9 Bundaberg restaurants and cafes you can’t miss

By Liz Whitehead
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Grab a fork and discover what’s being served up in the ‘food bowl’ of Australia.

Although it’s famous for its sugarcane, Bundaberg has an abundance of fresh produce which earns it a spot on the list of Australia’s best foodie towns. Fertile volcanic soils give rise to abundant tropical fruits, the coast teems with sumptuous seafood, and the plains deliver plenty of grass-fed organic meat.

Dubbed the ‘food bowl’ of Australia, the region is responsible for serving-up high-quality ingredients to tables across Queensland, Australia and beyond. The way to the heart of this township is through your stomach, so spend some time cafe-hopping and exploring Bundaberg’s unique restaurant offerings. Here, we’ve rounded up the best restaurants and cafes in Bundaberg that you absolutely can’t miss.

Restaurants

Like the town itself, Bundaberg’s food scene is best described as chilled-out. Although the vibes may be casual, the food quality is deadly serious. You don’t need to indulge in fine dining to discover decadence – you’ll find exquisite plates served up at pub taverns and casual eateries, too. Check out some of our favourite Bundaberg restaurants below.

1. Spotted Dog Tavern at Railway Hotel

In true Bundaberg fashion, one of the town’s best restaurants is also one of the most laid back. Nestled inside the Railway Hotel, The Spotted Dog serves up elevated pub classics made with high-quality ingredients.

There are hearty melt-in-your-mouth steaks and eight-hour slow-cooked beef short ribs. Not to mention expansive menu options drawing worldwide influences from Asia to Italy.

Seafood lovers will find lots to rave about – the ocean meets the tropics with menu highlights that include local Hervey Bay scallops served with mango and Midori salsa. You’ll also find some of the best fish and chips in Bundaberg.

True to its name, dogs are allowed, so if you’re travelling with a four-legged family member, they’re welcome to join you here.

Pub food from Spotted Dog At Railway Hotel in Bundaberg, Queensland

Chill out and enjoy elevated pub classics. (Image: Spotted Dog At Railway Hotel)

 

2. Bert’s

Located in the heart of Bundaberg town, Bert’s offers a quality dining experience reminiscent of a big city restauranteur, but with the bonus of fresh ingredients grown locally. When you enter, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time with gorgeous vintage-inspired decor and luxe leather lounges.

This stylish Bundaberg restaurant serves up a divine medley of flavours from around the world, all plated up artfully. It’s the same with the drinks too, which are some of the best in Bundy.

Here, you can sample some of Bundaberg’s finest cocktails that incorporate locally brewed spirits served with a highly Instagrammable presentation. Finish off your meal with some to-die-for desserts — such as toffee pudding topped with Bundaberg Rum Caramel. Delicious.

Stylish interior at Bert's restaurant in Bundaberg

Enjoy the beautiful surroundings while you eat. (Image: Bert’s)

3. Water St Kitchen

Water St Kitchen is an acclaimed restaurant for fine dining in Bundaberg. The menu balances unique and delicate flavours – bringing together fresh local produce with cuisines from around the world. Here, you can truly tour the globe with your tastebuds.

Some menu highlights include the kangaroo and myrtle prosciutto, and the sand crab lasagne. You’ll also have a great selection of International and Australian wines to accompany your meal, as well as some delicious cocktails to choose from. If you’re looking for a premier dining experience, Water St Kitchen certainly delivers.

meal at Water St Kitchen

Enjoy fresh local produce and global flavours. (Image: Water St Kitchen)

4. H20 restaurant

At H20, you can enjoy upscale dining right on the banks of the Burnett River in the company of a sensational view. Kick back with a cocktail to start your meal, and enjoy some sumptuous classics, such as Asian-spiced pork belly, crab pasta and crispy barramundi.

There are great Aussie wines to pair and lots of locally brewed drinks to complement your meal. There’s also a decadent range of desserts that you’ll want to leave room for (the Bailey’s cheesecake with raspberry sorbet is a true winner). Located inside the Burnett Hotel, this is one of Bundaberg’s more formal restaurant offerings.

Outdoor dining at Burnett Riverside Hotel in Bundaberg, Queensland.

Soak in the river views as you enjoy your meal. (Image: Burnett Riverside Hotel)

Cafes

Discover your perfect brew by cafe-hopping your way into the heart of this iconic Aussie township. Soak up the sunshine and Bundaberg’s buzzing vibes while you enjoy some of the town’s best offerings. Here are the best cafes in Bundaberg that you won’t want to miss.

5. Indulge Cafe

It’s a common adage that we eat with the eyes first, and simply peeking into Indulge Cafe is bound to pique the senses. Inside, you’ll be met with a kaleidoscope of colourful sweet treats and mouth-watering savoury plates. Everything is so well-presented that it’s almost a shame to dig in.

There is great coffee, as well as breakfast and lunch menus that offer up a flurry of decadent flavours, all tied together with local flair. From mushroom arancini made with local shiitake mushrooms, to cinnamon-dusted doughnuts with stewed apples: you’ll find something to tantalise your tastebuds at Indulge.

Breakfast board at Indulge cafe in Bundaberg, Queensland

These decadent breakfast boards look (almost) too good to eat. (Image: Indulge)

6. Nana’s Pantry

Stepping into Nana’s pantry feels like all the Bazaars from around the world have been condensed into one cosy shop. This bulk food, no-waste store and cafe is bursting with colourful confectionery, dried fruits, nuts, teas, spices and more.

The health-conscious will find a lot to love, with an abundance of whole foods to nourish your body and mind.

After you’re done scoping out some of your favourite snacks, hit up the on-site cafe to sample some gourmet coffee, or enjoy some refreshing kombucha on tap. Sit outside and soak up the sun, and be sure to complement your drink with some locally-made caramel fudge.

Desserts at Nana's Pantry in Bundaberg

Stock up on whole foods to nourish your body and mind. (Image: Nana’s Pantry)

7. The Windmill Cafe Bargara

This iconic Bundaberg cafe is hard to miss. Housed in a blue windmill by Bargara beach, this kooky cafe serves up a true taste of Bundaberg with food offerings that are almost entirely locally sourced.

The carefully curated menu involves brekkie classics like eggs benedict with locally butchered bacon, and a dragon fruit bowl filled with vibrant local fruits. The Windmill doesn’t just showcase local flavours, but the local Bundy spirit, too.

In addition to championing local initiatives, The Windmill offers free gelato to anyone who fills a collection bucket with rubbish from the beach. All the cups and containers are disposable, so you can enjoy a guilt-free takeaway coffee as you stroll along the sands.

The Blue Windmill Cafe, Bulgara in Bundaberg, Queensland.

Soak in the ambience at this one-of-a-kind cafe. (Image: Windmill Cafe Bargara)

8. Leaf n Bean

The small but sleek Leaf n Bean cafe has carved out a reputation as one of Bundaberg’s best lunch and brunch spots. Their cold-brew coffee is both delicious, and perfect for combatting the sweltering Bundaberg heat.

You’ll find hearty menu options like succulent pulled-beef garden salads and Turkish bread sandwiches loaded up with Mediterranean-style veggies.

For those with a sweet tooth, there’s always a tray of decadent desserts on offer. Our personal favourites include the Biscoff cheesecake and delectable Lemon Drizzle.

Biscoff cheesecakes from the Leaf N Bean cafe in Bundaberg, Queensland

Don’t miss the popular Biscoff cheesecakes. (Image: Leaf N Bean)

9. The Journey Laneway

If the Bundaberg heat has got you parched, head to The Journey Laneway for something refreshing.

There’s a focus on healthy snacks here, so if you’re looking for some clean eats to complement your coffee, then the Journey Laneway is the perfect place to get your fix. Pick from an array of vegan, gluten-free and raw options in the cabinet when you order.

Barista at The Journey cafe in Bundaberg

Enjoy a delicious coffee and healthy treats at The Journey. (Image: The Journey)

Heading to Bundaberg? We’ve also created a guide to Bundaberg accommodation, rounded up the best Bundaberg tours and things to do, and made a list of the best beaches to visit nearby.
Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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This new beachside resort comes with a front-row turtle show

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    One night encountering nesting turtles at Mon Repos Beach is all it takes to transform holidaymakers into awestruck witnesses of marine conservation in action. 

    A new ecotourism benchmark, NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Turtle Sands fits neatly behind the dunes – front row to the wonder of nesting and, weeks later, hatching loggerhead, flatback and green turtles.  

    turtle swimming

    Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mad Dog Productions)

    This stretch of the Southern Great Barrier Reef has long been a holiday playground.

    Mon Repos Conversation Park

    Mon Repos Conservation Park (Image: Tourism Australia)

    And now this former caravan park has been transformed, leading the way in wildlife-friendly design with environmental sustainability and accessibility at its core. 

    All about the accommodation offering 

    baby turtle at Mon Repos

    A hatchling makes its way across the sand. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Acinta Shackleton)

    When we arrived, we let out a sigh of relief as we spotted a bank of EV chargers. Our new Omoda E5 loaner needs a top-up, and charging spots on the road from Brisbane have been scarce, unreliable or out of action. It’s the first of many sustainability features that set the resort apart. We’ve officially left the everyday and much less eco-friendly world behind. 

    Turtle Sands Beach House

    Inside Turtle Sands’ ultra-comfortable Beach House. (Image: Tim Bond)

    A 100kwh solar system allows Turtle Sands to be almost off-grid but with enough grunt to power energy-efficient, motion-sensor air conditioning and lighting. At check-in, we take the Turtle Protection Promise, pledging to minimise impact and to only walk on the beach between 6am and 6pm. 

    Accommodation includes powered caravan sites, accessible studio rooms, glamping tents, three-bedroom villas and the Beach House – a reimagined 1917 schoolhouse. We’re among the first to put the latter through its paces.  

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    Beach House's tub

    End the day with a soak in the Beach House’s tub. (Image: Tim Bond)

    I get first dibs on the tempting tub in the oversized and luxurious bathroom. A ceiling fan makes an excellent backup or alternative to the air-con in the combined living and bedroom space that opens through floor-to-ceiling glass to a party-sized deck. It’s the ideal spot for an early morning cuppa to listen to the ocean continually reacquainting itself with the sand. 

    Why NRMA Turtle Sands is the ultimate family holiday 

    Turtle Sands turtle-shaped pool

    NRMA Parks and Resorts’ new Turtle Sands with its turtle-shaped pool.

    Late afternoon, Turtle Sands transforms. Around the pool, families toast to the good life with unfiltered happiness. Plastic glasses gently thud stubby holder-dressed beers. Everyone, it seems, has left their everyday world behind. “Marco!” echoes from one end of the turtle-shaped pool, met with thunderous “Polo!” responses.  

    The Garden Mill Cafe fish tacos

    The Garden Mill Cafe in nearby Bargara. (Image: Tim Bond)

    Sprawling teenagers scroll phones while still-dripping kids dart about smelling of sunscreen. Sizzling sausages mingle with the aroma of fresh pizza from the food truck. The sheer joy is infectious. This is more than a holiday – it’s a celebration of family and nature. 

    With only a million-star sky and sliver of silver moon to light the way, our Omoda E5 seems at home as we return later from dinner at the outstanding Water St Kitchen. Turtle Sands is dark except for motion-sensor lights. Still, except for the occasional blood-curdling scream of eastern curlews, it’s another moment to breathe in the briny air and just be. 

    Turtle encounters with a difference 

    hatchlings on Turtle Encounter tour

    Spot hatchlings on a Turtle Encounter Tour. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jacinta Shackleton)

    Evening unfolds quietly at the world-renowned Mon Repos Turtle Centre near Bundaberg. Rangers carefully guide 60 of us along the moonless beach, after locating the night’s first nesting female loggerhead turtle.  

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    Mon Repos beach

    Enjoy the beach year-round.

    We have dubbed her Roxanne (inspired more by The Police than Cyrano de Bergerac). She has instinctually and methodically powered her furiously flicking flippers to sculpt a sanctuary for her 114 ping-pong-ball-sized coloured eggs.  

    Our rangers closely monitor Roxanne, recording her measurements and marking the nest’s location. As the kids grow restless, Roxanne may or may not be flicking sand their way.