Located on Toukley’s main street, Simply Sicilian boasts friendly, unpretentious service and the type of Italian food that pleases almost any taste. The pasta may not be the best you’ve ever had but there are plenty of menu options including a lengthy list of gourmet and traditional pizzas.

Our dining party of four are famished and order a selection of entrees to tie us over until the main meals arrive – the pesto pizza crust with herbs and mozzarella ($8.90) is a little dry, however the calamari fritti served in a white wine, garlic and chilli sauce ($16.50) is tender and full of flavour.

Bells at Killcare Restaurant has been named Central Coast Restaurant of the Year in the prestigious 2009 Restaurant & Catering NSW Awards.

The Killcare Heights establishment also took out the category for Best Restaurant in a Hotel.

More than 90 Central Coast restaurants and catering companies were recognised at the glittering awards ceremony held at Mantra Kooindah Waters Golf Resort and Spa last night.

At first glance this quaint restaurant’s décor is less than appealing. My dining companion comments that he feels like he has just walked into Harold’s old café on the set of Neighbours.

But the historical images that grace the wall add a certain charm and the tiny floor space gives diners a sense of intimacy. It’s not the décor though that the locals come here for, rather the fresh and seasonal menu.

Seafood is this establishment’s specialty and when we visit there is a large selection of hot and cold dishes. We each order an entrée of garlic prawns ($17.50) that arrives in a cream sauce with rice and unfortunately lacks the richness and flavour that is synonymous with this favourite dish.