Food & Drink in Country NSW

Indulge your taste buds on a food-lovers tour of Country NSW and savour the best this magnificent region has to offer. Sample world-class cuisine, wine and artisan produce, and meet the passionate and talented chefs, winemakers, producers and growers who make it happen.

Restaurants, pubs & cafes

Country NSW is home to many award-winning restaurants, classic pubs and thriving cafes. Book yourself a table at one of the leading restaurants for a memorable taste of the region. Some of the outstanding venues include:

• Charred, Lolli Redini and Sisters Rock in Orange
• Tonic in Millthorpe
• Zin House and Pipeclay Pumphouse in Mudgee
• Poachers Pantry and Grazing at Gundaroo in the Yass region
• The Argyle Inn in Taralga

Every country cuisine experience includes a hearty pub meal. Try The Sir George in Jugiong for a long Sunday lunch, sample local beef at the cosy Willow Tree Inn near Tamworth, admire the art deco style of the Royal Hotel Queanbeyan and relax in the garden of the Burrawang Village Hotel in the Southern Highlands.

You’ll also find thriving cafe culture in Country NSW, so a good cup of coffee is never far away. Racine Bakery in Orange, Highlands Merchant in Moss Vale and Deadwood in Braidwood are local favourites. And don’t forget to stop off at small town bakeries for the perfect pie or vanilla slice.

Wineries & breweries

There are nine distinct wine regions to choose from in Country NSW, each producing their own signature varietals. Join a wine tour to hop between cellar doors, meet the makers, walk through the vines and stock up on a few bottles for the wine rack at home.

If beer, cider and spirits are more your thing, you won’t go thirsty. Head for Thirsty Crow Brewery in Wagga Wagga, Devil’s Hollow Brewery in Dubbo or the Mudgee Brewing Co. Black Gate Distillery in the Warrumbungle area specialises in whisky and rum, while Baker Williams makes delicious liqueurs.

Local produce

Go straight to the source and sample the best local produce. Farmers markets are held in many country towns and are a great place to meet the growers and pick up fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and more. Follow a farm gate trail and see exactly where your favourites are grown.

Food festivals & events

What better way to celebrate the bounty of Country NSW than alongside lots of other happy foodies? You’ll find tasty festivals and events right across the region, like Orange F.O.O.D Week, Pie Time in the Southern Highlands, Moree on a Plate, Taste Tamworth and the Mudgee Wine and Food Festival.