Perched near the tip of Soldiers Point, jutting out above the calm waters of the marina rests a cozy nook offering the best spot to enjoy sailboats, Chardonnay and sunsets.
With views that stretch beyond the bay, and hint of nearby islands, sits Restaurant 2317, a collaborative, family-owned address that has a new look, new owners and new passion.
From its locally-sourced produce to its experienced hospitality crew, this Port Stephens eatery is all about fresh, local and community.
New owners Dean and Joh, Mick and Louy are committed to supporting the people and businesses that make up the region they call home.
Since taking the reins toward the end of 2023, and giving the address a contemporary yet warm makeover, their focus is now on impressing every day-tripper that ventures up Nelson Bay Road to taste all the temptations the region has to offer.
Whether it’s wines sourced from the neighbouring Hunter Valley, oysters shucked less than 4km down the road, line-caught snapper from the morning’s fishing trip, or coffee beans roasted at Taylors Beach.
Every item on the menu is dished up with a pinch of local knowledge too, the team only too keen to promote their hometowns.
Having spent much of their lives in the area, the new custodians of Restaurant 2317 also make up families that live, shop, work, and play in the area.
And, if you venture behind the scenes into the kitchen, you may just find one of the local football team’s junior players helping with the dishes, such is the commitment to community.
“We are two couples with seven children between us, and three dogs,” says Joh.
“We spend our days off playing golf, fishing, gardening, attempting yoga, jogging a 5km loop or kicking a footy down at the local oval.
“We’re engaged and active community members and we’re passionate about genuine connectivity and thoughtful business practices that engage with other local entities and create local economic growth.
“This is about the kinship that is created when ‘breaking bread’ between family, friends, colleagues or new acquaintances, and we’ve created Restaurant 2317 with this ethos in mind.”
Behind the scenes, the faces that represent the refreshed space boast years of hospitality experience and enthusiasm.
In fact they share a combined 60 years of industry know-how.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Wednesday to Friday from noon.
On Saturdays it opens for breakfast from 8am to dinner from 5pm, with drinks and snacks available all day.
On Sundays the team will serve breakfast from 8am to 11.30am, and lunch from noon.
“Don’t be a stranger, introduce yourself and let your belt notch out a little. Restaurant 2317 is about great food, beautiful wines and wonderful company.”
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