Best road trip-worthy restaurants NSW

Indulge yourself by night at Huskisson's Gunyah Restaurant with delicious regional food, on the stunning unspoilt South Coast, just a few kilometres from Jervis Bay. Dining under the stars at Paper Bark Camp is a memorable treat, or enjoy a romantic dinner on your own veranda, drinking in the tranquil bush setting. *The Gunyah welcomes a limited number of non-resident guests for breakfast and dinner, bookings are essential.

Rick Stein at Bannisters in Mollymook has created a name for inspired seafood excellence and is now delighted to open on the shores of Port Stephens, 3 hours drive north of Sydney. The coastal location means that the seafood is sourced from pristine waters and is of the highest quality. Your visit will certainly be a memorable dining experience and a delight for the culinary senses with Head Chef Mitchell Turner producing the finest cuisine with locally sourced ingredients from ocean to plate every day. Make your visit to Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens a weekend event with newly renovated, stylish boutique rooms offering breathtaking views of Port Stephens.

Bistro Livi is in the Northern River Town of Murwillumbah, located between Byron Bay and the Gold Coast (1h drive each way). It is a small European-inspired restaurant with a focus on Spanish cuisine and quality produce from the Northern Rivers. 

Lunch Friday-Saturday and dinner Wednesday-Saturday

Photography: Jessie Prince 

Firing up all the Turkish favourites in their 150 year old oven is the inviting and chic Ates Blackheath, located in the cosy Blue Mountains village of Blackheath. A simplistic and modern decor is bought to life with a menu influenced by the flavours of the iconic woodfire. Ignite the tastebuds with a selection of small plates that vary from roasted octopus and raw beef to larger dishes of cherry wood-roasted duck and fresh fish of the day.

Valentina Merimbula is located less than 6h drive south of Sydney or 3h from Canberra, and is quite close to the border with Victoria.

The restaurant serves Western food with a focus on the local seafood.

Open Thursday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, and Wednesday for dinner. 

Located within the Snowy Valley region of NSW in the township of Killimicat is Nimbo Fork and Nimbo Fork Lodge, a rural retreat of accommodation and dining adventures. This is where you can truly get away from it all, ideal for a romantic getaway, weddings, family gatherings or corporate events. Indulge the senses with the Riverina inspired menu curated by the Three Blue Ducks team. Bringing their signature natural, no-fuss approach of creating inventive flavour combinations, enjoy a feast from breakfast right through to lunch, dinner and special event menus.

Nestled in the food rich township of Orange in NSW's central west is the relaxed flavours of Charred Kitchen & Bar. As the name of the restaurant suggest, fire plays a major component in the menu and shaping of flavours here, with dishes infused with a delicate and aromatic smokiness. A warm ambience with country charm and just the right amount of city chic is crafted through the contemporary decor and welcoming hospitality.

Saddles Eatery and Bakehouse is located just north of Sydney, in the picturesque and rural bushland area of Mt White. It is operated by Cameron & Hayley Cansdell. Together, owners of two other fine Central Coast restaurants including bombini restaurant at Avoca Beach and fish dining at Point Frederick. It is a unique venue with saddle chairs for the dining room’s brass-scalloped bar and and a pretty outlook over the property's lake.