Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries Port Macquarie
- Deb Carr
- Apr 26, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 9
Ricardoes Tomatoes and Strawberries is a great family experience when holidaying on the Mid North Coast NSW.
Just ten minutes north of Port Macquarie, tucked along the lush rural stretch of Blackmans Point Road, Ricardoes Tomatoes & Strawberries has become one of the most beloved stops for locals and road-trippers alike. Whether you're craving a wholesome farm-to-table café meal, looking for a family-friendly outing, or simply want to stock up on award-winning gourmet condiments, Ricardoes is a must-visit.
The Farm Café: Fresh, Local, Delicious
The onsite café, Café Red, is well worth a visit in its own right, it’s an inviting spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Much of the menu incorporates produce from the farm, with house-made tomato relishes, chutneys and jams starring alongside generous salads, burgers, and scones served with strawberry conserve and fresh cream.
Their barista coffee is also excellent – ideal for a pitstop if you’re heading up or down the highway.
A True Paddock-to-Plate Experience
What sets Ricardoes apart is its commitment to growing premium produce year-round using state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouses. The tomatoes here are plump, vine-ripened, and bursting with flavour – a rare treat in a world where bland supermarket varieties dominate. Equally popular are the luscious strawberries, which guests can pick straight from the rows of elevated planters, making it a fun (and delicious) hands-on activity for all ages.
Pick-Your-Own Strawberries – All Year Round
Unlike traditional strawberry farms with a short season, Ricardoes offers pick-your-own strawberries year-round, thanks to their clever vertical growing system. On arrival, you’ll be given a small bucket and directed to the picking rows – no bending or muddy shoes required. It’s a simple joy, wandering between fragrant aisles of ripe red fruit and selecting your own. Kids especially love it, and there’s no minimum quantity, so you can pick as much or as little as you like.
There is a request that Ricardoes Tomatoes ask; and that is please don't eat the strawberries as you pick them, do the right thing and take them to be weighed back at the Grocer.
Gourmet Groceries and Gifts
Before leaving, take a stroll through the farm shop, where shelves are lined with Ricardoes’ own brand of small-batch gourmet products. From chilli jam and caramelised onion relish to tomato pasta sauces and strawberry syrups, these preserves are made on-site and have won numerous food awards. They make wonderful gifts (if you can resist eating them yourself).
You’ll also find locally sourced honey, artisan teas, and country pantry items that reflect the Mid North Coast’s growing reputation for quality produce.
Why You Should Visit Ricardoes
Ricardoes isn’t just a farm – it’s an experience that connects you with the land, celebrates slow food, and supports local growers. Whether you’re stopping in for a strawberry shortcake and a cuppa or filling your esky with fresh produce, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for real food and regional hospitality.
You can also purchase a range of Ricardoes tomatoes and condiments at the Hunter Valley Providores in Tea Gardens.
Visitor Info
Location: 221 Blackmans Point Road, Blackmans Point (just off the Pacific Highway, 10 minutes north of Port Macquarie)
Open: Monday to Saturday 7:30am–5pm, Sunday 9am–5pm (check their site for public holiday hours)
Entry: Free to visit and pick – just pay by the weight for strawberries you take home
Facilities: Free parking, accessible toilets, shaded seating, picnic tables, group bookings welcome
