10 Best Kangaroo Valley Restaurants And Cafes

From cafes with house-fermented kombucha to character-filled pubs with buzzy beer gardens and delis helmed by award-winning chefs, it’s a great time to explore the Kangaroo Valley restaurant and cafe scene.

Kangaroo Valley restaurants and cafes have been drawing road-trippers and city dwellers for decades. This tiny township occupies a prime slice of country NSW real estate, sitting pretty in a wide valley, flanked by lush farmland worn tight and snug like a green velvet cardigan.

One of the best ways to experience the Kangaroo Valley is, of course, on foot, hiking to its many waterfalls and swimming holes dotted around the mountains of the Southern Highlands. But if you’re spending a long weekend capitalising on the valley’s many outdoor adventures, you also need sustenance, right? These are the Kangaroo Valley cafes and restaurants to visit on your travels.

1. Wildes Dining

Best for: Point Green beef flank steak with chimichurri and watercress with corn ribs on the side.

The peppy new tapas menu at Wildes Dining is worth staying in for when you’re booked in at Wildes Hotel. Build your feast at incrementally with a selection of appetisers and side dishes that are great for grazing. The tapas menu is available between 4PM and 8PM every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

The tapas bar menu at this restaurant with rooms provides ample reason to stay and play at the hotel, one of the best places to stay in the Kangaroo Valley. Dishes such as creamy burrata, indulgent cured beef loin and delicious mushroom bruschetta are terrific successes and made to share. Round out your composition of plates with dishes from the a la carte menu such as crumbed pork cutlet with fennel slaw and garlic and parsley butter or the market fish with spinach and Jervis Bay mussel sauce.

Wildes Kangaroo Valley — Enjoy a meal at WIldes boutique. (Image: Grainger Films)

Address: 152 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

2. Terra & Mare Pizzeria & Italian Bakery

Best for: Terra e Mare Pizza with pork and fennel salami, mozzarella, olives and anchovies. Drool.

We’d heard that Terra & Mare Pizzeria doles out some of the best woodfired pizzas in Kangaroo Valley so we gave it a try. Terra & Mare means ‘land and sea’ so you can expect to get a taste of that bounty at this Kangaroo Valley restaurant that specialises in handmade pasta and sourdough pizza.

Terra & Mare Pizzeria and Italian Bakery — Fill your tummy with delicious woodfired pizza,

If you’re in this neck of the woods, we’d suggest you pop in for some carb-heavy sustenance ahead of your hike the next day. Note: this is not the place to take Nonna (Unless she’s a progressive from Piedmont who gets the joke about The Italian Nightmare). The pizza is slathered in smokey BBQ sauce, ham and pineapple and regardless of what your naysayer mate from Naples says, it’s delish. The lamb neck ragu with rigatoni pasta is also worth shouting about. Give it a twirl.

Address: 162 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

3. The Friendly Inn Hotel

Best for: Juicy burgers enjoyed in the beer garden where you’ll find out where ‘The Friendly’ gets its name.

Ask a local where to eat lunch in Kangaroo Valley and they’ll likely say The Friendly Inn . This laidback, heritage-listed pub, dating back to 1897, is one of the region’s oldest. Beyond its menu of crowd-pleasing pub staples (think burgers, steaks, salads and the ubiquitous schnitty) ‘The Friendly’ certainly lives up to its name, welcoming dogs and families with open arms.

The Friendly Inn, Kangaroo Valley — The characterful exterior of The Friendly Inn.

Relax in the pub’s beer garden around a picnic table with a cold schooner or glass of rosé, and watch the kids tear around the playground. There’s even a pétanque court and a roster of live music. As the sun drops, you can go from canoeing the Kangaroo River to cocktails in the beer garden overlooking the region’s soaring escarpments. Sorted.

Friendly Inn beer garden, Kangaroo Valley — Enjoy the sunshine while enjoying some tasty food.

Address: 159 Moss Vale Rd, Kangaroo Valley

4. Yarrawa Estate

Best for: A glass of Chambourcin and a cheese platter.

This Kangaroo Valley winery is not strictly in the village of Kangaroo Valley. Nor is it strictly a restaurant or café. But it’s still worth highlighting this boutique, husband-and-wife-run winery. Yarrawa Estate lies just a 14-kilometre drive north-east of Kangaroo Valley. Beyond enjoying the owners’ warm country hospitality, weekend visitors to Yarrawa Estate can sample Mark and Sue’s fruit-forward Verdelho, buttery chardonnay and peppery shiraz.

Yarrawa Estate in Kangaroo Valley — This small family-run vineyard is nestled between the stunning escarpments of Kangaroo Valley.

Enjoy your tutored tastings of award-winning wines from the Kangaroo Valley with a cheese platter, accompanied by some of Sue’s homemade pickles, fruits, nuts and preserves. The vineyard is located between the rugged escarpments of Kangaroo Valley, which is known for its rich volcanic soil and temperate climate.

Address: 43B Scotts Rd, Kangaroo Valley

5. Osteria La Vallata

Best for: Brasato di Manzo (beef cheeks) served with whipped mash potatoes and portobello mushrooms.

Golfers have a new reason to work on their handicap with the opening of Osteria La Vallata at Kangaroo Valley Golf & Country Retreat. The Woolshed, under head chef Marco Salvestrin, presents nuanced Italian dishes informed by someone who doesn’t live in the mother country but has his heart in Australia. And the new restaurant has amplified the offerings at the Jack Newtown-designed course, with a menu of greatest hits that also emphasises seasonal ingredients.

The backbone of the menu is pasta and gnocchi under a melody that sings of the Mediterranean. Start with the Greek salad and antipasto misto and follow it with pappardelle all’anatra (duck ragu) and tiramisu. Cena conviviale!

Address: 391 Mt Scanzi Road, Kangaroo Valley

6. The General Cafe

Best for: The Frankenstein that is known as the ‘Cross-Breed Dog’: half banh mi, half frankfurter. What a beast.

Homemade organic sourdough? Tick. House-fermented small-batch kombucha? Tick. A bounty of fresh, seasonal produce gracing the cafe’s breakfast and lunch menu? Tick. Perch on one of the tables out front and watch the locals parading by, or head to the tranquil, leafy, sun-dappled veranda out the back. The cool folks at The General Cafe can cater to vegetarians and those who are dairy-free and gluten-free. And there’s often new specials to try, such as the Italian-style meatballs on sourdough toast, or the roasted mushrooms with creamy white polenta.

The General Cafe in Kangaroo Valley — Organic sourdough bread made in-house elevates the menu.

Address: 51 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

7. Kangaroo Valley Bakehouse

Best for: The signature lamb and mint pies.

The best meat pies in Australia are enjoyed while standing amid a knot of people congregating on a footpath talking about the footie or the weather. And lovers of the iconic meat pie should do just that at this Kangaroo Valley stalwart. Made with love, and flaky pastry, the Kangaroo Valley

Kangaroo Valley bakehouse — Indulge in top-notch pies.

Bakehouse doles out all the classics: steak and mushroom, beef and Guinness, and, of course, the traditional Aussie meat pie as well as a curried veggie number. But there are also sausage rolls, apple pies and old-school milkshakes on offer, and fresh bread and pantry items to stock up on. Take your sweet time savouring Australia’s national dish while getting tips on the best things to do in the Kangaroo Valley.

Address: 150 Moss Vale Rd, Kangaroo Valley

8. Maddison’s in the Valley

Best for: The best chicken schnitzels in Kangaroo Valley: order the Mexican which arrives slathered with salsa, guacamole, sour cream and melted cheese.

It’s hard to miss Maddison’s in the Valley as you drive through the dinky little village of Kangaroo Valley. The Kangaroo Valley cafe is housed in a heritage bank building and features a striped awning and outside tables filled with diners enjoying breakfast, brunch and lunch. Join the locals checking the chalkboard for daily specials (and the words of wisdom) or study the regular menu for classic cafe fare. Maddison’s in the Valley is a simple, no-frills kind of cafe in Kangaroo Valley, as some of the best regional eateries are, and it serves a very satisfying bacon and egg roll for the weary traveller.

Maddison's In The Valley Kangaroo Valley — The charming exterior of Maddison’s In The Valley.

Address: 158 Moss Vale Road, Moss Vale.

9. Cambewarra Lookout Cafe

Best for: Hefty burgers accompanied by a choice of local beers.

The Lookout Cafe on the peak of Cambewarra Mountain is a great place to perch. The venue, which has been operating as a cafe since 1909, offers panoramic views over the Shoalhaven. The terrace, which is open to the vast skies, is one of the best vantage points to look out over Kangaroo Valley. Here’s the scoop: there’s a gelato cart and picnics on the grounds are also possible. Travelling with your dog? That’s a complimentary puppycino right there. Plug the Lookout Cafe into the GPS. It’s one of the best venues with a view in Kangaroo Valley. Check the cafe’s Facebook page for The Lookout at Dusk events with live music.

cambewarra lookout cafe — A drink with a view at Cambewarra Lookout Cafe. (Image: Cambewarra lookout cafe)

Address: 182 Cambewarra Lookout Rd, Beaumont.

10. Kangaroo Valley Coffee Co.

Best for: Beetroot lattes if you want to be bougie

What many road-trippers are surprised to learn is that Kangaroo Valley is a village as well as a valley. And you will find many of the residents of this sleepy, charming riverside town queuing for their morning brew at the Kangaroo Valley Coffee Co. after their morning walks. Coffee has played such a role in community and culture in Australia and this has filtered down into the regions where there’d be a bit of a brew-ha-ha if the java was not up to scratch. You will find the Kangaroo Valley Coffee Co. in the back of a lovely little cottage that houses The Hive KV, another hub of the community. Take a moment to sit and breathe here where coffee is more than a drink; it’s a moment. There are blankets and a fire pit to keep you warm in winter.

Kangaroo Valley Coffee Co — Kickstart your day with a delicious brew.

Address: 170 Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

11. Sweet As Kangaroo Valley

Best for: Lollies, chocolate and gelato

Time will stand still when you watch your children eyeing off all the homemade candies, sweets, gelato and fudge on offer at Sweet As Kangaroo Valley , as they are made to taste exactly as they did when you were a kid. What was once Homelea Cottage is known as Sweet As Kangaroo Valley. The family-run institution aims to support as many artisans as it can such as Woodstock Chocolate Co. hand-made in nearby Milton, as well as The Pines Gelato, churned in the paddocks of Kiama. Sweet tooths will be satisfied when they add scoops of liquorice allsorts, Fluffy Crunch fairy floss, and Lovers Lane Rocky Road to the mix.

Sweet As Kangaroo Valley — Indulge in some sweet treats.

Address: 149b Moss Vale Road, Kangaroo Valley

12. Hampden Deli, Dining & School

Best for: The tasty tarts and cakes intricately decorated with edible flowers are hard to pass up.

Hampden Deli is the brainchild of fine-dining powerhouse couple Nick Gardner and Stevie-Lee Bounader. Here, you’ll be able sample local produce in the form of tasty sweet treats and delicious sangas. Not only that, but you’ll often have the chance to learn about the food you’re eating, too. The Deli regularly runs classes on foodie topics like wine pairing, and how to brew the perfect cuppa joe.

Hampdon deli — The baked goods at Hampden deli are impossible to pass up (Image:

Address: 4/160 Moss Vale Rd Kangaroo Valley

Want to know more about where to stay and play in Kangaroo Valley? check out our guide to Kangaroo Valley here.

Discover the magic of a Sydney staycation in summer at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney.

Sydney City is magical in summer. Warm summer evenings beg to be spent sipping cool cocktails at one of many al fresco and rooftop bars. Ferries and buses are ready to transport travellers to the best nearby beaches for salty days on the sand. National parks and rainforests are waiting to be explored. And the city’s events calendar is packed, from live music to cultural attractions. All elements that call for a Sydney staycation.

Discover where to eat, stay and play for the perfect local getaway.

Where to stay

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Amid the bustle of the perfect Sydney staycation, one needs a place to escape to and recharge. Enter, The Fullerton Hotel Sydney . The hotel is an icon in its own right – nestled inside the 151-year-old building that was originally Sydney’s General Post Office, its heritage-listed sandstone walls and Victorian renaissance grandeur have been carefully preserved – providing a rare chance to sleep within Sydney’s history.

Despite its fascinating history, the hotel isn’t short on modern, luxurious comforts. Rooms and suites are available in both the modern high-rise with gorgeous views over the clock tower and lively city below, or inside the historical post office building itself.

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney Heritage Long Suite bathroom — Heritage rooms maintain their old-world style.

Either way, guests can enjoy sophisticated touches, including a deluxe bed and pillow menu, Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers, a digital concierge, a Vittoria coffee machine and amenities from the Balmain bathroom collection.

The team at this five-star hotel provides excellence and a quality experience for all their guests, while amenities like a gym help with a well-rounded stay. For a peaceful moment with sweeping city views, enter The Fullerton Club Lounge on level 28. This private haven for dining and relaxation is available to any guests staying on the hotel’s club floors and suites.

Add to this a central location in the CBD’s Martin Place, with easy access to Sydney’s top attractions, and convenience meets style.

Where to drink & dine

1. The Bar

the Fullerton Hotel afternoon tea at the bar — Indulge in the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea.

Inside The Fullerton Hotel Sydney’s lobby, The Bar does more than sling a few delicious cocktails (although it certainly does that well). Its brown leather chairs and glass ceiling create the perfect, almost al fresco, setting for the Fullerton Signature Afternoon Tea .

Served daily from 12 to 4 pm, the afternoon tea is a nod to the cherished social occasion it once was during the Victorian Renaissance era. People like to dress up for this afternoon tea, and if you’re lucky, a pianist often sits down at the on-site grand piano, just adding to the elegance.

The afternoon tea is served high tea style, offering reimagined British flavours of the Victorian Renaissance era with a unique blend of Australia’s culinary heritage. A sweet layer offers delights like a Malted Milk Envelope (a milk mousse layered between two biscuits), Bakewell Pudding (a super tasty egg-based pudding), and Apple Charlotte.

On the savoury layer, expect finger sandwiches with fillings like cucumber, egg and smoked salmon. While classic pinwheels and stuffed eggs almost make the menu. And, of course, all finished off with traditional scones served with cream and mixed berry jam.

Can’t fit in a whole afternoon tea? Be sure to at least order a slice of the 32-layered chocolate cake, a decadent mix of dark chocolate crémeux, fresh whipped cream, and Valrhona Azélia chocolate sauce. ⁣

2. The Place

the Fullerton Hotel the place dining — Dine in the stunning GPO atrium.

On level one of The Fullerton Hotel Sydney lives The Place – the hotel’s restaurant, in an atrium overlooking the former GPO. Here, dine on Modern Australian cuisine – think fresh, local seafood and a Riverina steak sandwich – along with a touch of Singaporean signature dishes, like Thai-style green curry or chicken satay. All in the shadow of the GPO clock tower, enjoying the GPO atrium’s natural light.

3. Local gelato

Couple enjoying ice-creams at First Fleet Park, The Rocks — Enjoy ice cream in the sunshine. (Image: Destination NSW)

What is summer without ice cream and/or gelato? Luckily, there are plenty of options just a short walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, whether you’re craving a midday pick-me-up or an after-sun treat.

What to do/see

1. GPO Heritage Tour

the Fullerton Hotel Sydney lobby — Be awed by the building’s history.

Want to know more about the building you’re staying in? The Fullerton Hotel Sydney offers a complimentary 90-minute GPO Heritage Tour. Follow a knowledgeable tour guide to discover the stories, tales and legends of the former Sydney General Post Office building.

From the iconic clock tower (completed in 1891) to the black-and-white tiled staircase at 1 Martin Place, which was once the main entrance to the GPO and today serves as a prominent feature of the building to the 24 stone faces (mascarons) on the Martin Place side of the building. Part of the 1880s-era facade (designed by architect James Barnet), each represents different states, countries and continents.

2. Circular Quay

aerial of circular quay sydney — Catch a ferry from Circular Quay. (Image: Destination NSW)

An easy walk or light rail ride away from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lies the bustling Circular Quay. Here, you can sit for a drink and nibbles at the Opera Bar, or head into the iconic house itself for a show. It’s also a major ferry port, becoming your gateway to Sydney’s beaches, Luna Park and even Sydney Zoo.

3. Royal Botanic Gardens

view of circular quay from Sydney's Royal Botanic Garden — Wander through Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. (Image: Destination NSW)

Just beyond Circular Quay, discover Sydney’s Royal Botanic Garden. Wander through this 30-hectare, heritage-listed, botanical garden – exploring its differing sections, from Australian native botanicals to garden beds of vibrant flowers to towering groves of international trees.

It’s also the perfect place for a picnic, so pick up supplies before you come and enjoy a spot on the grassy meadow looking out into the harbour.

4. Theatre Royal

Just a one-minute walk from The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, take in a show at Theatre Royal. Built in 1976, the theatre has been offering a broad range of entertainment since the 1990s. Expect a show roster that ranges from the classics (like Cats) to the modern) like Pretty Woman: The Musical).

Start planning a summer stay in Sydney worth remembering at fullertonhotels.com/fullerton-hotel-sydney.

12 Kangaroo Valley restaurants and cafes every visitor must try