10 best Bundaberg restaurants and cafes

Grab a fork and discover what’s being served up in the ‘food bowl’ of Australia.

Although it’s famous for its sugarcane, Bundaberg has an abundance of fresh produce which earns it a spot on the list of Australia’s best foodie towns. Fertile volcanic soils give rise to abundant tropical fruits, the coast teems with sumptuous seafood, and the plains deliver plenty of grass-fed organic meat.

Dubbed the ‘food bowl’ of Australia, the region is responsible for serving-up high-quality ingredients to tables across Queensland, Australia and beyond. The way to the heart of this township is through your stomach, so spend some time cafe-hopping and exploring Bundaberg’s unique restaurant offerings. Here, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants and cafes in Bundaberg that you absolutely can’t miss.

Restaurants

Like the town itself, Bundaberg’s food scene is best described as chilled-out. Although the vibes may be casual, the food quality is deadly serious. You don’t need to indulge in fine dining to discover decadence – you’ll find exquisite plates served up at pub taverns and casual eateries, too. Check out some of our favourite Bundaberg restaurants below.

1. Spotted Dog Tavern at Railway Hotel

In true Bundaberg fashion, one of the town’s best restaurants is also one of the most laid back. Nestled inside the Railway Hotel, The Spotted Dog serves up elevated pub classics made with high-quality ingredients.

There are hearty melt-in-your-mouth steaks and eight-hour slow-cooked beef short ribs. Not to mention expansive menu options drawing worldwide influences from Asia to Italy.

Seafood lovers will find lots to rave about – the ocean meets the tropics with menu highlights that include local Hervey Bay scallops served with mango and Midori salsa. You’ll also find some of the best fish and chips in Bundaberg.

True to its name, dogs are allowed, so if you’re travelling with a four-legged family member, they’re welcome to join you here.

Pub food from Spotted Dog At Railway Hotel in Bundaberg, Queensland — Chill out and enjoy elevated pub classics. (Image: Spotted Dog At Railway Hotel)

2. Bert’s

Located in the heart of Bundaberg town, Bert’s offers a quality dining experience reminiscent of a big city restauranteur, but with the bonus of fresh ingredients grown locally. When you enter, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time with gorgeous vintage-inspired decor and luxe leather lounges.

This stylish Bundaberg restaurant serves up a divine medley of flavours from around the world, all plated up artfully. It’s the same with the drinks too, which are some of the best in Bundy.

Here, you can sample some of Bundaberg’s finest cocktails that incorporate locally brewed spirits served with a highly Instagrammable presentation. Finish off your meal with some to-die-for desserts — such as toffee pudding topped with Bundaberg Rum Caramel. Delicious.

Stylish interior at Bert's restaurant in Bundaberg — Enjoy the beautiful surroundings while you eat. (Image: Bert’s)

3. Water St Kitchen

Water St Kitchen is an acclaimed restaurant for fine dining in Bundaberg. The menu balances unique and delicate flavours – bringing together fresh local produce with cuisines from around the world. Here, you can truly tour the globe with your tastebuds.

Some menu highlights include the kangaroo and myrtle prosciutto, and the sand crab lasagne. You’ll also have a great selection of International and Australian wines to accompany your meal, as well as some delicious cocktails to choose from. If you’re looking for a premier dining experience, Water St Kitchen certainly delivers.

meal at Water St Kitchen — Enjoy fresh local produce and global flavours. (Image: Water St Kitchen)

4. H20 restaurant

At H20 , you can enjoy upscale dining right on the banks of the Burnett River in the company of a sensational view. Kick back with a cocktail to start your meal, and enjoy some sumptuous classics, such as Asian-spiced pork belly, crab pasta and crispy barramundi.

There are great Aussie wines to pair and lots of locally brewed drinks to complement your meal. There’s also a decadent range of desserts that you’ll want to leave room for (the Bailey’s cheesecake with raspberry sorbet is a true winner). Located inside the Burnett Hotel, this is one of Bundaberg’s more formal restaurant offerings.

Outdoor dining at Burnett Riverside Hotel in Bundaberg, Queensland. — Soak in the river views as you enjoy your meal. (Image: Burnett Riverside Hotel)

Cafes

Discover your perfect brew by cafe-hopping your way into the heart of this iconic Aussie township. Soak up the sunshine and Bundaberg’s buzzing vibes while you enjoy some of the town’s best offerings. Here are the best cafes in Bundaberg that you won’t want to miss.

5. Indulge Cafe

It’s a common adage that we eat with the eyes first, and simply peeking into Indulge Cafe is bound to pique the senses. Inside, you’ll be met with a kaleidoscope of colourful sweet treats and mouth-watering savoury plates. Everything is so well-presented that it’s almost a shame to dig in.

There is great coffee, as well as breakfast and lunch menus that offer up a flurry of decadent flavours, all tied together with local flair. From mushroom arancini made with local shiitake mushrooms, to cinnamon-dusted doughnuts with stewed apples: you’ll find something to tantalise your tastebuds at Indulge.

Breakfast board at Indulge cafe in Bundaberg, Queensland — These decadent breakfast boards look (almost) too good to eat. (Image: Indulge)

6. Nana’s Pantry

Stepping into Nana’s pantry feels like all the Bazaars from around the world have been condensed into one cosy shop. This bulk food, no-waste store and cafe is bursting with colourful confectionery, dried fruits, nuts, teas, spices and more.

The health-conscious will find a lot to love, with an abundance of whole foods to nourish your body and mind.

After you’re done scoping out some of your favourite snacks, hit up the on-site cafe to sample some gourmet coffee, or enjoy some refreshing kombucha on tap. Sit outside and soak up the sun, and be sure to complement your drink with some locally-made caramel fudge.

Desserts at Nana's Pantry in Bundaberg — Stock up on whole foods to nourish your body and mind. (Image: Nana’s Pantry)

7. The Windmill Cafe Bargara

This iconic Bundaberg cafe is hard to miss. Housed in a blue windmill by Bargara beach, this kooky cafe serves up a true taste of Bundaberg with food offerings that are almost entirely locally sourced.

The carefully curated menu involves brekkie classics like eggs benedict with locally butchered bacon, and a dragon fruit bowl filled with vibrant local fruits. The Windmill doesn’t just showcase local flavours, but the local Bundy spirit, too.

In addition to championing local initiatives, The Windmill offers free gelato to anyone who fills a collection bucket with rubbish from the beach. All the cups and containers are disposable, so you can enjoy a guilt-free takeaway coffee as you stroll along the sands.

The Blue Windmill Cafe, Bulgara in Bundaberg, Queensland. — Soak in the ambience at this one-of-a-kind cafe. (Image: Windmill Cafe Bargara)

8. Leaf n Bean

The small but sleek Leaf n Bean cafe has carved out a reputation as one of Bundaberg’s best lunch and brunch spots. Their cold-brew coffee is both delicious, and perfect for combatting the sweltering Bundaberg heat.

You’ll find hearty menu options like succulent pulled-beef garden salads and Turkish bread sandwiches loaded up with Mediterranean-style veggies.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s always a tray of decadent desserts on offer. Our personal favourites include the Biscoff cheesecake and delectable Lemon Drizzle.

Biscoff cheesecakes from the Leaf N Bean cafe in Bundaberg, Queensland — Don’t miss the popular Biscoff cheesecakes. (Image: Leaf N Bean)

9. The Journey Laneway

If the Bundaberg heat has got you parched, head to The Journey Laneway for something refreshing.

There’s a focus on healthy snacks here, so if you’re looking for some clean eats to complement your coffee, then the Journey Laneway is the perfect place to get your fix. Pick from an array of vegan, gluten-free and raw options in the cabinet when you order.

Barista at The Journey cafe in Bundaberg — Enjoy a delicious coffee and healthy treats at The Journey. (Image: The Journey)

Heading to Bundaberg? We’ve also created a guide to Bundaberg accommodation, rounded up the best Bundaberg tours and things to do, and made a list of the best beaches to visit nearby.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

9 Bundaberg restaurants and cafes you can’t miss