11 Brilliant Cafes in Mudgee for Brunching

Mudgee cafes have a lot to offer when it comes to delightful breakfasts and brunches, thanks to the freshly-farmed bounty of this Central West region of NSW.

Mudgee may first have gained a reputation as an incredible wine region, but it also packs a very out-sized punch on the food scene. From the time breakfast begins, Mudgee’s cafes turn on the wholesome country charm along its main streets, enticing coffee lovers and brunch enthusiasts alike.

The cafe scene is thriving, thanks in more recent years to a slew of openings offering everything from casual cafe classics to elevated brunches. Oh, and great coffee everywhere around every corner.

Here are some of our picks for the best cafes in Mudgee.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Butcher Shop Cafe
Best pastries: Althea by Zin
Best for brunch: Alby & Esthers
Best for dog-friendly dining: Byron Perry

Butcher Shop Cafe

The name might sound strange, but it makes more sense when you realise the Butcher Shop Cafe is housed in an old butchery from the late 1800s. While the cafe may have leaned into the theme when it comes to decor, it’s surprisingly very vegetarian-friendly. The menu is consistent, reliable and tasty, knowing its strengths and doing them well. Think sweet and savoury waffles, eggs your way, croissant melts and brekkie burritos on an all-day breakfast menu. And be sure to add the house-made jam. After 10.30 am, guests can also choose from the likes of burgers, sandwiches and nachos.

But top of the list, for those in the know, is the coffee – it’s roasted in-house here, and locals will rave about it, when asked.

Cuisine: Classic all-day breakfast.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Local charm.
Location: 49 Church St, Mudgee

Althea by Zin

Named in honour of chef Kim Currie’s mum, Althea by Zin is the love child of Lowe Wines and the Zin House. The cupboard-sized bakery and patisserie pumps out treats such as freshly baked organic sourdough and other loaves, berry (and chocolate) tarts, incredible baked cheesecake (the passionfruit and white chocolate cheesecake is otherworldly) and Deluca coffee. Treats do change seasonally, as the cafe uses the same fresh produce from the organic and biodynamic Lowe Family Wine Co farm as The Zin House.

Take away is the main mode here, but bench seats out the front and a sunny courtyard out the back do allow guests to down their tasty treats before heading home.

Cuisine: Baked goods of a sweet and savoury nature.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Sunny and bright.
Location: 5 Cnr Church & Horatio St, Mudgee

Alby & Esthers

Alby + Esthers turns on the charm in a little cobblestoned corner of Mudgee. The courtyard cafe is tucked away down an alley outside an 1873 stone terrace, and it’s this backdrop of heritage buildings that grounds you in the heart of historic Mudgee.

It’s the perfect spot to spend the morning sipping coffee or kombucha, and eating the famous Esthers Jaffle with smoked leg ham, free-range eggs, Swiss cheese and tomato relish. Locals come for breakfast, but they don’t leave until after lunch. Do as they do and order the lamb burger with greens, beetroot relish and tzatziki on Turkish bread.

Cuisine: Australiana cafe classics.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Local charm.
Location: 61 Market St, Mudgee

The Coffee Burrow

A newer kid on the block, The Coffee Burrow is probably Mudgee’s edgiest cafe, with its all-black walls and sleek-edged decor. While there’s plenty of room to sit down, take away seems to be where this cafe shines. Hot and iced coffees, matcha and chai lattes grace the menu. While simple, sweet and savoury pastries grace the food menu, alongside toasties and sweet slices.

Order online ahead of time to grab and go (those wineries won’t drive to you, after all).

Cuisine: Sweet and savoury pastries.
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Edgy.
Location: 79 Market Street, Mudgee

The Quick Brown Fox

Walk down Mudgee’s main streets of a morning, and you’ll notice that most of the locals are sitting at The Quick Brown Fox . For good reason. Sit outside to enjoy some people watching while friendly staff prepare your breakfast or lunch. Choose from a simple menu of classic Aussie cafe dishes, from bacon and egg rolls to a selection of wraps and sandwiches. Just be prepared to settle into country time when the lines are long.

Cuisine: Cafe classics.
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: A people-watching classic.
Location: 79 Market St, Mudgee

Millbrie

Millbrie describe themselves as “fine dining meets cafe culture", and we feel that sums it up nicely. Under the expert eye of head chef and owner, Andy Crestani (the very same who brought Pipeclay Pumphouse to Mudgee), the menu focuses on keeping ingredients local and ideas fresh. Think a breakfast of bacon and egg gnocchi with truffled poached eggs or a caramelised onion, potato and leek tart with hazelnut, fetta and poached eggs. Come lunch time, the menu changes to bowls, burgers and pastas with a unique twist.

Cuisine: Modern Australian.
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Local charm.
Location: 89 Market Street, Mudgee

Empower Cafe

two people peruse the gallery at Mudgee Arts Precinct — Peruse world-famous art, then sit down to coffee. (Image: Destination NSW)

One of the most thrilling things about Mudgee – outside its unbeatable food and wine scene – is that you can head to the Mudgee Arts Precinct to stand face-to-face (and often, alone) with some of the world’s most famous artworks, on loan from Canberra. We’re talking soup cans by Andy Warhol and pop art by Roy Lichtenstein.

And when you’re done, you can pop into the newly opened, on-site Empower Cafe . Muse on what you’ve just witnessed over light refreshments and top-notch coffee.

Cuisine: Light refreshments.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casually artsy.
Location: Mudgee Arts Precinct, 90 Market Street, Mudgee

Bite & Brew

Bite & Brew really does what it says on the tin: easy bites (of the sandwich, wrap and salad persuasion) and tasty coffee brews (plus a few other treats, like hot chocolate and chai lattes). Why complicate a good thing, after all? And, ok, it’s hard to walk past and resist the daily sweet treats they add to the offering.

Cuisine: Sandwiches and salads.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Local charm.
Location: 70 Church Street, Mudgee

Mudgee Corner Store

This isn’t an average corner store. Pop into Mudgee Corner Store to order takeaway coffee and food from the kiosk window, or linger longer at communal tables, begging diners to take their time. The menu is simple: good quality, locally sourced ingredients in crowd-pleasing meals. Think bacon and egg rolls, delicious toastie (both classic and with a twist) and a selection of sandwiches.

And most of the ingredients can be bought from the store part of this cafe, from tomato relish to house-made granola to local marinated olives. Those staying in luxury accommodation in Mudgee should order a breakfast hamper to enjoy the next day.

Cuisine: Cafe classics.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Communal and welcoming.
Location: 72 Lewis St, Mudgee

Mudgee Honey Haven Cafe

cheese and fruit plate at Honey Haven Mudgee — Enjoy honey, fresh from the source. (Image: Destination NSW)

Never has a cafe been more aptly named than Mudgee Honey Haven . The honey here is so fresh, you can spy on the bees as they make it (through a glass window, of course, which shows a cross-section of a working hive). Book a tasting to discern your favourite variety, then stock up on a jar, as well as other picnic provisions like sparkling mead and blueberry jam.

The rustic on-site cafe knows what its guests are after – simple classics that only taste better with a topping of honey. Scones, croissants, toasties and a mini pizza make up the main bulk of the menu. But dessert is truly the show stopper, with the homemade honey ice cream being a must.

Cuisine: Honey, and other simple pleasures.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: A place to learn and enjoy.
Location: 2 Hill End Road, Mudgee

Byron Perry

This quirky cafe offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options from its Perry Street precinct location. The cafe takes pride in championing fresh, local ingredients, and provides plenty of gluten-free options (they also cater to other dietary requirements). The menu includes everything from award-winning coffee to bacon and egg rolls. But it’s the housemade, artisanal gelato that has most customers coming back.

Cuisine: Gluten-free delights.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Dog-friendly.
Location: 13 Perry St, Mudgee

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.

11 brilliant cafes in Mudgee for breakfast and lunch