Embark on an epicurean voyage with the arrival of Meribella on the Central Coast

With the opening of Meribella restaurant in Terrigal, lovers of gourmet dining, wines and mixology have found a new way to indulge their senses in timeless grandeur. Meribella is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that brings together the very best of the sea and the land, with a menu curated by rising culinary talent Joshua Mason, who returns home armed with Michelin star credentials.

Each of the seasonal delicacies are paired with impeccable wines from the Hunter and the world’s top wine regions to harmonise with the flavours of the sea. With one of the most eclectic cellars on the Central Coast, Meribella oers an elevated yet approachable dining and drinking experience for locals and visitors alike.

“We’re oering a contemporary avant-garde menu that features an elegant style of cooking. I can’t wait for people to sit in this space, and enjoy our premiere tasting menu as they spend time enjoying the service and each dish we put forward,” says Joshua Mason.

“With Meribella, we wanted to create a truly unique dining experience that celebrates the seafood and amazing produce we have here on the Central Coast and throughout Australia. We’ve woven the dining experience together with a stunning design to create an ambience of timeless elegance that guests will delight in,” says Michael Fantuz, Director of Food and Beverage at Meribella.

Set in an iconic location at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, guests can gaze out the grand arched windows and through the Norfolk Pines with sprawling views of the ocean beyond. The spacious dining room is filled with a warm and carefree ambience enhanced by the high ceilings and large glass windows in the Conservatory. The design evokes a sense of nostalgia for times past and the colour palette blends relaxed coastal hues with the lush darker tones of nearby rainforests.

At the bar, sophisticated classic cocktails take their place beside a lineup of eminent Meribella originals. Each is crafted to celebrate local and regional legends, like the award-winning Moore’s Gin from Distillery Botanica at Erina, whiskey from Amber Lane at Wyong, and the South Australian vodka, Aether.

On Fridays and Saturdays, the space will be filled with live music from talented local artists in the evenings to set the mood and enhance the experience further. Guests can expect to savour each moment, with attentive service from knowledgeable wait sta, who can share the stories of local ingredients and the inspirations behind each dish.

As the son of restaurateurs, Joshua Mason has always had a passion for great food, good wines and providing guests with memorable dining experiences. As an aspiring chef from Forresters Beach on the Central Coast, he set o early on a worldwide adventure to gain experience, learn from talented chefs, and explore the regional flavours of the world.

Mason is a decorated chef, having won several awards in Australia anxfd around the world. He’s worked at some of the world’s top restaurants, including Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, a 2 Michelin star restaurant at the time. On his return to Australia, he set up Quoi Dining, which has redefined the dining experience in the Sydney Hills district.

In a full circle moment, Mason is eager to share his talents and experience with his hometown region. Meribella’s menu will boast premium dishes including Mason’s signature Wagyu tartare with Parisian dressing and caviar, or his caviar and gold leaf tart. Comfort foods are also on oer, such as aged duck with beetroot and blackberry, and confit pork belly with grilled peach and cauliflower. While exquisite, hand-crafted desserts include the champagne and vanilla sponge with mandarin, white chocolate and ricotta.

Mason has continued to pursue his passions and interests in recent years by becoming a winemaker with Ciel Wines. After working with many talented sommeliers, he is now drawing on his chef’s palate to refine and shape his own wines and oer a unique perspective. A selection of Ciel Wines forms part of the wine list at Meribella.

“I’m feeling very nostalgic about bringing Meribella to the Central Coast. I started my career here, my grandparents still live here, and Terrigal is an amazing spot with so many good memories for me. I’m eager to give something back and bring the best of my talents to oer guests an incredible experience,” says Mason.

Sydneysiders and regional travellers regularly visit Terrigal, and it remains a top tourist destination for the Central Coast. With its relaxed beachside location, tranquil lagoon, nearby rainforests and national parks, the area gives visitors several reasons to stay a little longer. No trip to Terrigal is complete without attempting the short but steep climb up the legendary local landmark known as The Skillion.

Meribella is the latest venue to join the region’s growing culinary scene and marks the beginning of a new era for glamorous coastal dining.