7 Excellent Mount Gambier Restaurants To Try

From a scene-stealing country steakhouse to a fine dining eatery, these are the Mount Gambier restaurants worth visiting.

Located halfway between Adelaide and Melbourne, this Limestone Coast city has plenty of awe-inspiring geological draws to its name, not to mention world-renowned wine regions right on its doorstep.

The coast’s once volcanic landscape is blessed with incredibly fertile soils, too, and as a result, it’s home to a bounty of fresh produce. Whether you’re in town for an extended sojourn or you’re just stopping by on a road trip, these are the best restaurants in Mount Gambier.

1. Elementary by Soul Co

The kitchen at Elementary Dining in Mount Gambier — The dark interiors of Elementary Dining set the mood. (Image: Alex Window)

Those looking for an elevated dining experience should head to Elementary by Soul Co . Helmed by chef Kirby Shearing, the modern Australian menu spans gnocchi with confit duck, mushrooms, and broth, baked egg tart with muntrie compote, burnt sugar and spiced brioche with vanilla parfait, chocolate cream, and hazelnuts. For the full experience, opt for the tasting menu, expertly paired with a range of wines or sakes. If you’re around on a Thursday or Friday, duck in for the express lunch where you’ll get an entree, main course and a side all for just $45.

The intimate space seats just 23 guests and is swathed in moody charcoal tones and dark timber furniture for a cosy dining experience.

Address: 12 Margaret St, Mount Gambier

2. The Barn Steakhouse

wine bottles on the shelf at The Barn Steakhouse — Take your pick from an array of wines at The Barn Steakhouse. (Image: The Barn/South Australian Tourism Commission)

This local heavyweight is the reigning champion when it comes to perfectly cooked steak. And its owners, the Cleves family, go one step further than most steakhouses, breeding their very own Hereford cattle on properties in the region, and ageing all the cuts in-house for a minimum of eight days too.

Beyond its steak credentials, The Barn also takes a holistic view of the veggies and herbs that accompany its dishes, which are house-grown, preservative- and pesticide-free in the rich volcanic soils that surround the restaurant, and plucked fresh daily.

Why not kick off the evening’s proceedings with a glass of something sparkling from The Barn’s award-winning 750-wine-label-strong cellar, with the vast majority of the restaurant’s drops sourced from the surrounding Limestone Coast wineries.

Then tuck into some house-made pâté, served with hot toast and quince glaze, and perhaps some seared scallops with prosciutto before moving onto the main event – a rump, porterhouse, or eye fillet, served alongside a continental salad and a sour cream and spring onion topped baked potato.

The Barn Steakhouse is located amid lush farmland, just a 10-minute drive south of the city.

Address: 747 Glenelg River Rd, Mount Gambier

3. Thyme at The Lakes

a close-up shot of a prawn dish at Thyme at the Lakes, Mount Gambier — Savour the flavourful meals at Thyme at the Lakes.

Perched right on top of the city, Thyme at The Lakes boasts an incredible view of Mount Gambier, with food presented as spectacularly as the city below you. With attentive service to top it all off, Thyme at The Lakes showcases the best of local produce in an exciting and elegant dining experience, with the modern menu taking inspiration from both Australian and international cuisine.

From the mouth-watering Spanish-inspired grilled paella to the melt-in-your-mouth lamb rack, Thyme also boasts a vegetarian and vegan menu for those who aren’t meat lovers. Hot tip: Do not skip their dessert menu. The restaurant boasts MasterChef-worthy dishes like the Strawberry & White Chocolate Sphere, or the Hazelnut Affogato makes the perfect palate cleanser.

Address: 17 Lake Terrace W, Mount Gambier

4. Wild Ginger Thai

Authentic classic Pad Thai with shrimps. Thai shrimp satay with sweet chili sauce. Tom Yum soup with coconut milk (Tom Khaa). Spicy shrimp salad. Flat lay top-down composition on concrete background. — Wild Ginger Thai’s dishes pack a punch of flavour.

When Wild Ginger first opened its doors, it was the new kid on the block. Since then, head chef and owner Bee Ketphong and her team have established a reputation for fine Thai cuisine that has made Wild Ginger one of Mount Gambier’s most popular eating destinations for both lunch and dinner.

From the flavour-packed fish cakes to the range of stir-fries, curries and noodle dishes infused with all those powerful Thai flavours of chilli, lemongrass, basil or satay, Wild Ginger is all about Thai cooking.

Bee is focused on using fresh, local produce to create fine Thai dishes, ranging from mild dishes to those that are packed with spicy flavours. And all of Wild Ginger’s menu items are available for takeaway as well.

Address: 17 Commercial St West, Mount Gambier

5. Natural Born Grillers

Close up image of a freshly flame grilled vegetarian halloumi cheeseburger on a wooden counter at an outdoor food market. This burger is loaded with a vegetarian burger meat substitute, fresh salad, melted halloumi cheese and spanish onion and tomato. The burger is sandwiched between glazed buns. — Natural Born Grillers has an entirely meat-free menu for the vegos and vegans among us.

When only a burger will do, make a beeline for Mount Gambier’s Natural Born Grillers. Whether you’re after fried chicken, pulled pork, beef patties, or even something veggie-friendly (there’s a dedicated meat-free menu), NBG delivers.

There’s a multitude of indulgent, deep-fried sides on offer too: potato gems, loaded fries, onion rings, popcorn chicken, and mozzarella sticks. While this burger joint has Mount Gambier’s fast-food market cornered, Natural Born Grillers’ rather spartan interior means it’s not exactly the place to go if you’re after an evening of ambience.

Address: Shop C, 3 Compton Street, Mount Gambier

6. Bahn Kubo

The decor at this pan-Asian eatery is nothing to write home about (hello bright white lights, plastic-backed chairs, loud lime and orange colour scheme, and wipe-clean plastic tables). But thanks to its friendly and fast service, super reasonable prices and moreish dishes, Bahn Kubo does something of a roaring trade. The barbecue pork (char siu) and Thai roast duck receive rave reviews.

Address: 139 Commercial St W, Mount Gambier

7. Southern Thai Cafe

a dining table with a variety of dishes at Southern Thai Cafe, Mount Gambier — Dine on authentic Thai cuisine.

Adding to Mount Gambier’s amazing Thai offering, Southern Thai Cafe brings a fresh look to the cuisine with a focus on the authentic tastes of Southern Thai food and an emphasis on value and service.

Southern Thai Cafe is the dream of Wilawan Churueangsuk (Jieb), who came to Mount Gambier from Southern Thailand 17 years ago. Now an Australian Citizen living here with her husband, David and their children, Jaime and Emily, Jieb’s Southern Thai Cafe is also about family.

Address: 53 Gray Street, Mount Gambier

Looking for breakfast? Start your day at the best Mount Gambier cafes.

Written by Chloe Cann with updates by Tahlia Pritchard and Rachael Thompson.

Newcastle’s vibrant creativity is evident everywhere, from a thriving live arts scene to an ever-growing offering for gourmands. Those with a hunger for new and exciting experiences should put Newcastle on their radar.

When it comes to consuming the culture of a city, digesting it (in the literal sense) is an appropriate place to start. But it’s not just a world-class wining and dining scene that’s on the menu (not to mention all the new restaurants in Newcastle ). Newcastle – just two hours north of Sydney – offers the perfect blend of arts, culture and culinary experiences that make it a prime destination for an extended escape. The city’s creative future looks even brighter with the reopening of the highly anticipated Newcastle Art Gallery on the horizon.

aerial of Nobbys beach in newcastle nsw — Newcastle offers the perfect coastal setting for the arts and delicious eats. (Image: City of Newcastle)

Given Newcastle’s compact size – many venues are within easy walking distance or a quick drive away – you can immerse yourself fully. From decadent patisseries to fine diners and casual coastal eats, here’s a fresh taste of Newcastle: where to eat, drink and soak up the coastal city’s good vibes.

1. Pastry cafes in Newcastle

pastries next to a pastry box from crumb cafe in newcastle — Lean into Newcastle’s pastry renaissance at Crumb. (Image: Jemma Donkin)

Pastry is having a moment, with a quietly booming scene led by CRUMB, the brand-new pastry cafe in Lambton led by legendary Gareth Williams (of Covered in Crumbs, EXP) and Ben Richardson (Autumn Rooms). Gareth describes his style of food as ‘creative chaos’. Enjoy that abstract artisanal approach over a savoury chorizo, bechamel, cheddar and poppy pastry, or a layered mortadella and pesto mayo croissant sandwich.

Meanwhile, Leibe European Pastries, Pekárna, Union St Pastry and Praise Joe also have their own flair and loyal followings. While Liebe European Pastries is famed for layered German pastries such as Franzbrötchen, Pekárna’s signatures (like cardamom pastries) are tethered to Czech traditions.

Head a few blocks west to Wickham, where Union St Pastry is the pinnacle for lovers of European-style viennoiseries, such as croissants and Danishes. A getaway to Newcastle also looks pretty fabulous with a mega brownie or chicken little toastie from Praise Joe .

2. Destination dining

Blanca resuarant in newcastle nsw — Step inside Mediterranean-inspired eatery, Blanca. (Image: Destination NSW)

Life looks pretty peachy from a table at the breezy Mediterranean-inspired eatery Blanca , which would not be out of place in Mykonos – when it swooped into the Honeysuckle Precinct a few years ago, it caused heads to swivel. Say yasou to mezedes of crudo di mare and sheftalia and grilled Abrolhos Islands’ octopus.

One may also fantasise about being back in Europe – specifically the 10th arrondissement in Paris – at Frenchie , the oh-so-French bistro that offers Euro-chic elegance with an inventive Australian flair. Indulge in the Date Night set menu, available every Thursday.

Peregrin is another stand-out. Listen to the sound of the ocean from the rooftop terrace, and order a Summertime Sour during aperitivo hour. Followed by the yellowfin tuna with pickled cucumber and market fish. And brand new on the scene is Papalote – a joint venture from the incredibly talented owners of Humbug and Flotilla serving up tasty Mexican classics.

3. Casual coastal cafes and kiosks

people swimming at Newcastle Ocean Baths — Follow Newcastle’s coastline for stunning views and tasty eats. (Image: David Diehm)

What better way to soak in Newcastle’s legendary coastline and stunning beaches than by visiting its casual coastal eateries while on the Bathers Way?

Enjoy hot chips and scallops on the sand at Swell Kiosk Bar Beach . Or a housemade sausage roll after a morning surf at Newcastle Beach, thanks to Southy Canteen , which is open from 6am.

Bring your furry travel companion to Sunnyboy Kiosk for a piccolo and puppuccino with views out to Dixon Park Beach. Try light eats, like acai bowls, or more substantial meals like nasi goreng at Blue Door in Merewether. Do a few lazy laps at Merewether Ocean Baths (the largest in the southern hemisphere) before tucking into swordfish skewers and salad at Merewether Surfhouse .

You can also watch the ocean compose a bit of magic from your perch at The Kiosk Newcastle Beach , where a matcha latte looks even better with the beach fresco.

Pause between eats to take in the iconic Newcastle Ocean Baths and Bogey Hole – perfect for a digestive swim or scenic picnic spot.

4. Hatted restaurants in Newcastle

couple eating at Flotilla newcastle — Flotilla serves up delicious meals. (Image: Destination NSW)

In recent years, Newcastle’s restaurant scene has evolved to include venues that have elevated the city’s reputation for culinary excellence. In addition to its cafes and kiosks, there’s now an exciting wave of hatted favourites putting Newcastle on the map.

Humbug is the epitome of Novocastrian dining; the mafaldine with brisket and beef cheek braised in Pedro Ximenez is emblematic of what the owners aim for here. Flotilla neatly knits the Newcastle wining and dining scene together, with young gun Josh Thurston showcasing the art of cooking proteins and produce over fire.

Bistro Penny is another sophisticated, hatted dining destination in Newcastle. Order the barbecued king prawns swimming in a saffron broth and the oxheart tomato salad.

5. Newcastle nightlife

Bartholomew's small bar in newcastle nsw — Stop by Bartholomew’s for a drink. (Image: Destination NSW)

As the sun dips in the west, so the city of Newcastle’s nightlife springs to life. Maru Hi-Fi is the next-gen small bar that’s redefining a night out in Newy – the sleek space serves great cocktails and embraces Newcastle’s alt attitude. Next door, Jams Karaoke & Bar is also bringing the vibes.

If a small bar in a grand old building is more your style, check out Roxanne , Bar Mellow and Bartholomew’s .

Start planning your Newcastle culinary coastal getaway this summer at visitnewcastle.com.au.

7 excellent Mount Gambier restaurants to try now