Nice little country cafe, great cakes and light meals. Locally owned and managed, meaning a very…read moregrass roots experience.

Stumbled upon this little place while looking for a rest stop on our long drive. It's situated on…read morethe highway - blink and you'll miss it! We were greeted by the owners beautiful dog, then the owners themselves. They were warm and genuine. This little place has it all: hot meals, sandwiches, cakes, pies, sausage rolls, snacks, drinks, tea, coffee... not to mention locally made crafts. We had breakfast and it was well priced, not fancy, more home-cooked, but definitely in a good way. There's a few tables inside but if the weather is suitable, go to the deck out the back and enjoy the views over the gully. There's toilets available for customers, and sufficient parking out front. Give this place a go!

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).

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.

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!

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.

Awesome place, food excellent, service cant be beat, highly recommended. Pizzas very good value.read more

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.

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!

Best breakfast so far on our Australia travels. Off the main street only a block which makes for…read morea pleasant quiet spot to enjoy. Warm and friendly service. Highly recommend.

Great coffee - super brekky and lunch items as well as delicious cakes & donuts !…read more Very Covid safe and super friendly staff