11 restaurants and cafes in Broken Hill for a top feed

Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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It might feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but the number of restaurants open in Broken Hill will have you stunned (and stuffed) at the options here.

To an unlearned outsider, the dusty expanse of far west NSW might not suggest itself to enormous choice in the food department. But you only have to spend a day or two in the outback town of Broken Hill before you realise the mistake. As well as a whole heap of things to do and discover here, the old mining centre has its food scene to recommend it as well. 

From desert fine dining to a stop by a retro diner, here are the best cafes and restaurants to check out when you’re in Broken Hill. 

1. The Silly Goat Cafe

Best for: a seriously good cup of coffee

A sleek breakfast eatery in the centre of town, The Silly Goat Cafe is the perfect place to start your day, sipping on a strong coffee in their leafy backyard.

Menu at Silly Goats Broken Hill
If you’re after an all-day brunch menu, you’re in luck! (Image: Destination NSW)

As well as a hot drinks menu that includes cold drip coffee – the obvious choice for a roasting hot Broken Hill day – The Silly Goat also has an all-day brunch menu that includes delectable dishes like french toast with pickled pear, orange meringue, candied pistachio and berry compote. 

Silly Goat Cafe in Broken Hill
Start your day right at Silly Goat. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 425 Argent Street, Broken Hill, NSW

2. Alfresco’s Cafe

Best for: a big range of brekkie options

From lemon and sugar-dusted pancakes to a big brekkie resplendent with sausages, bacon and mushrooms, Alfresco’s is a real crowd-pleaser when it comes to breakfast time. And it doesn’t stop when the clock strikes 12 – there is also a heap of fresh lunches to choose from, like smoked salmon bruschetta, halloumi and charred vegetable salad, burgers and an extensive pizza menu. 

Cafe Alfresco Broken Hill
Alfresco’s is full of outback charm and good old-fashioned comfort food.

Address: 397 Argent Street Broken Hill, NSW

3. Bell’s Milk Bar

Best for: a milkshake out at a retro diner

Broken Hill is full of opportunities to take a step back in time, and here’s another one. From its fifties-style furniture to its checkerboard floors, Bell’s Milk Bar will give you all the Grease feels.

Bell's Milk Bar in Broken Hill
For some tasty, retro fun, don’t go past a meal at Bell’s. (Image: Destination NSW)

So get that hair combed back, swagger on in to sit among the chrome fittings, and order one of the 50 traditional-style milkshakes and soda spiders on the menu. Afterwards, pop by the Milk Bar Museum to get an understanding of the history of Australia’s milk bars. 

Bell's Milk Bar in Broken Hill
Savour Milk Bar classics at Bell’s. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 160 Patton Street, Broken Hill, NSW

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4. The Deli

Best for: fancy cheese

If you want a treat from the boujee side of life, this gourmet grocer and cafe should be your next stop. From the baking counter with fresh ciabatta bread, to the lunch cabinet stocked with everything you need to hand for a picnic out at the Living Desert Park, coming here is a no-brainer.

The Deli in Broken Hill
Be greeted by friendly staff at The Deli.

While there are always baked goods like fresh pies here to pair with your coffee, if luck is with you, you’ll arrive on doughnut day.

The Deli in Broken Hill
Choose from a selection of freshly baked goods.

Address: 7-9 Chloride Street Broken Hill, NSW

5. The Old Salt Bush Restaurant & Catering

Best for: award-winning fine dining

Got a special occasion while visiting Broken Hill? Head to the Old Salt Bush for mouthwatering fine dining that prides itself on its regionally sourced ingredients.

The Old Salt Bush Restaurant in Broken Hill
Dine on delectable dishes at The Old Salt Bush. (Image: Lee Cecchin)

For omnivores, the saltbush-dusted lamb rump with honey shiraz is an absolute must, while tomato and zucchini roulade with lemon mousse, pickled fennel, goats cheese and smoked bush tomato will tempt one and all. 

The Old Salt Bush Restaurant in Broken Hill
The Old Salt Bush is a perfect dining option for family and friends. (Image: Lee Cecchin)

Address: 1 Oxide St, Broken Hill, NSW

6. Masallas

Best for: a taste of Indian in the outback

Beat the heat of the desert with takeout from Masallas, an Indian restaurant with an extensive menu of curries and starters, which includes roomalli wraps filled with lamb, chicken or prawn, a full Thali meal and special tandoori platters. And if you’re buying for a big group, order over $80 to get you a free butter chicken. Sign me up! 

Address: 38 Chloride Street, Broken Hill, NSW

7. Lancys Takeaway

Best for: an all-rounder takeaway night that’s a real crowdpleaser  

You know the drill: one person wants fish and chips, the other a mean schnitty, the other is being frustratingly vague. When this happens on your road trip to Broken Hill, veer away from disaster and take the family straight for Lancys Takeaway . Lancys has all these, as well as Aussie takeaway classics like steak sandwiches, pineapple fritters and bacon egg rolls – and all at affordable prices. 

Address: 282 McCulloch Street, Broken Hill, NSW

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8. Silverton Bakery

Best for: bakery doughnuts in Silverton

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again. Is it even a road trip without a bakery stop? Luckily Broken Hill and nearby Silverton (just twenty minutes away) have plenty to deliver when it comes to warm bakery treats. Before the Mad Mad 2 Museum and after the camel rides, stop by Silverton Bakery . Here you will find fresh doughnuts, dusted in cinnamon and sugar, as well as scones, pies and sausage rolls: all baked onsite. 

Address: 10 Layard Street, Silverton, NSW

9. Old McLeod’s Bakery

Best for: a nostalgic feed in a Broken Hill bakery

Over in Broken Hill, Old McLeod’s Bakery has been feeding hungry road trippers and locals alike for decades. And – having been baking up a storm for that long – you better believe the hype is worth it. With flaky pastry, a wide range of flavours (pulled pork and apple pie has us drooling) and a homey local spirit, you’ll find it impossible not to sneak by for a peek. 

Address: 501-503 Chapple St, Broken Hill, NSW

10. Sufi Bakery

Best for: artisan sourdough bread

Before you’ve even come here, you might have already tried the bread from this hole-in-the-wall bakery. How? Other cafes around town use their stellar products, of course. For more than just a slice or two with your scrambled eggs, stop by Sufi’s Bakery for their traditional sourdough, as well as olive bread, bavarian rye, danishes and ready-to-use pizza dough. 

Address: Corner Bromide & Argent Street, Broken Hill, NSW

11. Mamma Mia Pizzeria Broken Hill

Best for: a casual pizza to feed the family

Did someone say pizza? Mamma Mia Pizzeria is perfect for those lazy nights around the campfire where a tinnie’s already been cracked, and you just can’t be bothered to fire up the barbecue. Mamma Mia delivers loaded crowd favourites, like Margarita, BBQ meat lovers, Hawaiian and Supreme, with group deals available for hungry crowds. 

Address: 152 Patton Street Broken Hill, NSW

For more insider tips about the things to do and places to stay in town, don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to Broken Hill.
Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
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Your guide to what’s new and exciting this summer on the Central Coast

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    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 .