Forget the passport – Wollongong’s serving up a global feast, and your tastebuds are invited. From rich, slow-cooked curries to handmade pasta, crispy bánh mì to sizzling souvlaki, this coastal city is a foodie’s dream with flavours from every corner of the map.
Whether you’re chasing comfort, spice, or something totally unexpected, we’ve got five delicious stops that’ll take you around the world – no customs check required.
Hungry yet? Let’s eat our way across the globe, one Wollongong bite at a time.
First stop: Italy – BASTA Trattoria, Hotel TOTTO
Craving a little slice of la dolce vita without leaving the Gong? Say ciao to BASTA Trattoria, a laidback yet stylish spot tucked inside Hotel TOTTO that’s dishing up all the charm of a Mediterranean getaway – minus the long-haul flight.
Whether you’re in the mood for a freshly shaken spritz or diving fork-first into a bowl of silky cacio e pepe, this place knows how to set the mood. Their wood-fired pizzas come out hot, saucy, and just the right amount of crispy – because life’s too short for soggy crusts.
From house-marinated olives to a picture-perfect margherita, every dish is a love letter to Italian tradition (with just the right amount of Wollongong edge). And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying the tiramisu. It’s rich, creamy, and basically a sweet little mic drop to end the meal.
It’s a warm, flavour-filled Italian escape right in the city centre – no passport required.
Next stop: Greece – The Living Room, Wollongong CBD
Opa! Your tastebud tour of the world continues – this time with a quick hop over to Greece… or at least, it’ll feel that way the moment you step into The Living Room. Nestled right in the heart of Wollongong’s CBD, this warm and welcoming gem blends laidback Aussie charm with sun-drenched Greek flavours that’ll transport you straight to a seaside taverna in the Aegean.
Here, it’s all about good food, cold beer, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like family. You’ll want to start with their legendary pita and house-made dips – creamy, zesty, and so moreish you’ll be scooping till the plate’s licked clean. Each dip has its own personality, and yes, it’s impossible to pick a favourite.
Then there’s the moussaka. Rich, hearty, and layered to perfection, it’s comfort food with a Greek soul – possibly the best you’ll taste outside of Santorini (and we’re not just saying that). Pair it with a frosty tap beer, kick back, and let the good vibes roll.
The Living Room is the kind of place you pop into for a bite… and end up staying all afternoon. Yamas to that!
Next stop: India – Seaside Shahi, North Wollongong
Craving spice with a side of sea breeze? Welcome to Seaside Shahi – where India’s rich culinary heritage meets the laid-back rhythm of North Wollongong’s coastline. It’s the kind of place where you can soak up ocean views and bold, aromatic flavours in one seriously satisfying sitting.
Inside, regal Indian-inspired décor meets coastal cool. Think golden accents, warm lighting, and the kind of ambience that wraps around you like a spice-scented hug. But the real showstopper? The food. We’re talking butter chicken so velvety it practically melts in your mouth, tender lamb dishes that are packed with flavour, and an Aloo Tikki that’s crispy, comforting, and impossible to share (trust us, order two).
Every dish at Seaside Shahi is a tribute to tradition – authentic, deeply spiced, and served with a modern twist that keeps locals coming back for more. It’s a full sensory experience where the vibrant colours, bold flavours and beachy breeze all come together in perfect harmony.
So go on – kick off your shoes, pass the naan, and take your tastebuds on a seaside holiday to India.
Next stop: Vietnam – Little Vietnam, Wollongong CBD
Ready for a flavour bomb that’ll transport you straight to the buzzing streets of Hanoi? Little Vietnam is your next destination – right in the heart of Wollongong’s CBD, where sizzling woks, fragrant herbs and that signature Vietnamese hospitality await.
Step inside and you’ll instantly feel like part of the family. This place is all about the real deal – generous portions, vibrant flavours, and the kind of authentic cooking that’s been passed down through generations. It’s warm, it’s welcoming, and it’s packed with personality.
Kick things off with their rice paper rolls – rolled fresh to order, bursting with herbs, prawns or tofu, and paired with a dipping sauce that hits just right. Then, slurp your way through a steaming bowl of pho, loaded with silky noodles and rich, aromatic broth that’s been simmered to perfection. Feeling bold? Tackle the spicy noodles for a fiery hit that’ll have you wiping your brow and going back for more.
Little Vietnam isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a mini adventure. A celebration of Vietnam’s love affair with bold ingredients, fresh produce, and deep, soul-warming flavours. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a feast, it’s the perfect pit stop on your global food tour!
Final stop: Around the World – Steamers Bar & Grill, Wollongong
Can’t decide on just one cuisine? Why should you have to! At Steamers Bar & Grill, you don’t need a passport – just an appetite. Perched right by the sea in Wollongong, this globally inspired hotspot is your one-way ticket to the world’s best street eats, all served up in a single sitting.
The à la carte menu is a wanderlust-filled adventure, dishing up flavours from every corner of the globe – think miso-seared salmon, Israeli-spiced lamb, prawn dumplings, and so much more. Whether your tastebuds are in the mood for Asia, Europe, or Latin America, there’s a dish here with your name on it.
But the real showstopper? Their Street Food Share Menu. This seven-course global tasting journey brings the world to your plate – literally. From spicy Mexican-style stuffed jalapeños to melt-in-your-mouth slow-roasted lamb ragu, and a smashed pavlova that’ll have you fighting your mates for the last bite, this is the ultimate foodie feast. Everyone at the table can dig into a different dish, and no one’s missing out. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of meal – only much tastier.
So, if you’ve ever dreamed of eating your way around the world in one night, Steamers is your golden ticket.
There you have it – five incredible restaurants, five unforgettable culinary adventures, all without ever leaving Wollongong. From the rolling hills of Italy to the bustling markets of Vietnam, the spice-laden streets of India, the sun-drenched isles of Greece, and everywhere in between, your tastebuds have just taken the ultimate round-the-world trip.
The only question now is: which flavour-packed stop are you visiting first?