Any good foodie knows that a trip away is only as good as the food that comes with it.
Whilst NSW’s south is best known for its picturesque views and outdoorsy lifestyle, it’s also packed full of hidden gems where you can eat and drink to your heart’s delight.
Filled with freshly sourced ingredients, and plenty of schnapps, here are some of the best foodie spots in Southern NSW.
Thredbo
Wildbrumby’s veal schnitzel with sautéed kipfler potatoes and cucumber salad is a crowd favourite.
(Image: Now To Love)Wildbrumby Distillery
After travelling to Australia’s highest peak, it’s only natural you’ll feel like winding down with a hearty meal… and a drink or two. The conveniently located Wildbrumby distillery is the perfect post-peak food venue.
Considering you’ll be surrounded by some of the most stunning natural elements in Australia, it’s only fitting that the distillery incorporates them into their menu through their use of pristine alpine water, organically grown fruit, and native mountain botanicals.
Upon arrival, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an Austrian farmhouse – fuel up for a big day of travelling with their authentic cuisine, such as the veal schnitzel with sautéed kipfler potatoes, delectable beef goulash, and more.
Of course, you can’t have a distillery without spirits. Whilst you can sip on award-winning gin and vodka, the schnapps are undoubtedly the real star of the show. From pear, to the seasonal Christmas sour cherry, to the popular butterscotch with a pink lady apple base, whichever you choose will provide that kick of warmth to tackle the icy atmosphere.
T Bar’s bruschetta was a particular stand out.
(Image: Now To Love)T Bar
Ending a long day of exploring with a cosy and relaxing meal is one of the best parts about travelling. And T Bar fits the description.
Nestled in the centre of Thredbo’s alpine village with an ideal location to admire the mountains blanketed with snow (during the colder months, of course), it’s not hard to see why this spot is a crowd favourite.
If not for the location, the food and atmosphere make for the ultimate gourmet experience. Known for their chargrilled steaks and gourmet wood fired pizza, the establishment has a rich menu to satisfy all palettes.
The bruschetta was a particular standout, particularly when coupled with the Nico Riesling.
Eagles Nest is Australia’s highest restaurant.
(Image: Eagles Nest)Eagles Nest
When it comes to soaking in those mountain views over a meal, no venues come close to the Eagles Nest café.
Perched high, and we mean high, above Thredbo Village at 1937 metres, the café holds the accolade for Australia’s highest restaurant. In fact, the only way to dine there is by riding the Kosciuszko Express Chairlift which is an experience in itself – that cloud-like perspective of the ethereal mountains and village below can’t be beaten.
Once you ascend to the highest point, you can continue to enjoy a 270 degree view of the mountainous beauty with a piping hot coffee or hot chocolate in hand. Oh, and did we mention schnapps are also available? We’re sensing a theme here.
Jindabyne
We will have dreams about this avo toast.
(Image: Now To Love)Birchwood Café
If you want to feel like a Jindabyne local, then the Birchwood café is the spot for you. Described as the ultimate foodie hub, the extensive and varied menu is a brunch-lover’s (guilty) dream, with gluten-free and vegan options on their seasonal menu.
We’d like to share a personal testimony for the avocado toast which this author can sincerely say is single-handedly the best they’ve ever had.
With a classic sourdough base, the toast is complete with avo (of course), peanut dukkha, feta, tomato, salsa, shallots, fresh herbs, pickled onion, radish, pomegranate, urban greens, lemon, nigella seeds, and charred grapes.
We know, it’s a flavour ensemble few would have thought to concoct, but it is a symphony of flavour from the moment it touches the lips.
Pambula
The freshly shucked oysters are subtle, salty, and smooth.
(Image: Now To Love)Broadwater Oysters
On the picturesque shores of Pambula on the Sapphire Coast is an Oyster Farm which serves freshly shucked oysters. Subtle, smooth and succulent, the salty oysters really bring a new meaning to the words “fresh seafood”, not to mention eating them alongside the stunning water makes for the most relaxing and meditative dining experience.
The lovely and passionate owners of the farm, Sue and Greg, are beyond happy to share their knowledge with visitors, encouraging you to BYO alcohol to sip lakeside as the sea breeze blankets you.
Sue and Greg also sell a chilled hamper of oysters and delectable local foods such as breads, cucumber, olives, finger lime, homemade relish, cheese and more.
Local ingredients are at the core of Toast café.
(Image: Now To Love)Toast café
It’s advertised as a meeting place for both locals and travellers and it’s not hard to see why.
Perfectly situated where the highway narrows in historical Pambula, the café’s artisan coffee is beyond rich in flavour. And with local ingredients at the core of what they do, you simply can’t go wrong with their staples of avo toast, fritters, toasties, and more.
Merimbula
From succulent burgers to delectable cocktails.
(Image: Dulcie’s Cottage)Dulcie’s Cottage
If you’re into cocktails as well as oysters, then this is just the spot for you.
Built in 1925, Duclie’s Cottage in Merimbula serves divine cocktails; from spicy margs to daiquiris, there’s a beverage for every palette. And for those not partial to a fruity drink, Dulcie’s also offer delicious craft beers to accompany their succulent burgers, oysters, fries and more.
Keeping with the fresh theme that is at the foundation of Southern NSW, the owners source their ingredients from local producers to maintain quality, freshness and tastiness.
And it’s a recipe that seems to be working across the board.
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