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The best restaurants and cafes in Lightning Ridge

Credit: Destination NSW

Melissa Mason Melissa Mason
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

Bruno’s Italian Restaurant, Lightning Ridge
Step into an old-school trattoria vibe at Bruno’s Italian Restaurant. (Credit: Destination NSW)

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

Opal Street Cafe, Lightning Ridge
Grab your takeaway coffee from Opal Street Cafe. (Credit: Destination NSW)

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

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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

The Gourmet Gecko, Lightning Ridge
Pull up a seat at the pet-friendly cafe. (Credit: Destination NSW)

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

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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

chocolate cupcakes at Stone’s Throw, Lightning Ridge
Pair your latte with delicious cupcakes. (Credit: 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

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Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason is a freelance journalist who loves road tripping and car snacks. Previously holding Editor roles at ELLE, marie claire, Broadsheet and Pedestrian.TV, she now writes travel and lifestyle content for a wealth of Australian titles like SMH, Mamamia and Urban List, as well as copywriting for international brands. Outside of writing, she loves walks with her dog Ted, a great Sunday afternoon with friends, and op shopping. If she could be anywhere right now it would be lounging on a hammock at a tropical resort with a great romantic fantasy book.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

    Carla Grossetti Carla Grossetti
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    Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

    When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

    aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw
    Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

    Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

    1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

    pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle
    Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

    Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

    Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

    Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe.

    2. Destination dining

    Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw
    Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca, which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

    One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie, the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

    Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

    3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

    people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths
    Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

    What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

    Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach. Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen, which is open from 6am.

    Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse.

    You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach, where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

    Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

    4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

    couple eating at Flotilla newcastle
    Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

    In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

    Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

    Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

    5. Newcastle nightlife

    Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw
    Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

    If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne, Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s.

    Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.