Is there a better Northern Rivers spot on a Saturday afternoon than Salty Mangrove’s sunny deck? With a saltini and a few freshly shucked oysters, it’s hard to beat, especially if you don’t mind lunch turning into sunset drinks and maybe dinner.

The vibe is more Mississippi Delta than residential New Brighton, but with classic surf tunes or a DJ playing dub to the sounds of tinnies being cracked. The fried snapper sandwich with vibrant tartare is a must, but most things on David Moyle’s easy eating menu are. He made his name some time ago at Hobart’s Franklin, and has since roamed the east coast serving excellent food.

The “dumplings” here turn out to be fish and rice parcels wrapped in vine leaves – totally weather-appropriate on a warm spring day, while steak served with fat and hunky chips gets a zippy kick from parsley butter studded with capers. Very simple; highly enjoyable.

Good to know: Doors open at 6.30am for coffee and breakfast.

Good Food reviews are booked anonymously and paid independently. A restaurant can’t pay for a review or inclusion in the Good Food Guide.