Menu of Wharf St. Distillery Restaurant in Forster, New South Wales, Australia

Menu Overview

Wharf St. Distillery Restaurant in Forster, NSW, stands as a refined yet warmly inviting destination that masterfully blends craft distilling with exceptional dining. Situated at 8 Wharf St, this restaurant delivers a distinctively coastal Australian culinary experience that is both relaxed and sophisticated.

The heart of Wharf St’s appeal lies in its remarkable menu highlights and artisanal spirits. The Wharf St Gin Tasting Paddle is an absolute must-try. Featuring five house-distilled gins—including the vibrant citrus gin, the uniquely coastal pig face gin, the minerally oyster shell gin, the robust navy gin, and the rich barrel-aged gin—this tasting is a sensory journey with carefully crafted botanicals. Enthusiasts like Stephen Sturgeon have praised the gin’s boutique quality, establishing Wharf St as a top-tier player in Australia’s craft spirit scene.

On the food front, the menu offers a well-curated selection that celebrates local produce and bold flavors. Seafood lovers will find delights in the Hokkaido scallops and charred king prawns, both prepared to emphasize freshness and natural sweetness. The wagyu rump steak topped with Mooloolaba king prawns, as described by a guest, achieves a balance of tenderness and succulence, while the Vietnamese caramelized pork shoulder brings rich, umami-packed complexity to the table.

Vegetarian and lighter options are equally impressive. The mushroom gnocchi delivers comforting earthiness, and the avocado toast offers a modern, fresh touch. Noteworthy sides like the French fries with lemon aioli have been hailed as “the best chips on Wharf Street,” perfectly crispy and paired with a zesty dip. The saganaki—a grilled Greek cheese served with honey, brandy, and thyme—is a standout entrée, lauded for its beautifully caramelized crust and harmonious sweet-savory profile.

From the casual Wharf St. Burger lunch special to more elaborate dishes like lamb meatballs and pasta Napoli, the menu covers a satisfying spectrum. Customers appreciate the kitchen’s consistency in quality and flavor, even noting minor opportunities for refinement, such as enhancing the arancini filling or adjusting garnish choices for better synergy.

The staff at Wharf St. Distillery deserve special mention for their welcoming, knowledgeable service. Their passion for both cuisine and craft spirits elevates the overall experience, making guests feel more like family than diners. The ambience strikes a harmonious blend of laid-back comfort and tasteful elegance, perfect whether you’re dressing up for a special night or enjoying a casual meal.

In sum, Wharf St. Distillery Restaurant stands out as a gastronomic gem on Forster’s waterfront. Its fusion of expertly made gin, a thoughtful menu that respects seasonal and local ingredients, and attentive service crafts an unforgettable dining and tasting journey. Whether you seek a refined dinner, a memorable gin tasting, or simply exceptional food and drink in a charming setting, Wharf St. Distillery delivers with genuine heart and skill. I eagerly anticipate returning to explore more of their dinner offerings and to savor that gin paddle once again.