Must-see restaurants in New South Wales

  • Milkbar Town Beach

    Mid-North Coast

    A casual cafe on the ground floor of the beachside Observatory hotel, Milkbar is known for its excellent single-origin coffee and surfer clientele…

  • Harvest

    Sydney

    In business for half a century, this place offers inventive, rich and satisfying vegetarian food in a warm and upbeat atmosphere. There are several vegan…

  • Stunned Mullet

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Everything seems to look photogenic in this town, including this fish and chip shop. It's really not often you can get a 'good green stuff' smoothie to go…

  • 5 Little Pigs

    South Coast NSW

    Everything hits the spot here, from the fun 5 Little Piggy Breakfast (boiled egg, baguette, jam, granola, yoghurt, juice, coffee) to the broccolini-based…

  • Rainforest Cafe

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    Just outside the entrance of Wollumbin National Park you'll find this delightful cafe with creekside seating and tasty food using local produce. It's…

  • Little Blowhole Art Bar

    South Coast NSW

    The Little Blowhole is a fun concept. Delicious tapas – go for the $35 'Feed Me' option if peckish – accompanied by fine wines, cocktails, local art for…

  • MaMaGOTO

    Coffs Harbour

    Located in City Sq, the MaMaGOTO kiosk is a quick and affordable lunch option with authentic, fresh tasting bento boxes, Japanese curries, rice bowls and…

  • Two Doors Tapas & Wine Bar

    New South Wales

    Dine in style in cool, subterranean sandstone rooms or have a drink in the leafy courtyard with Dubbo's handful of hipsters as they dream of Portland and…

  • Cafe Aqua

    Coffs Harbour

    This happy cafe near Park Beach whips up substantial cooked breakfasts like triple-stacked pancakes, and corn fritters with avocado and a poached egg,…

  • Salty Crew Kiosk

    Mid-North Coast

    Large striped umbrellas shade from the sun at this bright little beach kiosk as locals, dogs by their side, take in the ocean views as they enjoy their…

  • fouratefive

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    Band posters and kooky art fill the walls of this excellent post-grunge cafe. The vibe is chilled and the food is a crowd-pleasing mix of cooked…

  • Buon Ricordo

    Sydney

    This Italian stalwart first opened its doors when big perms and shoulder-pads were in fashion, but the critics never forget chef Armando Percuoco when it…

  • Belle Central

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    At the busy CBD outpost of the popular Belle General at Shelly Beach, you can expect the same tasty wholefoods and gluten-free options here, along with…

  • A Tavola

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    At this classy pasta joint, the menu only has a handful of dishes to choose from, augmented by wonderfully fresh specials chalked up daily. Before each…

  • Moruya Health Cafe

    South Coast NSW

    Moruya's version of the socially conscious community cafe doubles as a healthy grocer, but hang around for amazing salads, slices and a plate of baked…

  • Oyster Shed on Wray

    South Coast NSW

    This blue-painted wooden shack has waterside picnic tables and fresh oysters to slurp while admiring the view. lt's a casual, counter-service joint; don't…

  • Canopy Cafe

    Mid-North Coast

    The food is as impressive as the view at this cafe within the Dorrigo National Park Rainforest Centre, and meals can be eaten out on the sunny terrace…

  • Cedar Bar & Kitchen

    Mid-North Coast

    A century-old church and its surrounding garden are home to this urban-feeling day-to-night cafe with tasty meals and all-day weekend brunch. Pop in mid…

  • Douce France

    Kings Cross & Potts Point

    Locals love the croissants at this welcoming cafe on the main strip through the Cross. Other tempting patisserie options and pleasing coffee make this a…

  • Sean’s Panaroma

    Sydney

    Sean Moran’s ever-changing menu is chalked on a blackboard in this modest little dining room that packs out with happy diners. Ocean views, hearty…

  • Nambucca Boatshed Cafe

    Mid-North Coast

    Right on the river's edge, this low-key verandah cafe has a pleasant view. Work off a plentiful burger lunch with a frolic in a kayak, on a paddleboard or…

  • Bronte Road Bistro

    Sydney

    This friendly neighbourhood bistro tucked away from the street behind an exuberant screen of foliage offers a crowd-pleasing menu of French favourites,…

  • Three Monkeys

    Newcastle

    It's difficult to go wrong on the Darby St strip, but this place stands out for its quality coffee, colourful juice and food creations – try the smashed…

  • Porters Cafe

    New South Wales

    This popular Bathurst cafe serves reliable fry-up breakfasts and healthier starts to the day, as well as light lunches, good coffee and freshly baked…

  • One Penny Black

    Newcastle

    Nicely located on the mall, this place is perpetually popular for a reason – excellent coffee, served by staff who know their stuff. Toasties and healthy,…

  • Longrain

    Surry Hills & Darlinghurst

    Devotees flock to this century-old, wedge-shaped printing-press building to feast on fragrant modern Thai dishes, and to sip delicately flavoured and…

  • Gigi Pizzeria

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This block is Sydney meat-free central and this cool corner spot turns out authentic Neapolitan pizzas with all-vegan toppings. They are delicious, and…

  • Breakout Brasserie Cafe

    New South Wales

    With a 'No Worries' attitude this busy cafe serves standard breakfast fare and light lunches and offers al fresco dining on its small, vine-draped terrace…

  • Green Room Cafe & Fruit

    Mid-North Coast

    A relaxed corner cafe and produce store that dishes out excellent breakfasts (chilli scrambled eggs, raspberry panna cotta with coconut granola) and does…

  • Bent Food & Wine

    New South Wales

    Mouthwatering goodness awaits you at this Modern Australian restaurant serving a diverse menu from breakfast through to dinner. Vegetarians and those with…

  • Sea Salt

    Mid-North Coast

    All the fish is wild caught in Australia and NZ at this takeaway spot with a few stools out the front. The menu offers gourmet snapper burgers, prawn…

  • 9inety 2wo

    New South Wales

    The former Temperance Hall of Bathurst (1877) sets the stage for this smart dinner-only restaurant serving Modern Australian dishes influenced by global…

  • Figbird Cafe

    South Coast NSW

    It can be difficult to split the many cafes dotting Berry's streets, but Figbird, with its lovely sunny locale on the town fringe, won us over with its…

  • Butcher Shop Cafe

    New South Wales

    A hip eatery in an old butchery, with stained glass, vintage decor and contemporary artwork on the walls. The delicious fare is understated and includes…

  • One Ford Street

    Sydney

    Tucked away behind the Cricketers' Arms pub is this curious indoor-outdoor hideaway. Gloriously fresh, colourful and inventive modern Italian food is a…

  • Lom Talay

    Mid-North Coast

    This modest Thai restaurant has a lovely authentic ambience. Locals and tourists dig into lime-scented curries loaded with veggies and hearty staples such…

  • Magpies Nest

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    A delightfully informal restaurant set in a restored 1860s stone stable overlooking the Murrumbidgee River flats and surrounded by olive groves and…

  • Zona Kitchen Bar

    New South Wales

    This fine-dining establishment specialising in modern Australian cuisine with an Asian twist is located inside an original homestead that was built in…

  • La Scala

    Southern NSW & The Murray

    Expect old-school recipes, mural-covered walls and cheap house white by the glass. Just brilliant. Multiple recommendations from locals add up to a very…

  • Dragon Palace

    New South Wales

    There's a strong Malaysian streak at the Dragon Palace, with dishes such as sambal prawns and beef rendang sharing menu-space with the sweet-and-sour,…