16 excellent cafes in Orange for coffee lovers and foodies

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You’re never too far from a well-brewed coffee and delicious meal in Orange.

It’s no great revelation that the fertile lands surrounding Orange are a magnet for food lovers, who come to relish the locally grown produce and world-class wines. Beyond the city limits there’s a virtual buffet of wonderful restaurants to discover at wineries and cellar doors, but you’ll also find an excellent peppering of incredible cafes and coffee joints in and about town. Inspired by seasonal harvests and energised by a perpetual parade of city visitors and relocators, there’s a ravenous energy in Orange’s cafe scene. Here’s our pick of the top spots.

1. Good Eddy

Best for: Creative coffee.

Get your coffee with a side order of city chic at this town centre cafe that grinds Reuben Hills beans in its light and bright digs.

the cafe interior of Good Eddy, Orange

The light-filled digs at Good Eddy is the perfect place to start your day.

Set yourself up at the window and watch Orange open up for the day as you savour your cuppa and tuck into cafe classics such as a bacon and egg roll, toastie and bagel. The kids will go (hazel) nuts for the Nutella milkshake.

Good Eddy interior

Good Eddy serves Rueben Hills coffee beans at its store.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Casual, trendy, and artistic
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours: 
6.50am–1.45pm Monday to Friday.
Location:
187 Lords Place

2. Anything Grows

Best for: Outdoor dining.

Take tea in the country-chic courtyard amid blooms and branches at this nursery and cafe near Cook Park.

the cafe exterior of Anything Grows, Orange

Anything Grows exudes country charm.

From something sweet to accompany your brew to larger plates of baked eggs and chicken wraps, you can pop into Anything Grows until 2pm for a meal, and enjoy afternoon tea of coffee and cake until 3pm.

There’s also a gift shop, so you can leave with a posy tucked under your arm or a new pair of gumboots.

 

a close-up of two people consuming their meals at Anything Grows, Orange

The cafe serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Lush, peaceful and laid-back
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 
8am–3pm Tuesday to Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location:
54 Summer St

3. Lakeside Kiosk and Cafe

Best for: Lake views and family-friendly dining.

Lake Canobolas, just 10 minutes from Orange, is perhaps one of the most picturesque spots for a morning cup of coffee. Pop into the Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe to caffeinate for a gentle stroll by the lake or pre-order your picnic provisions.

Baked custard from Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe in Orange NSW

Pop into the Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe for incredible food with a view.

If you’d rather take in the serene view as you enjoy a leisurely sit-down lunch, the cafe will service your needs with a menu ranging from duck breast to gruyere croquettes.

Duck with eggplant from Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe in Orange NSW

Tasty dishes like duck with eggplant are on the menu.

Average price: $–$$
Atmosphere:
Relaxed, scenic and family-friendly
Review: 4/5
Opening hours:
Kiosk 8am–3pm; Cafe 8am–2.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Location:
145 Lake Canobolas Rd

4. Millthorpe Providore

Best for: Gourmet local produce.

If you’re in the vicinity of Orange, it’s almost mandatory to take the 25-minute drive to charming Millthorpe to peruse its heritage loveliness and antique stores.

While you’re there, grab yourself a coffee and a little something from the local favourite, Millthorpe Providore.

Millthorpe Providore cafe exterior near Orange

Grab yourself a coffee and a little something from Millthorpe Providore. (Image: Supplied)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere:
Rustic and inviting
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours:
6am–3pm Monday to Friday; 7am–3pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location:
23 Victoria St, Millthorpe

5. Byng Street Local Store

Best for: Brunch with a twist.

For more than a decade this all-rounder cafe has been firing up the espresso machine to fortify customers with their daily brews, just as they like it.

Shop front of Byng Street in Orange

Find a spot to sit out front to enjoy brunch at Byng Street.

Serving breakfast, lunch and quick takeaways, the bright-red door is always open for locals and visitors alike.

Settle in at a communal table, perch at the window or mill about outside having a chat – this beloved corner cafe is here for it all.

 

the cafe interior of Byng Street Local Store

Try this beloved corner cafe for yourself.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Cosy, family-friendly and welcoming
Review:
5/5
Opening hours:
7am–3pm daily.
Location:
47 Byng St

6. Groundstone Cafe

Best for: Alfresco dining.

If you’ve allocated time to take in the town’s museum and cultural precinct, be sure to build in a couple of hours to sit and savour at this light-flooded, glasshouse-like eatery.

Inside Groundstone cafe in Orange

It’s a hive of activity inside this light-flooded cafe.

With a considered focus on local produce and seasonal ingredients, breakfast lunch or brunch here is an exercise worth lingering over. From a son-in-law egg salad to sweet and savoury crumpets or a more robust peri peri chicken burger, the flavours are bright and finessed.

a brunch plate at Groundstone Cafe

Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere over brunch or lunch. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere:
Bright, airy and dog-friendly
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours:
7.30am–3pm Monday to Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location:
151a Byng St

7. The Village Bakehouse

Best for: Classic Aussie bakery fare.

Fortify for a day touring Orange’s agrarian beauty and celebrated cellar doors with a stop at this bakery cafe. Bread has been the business here since 1918, so one can be assured they’ll rise to the occasion when it comes to baked goods.

Breakfast is available until a leisurely 1pm to catch those late risers and may be as simple as sourdough toast or a ‘stella’ smoked bacon and egg roll with trimmings of Swiss cheese, caramelised onion and chilli jam.

Village Bakehouse cafe in Orange NSW

Devour some baked goods at The Village Bakehouse.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Bustling, friendly and casual
Review:
4/5
Opening hours:
5.30am–5pm Monday to Friday; 5.30am–4pm Saturday; 6am–3pm Sunday.
Location:
208 Peisley St

8. Academy Coffee Roasters

Best for: Artisan coffee lovers.

It’s all about the bean at this specialty coffee roastery, which has been extracting the best for the Central West of NSW since 2015.

Pop into their Woodward Street digs for a cup of consciously and carefully sourced coffee and a small bite, from toast to toasties and a pastry treat. If you’re fond of a sweet riff on your usual order, try the Biscoff latte.

Academy Coffee Roasters interior in Orange, NSW

Try the Biscoff latte at Academy Coffee Roasters.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Industrial-chic, modern, and minimalist
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours:
6am–1.30pm Monday to Friday; 8am–12.25pm Saturday.
Location:
145 Woodward St

9. Bills Beans East Orange

Best for: Serious coffee drinkers.

If you’re in the east of Orange and hankering for a well-made coffee, you’ll find Bills Beans at the heritage corner digs of the former Hackett’s Butcher Shop.

two cups of latte at Bills Beans East Orange cafe

Start your day with a good coffee.

Here the brews have a golden crema and you’ll be well-supplied with a fresh menu from breakfast through to lunch.

a blurry image of a man walking in front of Bills Beans East Orange cafe

Order your coffee to go at Bills Beans East Orange.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Minimalist, intimate and cosy
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours:
6am–4pm Monday to Friday; 7am–1pm Saturday; 8am–1pm Sunday.
Location:
148 McLachlan St

10. Factory Espresso

Best for: Industrial-chic vibes.

Sporting an array of personalities as a cafe, a comedy club and a roastery for Kite Coffee, Factory Espresso’s vast, industrial-style digs makes it well-suited to all three versions of itself.

the cafe exterior of Factory Espresso in Orange

Factory Espresso is the perfect place to start (or end) the day.

There’s a rotating roster of some of Australia’s best comedians, but if that doesn’t suit your jam, you can also just come along and watch the coffee roasting in action as you sip the end result.

Muesli and coffee at Factory Espresso in Orange

The breakfast menu hits all the right notes.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Industrial-chic, trendy and vibrant
Review:
4/5
Opening hours:
6am–2.30pm Monday to Friday; 7.30am–2pm Saturday; 7.30am–1pm Sunday.
Location:
135 Kite St

11. Racine Bakery

Best for: Freshly baked pastries.

While many have heard of Orange’s much-adored Racine Restaurant, now sadly closed, less know of its spin-off bakery. Firing up the oven in 2012 to shape handmade loaves for the restaurant and other small businesses in town, the bakery soon moved into its own bricks-and-mortar digs in town.

Stop by for beautifully bubbled organic sourdough, all-butter pastries, cakes and biscuits and, of course, excellent coffee. You can also order whole cakes, flans and tarts to enjoy at home.

Pastries from Racine Bakery, Orange.

Don’t miss the pastries from Racine Bakery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Charming, relaxed and family-friendly
Review:
4.5/5
Opening hours:
7am–2pm Monday to Friday; 7am–1pm Saturday; 8am–1pm Sunday.
Location:
142 Summer St

12. Spilt Milk Bar

Best for: Ice cream and desserts.

One for the sweet-toothed lickers and lovers of creamy goodness, this Aussie gelateria churns local and fresh ingredients to make their icy scoops incredibly delicious and opens until later for those post-dinner cravings. They also have milk bars in Canberra and Tamworth.

a hand holding a cone of gelato from Spilt Milk Bar

Gelato is always a good idea.

Average price: $
Atmosphere:
Fun, casual, nd family-friendly
Review:
5/5
Opening hours:
2pm–9pm Monday to Wednesday; 2pm–10pm Thursday to Friday; 12pm–10pm Saturday; 12pm–9pm Sunday.
Location:
45 Sale St

13. The Agrestic Grocer

Best for: Sustainable, farm-to-table dining.

The Agrestic Grocer is more than just a cafe – it’s a local institution dedicated to promoting organic produce and sustainable farming practices. The menu is wholesome and hearty, featuring locally sourced ingredients that are transformed into delicious, rustic meals. You can also browse their farm shop for fresh produce to take home. The relaxed, earthy vibe, paired with excellent coffee, makes it a go-to for a laid-back breakfast or lunch.

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Rustic, earthy and relaxed
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: 8.30am–4pm daily.
Location: 426 Mitchell Hwy

14. Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est.

Best for: Weekend vibes.

Birdie Noshery is all about weekend brunch, with an extensive coffee menu and a selection of delicious dishes that keep people coming back. The bright, open space creates a lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for friends to gather. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or a more substantial meal, Birdie Noshery has something for everyone.

Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. exterior cafe in Orange

Birdie Noshery is all about weekend brunch. (Image: Supplied)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere:
Lively, open and welcoming
Review:
5/5
Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–9pm Tuesday to Thursday; 8.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–10pm Friday and Saturday; 8.30am–11.30am Sunday.
Location: 120-122 Summer St,

15. The Sugar Mill

Best for: Sweet treats.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, The Sugar Mill is your go-to cafe. Known for its indulgent cakes, pastries, and desserts, this cafe is a must-visit for anyone craving something sugary and delicious. Their coffee complements the sweet treats perfectly, making it a great spot for afternoon tea. The cozy and casual atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends over a slice of cake, or simply treating yourself after a long day.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casual, fun, and inviting
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 8am–3pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: 26B Sale St

16. Cafe Latte

Best for: Quick coffee stop.

Cafe Latte is a small but popular spot for those needing a quick coffee fix. With its simple decor and efficient service, it’s the go-to place for locals who need a caffeine hit on the run. Despite its size, the cafe has a loyal following thanks to its consistently great coffee and friendly service. It’s a perfect spot for grabbing a takeaway or sitting down for a quick chat and a snack.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Cosy, intimate and efficient
Review: 3/5
Opening hours: 5am–5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 5am–11am Wednesday; 5am–2pm Saturday.
Location: 217 Anson St

Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
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10 Orange restaurants guaranteed to satisfy your appetite

    By Emily Murphy
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    From hatted restaurants to wineries that do food really well, here’s our pick of where to eat in the Orange region.

    The NSW Central West town of Orange has long been known for its reputation as a boutique cool-climate wine region, but add to the mix a selection of wining and dining establishments that are tapping into the rich heritage and earthy spoils of the Orange region and you get a dynamic restaurant scene worth travelling for.

    Here we explore the Orange restaurants you simply can’t miss.

    1. Fiorini’s Osteria Italiana

    This charming Italian restaurant features a cosy interior with an open-plan kitchen where diners can watch the chefs at work. On the menu? Recently appointed head chef Simon Hawke (ex Lolli Redini and Birdie) will serve up flavour-packed traditional Italian dishes such as wagyu beef ragu, burrata with melon and prosciutto and lamb cutlets. To complement the food, a curated selection of Italian wines enhances the authentic dining experience. The warm, rustic atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for both intimate dinners and group gatherings.

    The interior has been given a revamp with fresh paint and antique furnishings.

    Address: 816 Canobolas Rd, Canobolas

    2. The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank

    For a delightful dining experience, make your way to The Union Bank on Byng Street, which opened its doors in 1858 as Orange’s first bank. Sit al fresco and sip an ale or local wine at the UB Bar & Courtyard before heading for dinner at the adjoining Schoolhouse Restaurant.

    The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank, Orange

    Make your way to The Union Bank on Byng Street.

    The Schoolhouse Restaurant’s simple but vibrant brasserie-style menu shines a light on Orange region’s produce – think sirloin with miso bagna cauda or ‘Sir Thomas’ chuck tail flap with chimichurri. But one item that’s an absolute non-negotiable? Farmer Doug’s potato scallops for a cool $3 each.

    a table-top view of dinner plates at The Schoolhouse Restaurant at The Union Bank, Orange

    Head for a brasserie-style dinner at The Schoolhouse Restaurant. (Image: Emily Murphy)

    Address: 84 Byng St, Orange

    3. Tonic

    The hamlet of Millthorpe is a 20-minute drive south of Orange and worth the trip for its historic streetscape alone. Team it with a meal at Tonic, a highly-awarded, refined and relaxed contemporary restaurant housed within a heritage-listed building, and you’re onto a real winner.

    the exterior of Tonic Restaurant

    Tonic is housed within a heritage-listed building. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Chef and co-owner Tony Worland has worked alongside culinary luminaries like Matt Moran and Gordon Ramsay and showcases a finely crafted five-course set menu that changes weekly and is focused on seasonal produce from local suppliers.

    a dessert served at Tonic Restaurant, Orange

    The menu features classic dishes with contemporary style. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Tonic is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday for dinner and Saturday and Sunday for lunch.

    a table-top view of food on a plate at Tonic Restaurant, Orange

    Treat yourself to a finely crafted five-course set menu at Tonic. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Address: Corner of Pym St and Victoria St, Millthorpe

    4. Antica Australis

    Another 20 minutes beyond Millthorpe you’ll find the cute, historic village of Carcoar. There’s so much to love about this quaint corner, but at the top of the list is Antica Australis.

    the Antica Australis in Hobart

    Step into the intimate dining space at Antica Australis. (Image: Shani Nottingham @rarepearstudio)

    Husband and wife duo Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi have brought regional Italy to rural Australia with their innovative five-course dining experience. The seasonal set menu is served at set session times so everyone in the intimate dining space eats at the same time.

    a close-up shot of a dish at Antica Australis

    Antica Australis serves up innovative plates.

    The menu changes monthly with dishes influenced by the ancient region of Ciociaria in central Italy. Antica Australis uses local produce sourced from the region’s boutique producers, with a vegetarian option available. Antica is BYO so bring a bottle from one of the Orange wineries with you.

    Antica is often fully booked, so reserve your table well in advance so you don’t miss out. Winter session times are 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and in summer there’s also a 7pm seating. Allow two to three hours.

    a bowl of food at Antica Australis

    Choose a vegan option from the seasonal set menu.

    Please note: Antica Australis will be closed from 24 August 2024 throughout September as Paolo and Kelly host their Antica Travel Co tours to Ciociaria.

    Address: 2 Belubula St, Carcoar

    5. RAKU Izakaya

    RAKU Izakaya is somewhat of an icon on the Orange dining scene. Bringing modern Japanese to Orange in 2018, RAKU Izakaya reels you in with its inviting atmosphere and keeps you coming back with its exceptional authentic Japanese dishes and friendly service.

    a bento box at RAKU Izakaya

    RAKU Izakaya has mastered the art of packed lunch.

    There’s a lunch-only ramen menu that’s to die for. Come at dinner time for goodies like wagyu beef tataki, nasu dengaku and twice-cooked pork belly with kimchi confit. Pair the dishes with Japanese sake, Asahi on tap or some expertly made cocktails.

    wagyu and roll at RAKU Izakaya

    Try the best-seller Wagyu and Roll at RAKU Izakaya.

    Address: 129 Summer St, Orange

    6. The Greenhouse of Orange

    The Greenhouse of Orange is spread over a half-hectare space on the rooftop of the Orange Ex-Services’ Club, in the heart of Orange. A unique, relaxed and diverse environment, it’s made up of indoor and outdoor areas incorporating a restaurant serving gourmet pub meals, a cocktail bar and a ‘family pavilion’ for kids to be entertained. All this adds up to an ideal place to while away the hours on a lazy afternoon.

    the light-filled cocktail bar at the Greenhouse of Orange

    Snag a seat at the light-filled cocktail bar.

    Must-try dishes include roasted sea scallops with confit garlic butter and chorizo, and slow-roasted garlic and thyme chicken with buttered potato mash, charred spring onions and drunken prune jus.

    al fresco dining at The Greenhouse of Orange

    Dine al fresco at The Greenhouse of Orange.

    Address: 231-243 Anson St, Orange

    7. Sweet Sour Salt

    Sweet Sour Salt is an ever-popular modern Asian restaurant on Summer Street. Set in a funky space with wall art and neon signage, the menu’s clean and vibrant flavours come courtesy of chef Ivan Podres.

    the funky dining at Sweet Sour Salt

    Sweet Sour Salt is set in a funky space.

    Choosing between the a la carte or banquet menus, dishes might include wok-fried field mushrooms, Malaysian chicken curry or Indonesian blackened trout with sambal matah.

    wok-fried field mushrooms at Sweet Sour Salt in Orange

    The dishes include wok-fried field mushrooms.

    Sweet Sour Salt is an adult-only restaurant that has no vegan options, so consider that before booking.

    a dimly lit interior of the Sweet Sour Salt restaurant in Orange

    Sweet Sour Salt is an adult-only venue.

    Address: 179 Anson St, Orange

    8. Mr Lim

    Expect fresh, bold flavours and a fun atmosphere at Mr Lim. Specialising in Korean-Australian cuisine, restaurateur Sammy Jeon utilises Orange’s impeccable produce, including honey, apples and pork, to create memorable dishes.

    the dining atmosphere at Mr Lim, Orange

    Settle into Mr Lim’s vibrant and fun dining atmosphere.

    Feast on classics like Korean fried chicken and drunken duck and take advantage of Mr Lim’s diverse specials as well. For a bit of everything, there are two banquet menus on offer: Let Jacky Feed You and Let Sammy Feed You.

    one of Mr Lim’s signature dishes in Orange

    Take advantage of the diverse specials.

    Address: 282 Summer St, Orange

    9. Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment

    From the same great minds behind the now defunct dining experience Lolli Redini Restaurant, Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment has brought a cool, casual atmosphere to Orange.

    the entrance door at Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment, Orange

    Have a tipple at Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment.

    The affordable, community-focused restaurant plates up generous serves, with the menu changing almost weekly based on quality and seasonality.

    If you’re just looking for a place to have a tipple, Birdie is also one of Orange’s best bars so enjoy a curated cocktail list and a menu full of local wines, beers and ciders.

    a plate of food on the table at Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment

    Birdie Noshery and Drinking Establishment plates up generous serves.

    Address: 120-122 Summer St, Orange

    10. Rowlee Dining and Bar

    The newest kid on the Orange dining scene, Rowlee Dining and Bar is the eponymous restaurant by Rowlee Wines, set on its vineyard estate. With four separate spaces – the dining room, the lounge, the bar and the verandah – there’s a space for every occasion in this luxe 100-seat venue.

    the verandah at Rowlee Dining and Bar

    Nab a spot at the verandah.

    Head Chef Simon Furley has created an elevated a la carte menu designed to be shared. Think coal-roasted market fish, dry-aged Bangalow pork chop with fermented rhubarb and honey, and orchard gelato with fennel and olive oil.

    a look inside the Rowlee Dining and Bar

    Spend an intimate lunch behind the curtains at the Rowlee Dining and Bar.

    Rowlee Dining and Bar is open Thursday to Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday for dinner.

    the restaurant exterior of Rowlee Dining and Bar

    Rowlee Dining and Bar is the eponymous restaurant by Rowlee Wines, set on its vineyard estate.

    Address: 19 Lake Canobolas Rd, Nashdale

    This article was originally written by Imogen Eveson with updates by Emily Murphy.