There are plenty of Dubbo places to visit to satisfy your cravings.
Visitors who have stayed at a Dubbo NSW accommodation are probably familiar with the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Terramungamine Rock Grooves, and Dubbo Regional Botanical Garden. They most likely have visited these popular attractions or want to visit in the future.
However, when it comes to gastronomic options, Dubbo seems to be flying under the radar. Around the city centre is a thriving food, café and bar scene with tasty restaurants, a craft beer brewery, and even its own Speakeasy. Here are some of Australia’s best-kept food secrets right in the heart of the Orana Region, New South Wales.
Dubbo is Lamb City
Dubbo is one of Australia’s biggest lamb exporters and the most delicious entrees in the city are just a few minutes away from your accommodation in Dubbo.
First up is Veldt Restaurant, in the central business district. It is known for its slow-cooked lamb shoulder with truffled potatoes in a serving size that is perfect for a romantic evening.
For a combination of fine dining and architectural history, there’s the three-storey Old Bank Restaurant on Macquarie Street. Built in the 1870s, the structure is reminiscent of Edwardian style embellished with Victorian elements. The food isn’t too shabby, too, with shredded lamb chips, slow-cooked lamb shanks, and grilled lamb burgers among its menu highlights.
Alternatively, are you looking for a lamb dish with an international flavour? Check out Kandai Gosht at the famous Royal India Restobar. Taste the delectable lamb with onions, tomatoes, capsicum, and coriander, or go for a traditional baby lamb cutlet marinated in yoghurt and Indian spices.
10 of Dubbo’s Dining Highlights
Satisfy cravings in Dubbo and around with a visit to these places to eat.
1. Press
Press is a local favourite for its lush greenery and brightly lit outdoor space. A progressive café located in a quaint 1930’s house, Press is proud of its fresh homemade food and roasted coffee, complemented with exceptional service in a cosy, enjoyable setting.
2. Short Street Store
This quaint and homey Newcastle café features relaxed vibes, good coffee, and a tasty food menu that has something for every palate. Located in a beautiful residential area in Dubbo city, Short Street Store is a heritage-style building that draws visitors into its trendy outdoor courtyard on sunny days and colourful plant-filled rooms when the weather forces customers indoors.
Short Street Store offers all-day breakfast options prepared with locally sourced produce. For instance, the sautéed mixed mushrooms and spinach on homemade brioche or pancakes stacked with mixed berries and homemade honeycomb butter are a great way to start the day. Then, if you are touring downtown, stop by for lunch and enjoy a hearty sole dish glazed with lemon, capers, dill, chives and white wine, capped with Byron Bay Tea.
3. Church Street Cafe
Church Street Café, more popularly known as CSC, is right at the corner of Church and Macquarie Streets. One of Dubbo’s trendiest spots, CSC offers alfresco dining – great for enjoying a bottle of chilled wine – as well as a rustic industrial interior for sharing a meal with family and friends.
What to try at CSC? Definitely go for the smoky pulled pork nachos with house-pickled onions, jalapenos, cheese, avocado and sour cream. For brunch, dig into a bowl of homemade potato hash with fried eggs, avocado and Parmesan, or try a plate of crispy bacon with chunky corn fritters, salsa and poached eggs. Oh, and the Oriental grilled pork belly bao on a steamed bun is also a bestseller.
The menu at Church Street Café is constantly changing to highlight the local produce currently in season. CSC also has plenty of Vegetarian, Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options for those who have diet restrictions.
Church Street Café has won the Australian Good Food and Travel Guide Reader’s Choice Award every year since 2017, a huge achievement in itself.
4. Farmer’s Bakehouse
Another local hotspot, Farmer’s Bakehouse is known for its delicious line of artisan bread, pastries, pies, bespoke cakes, and delectable sweets made on-site without preservatives.
Farmer’s Bakehouse also serves breakfast and lunch, offering a delicious range of dishes freshly made in-store. Grab a sandwich, wrap, salad, or any of the seasonal specials brought to the table by a generation of farmers that had been part of the Dubbo community since 1914.
Farmer’s Bakehouse takes coffee seriously, offering a smooth, full-bodied medium roast blend with chocolate and caramel tones as well as single-origin beans for those who prefer short and long blacks.
5. The Establishment
The Establishment – Dubbo’s very own Speakeasy – takes you to 1930’s New York with its Gatsby-style interior and sophisticated selection of crafted cocktails, beer, wine and spirits. This small boutique bar located at the heart of the city is a great place to grab a drink after 4 pm or hang out with friends in a non-pub setting. Walk-ins are welcome, but entry is not guaranteed. So, make sure to book a table ahead of time.
6. Devil’s Hollow
The idea behind Devil’s Hollow Brewery came from a group of friends travelling around South Africa who wanted to bring a metropolitan city flair to the heritage community of Dubbo.
The massive venue houses a 12HL brewhouse, a pizza oven imported from Italy, and a cafe and brewpub that can hold up to 400 people. Each of the handcrafted beers on tap has its own story related to the history and culture of Dubbo.
7. The Monkey Bar
Named one of the 10 best venues in Australia by Beer and Brewer Magazine, The Monkey Bar has quickly become a Dubbo favourite, thanks to its rotating selection of finely made craft beers, unique cocktail menu, and tasty food options made from fresh, local produce.
8. Two Doors
The only tapas bar in Dubbo, this rustic yet modern dining destination lets customers order any one of the 20 tapas on the menu as a full meal for sharing around. Two Doors also offers a great selection of dishes highlighted by its mouth-watering paella, risotto balls, peppered beef fillet with parmesan cream, and fish fillet en-crout. No wonder it’s ranked #1 in Dubbo at Trip Advisor.
9. Royal India Restobar
No matter which Dubbo NSW accommodation you are booked, your stay is not complete without a Restobar experience. Everywhere you go, the locals will point you to this local Indian restaurant showcasing the finest Indian cuisine on this side of the globe. Royal India Restobar offers a creative menu featuring all your favourite Indian dishes prepared with authentic spices and seasonings for a delectable flavour experience.
10. Garden Hotel
If the entire family is lodged in Dubbo accommodation, then the Garden Hotel should be the first item on your itinerary. Dubbo’s most family-friendly spot has something for everyone – the biggest kids’ playground in Central West, modern and spacious alfresco dining, a recently renovated sports bar and gaming lounge, a renowned bistro, and Dubbo’s biggest beer garden.
Feeding a large party? Garden Hotel offers the best bang for your buck with some of the biggest serving sizes you’ll ever see. The $10 daily specials are particularly a big hit among families craving for home-cooked meals.
Looking for the Best Dubbo NSW Accommodation? The Palms Motel is Your Best Choice.
The Palms Motel Dubbo is located right in the heart of downtown, which makes it easy to reach the best restaurants, cafes and bars on foot. Take advantage of friendly, personalised service while staying in spacious and well-appointed rooms. Book a room today and ask about our special package deals with some of the best dining destinations in Dubbo. Contact us on 1800 185 322 or (+61) 2 6881 8155 for enquiries or book directly by emailing us at bookings@tpmd.com.au.
