The 5 Best Restaurants in Regional NSW for Your Summer Travels

If you’re looking for good food, great wine and spectacular vineyard views, you can find all of this wrapped up in one at Esca Bimbadgen Restaurant. Found in the Hunter Valley, Esca is famed for their memorable modern Australian cuisine that comes to life with the help of locally sourced produce. Beyond the memorable dining experience, there is plenty to see and do here thanks to the onsite cellar door, outdoor amphitheatre and accommodation. Whether you’re visiting for a day, a weekend or a week, be sure to pop this regional restaurant on your list.

Under an hour-and-a-half south out of Sydney will land you in North Wollongong. Here amongst the crashing waves and white sanded beaches you’ll find one of our favourite regional restaurants of New South Wales, Lagoon Seafood. With front row views to North Wollongong Beach, since 1986 Lagoon Seafood Restaurant has been the ultimate destination for some of the freshest, locally sourced seafood. With breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows, this multi award-winning restaurant offers an a la carte or four set menus for its guests. The Sesame Crusted Salmon is a must try.

Sensational views and scrumptious seafood. Prepare to salivate as we transport you to a world of opulence with Rick Stein at Bannisters. Located three hours from Sydney and just a short drive away from Ulladulla, Rick Stein is a must-visit dining destination where fresh, locally sourced seafood is paired with sensational wines picked by inhouse sommeliers. Led by head chef Remi Lachiaille, menu highlights include the Japanese Fish Cakes, Chargrilled Tuna Steak with salsa verde and the Sliced Bluefin Tuna with ponzu and grapefruit.

Under an hour’s drive north from Sydney’s CBD will land you at a horse haven reigned up in the rugged landscape of Mount White. This is Saddles, one of the best restaurants in regional New South Wales. With breakfast to dinner menus, Saddles Mount White is famed for their Australian cuisine that is championed by floor to ceiling horse décor. And, if the interiors aren’t good enough, the breathtaking verandah that overlooks out onto the meticulously kept gardens and lake will. An absolute must visit!