Wheelers Oyster Farm and Restaurant: Merimbula, NSW

We had lunch at  Wheelers Oyster Farm and Restaurant in Pambula on 2 occasions during the Merimbula Jazz Festival weekend. I loved the idea of having oysters direct from the farm (how much fresher could they possibly be than that?).

Chilli Seafood Linguini ($34) - local fish, scallops, mussels and tiger prawns sauteed with garlic, chilli, spicy spanish chorizo, tossed with fresh herbs and Napoli sauce topped with parmesan cheese.

 Tuscan Bug and Scallop Salad ($23)- Balmain Bugs and scallops pan-seared in chilli, garlic, and fresh herbs tossed with ciabatta croutons, goat's cheese, kalamata olives, baby spinach, and rocket

seafood Saffron Risotto ($34)- scallops, local fish, Balmain bugs, mussels and banana prawns finished with a corn salsa, tomato relish, and salsa verde.

 Mixed cold plate of oysters

Most of the dishes we tried, particularly the the Chilli Seafood Linguini, Tuscan Bug and Scallop Salad, and the mixed plate of cold oysters, were superb. It was doubly good because the standard of food in Merimbula up until that point was pretty abysmal. The service at Wheeler's was excellent, and I also loved how they participated in the jazz festival with the special menu and the live music.

The one thing I think Wheelers needs to improve on is their wine list and their glassware. When you're paying over $100 at lunch for two I expect proper wine glasses- not midget glasses that are used by RSLs.

I would definitely visit Wheelers again if I'm in the area.