Lovely ones,
I’m often asked where is good to eat in the Mountains. And so, here’s a list.
The truth is, we don’t eat out that often so when we do, it has to be a good experience and have great food.
Springwood
Arrana
How lucky are the folks of Springwood? Very lucky indeed. A local, 2 hatted restaurant. Think special occasion dinning and it’s so worth it! Set course menus of either 4 or 7 courses.
Lawson
Napoli Corner
AMAZING pizzas. They taste just like you are in Napoli or anywhere in Italy. Just proper, you know? Other classic dishes too. They are licensed if you want to eat there, and they have a lovely selection of Italian Beers.
Eat in or take away.
Black Cockatoo Bakery
Our go-to for anything sourdough and generally for anything scrumptious. Think lots of butter…….so enough said really. We quite often stop off here on our way up the Mountains…..to stock up.
https://www.blackcockatoobakery.com.au/
The Henry Hotel
Nice spot to stop for lunch as you drive up the Mountains. We haven’t had a bad meal here and don’t let the exterior fool you – the inside is a fab mix of old-fashioned pub mixed with hipster vibes. The beer garden can be a bit noisy (no surprises given its next to the highway) but the food is great.
https://henrybluemountains.com.au/#
Wentworth Falls
La Famiglia Pizzeria
Again, great pizzas. Small and cosy inside so try and book or arrive early to grab a table. Pick-up and delivery also available. The Puttanesca pizza is my go-to!
https://lafamigliapizzeria.com.au/#about
The Conservation Hut
Located on the edge of the National Park, this has been the location of a “hut” for over 50 years. Recently under new management, the hut is a great spot for a coffee before or after a walk in the park or lovely for lunch. They are now running semi-regular events which is breathing life into both the hut and its surrounds – Jazz evenings etc
https://www.conservationhutcafe.au/
The Lemon Tree Grocer
Not a restaurant but a great little food shop which has transformed Wentworth Falls. Pretty much everything you need – fruit/veg/frozen/general provisions and some lovely (gourmet) things that can be hard to get elsewhere. Stock up before you keep heading up the Mountains.
https://www.instagram.com/thelemontreegrocer/?hl=en
Leura
Red Door Cafe
Our place to have a coffee or lunch when we are in Leura. Go early or late to avoid the lunch rush. A lot of the products used are made on-site (chutneys etc) and any and all of their salads are fab!
https://www.bluemts.com.au/6631/red-door-cafe/
Mr Collins of Leura
Classic Brasserie in the main street of Leura. Lovely ambience, cocktails and great food. Just a classy set-up with quality food and service.
https://mrcollinsofleura.com.au/
Katoomba
Tempus
Located in the main street, Tempus is a lovely and sustainable venture. Every attempt is made to minimise their footprint and dishes are meant to be shared which adds to the general conviviality of the place. A great and interesting wine list.
They’ve recently started serving breakfast during the week – the Bacon & Egg Roll is to die for.
https://www.tempuskatoomba.com.au/
The Bowery
Cute and quirky and great food. Located in a Federation Romanesque-style church, the decor is amazing, and I see something new every time I go. Brunch, Lunch and Dinner and some great options for the kids! Think Mac & Cheese, Burger Sliders etc. Nice outdoor courtyard for when the weather is warm.
Good bar serving cocktails.
Bowery Kitchen and Bar (bowerykatoomba.com.au)
The Avalon
The sister establishment of The Bowery and just as quirky re decor. Housed in the old Katoomba cinema – it’s eclectic and fun with a good menu. Equally good bar re cocktails. If booking for lunch or early dinner (when still light), ask for a table near the window for great views over Katoomba and the valley.
They have a lovely Gin Parlour (don’t ask me how I know this….I just do), where you can sit and relax and on Saturdays they have live music.
https://www.avalonkatoomba.com.au/
