Explore the Best in Local Cuisine and Innovative Blue Mountains Dining Experiences
This burgeoning culinary scene in the world heritage listed Blue Mountains, marked by its innovative use of fresh, local ingredients and diverse dining offerings, continues to draw visitors and acclaim, making it a destination not just for nature lovers but also for those who appreciate the art of fine dining.
In the heart of the Blue Mountains, culinary excellence meets historic charm, offering affluent travelers an unforgettable dining experience.
The Avalon Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Katoomba invites guests to journey back in time to the 1930s within the art-deco inspired ambiance of the Savoy Theatre. Nestled in the vibrant town of Katoomba, this venue boasts panoramic views of Leura village and the Jamison Valley. Guests savor a global-influenced menu prepared in the old projection room while enjoying cocktails and retro tunes in the cozy bar.
For an intimate, sexy date night, Blaq, located within the renovated Kyah Boutique Hotel, showcases local chef Mate Herceg’s deep connection to the land through contemporary fine dining. Signature dishes like brined kangaroo and classic lamb rump reflect a respect for local producers and seasonal ingredients.
Blaq’s menu emphasises shared dishes and features local produce and meats such as house-aged kangaroo fillets. The restaurant, overlooking a historic cherry tree, pairs its menu with a wine list awarded for its exclusive selection of NSW wines.
At Ates, the kitchen is led by former Tetsuyas and Rockpool chef William Cowan-Lunn who is a co-owner, and is a surprising restaurant and wine bar in Blackheath. It is up market, and all about a wood fire and warm vibes – perfect in winter, and brings the Mediterranean to life with share plates cooked in a 150-year-old ironbark-fueled oven, offering a unique space to enjoy food and wine with friends. Ates means fire in Turkish. The menu is big and bold and includes whole crisp ducks with a five spice caramel sauce, and large cuts of vegetables and other meats.
Springwood’s Arrana has revolutionised the local dining scene with its inventive native ingredient-driven menu. Chef Daniel Cabban’s twice-hatted restaurant serves stunning dishes that embody the rugged landscape of the mountains. Diners at Arrana can choose between the four-course Darrbi menu and the more extensive seven-course Marri menu, both paired optionally with wines. The menus feature innovative dishes like emu paired with rhubarb, lilly pilly, and cherry, or Douglas fir with sunflower, Illawarra plum, and shiitake mushrooms, offering a celebration of native flavors.
For relaxed and refined evenings, Bistro style restaurant Tempus in Katoomba is intimate and cosy. It impresses with its modern Australian fare, driven by sustainability, with seasonal delights like confit trout and pork terrine. The drinks list is all Australian, and the menu changes continually, with the availability of local produce. Dishes are designed to be shared. The menu caters to a range of dietary preferences, ensuring that each dish reflects the restaurant’s environmental ethos.
Tempus is making waves with its focus on sustainability and seasonal produce. Located in a historic bank, the restaurant practices comprehensive waste minimisation techniques, like dehydrating and pickling surplus ingredients. (Pic NA).
The historic old world elegance of Darley’s Restaurant at Lilianfels Resort offers a quintessentially Blue Mountains dining experience. Dishes like coral trout and marinated scallops are served in the vintage dining room, set against stunning views of the Jamison Valley. It has a conservative but elegant feel. Definitely upmarket and pricey.
Meanwhile, the modern Bowery offers a taste o modern Australian dining and serves up delicious, quality dishes all day long from brunch to dinner in the unique setting of a former church. The team are from Avalon restaurant (see above) and this one is designed for casual dining with an emphasis on quality cocktails, smalelr share plates as well as generous main dishes.
Megalong Restaurant at Lot 101 is sustainable and organic and set up within the 101 farm amongst the vegetable gardens. It emphasises the paddock-to-plate concept, offering organic produce and stunning seasonal dishes in an idyllic farm setting. This is a meal to be savoured as meals are set menus, and take at last 2.5 hours, to enjoy both the meal and the garden experience. The most talked about restaurant in the area right now.
Echoes Restaurant and Bar, perched high above the Jamison Valley on the edge of the Blue Mountains, provides unparalleled panoramic views alongside expertly prepared modern Australian dishes like angus tenderloin. There is a terrace to enjoy in summer and great Australian service.
Pins on Lurline offers a charming fine dining experience in a heritage listed cottage. Sitting on mature gardens, the food is creative and Australian, and the location is distinctly Australian.
While the Archibald Hotel delivers casual vibes and comforting Australian pub classics within a scene you might find in any country pub around Australia.
Cinnabar Kitchen in Blackheath offers a culinary journey around the world with its diverse menu created by local culinary stalwarts Corinne Evatt and Mary-Jane Craig. Diners can savour dishes from Jamaica, Morocco, Thailand, and Ethiopia, all crafted to excite with vibrant colours, textures, and flavours. The intimate setting and globally inspired menu invite guests to “travel the world in one night.”
Mayfield Garden Restaurant offers the perfect bookend to a day spent strolling manicured gardens, with dishes inspired by seasonal harvests, and Amara at Spicers Sangoma Retreat serves locally sourced, playful cuisine.
Also in Katoomba, Bootlegger Bar embodies the spirited ambiance of the American South with its selection of smoked meats and whisky. Kelly Walls, inspired by her passions, established this venue that quickly became a local favourite. With its hearty Southern BBQ, extensive selection of spirits, and vibrant live music scene, Bootlegger Bar is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy a lively night out.
Further into the heart of Blackheath, Zoe’s bar and restaurant brings a lively Mexican flair to the local dining scene. Helmed by former Tetsuya’s and Rockpool chef Will Cowan-Lunn, Zoe’s serves a dynamic array of Mexican dishes, from fish and cauliflower tacos to chipotle de pollo. The ambiance is complemented by an array of margaritas and mezcal-based cocktails, with the venue regularly hosting live music and trivia nights, making it a cultural hub for both locals and visitors.
The iconic Wintergarden at the Hydro Majestic is renowned for its dramatic views and decadent high tea, while Embers Restaurant at Fairmont Resort delivers expertly grilled meats and seafood amid stunning scenery. These insider dining options, set within the Blue Mountains, provide a wealth of luxurious culinary experiences for discerning travelers.
