Every must-try Dubbo restaurant and bar

Whether you’re hankering for a quick pie and coffee stop, a gastro pub feast or a fine dining experience in a winery, Dubbo has got every base covered.

Hear the name Dubbo and you’re likely to conjure up images of the giraffes walking the wilderness of Taronga Western Plains Zoo, or the aircraft of the Royal Flying Doctor Service. What’s less known, perhaps, is that Dubbo is also home to a thriving dining, coffee and craft beer scene.

What’s the best Dubbo restaurant to visit while you’re in town? Circle the following and make a booking (or two) with confidence.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Press
Most Instagrammable: Down the Lane
Fine dining: Cultivate
Best for families: Devil’s Hollow Brewery

1. Press

alfresco seating at Press Cafe, Dubbo — Nab a table in this gentle, greenery-filled space for a relaxed brunch. (Image: Destination NSW)

Known in some circles as ‘Dubbo’s answer to [Sydney’s] The Grounds of Alexandria’, and in others as ‘The crown jewel of Dubbo’s hospitality scene’, you can’t deny Press is pretty hot stuff. Housed in a charming 1930s house in Central Dubbo (the former office of the Land Newspaper), the coffee roastery, cafe, pantry shop and event space threw open its doors in 2015 and has been steadily growing its fanbase ever since.

Get past the throngs of people queuing for takeaway coffee out of the front to nab a table in this gentle, light-filled space and say oui to the likes of a roast pumpkin, feta and quinoa salad with spiced cashews, cucumber, tomato salads and crispy kumara for lunch. Caffeine? Not only can you drink your body weight in liquid gold (It’s hard to say no to their seasonal espresso blend of 70% Columbia Gaitana and 30% Brazil Nossa Snehora), you can buy bags of beans to enjoy at home.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed brunch crowd

Review: 5/5

Location: 30 Bultje Street, Dubbo

2. Down The Lane

the shaded courtyard at Down The Lane, Dubbo — Sip on premium cocktails in the shaded courtyard. (Image: Down The Lane)

If you like your modern Italian with a strong side of neon signage, premium cocktails and a ridiculously fashion-forward crowd, it’s time to make a beeline for Down the Lane , located right in the heart of town.

The younger sister of celebrated Dubbo eatery Church Street Cafe & Bar, the team at Down the Lane aren’t doing anything shady with spiders (you know what we’re talking about), pouring their magic into the ambience of the space (think garden party vibes) as well as the menu which offers a range of mouthwatering, handmade pizza and pasta options such as the popular baa babe – pizza with lamb ragu, mozzarella, red onion and tzatziki. All toppings and sauces at Down The lane are sourced from local suppliers, helping to keep support where it’s needed.

Headed there for lunch? Be sure to nab a table in the shaded courtyard.

Cuisine: Modern Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Electric garden party

Review: 5/5

Location: 215B Macquarie Street, Dubbo

3. Devil’s Hollow Brewery

preparing cocktails at Devil’s Hollow Brewery, Dubbo — An afternoon well spent with refreshing cocktails at Devil’s Hollow Brewery.

What do you get when four school friends come back from a holiday in South Africa with a vision to open a hub that draws in and unites craft beer lovers, coffee lovers and food lovers from all over the country? Devil’s Hollow Brewery , Dubbo’s first brewery.

Launched in 2019, Devil’s Hollow Brewery was quickly met with adulation from every age group (including the little ones who can’t get enough of their Little Devils menu featuring the likes of cheeseburgers and chicken tenders for lunch and dinner and pancakes with fruit for breakfast). At breakfast, a steady stream of customers pile in to get mitts on the establishment’s much-loved corn fitters or a classic avo toast, but come at lunch or a dinner and you’ll find the beer garden alive with diners keen to get their fill of woodfired pizzas. Keen for something more? It’s hard to go past the braised lamb shoulder with charred onions, mango chutney, grilled greens and creamy mash. To drink it alongside a beer – perhaps a Nosey Bob Red Ale or a Sandy Beach Belgian Blonde – with a story to tell? It couldn’t be more perfect.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Laidback charm

Review: 5/5

Location: 10 Commercial Avenue, Blueridge Business Park, Dubbo

4. Farmer’s Bakehouse

cake and pastries at Farmer’s Bakehouse, Dubbo — Make your day extra special with handcrafted cakes and slices. (Image: Farmer’s Bakehouse)

For those times when it’s less about the art of the long lunch and more about a quick pit stop at a place where the focus is on delivering high quality baked goods in a friendly atmosphere, Farmer’s Bakehouse has got you covered.

Established in 2009 and owned by fourth-generation farmer-turned-baker, Bart Shanks, Farmer’s Bakehouse might be famous for its signature flavour pies, but the team are also masters of handcrafted sourdough breads, cakes, pastries and happily, their full-bodied coffee.  With two locations in east and west Dubbo, you’d be crazy to miss out. You can even pop in for a salad.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Friendly and fast

Review: 5/5

Location: East: 55 Wheelers Lane, Dubbo; West: 38 Victoria Street, Dubbo.

5. Cultivate

the Lazy River Estate in Dubbo — Enjoy relaxed dining at the Lazy River Estate. (Image: Destination NSW)

Lazy River Estate might be known as the premier wedding and events venue in town, but those in the mood for a romantic date in a spectacular setting are also in luck with Cultivate at Lazy River Estate, an exclusive degustation dining event held only once a week in the Lazy River Estate dining room overlooking the Estate’s vines and manicured grounds.

With Executive Chef Brad Myers at the helm, diners can expect a seasonal menu that changes each month to showcase classic cuisine with a contemporary twist. A shellfish risotto, followed by a chicken wellington and a glazed lamb shoulder, topped with a vanilla and rhubarb pudding Anglaise? It would be rude to say no.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Sophisticated, with a touch of romance

Review: 5/5

Location: 29R Old Rubbo Road, Dubbo.

6. The Establishment Bar Dubbo

Sip on The Daisy Fellow cocktail at The Establishment Bar Dubbo — Sip on the Daisy Fellow cocktail at The Establishment Bar Dubbo. (Image: Dylan Mario)

Keen for a little nightcap? Tucked away down the alley beside the Old Gaol, The Establishment Bar Dubbo   – best described as a moody, 1930s-era speakeasy – isn’t the easiest venue to find, but that’s part of what makes the whole experience so special.

Drop in to embrace a world where whisky tasting flights reign supreme (the bar has over 100 varieties on the shelf), or work your way through the lengthy (and creative) menu of crafted cocktails and mocktails, spirits, wine or beer. If you’re really getting into it, you may want to stick around for a show or two. A solid comedy lineup can be found on the bar’s socials so keep your eyes peeled.

Atmosphere: Dark and moody

Review: 5/5

Location: Suite 2, Lv 1, 88 Macquarie Street, Dubbo.

7. Old Bank Restaurant

the exterior of Old Bank Restaurant, Dubbo — Old Bank Restaurant is housed in a heritage building in the centre of Dubbo. (Image: Destination NSW)

Gastro pubs are often considered the hearts of regional centres and Old Bank Restaurant can certainly lay claim to that. Located in a heritage building in the centre of Dubbo, you can often hear the laughter and music emanating from Old Bank Restaurant long before you see it, and that’s exactly why you should book a table here.

On cool evenings, be sure to nab a table by the fireplace and say yes to that old-school Parmi or haloumi burger and sit back and enjoy the live music on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. This isn’t a quick stop, so dress for longevity and comfort.

Cuisine: Pub classics

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Fun and lively

Review: 5/5

Location: 232 Macquarie Street, Dubbo.

8. Short Street Store

a close-up shot of pancakes at Short Street Store, Dubbo — The must-try buttermilk pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup at Short Street Store.

For such a small following, Short Street Store has a huge following and the adulation fits. After all, who can hate a venue which offers classics like fairy bread (as well as poached eggs on toast) on a kids’ menu?

For adults, it’s all about those much-loved breakfast and brunch items: avo on toast and the brekkie burger, but it’s hard to go past a jaffle – particularly when it’s stuffed with shredded chicken, basil pesto, semi-dry tomatoes and mozzarella. Pop in for lunch and treat yourself to a poke bowl or salad, content in the knowledge that no matter what time you arrive (well, as long as it’s before 12 on weekends), you’ll find service with a smile and excellent coffee.

Cuisine: Brunch classics

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Relaxed charm

Review: 5/5

Location: 11 Short Street, Dubbo.

Discover the best things to do in Dubbo.

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

When the mercury drops, winter in NSW comes into its own. Beaches are quieter, the air is crisper and hearty food tastes even better when there’s ice on the windows.

Winter here isn’t for hiding away. It’s for long walks, deep baths, deeper reds and the kind of fireside lounging that feels simultaneously indulgent and entirely deserved after a day of exploring. From whale-watching up north to moodily lit bushwalks and pastry pilgrimages, we’ve mapped out your new favourite season.

a beach winter in nsw — From coastal walks to tasty delights, winter in NSW is a time to get out and about.

The Tweed

In winter, the NSW north coast has a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest migrations. From May to November, humpbacks cruise past the Tweed coast between Antarctica and the Great Barrier Reef. Spot them from the Cabarita Beach headland or get up closer with a boat cruise.

Inland, find the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre , which is home to a rotating cast of big-name exhibitions (including Monet).

Later, grab a table at Bistro Livi , where the modern Spanish menu features whipped salt cod on toast and spanner crab with curry butter and spelt flatbread. Stick around to poke through the artist studios and indie boutiques of M|Arts Precinct .

visitors at Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre — Browse the art. (Image: Destination NSW)

The next day, jump aboard the Indigenous Lunch Cruise with Tweed Escapes. You’ll cruise upriver listening to yarns from local Indigenous guides, stop at the Minjungbal Aboriginal Cultural Museum and tuck into lemon myrtle-crusted snapper.

Next, drive out to Farm & Co to pull apart some juicy smoked lamb shoulder with green olive tapenade while gazing out over the macadamia fields and avocado groves of this working farm.

End the day at Mantra on Salt Beach where you’ll enjoy beach access, a heated rock spa and a lagoon pool.

dining room at Bistro Livi — Taste modern Spanish at Bistro Livi.

Blue Mountains

The cold season is hands down the best time to visit the Blue Mountains. Temperatures are perfect – sunny enough for hikes, and crisp enough at night for snuggling up.

For a trip that equally soothes and stirs, start with a meditative meander through the national park’s eucalypts and Australian wildflowers. Brave the steepest passenger railway in the world, Scenic Railway , then hop the Skyway aerial cable car for unrivalled Three Sisters views.

Thaw out at the Japanese Bath House in South Bowenfels. Soak in steamy outdoor onsens filled with natural mineral water and mountain views, wander the rose and zen gardens, or sip hot drinks in the tea house.

group leader at Blue Mountains Stargazing — Rug up for Blue Mountains Stargazing. (Image: Destination NSW)

Afterwards, head to Ates in Blackheath, where everything revolves around a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven – like the wood-roasted duck with nectarines and Szechuan spice. Or visit Tempus Katoomba , which leans experimental and sustainable, serving up dishes like braised fennel with cumin, spiced yogurt and Aleppo pepper.

Rug up and head into the night with Blue Mountains Stargazing . Sessions are guided by astrophysicists, helping you understand what you’re looking at as you look into deep space.

Wrap it all up at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains – MGallery Collection . There’s a whiskey bar in the basement (and crackling fires that make a dram taste even better), indoor and outdoor pools and a day spa. Kids will love the mirror maze and ice rink, too.

dishes laid out on table at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains — End the day with delicious meals at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains. (Image: Destination NSW)

Southern Highlands

Good food and wine by the fire, experienced between sifting through second-hand treasures, is a winter vibe in Bowral.

Start with a lap around Dirty Janes , an antique and vintage market. Recover from your shopping frenzy at Bendooley Book Barn , where floor-to-ceiling shelves and a roaring fire set the tone for an afternoon of red wine or hot coffee.

When it’s time to eat, head to Hickory’s Restaurant & Bar , Peppers Craigieburn Bowral’s onsite restaurant. Try the crispy pork belly with Granny Smith crisps and apple gel, or ocean trout with wakame, lemon gel and pickled radish.

couple looking through Dirty Janes in bowral — Wander the antiques at Dirty Janes. (Image: Destination NSW)

Another option, Onesta Cucina , does Italian with flair. For something more casual (with cocktails), Flour Bar swings between brunch and dinner, with an onsite bakery, over 400 wines and a hidden deli in the old bank vault.

Later, clamber Mt Gibraltar , where trails wind through eucalypt forest to views over Bowral and Mittagong.

Stay at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral , a century-old estate with open fires, elegant lounges and a nine-hole golf course.

woman and her dog winter in nsw at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral — Stay cosy at Peppers Craigieburn Bowral.

Penrith

Shake off winter inertia with an adrenaline boost out in Penrith. Kick things off with a kayak paddle on the Nepean River with Horizon Line, or head to Cables Wake Park , where cold-weather wetsuits take the edge off a wipeout.

For something a bit more cruisy, opt for the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler for slow-floating views and a hot cuppa.

kayakers on the nepean river in penrith — Head out on the Nepean River. (Image: Destination NSW)

Refuel at Marcel Bar & Bistro , where reimagined European comfort food – like seafood risotto in bisque with little neck clams and Moreton Bay bugs – is king. Then check in at the Pullman Sydney Penrith , the area’s first international five-star hotel, to enjoy your well-earned rest.

Start planning your NSW winter getaway at all.com.

Every must-try Dubbo restaurant and bar

Whether you’re hankering for a quick pie and coffee stop, a gastro pub feast or a fine dining experience in a winery, Dubbo has got every base covered.

The shortlist

1. Press

2. Down The Lane

3. Devil’s Hollow Brewery

4. Farmer’s Bakehouse

5. Cultivate

6. The Establishment Bar Dubbo

7. Old Bank Restaurant

8. Short Street Store

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No time to hibernate: experience the best of winter in NSW

Whales breaching, fires crackling and slow-cooked feasts that make the cold so cosy, one might wish it lasted longer. Winter is no time to stay at home in NSW.

The Tweed

Blue Mountains

Southern Highlands

Penrith