Okay, Lightning Ridge isn’t known for its foodie scene. But if you know where to look, there are dining gems (see what we did there?) to be found.

You haven’t come to Lightning Ridge to experience the latest celebrity Australian chef whip up an expensive Wagyu steak, have you? You’re here for the adventure only an historic opal mining, weird-in-the-best-way town can bring, and food is simply sustenance. A good steak and mash, parmy and chips, that’s all you’re after. Oh, and great coffee – no one should have to go without great coffee.

The dining scene here is small, obviously, but fiercely local and considering it’s a remote outback town, pretty damn good. The best Lightning Ridge restaurants and Lightning Ridge cafes are those with the warm welcomes and generous country portions, where the owner remembers your coffee order by day two. Between jumping between activities, here’s where to eat, drink and have a yarn with the locals in Lightning Ridge.

And if you’re looking for the best places to stay in the area, we’ve got you covered with our guide to Lightning Ridge accommodation.

The shortlist

Best family-friendly spot: Lightning Ridge Bowling Club Bistro
Best breakfast: The Busy Bee Cafe & Catering
Best for dietary restrictions: Bruno’s Italian Restaurant
Best coffee stop: Opal Street Cafe
Best hidden gem: The Gourmet Gecko

Bruno’s Italian Restaurant

There’s always one restaurant in a small country town that locals bring up, and in Lightning Ridge, that’s Bruno’s. Inside, it’s kind of an old-school trattoria vibe with a touch of the outback, and your mouth will immediately be watering as the smell of garlic and woodfired pizza crusts greets you at the door. It’s not flash, but it is good tucker – great pizza, Nonna-made-it pastas, that kind of thing. Do not (I repeat, do not!) miss the tiramisu. Honestly, these guys need to ship that stuff nationwide, just for me.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Warm and rustic

Location: 38 Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge

Dietary options: Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free available

Opening hours: Mon to Sat 11am-3pm and 5pm–9pm. Closed Sundays

Bookings: Recommended for dinner

Opal Street Cafe

There are a few cafes in Lightning Ridge and all of them are pretty great. You’ll notice locals have their favourites, and during my visit, Opal Street Cafe was where everyone was grabbing their takeaway coffees. It’s small but busy, with a predominantly local clientele swinging by for their flat whites (made with Allpress beans), but plenty of tourists also stopping in for the short-but-sweet breakfast menu, which includes a bacon and egg roll made with Trunkey Creek bacon, and a range of pastries delivered daily from Stevenson’s Bakery in Dubbo.

Cuisine: Cafe

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Relaxed and local

Location: Suite 1/12 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge

Dietary options: Vegetarian-friendly options available

Opening hours: Daily from 7am–1.45pm

Bookings: Walk-ins only

The Busy Bee Cafe & Catering

The Busy Bee is where you should head if you want a full brekkie or leisurely brunch. It’s your classic outback cafe – warm and welcoming, where everyone knows everyone and you’ll overhear plenty of town gossip. The extensive menu has everything you could want, from scrambled eggs and toast to pancakes and even loaded bagels. It’s worth a visit for lunch, too, when you’ll find burgers, chicken souvlaki and salads on the menu. They’re very good at catering to dietary requirements, too, with gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian choices, and a fair few of them. I had the corn fritters, and they were so delicious, I ordered them again on my second morning.

Cuisine: Cafe

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual and family-friendly

Location: 23 Opal Street, Lightning Ridge

Dietary options: Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and vegetarian available

Opening hours: Mon to Fri 6.30am-2pm, Sat 7am-2pm, Sun 7am-1.30pm

Bookings: Not required

The Gourmet Gecko

Tucked away on Opal Street, you could miss The Gourmet Gecko if you didn’t know it was there. There’s a genuine homemade feel to everything on the menu, from the cakes to the blackboard specials, and the pet-friendly outdoor courtyard is fantastic if you’re travelling with your pup. The burgers are a top choice, but it’s the homemade scones and other sweet treats that deserve top mention. During winter, they also do hearty soup specials, served with crusty bread.

Cuisine: Cafe

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Cute and quirky

Location: 7A Opal Street, Lightning Ridge

Dietary options: Vegetarian options available

Opening hours: 7am – 1.30pm, 7 days a week

Bookings: Not necessary

Lightning Ridge Bowling Club Bistro

The Lightning Ridge Bowling Club Bistro is one of those great Bowlos, where everyone in town descends upon it for the Friday Night Meat Raffle, and the vibes are quintessentially Aussie, Aussie, Aussie. The best part? The food is some of the best in town. Juicy steaks, crispy chicken schnitzels, Chinese-Australian dishes with mouth-wateringly sticky sauces, and all the Bowlo classics done well. It’s also one of the better options for groups or families, because there’s plenty of seating and loads of variety, plus it’s as kid-friendly as it gets. Get more bang for your buck with this tip – it’s just $7 to become an associate member, and that scores you 10% off meals and drinks. Plus, you get to say you’re an associate member of the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club, which is worth the money alone.

Cuisine: Australian pub fare and Chinese

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed and family-friendly

Location: 29 Morilla Street, Lightning Ridge

Dietary options: Gluten-free, dairy-free, dairy free and vegetarian options available

Opening hours: 11.30am-2pm then 5.30pm-8.30pm daily

Bookings: For large groups on weekend nights

Stone’s Throw

Okay, this one isn’t in Lightning Ridge, it’s in Walgett, about an hour’s drive away. However, it made the list because it’s a fantastic cafe with excellent coffee, and if you’re road tripping to or from Lightning Ridge, you’re guaranteed to be making a stop in Walgett on the way. Obviously, grab your latte here since it’s one of the few top-notch coffee stops for the next couple of hours, but it’s also a great option for takeaway dinner if you’re passing through in the evening, with home-made Indian dishes ready to go.

Cuisine: Cafe

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Country-style hospitality

Location: 56 Fox St, Walgett

Opening hours: Mon to Fri 6am-6pm, Sat & Sun 7am-2pm

Bookings: Not needed