Orange is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy some of the best wine, coffee and local produce that New South Wales has to offer
In recent years, Orange has risen the ranks to become one of New South Wales’ most delicious dining destinations, thanks to its exceptional local produce, award-winning wine and seasonal food ethos. Our guide will take you through some of the region’s best restaurants, cafes, wineries and unforgettable eating experiences in this rewarding destination – just a 3.5-hour drive from Sydney.
Locally produced food and beverage
Some of Orange’s finest goods can be found at The Agrestic Grocer, a dedicated food and wine hub including a restaurant, grocery store and cellar door for Badlands Brewery and Pig in the House organic wines. Local condiments, artisan breads, small goods and more abound at Red Chilli Deli. Meanwhile, Ferment serves up drinks in its wine bar-meets-bottle-shop setting with drinks from smaller producers that don’t have cellar doors themselves.
The second Saturday of each month sees the Orange Farmers Market at Northcourt, behind the Orange Regional Gallery. Here you can meet the growers, providores, community gardeners and independent primary producers that keep the wheels of local restaurants and cafes turning. Sample everything from deli items, meats, preserves, olive oil and nuts to some of the region’s award-winning wines, beers and ciders.
Brunch options
Bills Beans has been the go-to for local coffee lovers since 2007, having grown from a shop-front roastery to one of Australia’s largest regional coffee roasters. The original shop front, Bills Beans East Orange, hosts taste tests at that original shopfront while their blend is available at Groundstone, a contemporary cafe on Byng Street with a deliciously simple menu. It’s located within the Orange Regional Gallery and Orange Regional Museum precinct offers the opportunity to bring pleasure to both sight and taste.
Breads and pastries in Orange can be found baked in-house at Byng Street Local Store while Racine Bakery sells organic sourdough, pies, sausage rolls, pastries and cakes. At Anything Grows you’ll find a cafe, boutique nursery and gift shop under one roof.
Stylish eats
Mr Lim uses local and native Australian ingredients to craft modern Korean and Chinese cuisine. Share plates are available at the Schoolhouse Restaurant, inside the Union Bank wine bar. Nab a seat in the courtyard for a long lunch.
And Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. features a shareable menu of tapas, oysters and more substantial offerings. Drinks range from fine regional wines, colourful cocktails and craft beers to alcohol-free options.
Spilt Milk Bar is an excellent post-dinner choice in gelato shops, with every flavour made from scratch using fresh local ingredients. Hey Rosey is Orange’s intimate 20-seater wine bar that focuses on unexpected flavours and local producers.
Wine time
Orange’s wineries feature vineyards at a variety of altitudes and produce everything from light and bubbly sparkling wines to bone-dry rosé, complex pinot noir and exotic viognier. With more than 30 cellar doors to visit, it’s worth taking the time to enjoy the delicious dining experiences many of the wineries offer alongside wine tastings.
Philip Shaw Wines’ lauded pinot noir pairs well with a locally made cheese plate. Borrodell is one of Australia’s highest vineyards – literally – and is set atop a steep hillside overlooking the Towac Valley. Nearby meals at Sister’s Rock offer acclaimed dishes. Many different varieties are made by Rowlee Wines, where you can order a picnic hamper to enjoy on the grounds or stay the weekend in the private, luxury guesthouse.
Printhie Wines‘ experiences range from a sparkling masterclass to a helicopter winery tour – both of which include a five-course lunch. Printhie’s cellar door even has an oyster tank filled with water shipped from the Clyde River, ensuring guests have freshly shucked oysters.
For a kid-friendly option, visit Heifer Station – a winery with a petting zoo with alpacas, highland cows, chickens and a Shetland pony named Tilly that also offers private picnic experiences paired with their tastings.
Foodie festivals
The annual Orange F.O.O.D Week is Australia’s longest-running regional food festival, running across 10 days every April. The festival celebrates local farmers and chefs and its events range from markets, celebration dinners, workshops and visits to farms, orchards and kitchens. For those visiting in the winter months, the Orange Winter Fire Festival is all about eating comforting meals beside crackling fire pits and sipping heart-warming red wine.
Want more foodie inspiration? Here’s how to spend a gourmet weekend in Orange.