Kingscliff Beach Hotel

Cane-encased lamps and arty beach photos personalise the otherwise utilitarian dining room inside this ocean-front pub. The menu is generous in both choice and servings, although salad, albeit squeaky-fresh and vibrantly colourful, tends to dominate. Eye fillet - a tad dry - may arrive topped with a creamy tumble of fat prawns and garlicky mussels, while a blackboard special of snapper yields forkfuls of avocado, feta and golden chats. Burgers are towering things - fat patties on puffy buns - and the sweet pumpkin salad comes chunked with macadamias. It's a comfortable space with warm service and a family-friendly vibe.