Pandanus garden bar and restaurant

The short version. Pandanus is a relaxed coastal bar and restaurant in the middle of the Crescent Head village, at 1 Scott Street, built around an open-air garden. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor areas, which makes it an easy post-beach stop with the dog in tow.

The dog setup. Dogs are welcome in the garden, courtyard and footpath seating, while the indoor dining is kept for non-pet tables. Staff have a good name for looking after dogs with water bowls, and the outdoor garden gives you room to tuck a dog beside your chair. On busy nights it fills up, so book ahead and ask for an outdoor table if you are bringing the dog.

Good to know. The menu is share-style with a focus on local produce - seafood platters, oysters, modern Asian-influenced share plates and a gelato cart, with a decent beer and cocktail list. It is a natural spot to wind down after a day in the water.

Getting there. It is right in the village centre, a short level walk from most of the holiday accommodation. Street parking is around Scott Street and the main strip, but in peak season it is easier to walk in than to circle for a spot.

Worth pairing. Killick Creek is a couple of minutes away, a shallow inlet that is great for a leashed paddle at high tide, and the headland walk up to the lookout is an easy on-leash stretch before or after a meal.

Sources

• Pandanus garden bar and restaurant - Tripadvisor · tripadvisor.com.au
• Pandanus garden bar and restaurant, Crescent Head · restaurantguru.com
• Crescent Head, Macleay Valley Coast · visitnsw.com
• 3 Days in Crescent Head & the Hinterland · macleayvalleycoast.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.