20 of the best Jindabyne restaurants and eateries 

From casual and lively pubs to funky small bars and iconic bakeries, we’ve found some of Jindabyne’s best eateries.

The alpine town of Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains is base camp to Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko. With ample cafes and restaurants at your fingertips, it makes for a fuss-free stay near the mountain, year-round. Here are some of the best Jindabyne restaurants.

The shortlist

Family-Friendly Spot: Bacco Italian Restaurant
Best for Brunch: Birchwood
Best for Large Groups: The Banjo Paterson Inn
Best Date Night: Pinot’s Wine Bar

1. The Banjo Paterson Inn

a cocktail drink at Banjo Patterson Inn, Jindabyne — Sip on elevated cocktails at the stone-clad hotel. (Image: The Banjo Patterson Inn)

This alpine-style stone-clad hotel is open year-round is a favourite gathering place for both locals and travellers. Clancy’s Brasserie on the ground floor offers a pub-style menu with classics such as chicken schnitzel, Caesar salad, a grill selection and its famous ‘Snowy’ trout.

In The Overflow upstairs, you’ll find burgers and pizzas. It’s also home to Musters Bar, which spills out onto an outdoor terrace with views of Lake Jindabyne and regular live tunes, and microbrewery Kosciuszko Brewhouse, where the original Kosciuszko Pale and limited-edition seasonal ales are on tap.

Cuisine: Pub fare / Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 1 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne

2. Bacco Italian Restaurant

pizza at Bacco Italian Restaurant, Jindabyne — The menu features hearty Italian dishes. (Image: Bacco Italian Restaurant)

Bacco has been serving delicious Italian cuisine for 25 years. It’s a rustic, cosy spot right in the centre of Jindabyne to enjoy a la carte dining – think pizzas, pastas and mains such as pollo bacco and veal scallopini, topped off by affogato or homely lumberjack cake for dessert.

Or you can order pizza and pasta from the takeaway menu to eat back at your accommodation or perhaps by Lake Jindabyne, which is a few minutes’ walk from here, during warmer months.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Rustic

Location: 10 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

3. Birchwood

Fuel up for a day on the slopes or traversing the Snowy’s best bushwalks at Birchwood . In the heart of town, this cosy cafe serves wholesome breaky dishes such as granola, avo on toast, and Turkish eggs, as well as all-day options including a B&E roll and toasties. For lunch, a creamy soup, poke bowls and burgers are added to the menu. Add a coffee made with Single O beans or a house-brewed kombucha to sip on – or peruse the booze options after 10am. We love Birchy’s Lunch Packs, made especially for days up on the mountain: think a jam-packed sandwich, fresh-squeezed juice, veggie sticks and fruit, and a store-baked sweet slice.

Cuisine: Modern Australian fusion

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: Unit 3/3 Gippsland St, Jindabyne

4. Cocina Taqueria

drinks at Cocina Taqueria, Jindabyne — Cocina Taqueria celebrates tequila, mezcal and margaritas.

Here at Cocina Taqueria , they encourage long dinners, deep conversations and losing track of time. Add in an entire menu dedicated to tequila, mezcal and margaritas and we don’t have any problem doing that. The intimate, dimly lit restaurant has subtle Mexican styling, while the menu is traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist.

There are tacos and burritos, as well as small and large plates such as ceviche, jalapeno poppers and Oaxacan lamb barbacoa.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: Shop 5/33 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

5. Brumby Bar & Grill

pub favourites at Brumby Bar & Grill, Jindabyne — Savour pub favourites at Brumby Bar & Grill.

A stalwart of Jindabyne since 1982, Brumby Bar & Grill  serves pub favourites such as chicken schnitzel, beer-battered fish and chips, burgers and steak. Don’t let the outdated exterior deter you: inside the dining room is warm and stylish, complete with a stone fireplace for the cooler months.

Cuisine: Pub fare / Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: Cnr Kosciuszko Road &, Kalkite St, Jindabyne

6. Takayama Restaurant and Bar

Sit down for some Japanese izakaya in the mountains at this town centre restaurant . The menu spans small plates such as edamame, sushi rolls and pork gyoza, to large share plates including karaage, katsu and tataki beef. Or order some piping hot ramen for one. Top off the experience with a glass of Sapporo or a yuzu cocktail.

Cuisine: Japanese

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Sleek

Location: Shop 19/5 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

7. Jindabyne Bowling Club

Who doesn’t love a casual dinner at the bowlo ? This one is perfect for families, not only for the affordable food but also because there’s an indoor playground that the kids (and parents) will love, no matter the weather outside. Chow down on a burger, prawn cutlets, chicken parmi, a steak sandwich and all your other pub favourites, and try your hand at trivia on Thursdays. There’s also a courtesy bus that services Jindabyne and its surrounds – a bonus when you’re on holiday and want to enjoy a drink while out at dinner.

Cuisine: Pub fare / Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 2 Bay St, Jindabyne

8. Jindabyne Brewing Co

a glass of beer at Jindabyne Brewing Co — Enjoy a glass of cold beer at Jindabyne Brewing Co.

After a day on the mountain, ski instructor Karl Veiss was enjoying a beer in a hot tub at a friend’s place when he had the idea to start up a family-friendly brewery. And so, Jindabyne Brewing was born – a warehouse-style brewery tucked away in a quieter street of town, on a property that has views of Lake Jindabyne.

Sample the five beers on tap – including Alpine Red X, a dark lager, and Hefe Veiss, a German wheat beer – and order from the succulent meat skewers menu with a side of house chips and aioli.

Cuisine: Mediterranean share plates / Grilled meats

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 5 Nettin Cct, Jindabyne

9. Panorama Thai

Just around the corner from Jindabyne Brewing, this Thai restaurant is tucked away in an unassuming motel. But if you’re craving Thai cuisine, you won’t be disappointed. The dining room is simple but light and airy and has an incredible view of Lake Jindabyne. The menu is concise but full of extremely flavoursome dishes such as Massaman beef and chilli basil eggplant. The pad kee mao is delicious, but they don’t lie when they say spicy.

Cuisine: Thai

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 16 Nettin Cct, Jindabyne

10. Sundance Bakery

bread on display at Sundance Bakehouse, Jindabyne — Stock up on freshly baked bread from Sundance Bakehouse.

Just follow the crowds to this cult bakery , located within the Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre in Jindy – the flagship store of three in the Snowies, the other two are in Bullocks Flat and Perisher. Grab a takeaway coffee and a freshly made pastry, toastie, pie or roll to pack for a day on the mountain.

Cuisine: Bakery

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 6 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

11. Nimmitabel Bakery

the Nimmitabel Bakery, Jindabyne — Pull up a chair for a quick coffee and pastry at Nimmitabel Bakery.

Founded in the town of Nimmitabel, east of Jindabyne, this bakery  has been serving freshly baked goods using traditional methods since 1950. Its Jindabyne outpost in Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre has a cosy fireplace, perfect to sit around and enjoy a coffee made with Seven Miles’ Black Mountain coffee beans, with a brekky wrap or a homemade pie. You can also order a hamper, filled with pies or pastries, or some snacks from the pantry, to enjoy while up on the mountain.

Cuisine: Bakery

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Shop 3 Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre, 13 Kalkite St, Jindabyne

12. Parc Cafe

breakfast and coffee at Parc Cafe, Jindabyne — Parc Cafe serves up a range of delectable all-day dining options. (Image: Nicole Mcleod Photography)

Adjoining the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in town, Parc serves an all-day menu featuring a big brekkie, burritos, sambos and wraps. Pouring Madding Crowd coffee, organic juices and smoothies, alongside local brews from Jindabyne Brewing and Shut the Gate wines. Sit out in the sunshine – where, during summer, they occasionally have live music – or retreat inside when it’s subzero temps out.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 49 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

13. Pinot’s Wine Bar

dining at Pinot’s Wine Bar, Jindabyne — Indulge in a comforting menu in a relaxed setting. (Image: Pinot’s Wine Bar)

There are plenty of lively pubs in Jindabyne, but if it’s a glass of wine in a dimly lit and elegant bar, then Pinot’s is your place. Pinot’s has a succinct wine menu, a rotating selection of craft beer on tap and cocktails. These are to be enjoyed with bar bites such as toasted brioche with ricotta and white anchovies, pumpkin and truffle arancini balls or a cheese board. And come winter, things get even cosier, with the fireplace roaring.

Cuisine: Bar bites

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: Shop 18b Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre, Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

14. Holly Go Lightly

a chili margarita at Holly Go Lightly, Jindabyne — Order chilli margaritas at Holly Go Lightly.

Holly Go Lightly  is a good-time diner serving pubby fare. There’s American-style poutine, fried cheese balls and burgers such as maple bacon, beef and cheeseburger.

Cuisine: Pub fare / American

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 6 Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne

15. Jindabyne Emporium

They call themselves the good booze merchants for their curated selection of craft and indie beers, natural and lo-fi wines and Aussie spirits. Come by Jindabyne Emporium and get acquainted with the drinks menu during Happy Hour, every day from 4pm to 6pm.

The menu is super casual, with a solid offering of burgers, tacos and flavourful bar snacks, from pork belly nuggets to cheeseburger spring rolls. The bar-style venue also has a view over Lake Jindabyne from its central location in town.

Cuisine: Pub fare / Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Level 1, Shop 14/33 Kosciusko Road, Jindabynev

16. Stacks Pizza

the Stacks Pizza, Jindabyne — Grab a slice of your choice at Stacks Pizza. (Image: Robbie Duncan)

Pizza happily fills most bellies. Newly opened Stacks Pizza is a self-described hole-in-the-wall that offers both takeaway, by the slice, and dine-in with BYO wine. What more could you want!?

The mouthwatering menu includes classics such as ham and pineapple, supreme and meat lovers, plus other flavours including chorizo, boscaiola and Pontiac potato.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 1 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

17. Beach Burrito Co

There may be no beaches in the Snowy Mountains, but the coastal-style Beach Burrito Co brand has morphed into the perfect apres ski spot here in Jindy. One of five locations, the Jindabyne outpost has a menu filled with tasty Mexican street fare – tacos, quesadillas, burritos – as well as tequila, margaritas, sangria and beer. There’s also a kids’ menu, including a DIY taco kit.

The casual diner set right in the heart of town also boasts an epic view over Lake Jindabyne, from its bench-style tables that are perfect for groups and mingling with other mountain-goers.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Level 3 / Shop 5/3 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

18. Bebita

Mexican lunch at Bebita, Jindabyne — Order classic Mexican favourites at Bebita.

In the backstreets of Jindabyne, this wholesome fresh food cafe serves up brunch, lunch and dinner – think coffee, juice, salads, nachos, burrito bowls and tacos. They also make killer cheesecakes, with ever-changing flavours such as mint choc, caramilk, Kit Kat, which look just as incredible as they taste. Nab a table on the outdoor terrace in the sunshine and linger longer with a BYO bottle of wine or beer.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 1 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

19. Embers Fireside Grill

Located within Horizons Lake Jindabyne – formerly Rydges – Embers Fireside Grill is an elegant restaurant open for dinner. Just as its name suggests, there’s a roaring fireplace come the winter months.

The newly rebranded hotel has elevated the dining menu, focusing on Australian ingredients with some Asian inspiration. Choose from dishes such as karaage chicken, sesame duck, fillet mignon and chilli garlic prawn pasta.

Cuisine: Modern Australian / Asian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location: 1 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

20. The Market Jindabyne

The Market Jindabyne exterior — Find purveyors of the best local produce at The Market Jindabyne.

In the centre of town, The Market Jindabyne is the place to pick up hyper-local and good quality produce and supplies, such as cured meats, cheeses, honey, preserves and organic fruit and veggies.

Settle into the cosy lounge to order a coffee, matcha or juice. Pair it with a toastie – arguably the best in town – made with local sourdough, a pastry or a smoothie bowl. They also offer taster plates, which allows you to try some of the produce in store before you buy.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 6/141 Snowy River Avenue, Jindabyne

Discover the best things to do in Jindabyne

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .

20 of the best Jindabyne restaurants and eateries

From casual and lively pubs to funky small bars and iconic bakeries, we’ve found some of Jindabyne’s best eateries.

The shortlist

1. The Banjo Paterson Inn

2. Bacco Italian Restaurant

3. Birchwood

4. Cocina Taqueria

5. Brumby Bar & Grill

6. Takayama Restaurant and Bar

7. Jindabyne Bowling Club

8. Jindabyne Brewing Co

9. Panorama Thai

10. Sundance Bakery

11. Nimmitabel Bakery

12. Parc Cafe

13. Pinot’s Wine Bar

14. Holly Go Lightly

15. Jindabyne Emporium

16. Stacks Pizza

17. Beach Burrito Co

18. Bebita

19. Embers Fireside Grill

20. The Market Jindabyne

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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

3. Watch out for whales

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

5. Diving Port Stephens

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

7. Fish the estuaries

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours