Australia, Food, Travel

Travel Guide: Where to Eat in Orange, NSW

Orange’s burgeoning food and wine scene makes this town the perfect weekend away for food buffs. From trendy cafes serving up innovative dishes using local produce to divine bakeries and fine dining restaurants, Orange has something to suit everyone’s tastebuds and budget. If you’re a vino fan, make sure you check out my guide to the best vineyards in Orange. But if you’re here for the food, read on to my list of the favourite foodie spots to eat in Orange!

The Agrestic Grocer – 426 Mitchell Hwy, Orange

I can’t go to Orange without a visit to The Agrestic Grocer every time. The cafe serves up a delicious range of seasonal breakfast and lunch options along with great coffee. Afterwards grab a shopping basket and head to the adjacent store where you can purchase fresh produce direct from producers, pantry staples, deli items and gourmet foods (and you can buy Second Mouse Cheese there too!)

Second Mouse Cheese – 426 Mitchell Hwy, Orange

Kai Woltmann left his homeland of Germany to move to Australia and brought with him his passion of cheese. Whilst juggling his day time job in IT, his weekends were filled either learning about, making, or eating cheese! What a dream. He now produces a range of camembert, blue, haloumi, quark and feta cheese which are available throughout a range of stores in Orange and Bathurst.

Percy’s Bar and Kitchen – 120 Summer St, Orange

Percy’s is like a little bit of inner Sydney in the heart of Orange, which makes sense as it was established by two Sydney-siders. They are passionate about showing off the best of what the Orange region has to offer with an ever-changing menu of food designed to share. The wine list features the finest selection of Orange wines, and sits beside a classic cocktail menu.

The Union Bank – Byng St & Sale Street, Orange

The courtyard of the heritage-listed Union Bank is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon nibbling at the Union Grazing Platter (a selection of cheese and charcuterie for 2, 4 or 8 people) whilst listening to some live music. The bar is filled with a range of local Orange wines and the menu is filled with seasonal dishes made with local food produce.

Racine Bakery – 166 Summer St, Orange

Racine Bakery is the offshoot of Racine Restaurant, a hatted restaurant, so you know the baked goods will be amazing! Everything is baked on site and includes an impressive range of artisan breads, gourmet pies, cakes and French style pastries. They also sell their goods at Orange Farmers Market on the Second Saturday of each month.

Factory Espresso – 135 Kite St, Orange

This cafe and roastery serves up magnificent coffee and food in a fantastic space – think industrial chic with high ceilings and polished cement floors. It can get pretty busy in here, especially on weekends, but the top notch service ensures things run smoothly.

The Sugar Mill – 1/86 Summer St, Orange NSW 2800

A delicious range of freshly made gourmet pies and pastries are transported daily from The Old Mill Cafe in Millthorpe and are served up alongside coffee by Fish River Roasters, a selection of teas and milkshakes.

Stepping Stone Restaurant – 179 Anson Street, Orange NSW 2800

For a clever blend of Modern Australian and traditional Italian food, look no further than Stepping Stone Restaurant. I enjoyed a 3 course menu of locally sourced produce matched with Orange Wines that was truly a treat.

Entrees – Braised pressed pork neck with puy green lentils and sautéed sauerkraut and gorgonzola gnocchi with toasted walnuts and roasted cauliflower

Mains – Ranger’s Valley 7+ marble score wagyu with truffled mash potato and smoked maple syrup onions and slow roasted pork belly with pickled fennel and walnut salad, sautéed cabbage and currants

Dessert – Salted caramel and peanut ice cream sundae with vanilla cream, peanut ice cream, homemade marshmallows and vanilla parfait and creme caramel with red wine poached pears and crush hazelnuts.

Byng Street Local Store – 47 Byng Street, Orange NSW 2800

Byng Street offers a delicious range of seasonal menu items and is the perfect place to start your day. Offering a great range of coffee, tea, milk shakes and smoothies, I also sampled yoghurt pots with fruit compote and granola, French donuts, smashed avocado with tomato and goats curd and green eggs and ham.