Wollongong has some choice bars (Black Cockatoo,hello),but a cool space offering excellent cocktails,wine and snackable food has long been missing. Enter Roy’s,which opened in late 2023 and became an instant hit for its easy-going menu and affordable line-up of natural Australian fizz (and white,orange and red).

The lighting is low,the mood is high and starting with a vodka watermelon highball and devilled mussels is the smart move. Snapper crudo is sent into orbit with hot mustard dressing;ribbons of charred zucchini are bolstered by a full-flavoured romesco;and a tangy steak tartare comes out completely hidden under a crunch of matchstick fries.

Market fish (hapuka,say) is on hand if you’re in for a longer session,but there’s a lot to like about just grabbing a window seat and a cheese plate for some people-watching.

Continue thisseries

Illawarra&Shoalhaven

Up next

South on Albany

A cosy regional charmer.

Previous

Restaurant Santino

Mood-lit haven for a big night out or relaxed pasta lunch.

See all stories