A number of talented chefs have packed their bags and left Sydney, building thriving cafes and restaurants in rural towns further afield. Just beyond the Blue Mountains, Bathurst is becoming a foodie paradise with a plethora of amazing cafes and restaurants now serving gastronomical delights that will have you heading back on long weekends.
Bathurst has become a destination that we return to again and again thanks to Master R’s soccer commitments. I look forward to these trips with the promise for a stay at Rydges Mt Panorama and the opportunity to try some new dishes at some of my favourite cafes.
If you’re headed to Bathurst (I hope you are thinking about it) you’re in for a treat! To help you out, I’ve rounded up some of my favourite cafes.
The Hub Espresso Bar and Eatery
Table of Contents
Location: 52 Keppel St, Bathurst, NSW
Phone: (02) 6332 1565
Opening times: 7.00 am – 3.30 pm
The Hub Facebook Page
Before our last trip to Bathurst I asked our readers for any “local tips” and received a nudge to breakfast at The Hub. We had to try it and we were very impressed. Travelling with kids can often lead to dining experiences where you are treated a little differently, and not in a good way. Not at The Hub. We were welcomed inside and when I asked to sit a a small four seater table I was told by the waiter that he had a table that would be more comfy for us. He wasn’t wrong. Colouring pencils and paper were handed to the kids who both started decorating their page. Bliss!
The Hub offers breakfast and lunch in a cosy environment. The menu is plentiful and there always seems to be a special’s board brimming with seasonal delights. My truffle obsession was rewarded with a yummy truffle pasta. This is a must stop when you’re in Bathurst.
Country Coffee
Location: 161 George St, Bathurst NSW 2795
Phone: (02) 6332 1367
Opening times: 7.00 am to 5.00 pm
Visit Country Coffee Facebook Page for more details
Country Coffee was our first stop on our last visit to Bathurst. The kids were hungry and we refused to eat another take away meal so walked inside when we noticed how busy the place was amongst the locals – there was only one table free (which we grabbed). To be truthful, Country Coffee doesn’t look like much from the outside nor the inside! But what it lacks in ambience it makes up for in the most delicious home style meals. Service was prompt and friendly too! A great stop for breakfast or lunch.
The George Hotel
Location: 201 George St, Bathurst NSW 2795
Phone: (02) 6331 3399
Opening times: Seems to always be open!
Visit the George Hotel website for further details
We made the mistake of trying to make a dinner reservation a few hours before we wanted to eat. Turns out that most Bathurst restaurants are popular and book our quickly on the weekends. The George Hotel was recommended after our original preference was unavailable. Was a little irritated that we were going to be eating at a pub after driving from Sydney that afternoon but was extremely happy to discover that The George Hotel is an upmarket version of your typical pub.
The menu is huge with an amazing array of delights from steak to curries. There’s even a great little kids menu which Miss N was quick to order from for her meal. And for those of you who like alcohol….it’s a pub, so there’s beer on tap!
Church Bar & Woodfire Pizza
Location: 1 Ribbon Gang Lane, Bathurst, NSW
Phone: (02) 6334 2300
Opening times: Lunch to late
While it is a bar, the Church Bar & Woodfire Pizza must have the best pizzas (albeit unique) in all of Bathurst. Pick your night wisely so not to conflict with nights which feature live music (often a little loud for kids) and you’re in for a culinary treat.
My kids are quite adventurous when it comes to food, so Saltwater Crocodile with Wild Lime and Ginger marinade, Coconut Cream, Baby Spinach, Spanish Onion & Roast Capsicum (see image above) was one pizza we couldn’t pass by without trying.
Head to the Church Bar website for more information and their latest menu. You might even wish to read a little about the Ribbon Gang who were executed in the courtyard (a little morbid, I know, but many Aussie’s love the bushranger history.
Annie’s Ice Cream Parlour
Location: George St, Bathurst, NSW
Phone: (02) 6331 8088
Opening times: Open various hours, daily
Ice cream, ice cream….everyone loves ice cream. When I head that Bathurst boasted an old fashioned ice cream parlour I knew we would be stopping there for a sundae. Rather than order dessert at one of the restaurants one night, we decided to make our way to Annie’s instead. It’s super cool and the kids loved it. The flavour option will take you back to your childhood – Neapolitan, banana, chocolate chip… The Sofala Gold is my all time favourite.
Be mindful that Annie’s Ice Cream Parlour is a cash only venue without EFTPOS facilities. Visit Annie’s Ice Cream Parlour Facebook Page to hear their latest news.
Wondering what else you could do in Bathurst once your tummy is full? Head to our coverage of Things to do in Bathurst with Kids for some great ideas.
This post about Bathurst was an absolute life-saver!! Thanks so much for the info. I took the kids to 3/5 recommendations and they were perfect.
I am so glad it was helpful Mel. Which was your favourite place to eat?