Maccoa: Eat out Like Ducks on Terrigal’s Waterfront
Named after the ducks that frequent the area, Maccoa has become one of the most popular beachside eateries on the Central Coast.
Located at local landmark The Clan, this restaurant offers food and a vibe that matches the calibre of its location.
Maccoa, Terrigal Photo: Lisa Haymes
Close enough to everything the centre of Terrigal has to offer but far enough away to avoid it (and its parking woes) if that’s what you prefer, the restaurant sits on the lake’s shore and has 180-degree views of the water stretching across to the Skillion.
The elegant blue and white interior is fresh and light, welcoming and cosy, with a touch of greenery hanging from the walls.
Maccoa, Terrigal Photo: Lisa Haymes
Clever design means every table gets a view of the water, so there’s no need to ask for a “good table”. And there’s a courtyard for al fresco dining from which you can literally step away from your table and onto the sand.
Simply put, it’s the perfect spot to sit and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner or just a glass of wine and some nibbles.
Granola parfait at Maccoa, Terrigal Photo: Lisa Haymes
Your hosts are foodie sisters Rebecca (who’ll greet you at the door) and Melissa (who’ll say hi to you from the kitchen). They grew up in the hospitality industry and their passion for Maccoa is obvious – they are so welcoming and friendly you’ll feel like you could stay all day just chatting to them.
Within minutes of watching them work, it’s obvious the food is made with love – and the results are exciting, delicious and very reasonably priced.
The menu is seasonal and uses only the freshest produce – much of it sourced locally. Melissa buys “whatever is fresh and looks good” and adapts the menu to suit, which makes for an interesting and ever-changing selection.
Maccoa banana bread Photo: Lisa Haymes
Maccoa’s breakfast menu includes favourites like The Big Brekkie, smashed avo and pancakes and the banana bread comes with overflowing berries and a rich, velvety cinnamon butter.
The granola parfait is almost too pretty to eat with it’s perfectly balanced layers of crunchy coconut and quinoa granola, vanilla yogurt and berry compote.
Wild mushrooms at Maccoa, Terrigal Photo: Lisa Haymes
It’s easy to see why the sautéed wild mushrooms is a popular choice for diners. The perfectly poached eggs and lightly sautéed selection of mushrooms piled on top of toasted sourdough and finished with pesto, and truffle oil rarely lasts long on the plate.
Another favourite is the appropriately named ‘Gym Junkie’, a colourful bowl of poached eggs, freshly smoked salmon, quinoa, avocado, greens and fresh tomato. This is a healthy, low carb breakfast that not only fills you up but tastes good.
Maccoa, Terrigal Photo: Lisa Haymes
Maccoa also does amazing fresh juices and Little Marionette coffee – both available to take away. Actually, Rebecca is happy to do anything off the menu that “fits into the container” as takeaway if you don’t have time to sit and enjoy the view.
Maccoa’s lunch and dinner menus offer something for everyone and there’s plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options. If you have any special dietary requirements just let the girls know and they’ll be happy to tweak a dish to suit.
Maccoa, Terrigal Photo: Lisa Haymes
Popular on Wednesdays and Thursdays is Local’s Night which offers a new menu each week, released the day before so you know what’s on offer. Local’s nights are BYO and very popular, so it’s a good idea to book.
You can also order from the sharing menus which are a great way to taste a bit of everything and Sunday Sessions are a good way to sample the wine list or try a cocktail. Parents will be happy with the great “Ducklings” menu too.
Maccoa, Terrigal Photo: Lisa Haymes
Maccoa takes advantage of The Clan’s incredible location and does not disappoint, serving exceptional food in a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere.
It’s a fresh, new dining experience for Coasties for breakfast and lunch.
