Your Wagga Wagga Restaurants Guide - Australian Traveller

Is Mudgee too mainstream? Already peeled Orange? When finding your next foodie destination don’t overlook the Riverina region of NSW. It’s time to pay Wagga Wagga a visit.

Approximately five hours’ drive south of Sydney (exactly one Maccas and one fuel stop later), visiting Wagga Wagga isn’t usually the first item on the gourmet travel checklist, but I’m here to let you in on a little secret: much like its local farms, Wagga Wagga has started to bear foodie fruit with these restaurants.

1. The Brew

Come breakfast, brunch or lunch, The Brew is a winner. Housed within an old corner store but featuring a thoroughly modern vibe (and menu), there’s a smattering of tables outside its tiled exterior, but you can’t beat this cafe’s spacious backyard on a sunny day.

Expect dishes such as white chia and red rice pudding with dragon fruit, kiwi, vanilla coyo and puffed grains, or a red bean cassoulet with baked eggs and a French stick on the side, from its seasonal menu. There’s a less exotic menu available for little ones too.

a close-up shot of food at The Brew — Drop by The Brew to refuel.

Address: 67 Coleman St, Turvey Park NSW

2. Mr. Lawrence

Flinging open its doors in October 2021, Mr. Lawrence has helped to heat up the dining scene in Wagga. A cafe, restaurant, and bar all in one, it’s run by two experienced local chefs and turns out some inventive – and immaculately plated – dishes such as spicy burnt butter eggs with speck, and a fried Murray cod burger replete with a pine nut slaw and sriracha mayo.

Variety of food items from Mr Lawrence in wagga Wagga — Mr. Lawrence has helped to heat up the dining scene in Wagga.

Address: 187 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

3. Thirsty Crow Brewery

Know your IPAs from your golden ales? Don’t worry, neither do we! What we do know is the pizzas are absolutely delicious at The Thirsty Crow Brewery . The lads here take the hardship out of decision-making by providing a simple and tasty menu.

Beer being poured at the Thirsty Crow Brewery, Wagga Wagga. (Image: Destination NSW) — Pizza and beer? Yes, please! (Image: Destination NSW)

Once you’ve ordered your pizza, ask them for the best pairing beer and head out to the sun-drenched beer garden. Warning, keep your calendar as clear as the weather as this could potentially turn into an all-afternoon affair.

Mexican beef and bacon pizza on the bar menu at Thirsty Crow Brewery, Wagga Wagga — Try their Mexican beef and bacon pizza. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 153 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

4. The Artisan Baker

If you’re visiting Wagga in winter then the Artisan Baker on Morgan Street is the perfect place to warm up with a bowl full of soup and a fresh, crusty baguette. The bakery rotates through a delicious selection of daily soup specials, including French onion soup, potato and leek, Moroccan lentil and more. You can also choose from a selection of French pastries and sugar-laden treats to enjoy for dessert.

Address: 2/189 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga NSW

5. Trail Street Coffee Shop

The Trail Street Coffee Shop is really an all-rounder: come for breakfast, lunch or just a cup of one of the best coffees in town. Lunch is the perfect mix of hearty burgers, salads, nourish bowls and sandwiches. We’d recommend the salmon poke bowl with seasoned black rice, pickled purple cabbage and cucumber, charred corn, avocado, Kewpie mayo and edamame beans. If you’re wanting something a bit greasier, go for the fried chicken burger.

the signature chicken burger with fries at Trail St Coffee Shop, Wagga Wagga — Grab a bite of the signature chicken burger at Trail St Coffee Shop. (Image: Justine Brentenall)

Stopping in for breakfast? The butter croissant French toast with strawberry syrup, lemon curd, berries, wafer crumbs and double cream is the ultimate indulgent breakfast, or if you’re more of a savoury lover go for the pumpkin breakfast salad – it’s also on the healthier side. If you’re searching for the perfect cafe (and coffee), it’s also worth checking out our list of the best cafes in Wagga Wagga.

a hand pouring milk over coffee at Trail St Coffee Shop, Wagga Wagga — Their coffee is a must-try. (Image: Justine Brentenall)

Address: 34 Trail St, Wagga Wagga NSW

6. Pastorale By Meccanico

Open since March 2021, this Wagga Wagga restaurant is the progeny of Meccanico’s owners Richard Moffatt and Karl Hulford. Pastorale is secreted away within the heritage-listed Riverine Club and was dreamed up with the lofty goal of becoming Wagga’s first hatted restaurant.

Interior of Pastorale in Wagga Wagga — Pastorale was dreamed up with the lofty goal of becoming Wagga’s first hatted restaurant.

While the menu changes to reflect the seasons, diners at Pastorale can always rely on perfectly charred and flame-licked meat and fish, courtesy of the restaurant’s custom-built Mibrasa charcoal oven. There’s even a sommelier on-hand to make choosing the perfect drop to accompany your meal a walk in the park too.

Head down on a Wednesday night to enjoy the venue’s famous Pasta Club – for $55 per head, you’ll enjoy an antipasto share board piled high with cured meats, local cheeses and crusty bread, a (very generous) bowl of the handmade pasta of the day, plus a glass of wine. When we say generous, we mean it. We struggled to finish, we were so full!

The exterior of Pastorale by Meccanico. (Image: Pastorale by Meccanico) — The Pastorale menu changes to reflect the seasons.

Address: Riverine Club, Cnr of Tarcutta Street &, Sturt St, Wagga Wagga NSW

7. The Magpies Nest

Head out towards the university and you’ll find a little treasure called The Magpies Nest in the northern suburb of Estella. Where do we even start? This gorgeous little venue has an ever-changing menu packed full of delicious creations with a heavy focus on local produce.

the building exterior of The Magpies Nest, Wagga Wagga — The Magpies Nest is situated in the northern suburb of Estella.

Quality? Top-notch. Atmosphere? Warm and inviting. THIS is Wagga’s best restaurant. We ate the Riverina lamb, roasted beets, pearl couscous, pepitas, pumpkin and kale with a beetroot jus. Deluxe.

a close-up shot of food plating at The Magpies Nest, Wagga Wagga — Try the appetising dishes at The Magpies Nest.

Address: 20 Pine Gully Rd, Estella NSW

8. Cottontail Restaurant & Winery

Take a short drive just outside of the town centre for a dinner on the deck at the family-owned-and-run Cottontail Restaurant & Winery . Order from a selection of delicious wood-fired pizzas or go all out and treat yourself to a three-course spread of baked Camembert cheese with salted maple glaze, macadamia nuts and flatbread, followed up with crispy pork belly and a side of black pudding bon bon and broccolini, and top it all off with passionfruit panna cotta for dessert.

Address: 562 Pattersons Rd, Eunanoreenya NSW

9. Birdhouse Bar

Now that you’ve eaten your way around Wagga Wagga, finish your day off at the Birdhouse Bar. Rumour has it that the twice-cooked chicken burger and fries are incredible, but for us – the wine list is where it’s at. Plenty of people will recommend the cocktails and the menu is impressive but there’s something about sitting inside on a chilly Wagga day with a big glass of local red that brings the trip to a perfect close.

Address: 246 Baylis St, Wagga Wagga NSW

10. Meccanico Espresso + Wine

A rather suave little space next to the Murrumbidgee River, Meccanico Espresso + Wine takes plenty of its culinary and design cues from Europe. You can stop by for brekkie, lunch or a late afternoon tipple any day of the week, but this smart-casual restaurant really shines after hours.

Linger over a bottle of New or Old World white from its extensive wine list with friends, and order a bevy of tapas dishes to share (think oysters Kilpatrick, chicken liver parfait and organic local olives).

an outdoor dining setup at Meccanico Espresso + Wine, Wagga Wagga — Dine next to the Murrumbidgee River at Meccanico Espresso + Wine.

Address: 171 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

11. Thaigga

When it comes to Wagga Wagga restaurants, Thaigga is where you want to head if you have a craving for Thai cuisine. The fusion menu has all of your favourites – coconut prawns, massaman beef and chilli basil stir-fry are all present and accounted for, and are full of flavour. But those feeling more adventurous should try the Crying Thaigga, a juicy Riverina Angus scotch fillet served with namjim jaew sauce, or the Drunk Duck – roasted and served with Thai red wine sauce.

a sticky pork dish at Thaigga restaurant — Savour the tenderness of Thaigga’s sticky pork.

Thaigga is popular, though – it’s best to book ahead to ensure you get a table. Missed out? The restaurant also offers takeaway via their website.

a wide variety of dishes at Thaigga restaurant — Pick from an array of dishes.

Address: 107 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

12. Romano’s

Romano’s Hotel houses one of the best pub restaurants in Wagga Wagga. The menu is filled with classic Australian pub fare, from counter meal classics like chicken parmigiana, beer battered fish and crumbed lamb cutlets to an extensive steak list, all sourced from the Riverina district.

There are nightly meal specials Monday through Thursday, and if cosy, winter comfort food is your thing, head in on Sunday night for the very affordable $14 roast of the day. Looking for more Wagga Wagga pubs worth visiting? Take a look at our full guide here.

Address: 81 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

13. Uneke Lounge

A popular breakfast venue in Wagga Wagga, Uneke Lounge is also a great spot to settle in for a long lunch. The expansive warehouse space (which has housed various Wagga Wagga restaurants since the 1950s) leans on its history with rustic, repurposed timber tables and mismatched chairs.

a close-up shot of food at Uneke Lounge, Wagga Wagga — Enjoy plant-based food at Uneke Lounge.

The corn fritters are a menu favourite, and vegans will love the plant-based protein burger, a toasted brioche bun piled high with a plant-based patty and all the accompaniments, topped with homemade relish and creamy plant-based mayo.

a plate of vegetable salad at Uneke Lounge — Uneke Lounge curates diet-friendly alternatives.

Address: 140 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

14. The Oakroom

Located inside Townhouse, one of Wagga Wagga’s most popular hotels, is The Oakroom – a fine dining restaurant with a focus on modern Australian cuisine and local meats. Naturally, you’ll find Riverina Angus steak on the menu, as well as lamb sourced from nearby Junee.

a plate of food with a glass of cocktail on the table at The Oakroom, Wagga Wagga — Dine modern Aussie cuisine at The Oakroom.

The 24-hour pork belly is not to be missed if you’re a fan of the classic dish – it arrives perfectly crisp alongside winter comforts like duck fat potatoes, spiced pear and roasted greens. The wine menu is also extensive, particularly when it comes to reds (our cooler-month favourites).

a plate of dessert at The Oakroom — Satisfy your sweet tooth.

Address: 70 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga NSW

15. Mate’s Gully

If you’re in Wagga Wagga on a Friday or Saturday night, book a table at Mate’s Gully . The farm to table restaurant has a short but delicious menu that changes seasonally, plus a selection of woodfired pizzas on offer.

Mate’s Gully is best enjoyed during the warmer months, when you can take advantage of the stunning gardens and veranda space. If you’re in town during winter however, the restaurant is also open for breakfast and lunch, with many of the lunch dishes mirroring the a la carte dinner menu (try the lamb curry, you won’t be sorry!).

Address: 38 Morrow St, Wagga Wagga NSW

16. Wagga Wagga Country Club

On the outskirts of Wagga Wagga nestled next to Lake Albert is Wagga Wagga Country Club, and in the centre of its expansive golf course you’ll find Marco’s On Albert , a fine dining restaurant run by a team of locals and internationally-trained talent.

The menu is seasonal and simple, with five mains on offer – but it’s the fresh pasta made daily in-house that caught our eye, like the ricotta gnocchi with lamb ragu, tomato and grana pandano.

Fish on potatoes at Marco’s On Albert in the Wagga Wagga Country Club. — Dine at Marco’s On Albert. (Image: Wagga Wagga Country Club)

Address: 57 Plumpton Rd, Lake Albert NSW

17. The Charles

Previously known as The Roundabout restaurant, The Charles has rebranded to encompass both its accommodation offering and its dining room. This Wagga Wagga restaurant hasn’t lost any of its charm, however. If anything, it’s added to it – there is now the newly renovated courtyard for al fresco dining during the warmer months.

The Charles’ menu is organised into three, five or seven-course options, starting at $79 per person. You’ll find plenty of NSW-sourced produce on the menu, such as Myee quail and Murray Valley pork (don’t miss the Coolamon Cheese Co. board for dessert). If you’re going all-out, wine pairing starts at $49, with a local and ‘iconic’ wine selection to choose from.

Plating up a fancy dish from The Charles in Wagga Wagga — The Charles hasn’t lost any of its charm.

Address: 82 Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga NSW

The original version of this article was written by Chloe Cann and has since been updated by Melissa Mason.

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.

17 best Wagga Wagga restaurants for every meal of the day