Your Wagga Wagga Restaurants Guide - Australian Traveller

Is Mudgee too mainstream? Already peeled Orange? When finding your next foodie destination don’t overlook the Riverina region of NSW. It’s time to pay Wagga Wagga a visit.

Approximately five hours’ drive south of Sydney (exactly one Maccas and one fuel stop later), visiting Wagga Wagga isn’t usually the first item on the gourmet travel checklist, but I’m here to let you in on a little secret: much like its local farms, Wagga Wagga has started to bear foodie fruit with these restaurants.

1. The Brew

Come breakfast, brunch or lunch, The Brew is a winner. Housed within an old corner store but featuring a thoroughly modern vibe (and menu), there’s a smattering of tables outside its tiled exterior, but you can’t beat this cafe’s spacious backyard on a sunny day.

Expect dishes such as white chia and red rice pudding with dragon fruit, kiwi, vanilla coyo and puffed grains, or a red bean cassoulet with baked eggs and a French stick on the side, from its seasonal menu. There’s a less exotic menu available for little ones too.

Drop by The Brew to refuel.

Address: 67 Coleman St, Turvey Park NSW

2. Mr. Lawrence

Flinging open its doors in October 2021, Mr. Lawrence has helped to heat up the dining scene in Wagga. A cafe, restaurant, and bar all in one, it’s run by two experienced local chefs and turns out some inventive – and immaculately plated – dishes such as spicy burnt butter eggs with speck, and a fried Murray cod burger replete with a pine nut slaw and sriracha mayo.

Variety of food items from Mr Lawrence in wagga Wagga

Mr. Lawrence has helped to heat up the dining scene in Wagga.

Address: 187 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

3. Thirsty Crow Brewery

Know your IPAs from your golden ales? Don’t worry, neither do we! What we do know is the pizzas are absolutely delicious at The Thirsty Crow Brewery. The lads here take the hardship out of decision-making by providing a simple and tasty menu.

Beer being poured at the Thirsty Crow Brewery, Wagga Wagga. (Image: Destination NSW)

Pizza and beer? Yes, please! (Image: Destination NSW)

Once you’ve ordered your pizza, ask them for the best pairing beer and head out to the sun-drenched beer garden. Warning, keep your calendar as clear as the weather as this could potentially turn into an all-afternoon affair.

Mexican beef and bacon pizza on the bar menu at Thirsty Crow Brewery, Wagga Wagga

Try their Mexican beef and bacon pizza. (Image: Destination NSW)

Address: 153 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

4. The Artisan Baker

If you’re visiting Wagga in winter then the Artisan Baker on Morgan Street is the perfect place to warm up with a bowl full of soup and a fresh, crusty baguette. The bakery rotates through a delicious selection of daily soup specials, including French onion soup, potato and leek, Moroccan lentil and more. You can also choose from a selection of French pastries and sugar-laden treats to enjoy for dessert.

Address: 2/189 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga NSW

5. Trail Street Coffee Shop

The Trail Street Coffee Shop is really an all-rounder: come for breakfast, lunch or just a cup of one of the best coffees in town. Lunch is the perfect mix of hearty burgers, salads, nourish bowls and sandwiches. We’d recommend the salmon poke bowl with seasoned black rice, pickled purple cabbage and cucumber, charred corn, avocado, Kewpie mayo and edamame beans. If you’re wanting something a bit greasier, go for the fried chicken burger.

the signature chicken burger with fries at Trail St Coffee Shop, Wagga Wagga

Grab a bite of the signature chicken burger at Trail St Coffee Shop. (Image: Justine Brentenall)

Stopping in for breakfast? The butter croissant French toast with strawberry syrup, lemon curd, berries, wafer crumbs and double cream is the ultimate indulgent breakfast, or if you’re more of a savoury lover go for the pumpkin breakfast salad – it’s also on the healthier side. If you’re searching for the perfect cafe (and coffee), it’s also worth checking out our list of the best cafes in Wagga Wagga.

a hand pouring milk over coffee at Trail St Coffee Shop, Wagga Wagga

Their coffee is a must-try. (Image: Justine Brentenall)

Address: 34 Trail St, Wagga Wagga NSW

6. Pastorale By Meccanico

Open since March 2021, this Wagga Wagga restaurant is the progeny of Meccanico’s owners Richard Moffatt and Karl Hulford. Pastorale is secreted away within the heritage-listed Riverine Club and was dreamed up with the lofty goal of becoming Wagga’s first hatted restaurant.

Pastorale was dreamed up with the lofty goal of becoming Wagga’s first hatted restaurant.

While the menu changes to reflect the seasons, diners at Pastorale can always rely on perfectly charred and flame-licked meat and fish, courtesy of the restaurant’s custom-built Mibrasa charcoal oven. There’s even a sommelier on-hand to make choosing the perfect drop to accompany your meal a walk in the park too.

Head down on a Wednesday night to enjoy the venue’s famous Pasta Club – for $55 per head, you’ll enjoy an antipasto share board piled high with cured meats, local cheeses and crusty bread, a (very generous) bowl of the handmade pasta of the day, plus a glass of wine. When we say generous, we mean it. We struggled to finish, we were so full!

The exterior of Pastorale by Meccanico. (Image: Pastorale by Meccanico)

The Pastorale menu changes to reflect the seasons.

Address: Riverine Club, Cnr of Tarcutta Street &, Sturt St, Wagga Wagga NSW

7. The Magpies Nest

Head out towards the university and you’ll find a little treasure called The Magpies Nest in the northern suburb of Estella. Where do we even start? This gorgeous little venue has an ever-changing menu packed full of delicious creations with a heavy focus on local produce.

the building exterior of The Magpies Nest, Wagga Wagga

The Magpies Nest is situated in the northern suburb of Estella.

Quality? Top-notch. Atmosphere? Warm and inviting. THIS is Wagga’s best restaurant. We ate the Riverina lamb, roasted beets, pearl couscous, pepitas, pumpkin and kale with a beetroot jus. Deluxe.

a close-up shot of food plating at The Magpies Nest, Wagga Wagga

Try the appetising dishes at The Magpies Nest.

Address: 20 Pine Gully Rd, Estella NSW

8. Cottontail Restaurant & Winery

Take a short drive just outside of the town centre for a dinner on the deck at the family-owned-and-run Cottontail Restaurant & Winery. Order from a selection of delicious wood-fired pizzas or go all out and treat yourself to a three-course spread of baked Camembert cheese with salted maple glaze, macadamia nuts and flatbread, followed up with crispy pork belly and a side of black pudding bon bon and broccolini, and top it all off with passionfruit panna cotta for dessert.

Cottontail Restaurant & Winery is set on a picturesque vineyard.

Address: 562 Pattersons Rd, Eunanoreenya NSW

9. Birdhouse Bar

Now that you’ve eaten your way around Wagga Wagga, finish your day off at the Birdhouse Bar. Rumour has it that the twice-cooked chicken burger and fries are incredible, but for us – the wine list is where it’s at. Plenty of people will recommend the cocktails and the menu is impressive but there’s something about sitting inside on a chilly Wagga day with a big glass of local red that brings the trip to a perfect close.

Address: 246 Baylis St, Wagga Wagga NSW

10. Meccanico Espresso + Wine

A rather suave little space next to the Murrumbidgee River, Meccanico Espresso + Wine takes plenty of its culinary and design cues from Europe. You can stop by for brekkie, lunch or a late afternoon tipple any day of the week, but this smart-casual restaurant really shines after hours.

Linger over a bottle of New or Old World white from its extensive wine list with friends, and order a bevy of tapas dishes to share (think oysters Kilpatrick, chicken liver parfait and organic local olives).

an outdoor dining setup at Meccanico Espresso + Wine, Wagga Wagga

Dine next to the Murrumbidgee River at Meccanico Espresso + Wine.

Address: 171 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

11. Thaigga

When it comes to Wagga Wagga restaurants, Thaigga is where you want to head if you have a craving for Thai cuisine. The fusion menu has all of your favourites – coconut prawns, massaman beef and chilli basil stir-fry are all present and accounted for, and are full of flavour. But those feeling more adventurous should try the Crying Thaigga, a juicy Riverina Angus scotch fillet served with namjim jaew sauce, or the Drunk Duck – roasted and served with Thai red wine sauce.

a sticky pork dish at Thaigga restaurant

Savour the tenderness of Thaigga’s sticky pork.

Thaigga is popular, though – it’s best to book ahead to ensure you get a table. Missed out? The restaurant also offers takeaway via their website.

a wide variety of dishes at Thaigga restaurant

Pick from an array of dishes.

Address: 107 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

12. Romano’s

Romano’s Hotel houses one of the best pub restaurants in Wagga Wagga. The menu is filled with classic Australian pub fare, from counter meal classics like chicken parmigiana, beer battered fish and crumbed lamb cutlets to an extensive steak list, all sourced from the Riverina district.

There are nightly meal specials Monday through Thursday, and if cosy, winter comfort food is your thing, head in on Sunday night for the very affordable $14 roast of the day. Looking for more Wagga Wagga pubs worth visiting? Take a look at our full guide here.

Address: 81 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

13. Uneke Lounge

A popular breakfast venue in Wagga Wagga, Uneke Lounge is also a great spot to settle in for a long lunch. The expansive warehouse space (which has housed various Wagga Wagga restaurants since the 1950s) leans on its history with rustic, repurposed timber tables and mismatched chairs.

a close-up shot of food at Uneke Lounge, Wagga Wagga

Enjoy plant-based food at Uneke Lounge.

The corn fritters are a menu favourite, and vegans will love the plant-based protein burger, a toasted brioche bun piled high with a plant-based patty and all the accompaniments, topped with homemade relish and creamy plant-based mayo.

a plate of vegetable salad at Uneke Lounge

Uneke Lounge curates diet-friendly alternatives.

Address: 140 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

14. The Oakroom

Located inside Townhouse, one of Wagga Wagga’s most popular hotels, is The Oakroom – a fine dining restaurant with a focus on modern Australian cuisine and local meats. Naturally, you’ll find Riverina Angus steak on the menu, as well as lamb sourced from nearby Junee.

a plate of food with a glass of cocktail on the table at The Oakroom, Wagga Wagga

Dine modern Aussie cuisine at The Oakroom.

The 24-hour pork belly is not to be missed if you’re a fan of the classic dish – it arrives perfectly crisp alongside winter comforts like duck fat potatoes, spiced pear and roasted greens. The wine menu is also extensive, particularly when it comes to reds (our cooler-month favourites).

Satisfy your sweet tooth.

Address: 70 Morgan St, Wagga Wagga NSW

15. Mate’s Gully

If you’re in Wagga Wagga on a Friday or Saturday night, book a table at Mate’s Gully. The farm to table restaurant has a short but delicious menu that changes seasonally, plus a selection of woodfired pizzas on offer.

Mate’s Gully is best enjoyed during the warmer months, when you can take advantage of the stunning gardens and veranda space. If you’re in town during winter however, the restaurant is also open for breakfast and lunch, with many of the lunch dishes mirroring the a la carte dinner menu (try the lamb curry, you won’t be sorry!).

Address: 38 Morrow St, Wagga Wagga NSW

16. Wagga Wagga Country Club

On the outskirts of Wagga Wagga nestled next to Lake Albert is Wagga Wagga Country Club, and in the centre of its expansive golf course you’ll find Marco’s On Albert, a fine dining restaurant run by a team of locals and internationally-trained talent.

The menu is seasonal and simple, with five mains on offer – but it’s the fresh pasta made daily in-house that caught our eye, like the ricotta gnocchi with lamb ragu, tomato and grana pandano.

Fish on potatoes at Marco’s On Albert in the Wagga Wagga Country Club.

Dine at Marco’s On Albert. (Image: Wagga Wagga Country Club)

Address: 57 Plumpton Rd, Lake Albert NSW

17. The Charles

Previously known as The Roundabout restaurant, The Charles has rebranded to encompass both its accommodation offering and its dining room. This Wagga Wagga restaurant hasn’t lost any of its charm, however. If anything, it’s added to it – there is now the newly renovated courtyard for al fresco dining during the warmer months.

The Charles’ menu is organised into three, five or seven-course options, starting at $79 per person. You’ll find plenty of NSW-sourced produce on the menu, such as Myee quail and Murray Valley pork (don’t miss the Coolamon Cheese Co. board for dessert). If you’re going all-out, wine pairing starts at $49, with a local and ‘iconic’ wine selection to choose from.

Plating up a fancy dish from The Charles in Wagga Wagga

The Charles hasn’t lost any of its charm.

Address: 82 Tarcutta St, Wagga Wagga NSW

The original version of this article was written by Chloe Cann and has since been updated by Melissa Mason.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a cool little indie taproom or a reliable local pub that dishes up all your favourite comfort foods, these Wagga pubs deliver.

While Wagga Wagga isn’t coming for Sydney’s craft beer crown anytime soon, this Riverina city does have a number of fine pubs up its sleeve. From family-friendly taverns with huge beer gardens to independently owned and operated brewpubs, here is our pick of the pubs in Wagga Wagga.

1. Thirsty Crow Brewery

This family-owned and operated brewpub, the only one in town, ticks a lot of boxes. Aside from Thirsty Crow’s obvious drawcard (its solid range of house-brewed stouts, as well as rice lagers, fruit-flavoured weisses, and a number of ales) the venue also has a sizable menu that runs the gamut from tacos and nachos to salads, pizzas and burgers, and features options for kids too – making it one of our best restaurants in Wagga Wagga too. Plus, live music is a regular weekend fixture. Swing by and try out four of their beers for size with a tasting paddle.

Address: 153 Fitzmaurice Street Wagga Wagga NSW

Thirsty Crow Brewery, Wagga Wagga, Riverina, NSW, Australia

This family-owned and operated brewpub ticks a lot of boxes. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern

Locals flock to the Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern. One of the pubs in Wagga Wagga that’s known for its vast beer garden, the Palm & Pawn is perfect for an al fresco dinner and drinks with friends, plus its sprawling kids’ playground will appeal to families. The generous portions of reasonably priced pub grub (think steaks, burgers and other protein-heavy dishes) will delight the budget-conscious traveller – be sure to exploit the rotating roster of weeknight lunch and dinner specials, too.

Address: 68 Hampden Avenue, North Wagga Wagga NSW

Palm and Pawn Motor Inn Tavern, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia

Locals flock to the Palm & Pawn Motor Inn Tavern. (Image: Palm & Pawn)

3. Jungle Duke Hotel

One of the more hip and modern pubs in Wagga Wagga, the Jungle Duke Hotel is the former Duke of Kent Hotel, reimagined thanks to a recent renovation that’s leaned into the younger crowd in town.

If you love margaritas, you’re in luck – this pub has four on the menu (go for the spicy margarita with its chilli-salt rim), and there are plenty of other cocktails to choose from, including two shared jugs. This is definitely the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night if you want a slice of the Wagga Wagga nightlife.

Food-wise it’s your usual upmarket pub fare, like ginger beer battered fish and chips, a particularly fancy steak sandwich and the classic chicken schnitzel. Our tip? Pop in for lunch, when six of the popular dinner meals are just $18.

The Jungle Duke Hotel is the former Duke of Kent Hotel.

Address: 125 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW

4. Turvey Park Hotel

Among the more sleek and chic pubs in Wagga Wagga, the Turvey Park Hotel underwent a total renovation in early 2021. And while, yes, there’s still a betting lounge with walls full of TV screens, there’s also a sizable courtyard where you can lap up the sunshine, G&T in hand, or a bright and inviting dining room where you can enjoy a thoroughly decent (and well-priced) pub meal. Located just a 10-minute drive from Wagga’s CBD, this suburban pub is a bit of a Wagga Wagga failsafe, whatever the occasion.

Address: 71 Bolger Ave, Mount Austin, Wagga Wagga NSW

Turvey Park Hotel, Wagga Wagga NSW Australia

This suburban pub is a bit of a Wagga Wagga failsafe, whatever the occasion. (Image: Turvey Park Hotel)

5. Union Club Hotel

Situated smack-bang in the centre of town, this popular watering hole promises 15 beers on tap, beautiful jarrah wood bar counters, and a wildly spacious wraparound balcony that’s perfect for sundowners. Moreover, vegetarians and coeliacs are well-catered to here. The pub’s bistro and steakhouse has a healthy smattering of gluten-free, vegan and veggie options lining the menu. But it’s the Union Club Hotel’s perfectly cooked steaks that routinely receive rave reviews.

Address: 122 Baylis Street, Wagga Wagga NSW

This popular watering hole is situated smack bang in the centre of town. (Image: Union Club Hotel)

6. Romano’s Hotel

There is oh-so-much to love about this Wagga Wagga pub, located on the city’s main shopping street, Fitzmaurice. Though it doesn’t look like much from the outside, this Wagga institution (going strong since 1857) has four different spaces to suit your every mood (and every season).=

Spend winter evenings holed up in the pub’s slick main bar, all tiled floors, ambient modern lighting, and bentwood-style dining chairs. Enjoy summer afternoons in the pub’s shady ‘laneway’ with its picnic tables and benches and wall of greenery.

Kick back in the so-called ‘alfresco area’ come spring and autumn; fitted with both fans and heaters, the space is great whatever the weather. Or make a real night of it at Romano’s separate NYC-inspired cocktail and wine bar The Hampden.

You’ll find all your favourite pub food classics here – parmys, steaks, pies, pastas, calamari and more – plus daily specials too.

Address: 81 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga Wagga NSW

Exterior, Romano's, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia

Spend winter evenings holed up in the pub’s slick main bar. (Image: Romano’s)

7. Riverina Hotel

You can’t visit the pubs in Wagga Wagga without an appearance at its oldest institution. The Riverina Hotel has been welcoming locals and tourists alike since 1851 – considering Wagga Wagga was only gazetted as a village in 1849, that’s a pretty impressive run.

The Riverina (or ‘The Riv’ as locals say) kind of has everything. Sports fans will love the big-screen TVs playing major games all day and night, families will enjoy the kid-friendly bistro serving lunch and dinner, plus a variety of daily specials. If you happen to be in town on a Wednesday, book a table for trivia. When we say book, we mean it – the weekly event is often full-up.

Address: 188 Fitzmaurice St, Wagga Wagga NSW

17 best Wagga Wagga restaurants for every meal of the day