20 of the best Jindabyne restaurants and eateries

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From casual and lively pubs to funky small bars and iconic bakeries, we’ve found some of Jindabyne’s best eateries.

The alpine town of Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains is base camp to Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko. With ample cafes and restaurants at your fingertips, it makes for a fuss-free stay near the mountain, year-round. Here are some of the best Jindabyne restaurants.

The shortlist

Family-Friendly Spot: Bacco Italian Restaurant
Best for Brunch: Birchwood
Best for Large Groups: The Banjo Paterson Inn
Best Date Night: Pinot’s Wine Bar

1. The Banjo Paterson Inn

a cocktail drink at Banjo Patterson Inn, Jindabyne
Sip on elevated cocktails at the stone-clad hotel. (Image: The Banjo Patterson Inn)

This alpine-style stone-clad hotel is open year-round is a favourite gathering place for both locals and travellers. Clancy’s Brasserie on the ground floor offers a pub-style menu with classics such as chicken schnitzel, Caesar salad, a grill selection and its famous ‘Snowy’ trout.

In The Overflow upstairs, you’ll find burgers and pizzas. It’s also home to Musters Bar, which spills out onto an outdoor terrace with views of Lake Jindabyne and regular live tunes, and microbrewery Kosciuszko Brewhouse, where the original Kosciuszko Pale and limited-edition seasonal ales are on tap.

Cuisine: Pub fare / Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 1 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne

2. Bacco Italian Restaurant

pizza at Bacco Italian Restaurant, Jindabyne
The menu features hearty Italian dishes. (Image: Bacco Italian Restaurant)

Bacco has been serving delicious Italian cuisine for 25 years. It’s a rustic, cosy spot right in the centre of Jindabyne to enjoy a la carte dining – think pizzas, pastas and mains such as pollo bacco and veal scallopini, topped off by affogato or homely lumberjack cake for dessert.

Or you can order pizza and pasta from the takeaway menu to eat back at your accommodation or perhaps by Lake Jindabyne, which is a few minutes’ walk from here, during warmer months.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Rustic

Location: 10 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

3. Birchwood

Fuel up for a day on the slopes or traversing the Snowy’s best bushwalks at Birchwood . In the heart of town, this cosy cafe serves wholesome breaky dishes such as granola, avo on toast, and Turkish eggs, as well as all-day options including a B&E roll and toasties. For lunch, a creamy soup, poke bowls and burgers are added to the menu. Add a coffee made with Single O beans or a house-brewed kombucha to sip on – or peruse the booze options after 10am. We love Birchy’s Lunch Packs, made especially for days up on the mountain: think a jam-packed sandwich, fresh-squeezed juice, veggie sticks and fruit, and a store-baked sweet slice.

Cuisine: Modern Australian fusion

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: Unit 3/3 Gippsland St, Jindabyne

4. Cocina Taqueria

drinks at Cocina Taqueria, Jindabyne
Cocina Taqueria celebrates tequila, mezcal and margaritas.

Here at Cocina Taqueria , they encourage long dinners, deep conversations and losing track of time. Add in an entire menu dedicated to tequila, mezcal and margaritas and we don’t have any problem doing that. The intimate, dimly lit restaurant has subtle Mexican styling, while the menu is traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist.

There are tacos and burritos, as well as small and large plates such as ceviche, jalapeno poppers and Oaxacan lamb barbacoa.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: Shop 5/33 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

5. Brumby Bar & Grill

pub favourites at Brumby Bar & Grill, Jindabyne
Savour pub favourites at Brumby Bar & Grill.

A stalwart of Jindabyne since 1982, Brumby Bar & Grill  serves pub favourites such as chicken schnitzel, beer-battered fish and chips, burgers and steak. Don’t let the outdated exterior deter you: inside the dining room is warm and stylish, complete with a stone fireplace for the cooler months.

Cuisine: Pub fare / Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: Cnr Kosciuszko Road &, Kalkite St, Jindabyne

6. Takayama Restaurant and Bar

Sit down for some Japanese izakaya in the mountains at this town centre restaurant . The menu spans small plates such as edamame, sushi rolls and pork gyoza, to large share plates including karaage, katsu and tataki beef. Or order some piping hot ramen for one. Top off the experience with a glass of Sapporo or a yuzu cocktail.

Cuisine: Japanese

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Sleek

Location: Shop 19/5 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

7. Jindabyne Bowling Club

Who doesn’t love a casual dinner at the bowlo ? This one is perfect for families, not only for the affordable food but also because there’s an indoor playground that the kids (and parents) will love, no matter the weather outside. Chow down on a burger, prawn cutlets, chicken parmi, a steak sandwich and all your other pub favourites, and try your hand at trivia on Thursdays. There’s also a courtesy bus that services Jindabyne and its surrounds – a bonus when you’re on holiday and want to enjoy a drink while out at dinner.

Cuisine: Pub fare / Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 2 Bay St, Jindabyne

8. Jindabyne Brewing Co

a glass of beer at Jindabyne Brewing Co
Enjoy a glass of cold beer at Jindabyne Brewing Co.

After a day on the mountain, ski instructor Karl Veiss was enjoying a beer in a hot tub at a friend’s place when he had the idea to start up a family-friendly brewery. And so, Jindabyne Brewing was born – a warehouse-style brewery tucked away in a quieter street of town, on a property that has views of Lake Jindabyne.

Sample the five beers on tap – including Alpine Red X, a dark lager, and Hefe Veiss, a German wheat beer – and order from the succulent meat skewers menu with a side of house chips and aioli.

Cuisine: Mediterranean share plates / Grilled meats

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 5 Nettin Cct, Jindabyne

9. Panorama Thai

Just around the corner from Jindabyne Brewing, this Thai restaurant is tucked away in an unassuming motel. But if you’re craving Thai cuisine, you won’t be disappointed. The dining room is simple but light and airy and has an incredible view of Lake Jindabyne. The menu is concise but full of extremely flavoursome dishes such as Massaman beef and chilli basil eggplant. The pad kee mao is delicious, but they don’t lie when they say spicy.

Cuisine: Thai

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 16 Nettin Cct, Jindabyne

10. Sundance Bakery

bread on display at Sundance Bakehouse, Jindabyne
Stock up on freshly baked bread from Sundance Bakehouse.

Just follow the crowds to this cult bakery , located within the Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre in Jindy – the flagship store of three in the Snowies, the other two are in Bullocks Flat and Perisher. Grab a takeaway coffee and a freshly made pastry, toastie, pie or roll to pack for a day on the mountain.

Cuisine: Bakery

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 6 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

11. Nimmitabel Bakery

the Nimmitabel Bakery, Jindabyne
Pull up a chair for a quick coffee and pastry at Nimmitabel Bakery.

Founded in the town of Nimmitabel, east of Jindabyne, this bakery  has been serving freshly baked goods using traditional methods since 1950. Its Jindabyne outpost in Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre has a cosy fireplace, perfect to sit around and enjoy a coffee made with Seven Miles’ Black Mountain coffee beans, with a brekky wrap or a homemade pie. You can also order a hamper, filled with pies or pastries, or some snacks from the pantry, to enjoy while up on the mountain.

Cuisine: Bakery

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Shop 3 Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre, 13 Kalkite St, Jindabyne

12. Parc Cafe

breakfast and coffee at Parc Cafe, Jindabyne
Parc Cafe serves up a range of delectable all-day dining options. (Image: Nicole Mcleod Photography)

Adjoining the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in town, Parc serves an all-day menu featuring a big brekkie, burritos, sambos and wraps. Pouring Madding Crowd coffee, organic juices and smoothies, alongside local brews from Jindabyne Brewing and Shut the Gate wines. Sit out in the sunshine – where, during summer, they occasionally have live music – or retreat inside when it’s subzero temps out.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 49 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

13. Pinot’s Wine Bar

dining at Pinot’s Wine Bar, Jindabyne
Indulge in a comforting menu in a relaxed setting. (Image: Pinot’s Wine Bar)

There are plenty of lively pubs in Jindabyne, but if it’s a glass of wine in a dimly lit and elegant bar, then Pinot’s is your place. Pinot’s has a succinct wine menu, a rotating selection of craft beer on tap and cocktails. These are to be enjoyed with bar bites such as toasted brioche with ricotta and white anchovies, pumpkin and truffle arancini balls or a cheese board. And come winter, things get even cosier, with the fireplace roaring.

Cuisine: Bar bites

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: Shop 18b Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre, Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

14. Holly Go Lightly

a chili margarita at Holly Go Lightly, Jindabyne
Order chilli margaritas at Holly Go Lightly.

Holly Go Lightly  is a good-time diner serving pubby fare. There’s American-style poutine, fried cheese balls and burgers such as maple bacon, beef and cheeseburger.

Cuisine: Pub fare / American

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Location: 6 Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne

15. Jindabyne Emporium

They call themselves the good booze merchants for their curated selection of craft and indie beers, natural and lo-fi wines and Aussie spirits. Come by Jindabyne Emporium and get acquainted with the drinks menu during Happy Hour, every day from 4pm to 6pm.

The menu is super casual, with a solid offering of burgers, tacos and flavourful bar snacks, from pork belly nuggets to cheeseburger spring rolls. The bar-style venue also has a view over Lake Jindabyne from its central location in town.

Cuisine: Pub fare / Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Level 1, Shop 14/33 Kosciusko Road, Jindabynev

16. Stacks Pizza

the Stacks Pizza, Jindabyne
Grab a slice of your choice at Stacks Pizza. (Image: Robbie Duncan)

Pizza happily fills most bellies. Newly opened Stacks Pizza is a self-described hole-in-the-wall that offers both takeaway, by the slice, and dine-in with BYO wine. What more could you want!?

The mouthwatering menu includes classics such as ham and pineapple, supreme and meat lovers, plus other flavours including chorizo, boscaiola and Pontiac potato.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 1 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

17. Beach Burrito Co

There may be no beaches in the Snowy Mountains, but the coastal-style Beach Burrito Co brand has morphed into the perfect apres ski spot here in Jindy. One of five locations, the Jindabyne outpost has a menu filled with tasty Mexican street fare – tacos, quesadillas, burritos – as well as tequila, margaritas, sangria and beer. There’s also a kids’ menu, including a DIY taco kit.

The casual diner set right in the heart of town also boasts an epic view over Lake Jindabyne, from its bench-style tables that are perfect for groups and mingling with other mountain-goers.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: Level 3 / Shop 5/3 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

18. Bebita

Mexican lunch at Bebita, Jindabyne
Order classic Mexican favourites at Bebita.

In the backstreets of Jindabyne, this wholesome fresh food cafe serves up brunch, lunch and dinner – think coffee, juice, salads, nachos, burrito bowls and tacos. They also make killer cheesecakes, with ever-changing flavours such as mint choc, caramilk, Kit Kat, which look just as incredible as they taste. Nab a table on the outdoor terrace in the sunshine and linger longer with a BYO bottle of wine or beer.

Cuisine: Mexican

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 1 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

19. Embers Fireside Grill

Located within Horizons Lake Jindabyne – formerly Rydges – Embers Fireside Grill is an elegant restaurant open for dinner. Just as its name suggests, there’s a roaring fireplace come the winter months.

The newly rebranded hotel has elevated the dining menu, focusing on Australian ingredients with some Asian inspiration. Choose from dishes such as karaage chicken, sesame duck, fillet mignon and chilli garlic prawn pasta.

Cuisine: Modern Australian / Asian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location: 1 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

20. The Market Jindabyne

The Market Jindabyne exterior
Find purveyors of the best local produce at The Market Jindabyne.

In the centre of town, The Market Jindabyne is the place to pick up hyper-local and good quality produce and supplies, such as cured meats, cheeses, honey, preserves and organic fruit and veggies.

Settle into the cosy lounge to order a coffee, matcha or juice. Pair it with a toastie – arguably the best in town – made with local sourdough, a pastry or a smoothie bowl. They also offer taster plates, which allows you to try some of the produce in store before you buy.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Casual

Location: 6/141 Snowy River Avenue, Jindabyne

Discover the best things to do in Jindabyne

Megan Arkinstall
Megan Arkinstall is a freelance travel writer who you’ll often find at the beach, bushwalking or boating with her young family. She loves reliving travel memories through writing, whether that be sipping limoncello in a sun-drenched courtyard of Monterosso or swimming with green turtles in the aquamarine waters of Tropical North Queensland.
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The tastiest new players on Newcastle’s dining scene you need to try

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.