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.

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.

10 Orange restaurants guaranteed to satisfy your appetite