame-grilled steak and the baby octopus are flavour bombs with their charred, smokiness and cooked to perfection.
They take a well-earned family break on Sundays, but you can catch them Friday 5 and Saturday 6 September from 12pm to 9pm. Keep an eye on their socials for days and times of opening.
Treat Dad to a memorable fire-based menu, a cold beer, or something from their range of spirits and cocktails. Make up a quenching gift pack including their hoodie merch. There’s indoor and outdoor seating and you can make an optional booking by email, info@oldsaltdistillery.com.
Share a Perfect Day at Cupitt’s Estate
Fathers’ Day at Cupitt’s Estate Winery Ulludalla is serving up hearty dishes made to share. At the heart of the menu is their signature 12-hour slow-braised “Junee” Lamb Shoulder that falls off the bone. Served with romesco sauce, triple-cooked crispy potatoes, and a pear, gorgonzola, walnut & radicchio salad, perfectly portioned to feed four people $160.00.
In the Dining Room, a Fathers’ Day steak special takes centre stage with a 500g Little Joe’s grass-fed sirloin steak, red wine butter, charred greens and two sides, feeds two people for $119.
To make the day even sweeter, dads can enjoy complimentary tastings in the Cellar Door, while the Wine Garden hums with the sounds of Richard & The Lionhearts. With rolling hills as the backdrop and plenty of space for kids (and dogs) to roam, it’s an afternoon that blends flavour, music and family time seamlessly.
Bookings are highly recommended.
Settle in at Altar Wine Bar
In the grounds of a historic church dating back to 1885 is the Altar Wine Bar in Milton, an idyllic spot for Fathers’ Day with views of rolling hills and vineyards, a leafy courtyard and oodles of charm, and perfect for families with young ones.
On Sunday 7 September from 3pm to 6pm, the Sultans of Spin will be on the decks, filling the courtyard with smooth vinyl grooves and providing an easy soundtrack for Dad to enjoy a glass of local wine or beverage of choice, while the kids stretch their legs in the garden grounds.
The menu brings the setting to life, showcasing dishes that balance indulgence with a relaxed, share-style spirit.
Start with the cheese of the day with pickles, honey gel and focaccia $19 before moving to the delicate scallop sashimi with sesame, lime and ginger $24 or the fresh, zesty cured kingfish with burnt butter and hazelnut $28.
Heartier favourites include the fried boneless chicken with gravy $45 and BBQ beef short rib with chimichurri $45. For something a little celebratory, the beef carpaccio $38 or Peking duck spring polls 4pc $15 never disappoint, there’s plenty more to choose from.
Bookings essential.
