The Orange Restaurant Guide Guaranteed To Satisfy

From hatted restaurants to wineries that do food really well, here’s our pick of where to eat in the Orange region.

The NSW Central West town of Orange has long been known for its reputation as a boutique cool-climate wine region, but add to the mix a selection of wining and dining establishments that are tapping into the rich heritage and earthy spoils of the Orange region and you get a dynamic restaurant scene worth travelling for.

Here we explore the Orange restaurants you simply can’t miss.

1. Fiorini’s Osteria Italiana

This charming Italian restaurant features a cosy interior with an open-plan kitchen where diners can watch the chefs at work. On the menu? Recently appointed head chef Simon Hawke (ex Lolli Redini and Birdie) will serve up flavour-packed traditional Italian dishes such as wagyu beef ragu, burrata with melon and prosciutto and lamb cutlets. To complement the food, a curated selection of Italian wines enhances the authentic dining experience. The warm, rustic atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.

The interior has been given a revamp with fresh paint and antique furnishings.

Address: 816 Canobolas Rd, Canobolas

2. The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank

For a delightful dining experience, make your way to The Union Bank on Byng Street, which opened its doors in 1858 as Orange’s first bank. Sit al fresco and sip an ale or local wine at the UB Bar & Courtyard before heading for dinner at the adjoining Schoolhouse Restaurant.

The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank, Orange — Make your way to The Union Bank on Byng Street.

The Schoolhouse Restaurant’s simple but vibrant brasserie-style menu shines a light on Orange region’s produce – think sirloin with miso bagna cauda or ‘Sir Thomas’ chuck tail flap with chimichurri. But one item that’s an absolute non-negotiable? Farmer Doug’s potato scallops for a cool $3 each.

a table-top view of dinner plates at The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank, Orange — Head for a brasserie-style dinner at The Schoolhouse Restaurant. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Address: 84 Byng St, Orange

3. Tonic

The hamlet of Millthorpe is a 20-minute drive south of Orange and worth the trip for its historic streetscape alone. Team it with a meal at Tonic , a highly-awarded, refined and relaxed contemporary restaurant housed within a heritage-listed building, and you’re onto a real winner.

the exterior of Tonic Restaurant — Tonic is housed within a heritage-listed building. (Image: Destination NSW)

Chef and co-owner Tony Worland has worked alongside culinary luminaries like Matt Moran and Gordon Ramsay and showcases a finely crafted five-course set menu that changes weekly and is focused on seasonal produce from local suppliers.

a dessert served at Tonic Restaurant, Orange — The menu features classic dishes with contemporary style. (Image: Destination NSW)

Tonic is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for lunch.

a table-top view of food on a plate at Tonic Restaurant, Orange — Treat yourself to a finely crafted five-course set menu at Tonic. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: Corner of Pym St and Victoria St, Millthorpe

4. Antica Australis

Another 20 minutes beyond Millthorpe you’ll find the cute, historic village of Carcoar. There’s so much to love about this quaint corner, but at the top of the list is Antica Australis .

the Antica Australis in Hobart — Step into the intimate dining space at Antica Australis. (Image: Shani Nottingham @rarepearstudio)

Husband and wife duo Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi have brought regional Italy to rural Australia with their innovative five-course dining experience. The seasonal set menu is served at set session times so everyone in the intimate dining space eats at the same time.

a close-up shot of a dish at Antica Australis — Antica Australis serves up innovative plates.

The menu changes monthly with dishes influenced by the ancient region of Ciociaria in central Italy. Antica Australis uses local produce sourced from the region’s boutique producers, with a vegetarian option available. Antica is BYO so bring a bottle from one of the Orange wineries with you.

Antica is often fully booked, so reserve your table well in advance so you don’t miss out. Winter session times are 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and in summer there’s also a 7pm seating. Allow two to three hours.

a bowl of food at Antica Australis — Choose a vegan option from the seasonal set menu.

Please note: Antica Australis will be closed from 24 August 2024 throughout September as Paolo and Kelly host their Antica Travel Co tours to Ciociaria.

Address: 2 Belubula St, Carcoar

5. RAKU Izakaya

RAKU Izakaya is somewhat of an icon on the Orange dining scene. Bringing modern Japanese to Orange in 2018, RAKU Izakaya reels you in with its inviting atmosphere and keeps you coming back with its exceptional authentic Japanese dishes and friendly service.

a bento box at RAKU Izakaya — RAKU Izakaya has mastered the art of packed lunch.

There’s a lunch-only ramen menu that’s to die for. Come at dinner time for goodies like wagyu beef tataki, nasu dengaku and twice-cooked pork belly with kimchi confit. Pair the dishes with Japanese sake, Asahi on tap or some expertly made cocktails.

wagyu and roll at RAKU Izakaya — Try the best-seller Wagyu and Roll at RAKU Izakaya.

Address: 129 Summer St, Orange

6. The Greenhouse of Orange

The Greenhouse of Orange is spread over a half-hectare space on the rooftop of the Orange Ex-Services’ Club, in the heart of Orange. A unique, relaxed and diverse environment, it’s made up of indoor and outdoor areas incorporating a restaurant serving gourmet pub meals, a cocktail bar and a ‘family pavilion’ for kids to be entertained. All this adds up to an ideal place to while away the hours on a lazy afternoon.

the light-filled cocktail bar at the Greenhouse of Orange — Snag a seat at the light-filled cocktail bar.

Must-try dishes include roasted sea scallops with confit garlic butter and chorizo, and slow-roasted garlic and thyme chicken with buttered potato mash, charred spring onions and drunken prune jus.

al fresco dining at The Greenhouse of Orange — Dine al fresco at The Greenhouse of Orange.

Address: 231-243 Anson St, Orange

7. Sweet Sour Salt

Sweet Sour Salt is an ever-popular modern Asian restaurant on Summer Street. Set in a funky space with wall art and neon signage, the menu’s clean and vibrant flavours come courtesy of chef Ivan Podres.

the funky dining at Sweet Sour Salt — Sweet Sour Salt is set in a funky space.

Choosing between the a la carte or banquet menus, dishes might include wok-fried field mushrooms, Malaysian chicken curry or Indonesian blackened trout with sambal matah.

wok-fried field mushrooms at Sweet Sour Salt in Orange — The dishes include wok-fried field mushrooms.

Sweet Sour Salt is an adult-only restaurant that has no vegan options, so consider that before booking.

a dimly lit interior of the Sweet Sour Salt restaurant in Orange — Sweet Sour Salt is an adult-only venue.

Address: 179 Anson St, Orange

8. Mr Lim

Expect fresh, bold flavours and a fun atmosphere at Mr Lim . Specialising in Korean-Australian cuisine, restaurateur Sammy Jeon utilises Orange’s impeccable produce, including honey, apples and pork, to create memorable dishes.

the dining atmosphere at Mr Lim, Orange — Settle into Mr Lim’s vibrant and fun dining atmosphere.

Feast on classics like Korean fried chicken and drunken duck and take advantage of Mr Lim’s diverse specials as well. For a bit of everything, there are two banquet menus on offer: Let Jacky Feed You and Let Sammy Feed You.

one of Mr Lim’s signature dishes in Orange — Take advantage of the diverse specials.

Address: 282 Summer St, Orange

9. Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment

From the same great minds behind the now defunct dining experience Lolli Redini Restaurant, Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment has brought a cool, casual atmosphere to Orange.

the entrance door at Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment, Orange — Have a tipple at Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment.

The affordable, community-focused restaurant plates up generous serves, with the menu changing almost weekly based on quality and seasonality.

If you’re just looking for a place to have a tipple, Birdie is also one of Orange’s best bars so enjoy a curated cocktail list and a menu full of local wines, beers and ciders.

a plate of food on the table at Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment — Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment plates up generous serves.

Address: 120-122 Summer St, Orange

10. Rowlee Dining and Bar

The newest kid on the Orange dining scene, Rowlee Dining and Bar is the eponymous restaurant by Rowlee Wines, set on its vineyard estate. With four separate spaces – the dining room, the lounge, the bar and the verandah – there’s a space for every occasion in this luxe 100-seat venue.

the verandah at Rowlee Dining and Bar — Nab a spot at the verandah.

Head Chef Simon Furley has created an elevated a la carte menu designed to be shared. Think coal-roasted market fish, dry-aged Bangalow pork chop with fermented rhubarb and honey, and orchard gelato with fennel and olive oil.

a look inside the Rowlee Dining and Bar — Spend an intimate lunch behind the curtains at the Rowlee Dining and Bar.

Rowlee Dining and Bar is open Thursday to Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday for dinner.

the restaurant exterior of Rowlee Dining and Bar — Rowlee Dining and Bar is the eponymous restaurant by Rowlee Wines, set on its vineyard estate.

Address: 19 Lake Canobolas Rd, Nashdale

This article was originally written by Imogen Eveson with updates by Emily Murphy.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

10 Orange restaurants guaranteed to satisfy your appetite