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

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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

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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

From country landscapes to the coast, Vintage Rail Journeys blends the grandeur of the golden age of rail travel with immersive local experiences.

Travelling aboard the historic Southern Aurora train is the ultimate scenic journey through regional NSW. Operated by Vintage Rail Journeys, the former Southern Aurora is a step back in time, from the lovingly restored carriages to the Off Train Experiences that spotlight local history, artisanal crafts and regional producers.

Once the overnight express that ferried passengers between Sydney and Melbourne throughout the 1960s, this train has been revived to its former mid-century glory, from the cabin layouts to the original lettering. Today, the train takes passengers on scenic and historic five-day journeys – starting and ending in Sydney – through three distinct regions of NSW: The Riverina, Golden West and North Coast.

Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train carriage — Be transported into the golden age of travel. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

One of the most magical parts of travelling with Vintage Rail Journeys is waking up on the train. Each night, the train stables at a station so guests can enjoy a restful night’s sleep in stillness, before departing again at dawn. Passengers awake to the gentle motion of the carriage, flicking open the blinds to watch the landscape unfold at sunrise. There is no better way to start the day.

The onboard experience come evening time is just as picturesque. Guests enjoy the all-inclusive food and beverages, nursing cocktails in the Art Deco-inspired lounge carriage or lingering over a three-course dinner in the dining carriage. Outside the window, Eastern grey kangaroos bound across open plains and flocks of cockatoos scatter from the gumtrees. It’s an old-world way of travelling, a slower pace that’s increasingly rare amid the frenzy of modern life. From coastal sojourns to adventures through agrarian landscapes, these are the multi-day Vintage Rail Journeys itineraries transporting guests back in time.

The Riverina

Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train travelling through nsw — Travel through the agricultural heartland of NSW. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

The Riverina is the agricultural heartland of NSW. Over five days, Vintage Rail Journeys takes passengers through the region to experience its celebrated produce, wines and local history. Travelling in a loop through the Central West, guests can sample sweets at the Junee Liquorice & Chocolate Factory, housed inside a former flour mill, tour an olive grove alongside a second-generation olive farmer, and enjoy tastings at family-owned wineries where the grapes are harvested mere metres away.

The Riverina is also a region shaped by passionate local historians. The Fairground Follies museum in Bowral houses one of the world’s largest collections of mechanical music and carnival memorabilia – a riot of colour and nostalgia tucked away where you’d least expect it. Meanwhile, Temora Rural Museum offers a glimpse into the history of everyday life in rural NSW. It’s home to the NSW & ACT Ambulance Museum (yes, a museum within a museum), packed with ambulances that span the past 120 years (including horse-drawn!). And seeing it all aboard a vintage train makes it feel not just like you’re visiting history, but living inside of it.

North Coast

This five-day journey is all about ocean views and slowing down in tune with the rhythm of coastal life. As you make your way north from Sydney, the water is never too far from sight, whether Vintage Rail Journeys is tracing the Gloucester River or travelling alongside sweeping stretches of coastline. You’ll want to sit by a window as the train passes through the Coffs Harbour region – it’s one of the most scenic stretches of the whole journey.

Guests can also disembark at Coffs Harbour to take in the beauty of the Great Dividing Range at the Forest Sky Pier – a surreal lookout point that looks like a runway disappearing into the sky. The train continues onward to Byron Bay, where guests can disembark to explore the iconic beach town at their own pace. And on the return journey to Sydney, keep your eyes peeled for dolphins – they’re known to frequent the Kooragang Wetlands near Newcastle, which guests visit on a lunch cruise on the final day.

Golden West

winery experience in new south wales — Jump off the train for a winery experience. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Travelling through the Golden West by rail is like stepping into a Frederick McCubbin painting – a nod to the golden era of rail travel. This five-day journey evokes the era of Australian Impressionism, passing through some of the country’s most painterly landscapes while tracing a path through history.

Starting in Sydney, the train makes its way to the Hawkesbury River, where the train crosses a historic rail bridge over the bronze, glassy waters below. Guests disembark here to cruise the brackish inlet aboard a historic postal boat before returning to the train to continue into Gold Rush country. Ahead lie grand heritage towns and historic estates, including the 1870s Abercrombie House in Bathurst.

Special event journeys

meal onboard Vintage Rail Journeys Southern Aurora train — Enjoy all-inclusive dining and beverages on the way to special events. (Credit: Krista Eppelstun)

Regional NSW is home to some truly one-of-a-kind events, and Vintage Rail Journeys offers a memorable way to get there. Planning a trip to the Bathurst Repco 1000? Vintage Rail Journeys’ special itinerary combines accommodation, dining and transport into one seamless experience. Guests take the scenic route to Bathurst, where the train becomes a unique home base for the event, complete with transfers, all-inclusive dining and beverages, and three days of reserved grandstand seating before returning to Sydney Central Station.

For something a little more playful, guests can also join fellow Elvis enthusiasts on a special overnight journey to Parkes for the town’s iconic annual Elvis Festival. It’s a vintage rail journey – with a little added rock ‘n’ roll.

Step back into the golden age of rail travel at vintagerailjourneys.com.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