Diners' Choice: Australian restaurants in New South Wales

OpenTable

Updated 05 December 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Australian cuisine in New South Wales? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Byng Street Nights

4.9

4.9 (40)

$40 and under

Australian

Orange

About the restaurant

We are delighted to announce that Byng Street Nights are back. We’re setting the perfect mood and it’s your invitation to unwind and embrace the good vibes.

We are open Wednesday to Saturday, featuring a fresh menu each week to tantalise your taste buds. Don’t miss out—secure your reservation from 5:30pm onwards.

Top review

Minty

Dined 3 days ago

Lovely food and polite, helpful waiters. My friend and I had dinner here, the setting was relaxing and quiet (we arrived before 6, after 6 it became a bit louder and more cheerful). Would definitely recommend Byng St Nights to anyone.

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Experience

Valentine’s Dinner @ BYNG

The River Deck Cafe

4.5

4.5 (1044)

$40 and under

Australian

Albury

About the restaurant

Located at one of Albury’s most idyllic and picturesque locations, our award-winning restaurant hopes to offer you an unparalleled location on the banks of the famous Murray River whilst indulging your senses in modern Australian cuisine. Our menus are driven by the natural, native, and local ingredients that we source from incredible regional farmers and producers across Albury, Wodonga, and our surroundings.

After dining with us, we hope you can see the vibrant and creative food scene that our region has to offer.

Top review

ella

Dined on 7 Dec 2024

The girls who served us were the sweetest ever, food is always amazing and came out super quick

Shelter

4.7

4.7 (706)

$41 to $100

Australian

Lennox Head

About the restaurant

Set in the idyllic beachside town of Lennox Head in Northern New South Wales, Shelter is your home away from home, whether you are just passing through or you’re part of the local community. With the community in mind, we endeavor to use ethically sustainable, seasonal products sourced from local producers and suppliers. We are also keen on cultivating and creating awareness of the importance of supporting local growers while educating people about the food they consume as well as where it’s from and how it’s produced. At Shelter Restaurant Lennox Head, you come first, and it’s our promise to provide high caliber food, sourced from the best quality products, ensuring your satisfaction.

Top review

Mel

Dined on 13 Dec 2024

I come here every Sunday for a matcha and sometimes breakfast and it's such a lovely ritual. I have been here a few times for dinner and it is always always sublime. Last night's delicious feast was no exception- I was so proud to introduce the venue to my colleagues who commented variously through the night how lovely it all was, and one said she'd be back to do a little work and eat :) very happy!

Valentina

4.7

4.7 (845)

$41 to $100

Australian

Merimbula

About the restaurant

Valentina serves up a one of a kind dining experience of over the picturesque surrounds of Merimbula lake.
Now more than ever, Valentina values the feeling of being transported. The space has been curated to satisfy all of your Mediterranean beach holiday cravings.
Floor to ceiling glass takes you outside, and the coastal produce of the lake comes inside onto your plate.
Valentina’s dishes are designed to be shared with friends and family, served one after the other from the kitchen while diners lounge comfortably on abundant soft furnishings.
Everything about Valentina’s lulls you into a sweet long lunch holiday vibe.

Top review

AntheaC

Dined on 11 Dec 2024

OMG it was so good. The food was amazing, the cocktails were a 10/10 (the jalapeño margarita-esque cocktail was the real star). We ended up going twice even though we only had two nights in town. Absolutely loved it.

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Experience

$90pp Set Menu (7+guests Large group booking)

Rookie Eatery

4.7

4.7 (704)

$41 to $100

Australian

Wollongong

About the restaurant

Rookie Eatery offers diners contemporary Australian cuisine in a casual context. A produce-driven menu centres on modern Australian food, as the kitchen serves an eclectic mix of local ingredients with multicultural influences. At Rookie, we believe that ‘Australian cuisine’ is a multicultural phenomenon that exists nowhere else in the world and so we aim to provide a contemporary interpretation with the local ingredients on offer. The result is a diverse inspiration of eastern and western cultures brought together with fragrant and fresh flavours. An on-site herb garden provides the kitchen with a range of indigenous and introduced herb species, whilst a commitment to strong supplier relationships sees the South Coast’s best produce showcased.

Top review

David

Dined 2 days ago

Terrific lunch the best atmosphere in Wollongong and great food and service

The Oaks Ranch

4.8

4.8 (220)

$41 to $100

Australian

Tomakin

About the restaurant

Blessed by our organic surrounds, NSW south coast produce is brimming with colour, flavour and quality. Drawing from the Pacific Ocean and the coastal lands, dining at The Oaks Ranch offers a delicious experience.

Top review

Peta

Dined on 27 Nov 2024

We had a beautiful warm evening so sat outside. The staff were all attentive & lovely, all meals were excellent & so was our wine selection! We love Arlo, it’s a hidden gem!!

Table by Canberra Gourmet

4.6

4.6 (54)

$100 and over

Australian

Sutton

About the restaurant

At Table, our ethos is
simple yet profound: to prioritise the training and development of young
people, apprentices, and front-of-house staff, reintroducing genuine
hospitality to our guests. In a world where fast-paced service often
overshadows personal connection, we believe in fostering an environment where
both our clients and our staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Chef Thomas Heinrich's
culinary philosophy revolves around simplicity and authenticity. In our humble space, devoid of fancy bells and whistles, we focus on what truly matters: the quality of our food and the growth and learning of our team. Each dish is a culmination of Chef Thomas's lifetime of experience in the restaurant and dining scene, crafted with precision, passion, and a dash of creativity.

Top review

Anne

Dined today

It was AMAZING, the staff were very friendly and helpful accommodating our dietary requirements. The food was exceptional, well thought out, presented beautifully and the taste was just WOW.

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4.7

4.7 (304)

$40 and under

Australian

Coffs Harbour

About the restaurant

We are a country hotel on located on the banks of the Clarence River in Ulmarra, NSW. We have a Bar, Dining room and extensive Bear Garden overlooking the Clarence river, ideal for casual dining or just refreshments.

Top review

Bettina

Dined on 10 Dec 2024

We had such a lovely lunch at the Ulmarra Hotel. The food was served quickly and tasted delicious. We had the perfect weather conditions for sitting outside. Thank you for the lovely festive touches on our table it was really appreciated.

The Union Bank Orange

4.6

4.6 (1112)

$41 to $100

Australian

Orange

About the restaurant

The Union Bank—affectionately known as "The UB" to locals—is a unique dining destination in the heart of Orange. With its rich heritage charm, it offers a variety of spaces to explore and enjoy.

At the Schoolhouse Restaurant, our flagship dining space, we take all bookings. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, our stunning courtyard connects all areas and offers the perfect casual setting. While we don’t take bookings for the courtyard, you’re welcome to request it in your booking notes, and if the weather cooperates, we’ll be happy to seat you outside!

For group dining, The UB offers several private spaces, ideal for gatherings of 8 to 40 people. Whether you're hosting a business meeting or celebrating a special occasion, we have the perfect setting for you.

No matter the event, The UB has you covered!

Top review

Vanessa Lansdown

Dined on 29 Nov 2024

Absolutely delicious, great service and comfortable chairs and not too noisy despite it being full

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Experience

UB EXPRESS

Paterson Tavern & Bistro

4.7

4.7 (25)

$40 and under

Australian

Paterson

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Upper Hunter Valley, the Paterson Tavern & Bistro is a charming country pub and bistro that offers a delightful dining experience. With a focus on serving delicious and contemporary Australian pub food, the Paterson Tavern & Bistro is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with family and friends. The menu features a wide variety of dishes to suit all tastes, from classic pub fare to more modern and innovative creations. The chefs use fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying. The Paterson Tavern & Bistro also has a great selection of wines, beers, and spirits. The friendly staff is always happy to help you choose the perfect drink to complement your meal. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch or a special occasion dinner, the Paterson Tavern & Bistro is the perfect place to go. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service, you're sure to have a memorable experience.

Top review

Dave

Dined on 6 Dec 2024

Great evening out with family and friends. Welcoming atmosphere and staff. Order process is a bit chaotic but does give you a chance to mingle.

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