Feast at NSW’s most memorable dining rooms, where incredible food meets breathtaking scenery. From oceanfront decks, vineyard vistas and mountain peaks, these restaurants pair delicious local produce with views that elevate every meal into an experience.
- 4 min read
Tweed River House
Where: Murwillumbah
The view: Tweed River and Wollumbin mountain range
What to expect: Housed in a magnificently restored century-old grand river house, the panoramic views are just as delicious as the chefs’ creations. Consistently awarded a hat, Tweed River House offers a curated menu showcasing each season’s produce from the region’s fertile farmlands, riverways and ocean. Locals rave about the Northern Rivers duck breast and Fraser Island spanner crab. Keep an eye out for events including jazz nights and high tea.
Tweed River House, Murwillumbah - Credit: Alex Carter
Raes Dining Room
Where: Byron Bay
The view: Ocean and surfers
What to expect: The light and bright Raes Dining Room feels like a slice of the Mediterranean in Byron, offering a three- or six-course menu with a focus on seafood and native ingredients. While the views over Wategos Beach are great, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for celebrities at this two-hat restaurant.
Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay - Credit: Raes on Wategos
Latitude 30
Where: Coffs Harbour
The view: Coffs Harbour Marina Village and ocean
What to expect: Known for serving incredibly fresh seafood caught each morning by local fishers, Latitude 30 overlooks the sparkling source of its menu: the ocean. Make sure you try the impressive seafood platter, featuring fresh lobster, prawns, bugs, oysters, ceviche and housemade bread.
Latitude 30 Restaurant, Coffs Harbour
Whalebone Wharf
Where: Port Macquarie
The view: Hastings River
What to expect: Set on the banks of the Hastings River, Whalebone Wharf offers waterfront views as you feast on oysters from that very river. Executive chef Dylan Bowers and his team pride themselves on an exceptional standard of flavour, freshness and quality of all ingredients and dishes. Enjoy lobsters fresh from the tank, seafood platters and juicy steaks.
Whalebone Wharf, Port Macquarie
Bistro Molines
Where: Hunter Valley
The view: Vineyards and rolling hills
What to expect: Bistro Molines is the kind of place you never want to leave. The decor transports you to the south of France, replete with wrought-iron chairs and candelabras, whitewashed cupboards, elaborate flower arrangements and vineyard views. Book a table in the paved courtyard, then order dishes like crumbed zucchini flowers filled with herbed goat cheese and twice-roasted duck with orange glaze.
Bistro Molines, Mount View
Little Beach Boathouse
Where: Port Stephens
The view: Water views of Little Beach and Nelson Bay
What to expect: Utilising local produce with a focus on seafood, this beachside venue has a restaurant upstairs and a bar below deck. The views at sunset, as the golden rays play over the water, are just as delicious as the salt and native pepper fried squid.
Little Beach Boathouse, Nelson Bay - Credit: Sally Dunwell Turk
Echoes Restaurant
Where: Katoomba
The view: Blue Mountains National Park
What to expect: This clifftop dining room is an elegant space full of windows to enjoy the breathtaking views of the valley and cliffs the Blue Mountains is famous for. Serving modern Australian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu includes dishes such as salt‑baked beetroot, mint zucchini risotto and charred butternut pumpkin.
Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, Katoomba
Megalong
Where: Megalong Valley
The view: Stunning escarpment and bushland
What to expect: Megalong is one of the purest farm-to-table experiences in the country. Almost everything you eat – the herbs, vegetables, fruit, lamb and beef – is sourced from the surrounding LOT 101 farm and grown using organic, regenerative farming practices. Enjoy a constantly changing menu that showcases what’s in season before walking through the gardens to see the next meal in production.
Megalong, Megalong Valley - Credit: Rolls Royce Sydney
The Cowrie Restaurant
Where: Central Coast
The view: Ocean and coastal bush
What to expect: On a hill overlooking Terrigal Beach, you’ll be too absorbed by the menu to enjoy the view at first. Choose between The Cowrie’s regular or plant-based two-, three-, four- or five-course menu. Take time to note the 16 local growers and suppliers detailed on the back so you know exactly where your food is coming from and how little it has travelled. Book a table on the deck to soak in views of the bay during your meal.
The Cowrie, Terrigal - Credit: Jennifer Burch Photogaphy
Borrodell SkyBar
Where: Orange
The view: Scenic vineyard and Towac Valley
What to expect: Perched at the top of Borrodell Estate's orchard, with views of the rows of grapes destined to become pinot noir, you’ll find Borrodell SkyBar. The menu is divided into small, large and dessert dishes, all designed to be shared over a glass or two of wine. The Cajun-spiced lamb chops with garlic butter sauce and ratatouille are popular choices.
Borrodell SkyBar, Orange - Credit: Kirsten Cunningham | Borrodell Vineyard
Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant
Where: Merimbula
The view: Sea and coastal bush
What to expect: Just-caught fish and exceptional broadwater oysters (from nearby Pambula) are always on the menu at Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant, where you’ll dine with a 180-degree view of the ocean. If it’s a special occasion, go for the seafood platter and time your trip with their live music offering.
Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant, Merimbula
Trentham Estate Winery
Where: The Murray
The view: Murray River
What to expect: Head to this family-owned winery and restaurant to enjoy seasonal dining as you watch the Murray River flow by. Feast on pan-fried barramundi with salsa verde or crispy pork belly with a spicy plum glaze. Grab a table on the back deck for the best views or have a glass of wine and a cheese platter on the lawn.
Trentham Estate Winery, Trentham Cliffs
Eagles Nest Restaurant
Where: Thredbo
The view: Ski slopes and snow
What to expect: High above Thredbo Alpine Village at 1937m, Eagles Nest Restaurant is Australia’s highest restaurant. Ride the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift to the top of Thredbo and head into the warmth of this scenic space, which has 270-degree views of the ski slopes it services. Hot chocolates and pizza are a must here.
Eagles Nest Restaurant, Thredbo - Credit: Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd
