The Best Restaurants in the Southern Highlands for Foodies
This country region is blessed with the best of everything. Here's our edit of the best restaurants in the Southern Highlands to add to your foodie hitlist.
The Southern Highlands has long been the favourite weekend escape for city-fatigued Sydneysiders, and with such lush scenery and charming towns to visit, it’s no wonder why.
There is so much on offer in this picturesque region, but the icing on the cake is the delectable dining scene awash with high-calibre venues keen to lure in locals and visitors with menus packed full of homegrown goodness.
Whether you’re passing through or making a weekend of it, when hunger calls, these are the best restaurants in the Southern Highlands to add to your hitlist.
La Palette Restaurant at Mount Ashby Estate
In the picturesque Southern Highlands, La Palette Restaurant at Mount Ashby Estate boasts a view that's as comforting as an old friend's smile. From the moment you step onto the estate, it's evident that they take their paddock-to-plate philosophy seriously.
Post-meal, stroll through the picturesque grounds, breathe in the crisp country air, and then settle indoors at a farmhouse table with a glass of their finest vino.
128 Nowra Road, Moss Vale
Fire Kitchen
New to Osbourne House, Fire Kitchen is an extension of the hugely popular and sell-out Fire Feast events this Southern Highlands luxury hotel has come to be known for. Diners can select from prime cuts of meat, whole fish and fire-cooked vegetable sides designed to eat family-style. Live fire cooking adds a theatrical element to the meal whilst Latin American music, wine and cocktails add to the ambience. The menu also incorporates hyper-local produce at every turn with the likes of Robertson potatoes and Musset Holdings Farm honey.
96 Osborn Avenue, Bundanoon
Katers Restaurant
Nestled in the tranquil Southern Highlands, Katers Restaurant at Peppers Manor House in Sutton Forest is a delightful find.
The menu dances with the seasons, spotlighting exceptional locally produced creations like the house-cured beef rib and the tempting Persian-spiced lamb strap.
In the colder months, crackling log fires envelop you in warmth and intimacy, while in the sunnier seasons, the lush gardens burst to life, painting an enchanting backdrop for your gastronomic adventure.
Peppers Manor House, Kater Road, Sutton Forest
Bistro Sociale
Bistro Sociale, situated within Bowral's historic Berida Hotel, is a dining destination that transports you to a bygone era. Divided into three charming dining spaces, it exudes an air of classic sophistication.
Period-style chandeliers and pristine white tablecloths complete the high society ambience.
What truly sets Bistro Sociale apart is its ever-evolving menu, changing weekly, so you’re always bound to try something new.
This menu features seasonal, French-inspired cuisine crafted from locally sourced produce. Your dining experience won’t be complete unless you cosy up by the fireplace with a gin or cognac in hand.
Berida Hotel, 6 David Street, Bowral
Eschalot Restaurant
Set in one of Southern Highland's most picturesque and historically significant buildings, Eschalot brings intimate dining and delicious Australian-French fare together.
Settle in at a table in front of the fire or overlooking the gardens while tucking into a menu that's made mostly from ingredients grown on-site.
The menus change with the season, delighting at all times of the day. Starting with breakfast (weekends only), before moving on to lunch, chef's choice, or if you are after something extra fancy, go all out with the six-course degustation menu.
24 Old Hume Highway, Berrima
Highlands Merchant
This beautiful and chic café on Moss Vale’s main drag is just the place to drop in to for an afternoon recovery session following a busy day trawling the area’s boutiques.
Excellent coffee and a vast array of homemade treats sit temptingly along the counter at Highlands Merchant.
Take a little of this Southern Highlands restaurant home with you with something from their handsome range of pantry fillers and gourmet gifts.
405 Argyle Street, Moss Vale
Bendooley Estate
Sitting on 200 acres, Bendooley Estate has built its reputation on dishing up fresh produce sourced from local suppliers. The restaurant is housed inside the iconic Berkelouw Book Barn, renowned for its collection of new, second-hand, rare and antiquarian books – needless to say, this is a book lover and coffee aficionado hangout.
They offer a lunch and dinner menu with a garden-to-plate ethos, while the Cellar Door offers wine-centered casual dining, ranging from finger food to something more substantial.
3020 Old Hume Highway, Berrima
Harry's on Green Lane
There's cute, and then there's Harry's on Green Lane. This adorable book-adorned restaurant specialises in classic, provincial cuisine accompanied by an impressive, international wine list.
Enjoy their mouth-watering Pacific oysters as you soak up the old-timey atmosphere and marvel at the stunning travel memorabilia and plant life scattered throughout this charming haunt.
Make sure you save room for dessert because their bread and butter pudding is a spiritual experience!
15-17 Banyette Street, Bowral
Onesta Cucina
Onesta Cucina is a family-owned Southern Highland restaurant that shines a spotlight on traditional Italian cooking while using the region's freshest ingredients.
Set just off Bong Bong Street in Bowral village, Onesta Cucina is a long-time favourite that locals have been flocking to when craving pasta-filled dishes.
Take our advice and go hungry, because the food is delicious.
5 Boolwey Street, Bowral
Horderns Restaurant
Hidden away from prying eyes within the secluded Milton Park Country House Hotel in Bowral, Horderns Restaurant is a fine dining experience with a French leaning.
The grand hotel – once an impressive home – has been sympathetically restored and is now renowned for its elegant Southern Highland restaurant and excellent hospitality.
To add to the glitz and glam, a sommelier is on hand to match your meal with wines from their private cellar. Très bien.
Milton Park Country House Hotel, Horderns Road, Bowral
Paste Australia
Trust us when we say you've never had Thai food quite like this. With a Chef's Hat to their name, Paste fuses the region's freshest produce with innovative techniques and ancient recipes and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
You can expect everything from delicate canapes to curries, charred meats, braised and roasted dishes to noodles, stir-fries and fish, all plated to perfection.
105 Main Street, Mittagong
Finished feasting your way around the best restaurants in the Southern Highlands and after more travel inspiration? Check out our edit of the best wineries in the Hunter Valley. Then, take a look at our definitive guide to the most romantic getaways in NSW for two.
