The Tavern at the Links Shell Cove

The Tavern at the Links sits on Golf Drive at Shell Cove, on the edge of the Links golf course south of Wollongong, with open views over the greens from its outdoor areas. It is a full-service tavern with the Il Lago bistro and a sports bar, and the dog-friendly outdoor spaces make it a workable dinner stop in a suburb that is growing fast around the marina.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome in the outdoor and downstairs areas, including the covered outdoor spaces, which keeps the option alive when the weather does not cooperate. The indoor dining room and bar sections are strictly people only, so ask for an outdoor table when you arrive or book one. Keep your dog leashed and settled beside you; staff are used to dogs at the terrace tables. Bring a water bowl or ask staff for water.

The vibe and the menu

Il Lago, the on-site bistro, runs Italian-influenced pub dining: freshly shucked oysters natural or Kilpatrick, seared scallops, antipasto boards, the signature veal scallopini and lamb shanks, with pizzas on the dinner menu and a kids list for families. The tavern opens 10am to 10pm Monday to Thursday and Sunday, and to midnight Friday and Saturday, with bistro lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner 5pm to 9pm daily. Live music and sports screens fill the calendar, so book ahead on event nights.

Getting there and parking

Golf Drive loops off Shellharbour Road at Shell Cove, about 20 minutes south of Wollongong. Parking is on site around the tavern and the golf club, and the suburb's new marina precinct and boat harbour are a short drive or a longer walk down the hill.

Close by with the dogs

The Shell Cove Dog Park is the local off-lead option, and the Flinders Dog Beach a few minutes north is the water fix. For other meals, Blue Fin & Marina is in the same suburb and J's on the Deck sits on the Shellharbour waterfront.

More options are in the New South Wales dog friendly restaurants guide and the Shell Cove page.