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.

From serene natural beauty to vibrant nightlife, with plenty of arts and culture in between, the NSW Central Coast has been enjoying a serious glow up.

Just one hour from Sydney, the Central Coast has long been the perfect seaside getaway. And with its ECO Destination certification with a focus on sustainability, it’s a trip travellers can feel good about, too. Recently, new and exciting openings have turned the Central Coast into a place where incredible natural beauty is still on the table, but so is a vibrant and sophisticated arts, dining and nightlife scene.

Find out what’s new to discover on the Central Coast.

1. Gosford’s glow up

room at voco gosford — Book into voco and experience the best of Gosford.

Long-time Central Coast lovers will hardly recognise Gosford these days. While always boasting gorgeous water views, a range of revamps and new openings have turned it into a busy hub of arts and culture, with an increasingly diverse and vibrant nightlife.

Landmark lifestyle hotel voco Gosford is the perfect home base for a Central Coast getaway. At this IHG hotel overlooking sparkling Brisbane Water, guests can spend sunny days soaking in the rooftop pool (or just sipping a cocktail beside it). When it comes to meals, you can enjoy multiple venues serving up everything from modern Australian fare to fine-dining Japanese.

Venture out to lay eyes on the Central Coast’s first permanent Moving Image Gallery (MIG) . Opened this year inside the Gosford Regional Gallery , the immersive space is a showcase of screen-based and digital art. While at the gallery, wander around the Edogawa Commemorative Garden, a traditional Japanese strolling garden complete with teahouse, koi pond and an ornamental bridge.

Meanwhile, the revamped Gosford Regional Library has even more than books to discover. Now, it’s one of the best in the southern hemisphere – find exhibitions, historical archives and community initiatives for all ages at this perfect family-friendly escape.

2. Newcomers to the dining scene

table full of food at Amarilla restaurant terrigal — Treat yourself to sundowners and snacks at Amarilla.

The Central Coast has long been the perfect destination for gourmands, with everything from casual eats to fine dining elevating the local offerings. And three new destinations have been added to the map.

Amarilla at The Haven in Terrigal is the perfect seaside venue for sundowners, with blissed-out beats providing the soundtrack. Book in for golden hour and choose bites from a Spanish tapas menu made for sharing. Do as the locals do and wash it all down with sangria – the Sunday Sangria Sessions have become a local institution.

Also in Terrigal, Little Miss has brought a premium Mediterranean menu to the waterfront. Try the wagyu tartare with Greek caviar or butter-poached lobster and tomato bisque, paired with inventive cocktails and a handpicked selection of Lebanese wines.

Over in Ettalong, Bar Toto is perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. This award-winning cocktail bar is known for its creative concoctions, along with craft beer, wine and antipasti platters to snack on. The interior sets the mood, with dim lighting and wooden furnishings.

3. New Central Coast experiences

winemaker at Firescreek Botanical Winery — Book an experience at Firescreek Botanical Winery.

It’s entirely possible (and recommended) to spend a Central Coast getaway relaxing on one of its many peaceful and pristine beaches. But for those who crave more, there’s a long list of options to keep you busy.

Pop into the iconic Australian Reptile Park to see the new Weigel Venom Centre, a state-of-the-art facility that’s home to over 200 of the country’s most venomous snakes.

Get out on the water with Sail Central Coast , which offers 20 years of expertise in yacht charters. Book the Sunset Sail & Dine yacht charter for a private afternoon cruising the waterways of Bouddi National Park and Brisbane Water, stopping at Anchor on Hardys for a two-course meal with a cocktail.

For something completely different, Firescreek Botanical Winery is now offering an Aboriginal Storytelling and Wine Tasting Experience. Learn about local cultures, stories and traditions from an Aboriginal Elder, then enjoy a botanical-inspired wine tasting led by a local winemaking expert.

4. Central Coast accommodation

view from a cottage at Noonaweena — Sleep in the hinterland at Noonaweena.

There’s simply too much to experience on the Central Coast to only stay for one day. Turn your trip into a relaxing getaway by the beach.

Allawah , a retreat on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, is accessible only by boat. This secluded two-bedroom cottage is the perfect place to unwind, allowing you to spend lazy days fishing, kayaking, paddling or unwinding with a book on your own private jetty.

In the Kulnura hinterland, Noonaweena features a range of accommodation styles, from a luxe glamping bell tent to cottages and a treetop suite. It’s a leader in green travel, with 10 years of certification from Eco Tourism Australia. Relax in the onsite wellness centre or get active on various courts and in the gym facilities.

To stay by the ocean at Toowoon Bay, book into Kim’s Beachside Resort . This adults-only property offers a luxury escape nestled within a sub-tropical rainforest. Along with 36 private timber bungalows, indulge in massages or reiki treatments at the dedicated spa, or stop by the cocktail bar and à la carte restaurant.

5. Shopping on the Central Coast

Umina’s Centred Ceramics central coast — Try your hand at Umina’s Centred Ceramics’ pottery courses.

For those after unique trinkets, handmade treasures and beautiful homewares, the Central Coast is a haven.

Markets on the Central Coast have a special flavour. Wander the Umina Beach Markets at twilight, where you’ll find small businesses from the local areas, and the Norah Head Ocean View Markets , where you can soak up good food, live music and artisan finds by the beach after sunset. ‘Tis the season for the Christmas twilight edition of the Avoca Beachside Markets, celebrating the season with pop-up bars, tasty treats and plenty of unique gift options from local artists and producers.

Galleria Ettalong has also added to the Central Coast’s recent makers and creators renaissance, wrapping cinemas, a dining precinct and over 40 boutique shops into one area.

Sign up for a pottery course at Umina’s Centred Ceramics , or peruse the shop for a range of one-of-a-kind pottery made on the premises for a special souvenir.

For more eclectic arts and homewares, pop into Blue Bird Collective Co . This marketplace supports over 35 small, local and handmade businesses, artists and creatives. Take the time to check out fashion, jewellery and homewares that won’t be found anywhere else.

Start planning your coastal getaway at lovecentralcoast.com .

12 Kangaroo Valley restaurants and cafes every visitor must try