About The Waterfront Tavern
The Waterfront Tavern is a hotel and pub located at Marina Drive Shell Cove Marina Drive, Shell Cove NSW 2529. Shell Cove's premier waterfront dining and social destination. The venue has 28 approved gaming machines (pokies). It is rated 3.5 out of 5 from 294 Google reviews. Food is served at the venue. Phone: (02) 4243 9511.
Shell Cove's premier waterfront dining and social destination
Situated prominently on the water's edge at the Shell Cove Marina, The Waterfront Tavern is a modern, landmark venue offering panoramic views of the harbour. The venue features a nautical-inspired design with expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, providing a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for locals and tourists to enjoy premium dining, social drinks, and community events.
What The Waterfront Tavern offers
Restaurant
Food served
28 Gaming machines
Establishment
Events
Open now
The Waterfront Tavern location and map
Opening times
Frequently asked questions about The Waterfront Tavern
Where is The Waterfront Tavern located?
The Waterfront Tavern is located at Marina Drive Shell Cove Marina Drive, Shell Cove NSW 2529. It is a hotel and pub in the suburb of Shell Cove, New South Wales.
What are the opening hours of The Waterfront Tavern?
The Waterfront Tavern opening hours: Monday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Thursday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Friday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM; Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Hours can change on public holidays, so check with the venue before visiting.
Does The Waterfront Tavern have pokies?
Yes. The Waterfront Tavern has 28 gaming machines (pokies) approved under its NSW hotel licence, ranking number 388 among NSW hotels by gaming machine numbers.
Does The Waterfront Tavern serve food?
Yes. The Waterfront Tavern serves food. Kitchen hours may differ from the venue opening hours.
Does The Waterfront Tavern have a bar?
Yes. The Waterfront Tavern holds a NSW liquor hotel licence and serves alcoholic drinks at the bar.
What is the phone number for The Waterfront Tavern?
You can phone The Waterfront Tavern on (02) 4243 9511.
How is The Waterfront Tavern rated?
The Waterfront Tavern is rated 3.5 out of 5 based on 294 Google reviews.
Which venues are near The Waterfront Tavern?
Licensed venues close to The Waterfront Tavern include Ocean Beach Hotel, Warilla Sports Club Limited, Shell Cove Tavern, Shellharbour Workers Club Ltd. See the nearby venues list on this page for distances and details.
Tavern Services & Facilities
Dining & Bars
Main Bistro
A spacious dining area offering a diverse menu including locally sourced seafood, wood-fired pizzas, premium steaks, and classic pub favorites.
The Whale Bar
An upscale upper-level bar specializing in craft cocktails, premium spirits, and a curated wine list with elevated views of the marina.
Outdoor Deck
An expansive alfresco area designed for casual drinks and meals, featuring a relaxed maritime atmosphere right on the boardwalk.
Entertainment & Leisure
Live Music Sessions
Weekly entertainment featuring local acoustic artists and DJs performing on the deck and in the main bar areas, typically on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Sports Viewing
Multiple large-screen televisions located throughout the venue broadcasting live sporting events, including NRL, AFL, and international matches.
Gaming Lounge
A dedicated, modern gaming room offering a range of electronic gaming machines and services.
TAB Facilities
Full TAB and wagering services available for horse racing and sports betting enthusiasts.
Family Features
Indoor Play Area
A dedicated, enclosed indoor soft-play area designed to keep children entertained in a safe environment within sight of the dining area.
Kids Menu
A specialized menu offering kid-friendly meals such as cheeseburgers, fish and chips, and pasta, including a drink and ice cream.
Functions & Events
Private Function Spaces
Versatile spaces available for hire, including the Mezzanine level, suitable for corporate events, birthdays, and engagement parties with various catering packages.
Waterfront Weddings
Professional event planning services for waterfront wedding receptions, offering customizable floor plans and menu options with views of the Shell Cove Marina.
Amenities & Services
Precinct Parking
Ample parking available within the Shell Cove Marina precinct, including street parking and dedicated parking lots within walking distance.
Lift and Ramp Access
The venue is fully accessible for patrons with mobility needs, featuring lift access to the upper floors and level entryways throughout.
Courtesy Bus
Unknown
Marina Boardwalk Access
Direct pedestrian access from the Shell Cove Marina boardwalk, allowing easy arrival for boat users and local walkers.
Our Food & Drinks Menu
Unfortunately, this venue does not currently have a food menu available.
Venue owners/licencees should contact our customer support for inclusion.
The Waterfront Tavern reviews
5 Star Review by Bridget Cleary
I visited around midday on a Saturday with two others. There's a large dining area with a lovely view of the marina. We ordered some coffees, cheesy garlic bread ($12), margherita pizza ($16), chicken schnitzel ($24), and potato wedges ($12). It was very busy, the service was very good and quick considering how busy it was. They were very helpful when we asked for a takeaway container at the end because we couldn't finish the food (some restaurants are very unkind when you ask for a container...). The food was delicious and the servings were huge, great value for money. Overall, I highly recommend!
5 Star Review by Linda Johannesson
A wonderful spot for a casual lunch on a beautiful sunny day. It's clean, and servers were very friendly. It's new so they're still finding their rhythm. Look forward to seeing their full menu! .
5 Star Review by Riley Lucas
Went in and had the schnitzel, fish and chips, seafood pot pie and salt and pepper squid. All dishes tasted great and food quality was equally so. Customer service was wondering and so was the view.
4 Star Review by Christine Hamilton
We were shocked at the size of the seafood platter and managed to eat most of the seafood on the plate. Ambience was good, wine was great just too many chips on the platter! Why would you eat potato when you have lobster!
4 Star Review by Tim Owen
Big, new with a bright and shiny fit out. Lots of space and the indoors is outdoors in summer. The space is open and conducive to chatting! The range of beer is average for a pub nowadays and I had expected at Tavern on the water to be brewing something of their own. Owners/manager was super friendly & welcomed us in. We had a little food and it was very tasty! Staff need to be told to pay attention a little more, and you should be able to order food/drinks at any till. Having to move between tills to get food and then a beer makes no sense.
3 Star Review by Bill May
The menu was disappointing as was the service. Plenty of staff chatting, however we had to request our table to be cleared.
2 Star Review by Carolyn Ragen
I booked a table and asked for a window seating which the lovely lady on the phone kindly did . It was a superb balmy evening and top spot to sit . Unfortunately the food was a disappointment . Overpriced for very average food . My steak was tough and I had ordered medium rare which came out over cooked Very average tasteless salad and cold chips to accompany it . My friend had the brisket which she said was also tough I would probably go back for a drink but not to eat .
4 Star Review by Jose Fusco
I'm not happy that there is a surcharge when you you use the scanner, at least make a note about it, then I will choose
1 Star Review by Sarah Griffiths
The one-star review is the most it will receive with our experience at this venue. The food and drinks were great, the bar and wait staff were pleasant, hence the one star. Unfortunately, management at the venue decimated what should have been a happy family outing. The experience my sister-in-law received (a young first-time mother) was DISGUSTING and ILLEGAL! We attended the waterfront tavern last week for lunch with my family. We ordered our lunch and were patiently waiting for it to arrive at our table, whilst waiting her 6 week old baby became restless and needed to be fed. My sister-in-law proceeded to breastfeed her baby. The table/booth we were sitting at was set at an awkward height for her to have breastfed him sitting there. My mother stood up and acquired a chair for her to sit at the end of the table on a lower chair beside the pram at the end of the table and started to breastfeed him. She was very discreet and had a shoal covering both her son and herself. As she was feeding him, a member of staff approaches her stating that she was managerial staff and told her, she was unable to breastfeed her child due to where she sitting was a hazard for the route of staff to deliver food to other patrons. The whole time we were at the venue the pram sat at the end of the table and she was NOT asked to move nor was told the pram was a hazard at any point prior or after she was asked to move. As I was seated in the booth blocked by other family members, I was SHOCKED and angry at how a young mother was treated. I did not want to make scene due to not wanting to embarrass my sister-in-law any further. Also note I witnessed other looks from other patrons also in disbelief of what was said and how it was unfolding. She was then told to go into the whale lounge room to continue breastfeeding her son. It is ILLEGAL to take a minor into an 18 and over section. The seats and table were also an issue with the height, as the same as the other areas. The manager proceeded to move the table out in a RUDE manor, which was not accessible for her to eat her food. My brother proceeded to move to the lounge room to accompany his partner and son due to her not being able to eat her lunch. While they were seated in the Whale Lounge room, the route/pathway staff they use to deliver food to tables that the manager advise was a hazard NOT a single plate of food/drinks passed our table, all were carried behind the glass pathway. I would expect staff to action WHS if seen a young mother tending to her child, they would take an alternate route. We reviewed the area and there were 2 other routes for the staff deliver. When my sister-in-law returned, I noticed her eyes were puffy and red. I then left the booth to discuss what happened and how she felt. She was unhappy and embarrassed, and advised me while seated in the Whale room she felt the attention of older men constantly looking over at her and which proceeded to make her very uncomfortable. This caused her to be isolated from our family gathering, I did not appreciate this at all. The rest of visit, we did NOT see the manager at all! This has now caused hesitancy for us to return to the venue. My mother and sister-in-law contacted the venue to describe the incident and received an email from the Manager to call and discuss the situation. To summarise the conversation, she apologised that it should of not happened (of course, its illegal!) and recommended that we should have been sat elsewhere to accommodate. My mother chose that seating specifically due to prior injuries for the comfy seating. This is NOT a solution! Then she offered us coffee and dessert on return? No thanks! We collectively spent around $400 at this lunch. She advised she has been in the business for 27 years which I find troubling and someone with that much experience might want to go over the Australian Breastfeeding Association Acts and Laws. Educate herself and managerial staff on direction to move, as what happened to her was illegal and as I said before blatant discrimination.
5 Star Review by Louise O'Brien
great service, great food.Staff fabulous