07 November 2024
10 mins Read
It’s no great revelation that the fertile lands surrounding Orange are a magnet for food lovers, who come to relish the locally grown produce and world-class wines. Beyond the city limits there’s a virtual buffet of wonderful restaurants to discover at wineries and cellar doors, but you’ll also find an excellent peppering of incredible cafes and coffee joints in and about town. Inspired by seasonal harvests and energised by a perpetual parade of city visitors and relocators, there’s a ravenous energy in Orange’s cafe scene. Here’s our pick of the top spots.
Best for: Creative coffee.
Get your coffee with a side order of city chic at this town centre cafe that grinds Reuben Hills beans in its light and bright digs.
Set yourself up at the window and watch Orange open up for the day as you savour your cuppa and tuck into cafe classics such as a bacon and egg roll, toastie and bagel. The kids will go (hazel) nuts for the Nutella milkshake.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casual, trendy, and artistic
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 6.50am–1.45pm Monday to Friday.
Location: 187 Lords Place
Best for: Outdoor dining.
Take tea in the country-chic courtyard amid blooms and branches at this nursery and cafe near Cook Park.
From something sweet to accompany your brew to larger plates of baked eggs and chicken wraps, you can pop into Anything Grows until 2pm for a meal, and enjoy afternoon tea of coffee and cake until 3pm.
There’s also a gift shop, so you can leave with a posy tucked under your arm or a new pair of gumboots.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Lush, peaceful and laid-back
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 8am–3pm Tuesday to Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 54 Summer St
Best for: Lake views and family-friendly dining.
Lake Canobolas, just 10 minutes from Orange, is perhaps one of the most picturesque spots for a morning cup of coffee. Pop into the Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe to caffeinate for a gentle stroll by the lake or pre-order your picnic provisions.
If you’d rather take in the serene view as you enjoy a leisurely sit-down lunch, the cafe will service your needs with a menu ranging from duck breast to gruyere croquettes.
Average price: $–$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed, scenic and family-friendly
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: Kiosk 8am–3pm; Cafe 8am–2.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Location: 145 Lake Canobolas Rd
Best for: Gourmet local produce.
If you’re in the vicinity of Orange, it’s almost mandatory to take the 25-minute drive to charming Millthorpe to peruse its heritage loveliness and antique stores.
While you’re there, grab yourself a coffee and a little something from the local favourite, Millthorpe Providore.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Rustic and inviting
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 6am–3pm Monday to Friday; 7am–3pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 23 Victoria St, Millthorpe
Best for: Brunch with a twist.
For more than a decade this all-rounder cafe has been firing up the espresso machine to fortify customers with their daily brews, just as they like it.
Serving breakfast, lunch and quick takeaways, the bright-red door is always open for locals and visitors alike.
Settle in at a communal table, perch at the window or mill about outside having a chat – this beloved corner cafe is here for it all.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Cosy, family-friendly and welcoming
Review: 5/5
Opening hours: 7am–3pm daily.
Location: 47 Byng St
Best for: Alfresco dining.
If you’ve allocated time to take in the town’s museum and cultural precinct, be sure to build in a couple of hours to sit and savour at this light-flooded, glasshouse-like eatery.
With a considered focus on local produce and seasonal ingredients, breakfast lunch or brunch here is an exercise worth lingering over. From a son-in-law egg salad to sweet and savoury crumpets or a more robust peri peri chicken burger, the flavours are bright and finessed.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Bright, airy and dog-friendly
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 7.30am–3pm Monday to Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 151a Byng St
Best for: Classic Aussie bakery fare.
Fortify for a day touring Orange’s agrarian beauty and celebrated cellar doors with a stop at this bakery cafe. Bread has been the business here since 1918, so one can be assured they’ll rise to the occasion when it comes to baked goods.
Breakfast is available until a leisurely 1pm to catch those late risers and may be as simple as sourdough toast or a ‘stella’ smoked bacon and egg roll with trimmings of Swiss cheese, caramelised onion and chilli jam.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Bustling, friendly and casual
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: 5.30am–5pm Monday to Friday; 5.30am–4pm Saturday; 6am–3pm Sunday.
Location: 208 Peisley St
Best for: Artisan coffee lovers.
It’s all about the bean at this specialty coffee roastery, which has been extracting the best for the Central West of NSW since 2015.
Pop into their Woodward Street digs for a cup of consciously and carefully sourced coffee and a small bite, from toast to toasties and a pastry treat. If you’re fond of a sweet riff on your usual order, try the Biscoff latte.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Industrial-chic, modern, and minimalist
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 6am–1.30pm Monday to Friday; 8am–12.25pm Saturday.
Location: 145 Woodward St
Best for: Serious coffee drinkers.
If you’re in the east of Orange and hankering for a well-made coffee, you’ll find Bills Beans at the heritage corner digs of the former Hackett’s Butcher Shop.
Here the brews have a golden crema and you’ll be well-supplied with a fresh menu from breakfast through to lunch.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Minimalist, intimate and cosy
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 6am–4pm Monday to Friday; 7am–1pm Saturday; 8am–1pm Sunday.
Location: 148 McLachlan St
Best for: Industrial-chic vibes.
Sporting an array of personalities as a cafe, a comedy club and a roastery for Kite Coffee, Factory Espresso’s vast, industrial-style digs makes it well-suited to all three versions of itself.
There’s a rotating roster of some of Australia’s best comedians, but if that doesn’t suit your jam, you can also just come along and watch the coffee roasting in action as you sip the end result.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Industrial-chic, trendy and vibrant
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: 6am–2.30pm Monday to Friday; 7.30am–2pm Saturday; 7.30am–1pm Sunday.
Location: 135 Kite St
Best for: Freshly baked pastries.
While many have heard of Orange’s much-adored Racine Restaurant, now sadly closed, less know of its spin-off bakery. Firing up the oven in 2012 to shape handmade loaves for the restaurant and other small businesses in town, the bakery soon moved into its own bricks-and-mortar digs in town.
Stop by for beautifully bubbled organic sourdough, all-butter pastries, cakes and biscuits and, of course, excellent coffee. You can also order whole cakes, flans and tarts to enjoy at home.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Charming, relaxed and family-friendly
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 7am–2pm Monday to Friday; 7am–1pm Saturday; 8am–1pm Sunday.
Location: 142 Summer St
Best for: Ice cream and desserts.
One for the sweet-toothed lickers and lovers of creamy goodness, this Aussie gelateria churns local and fresh ingredients to make their icy scoops incredibly delicious and opens until later for those post-dinner cravings. They also have milk bars in Canberra and Tamworth.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Fun, casual, nd family-friendly
Review: 5/5
Opening hours: 2pm–9pm Monday to Wednesday; 2pm–10pm Thursday to Friday; 12pm–10pm Saturday; 12pm–9pm Sunday.
Location: 45 Sale St
Best for: Sustainable, farm-to-table dining.
The Agrestic Grocer is more than just a cafe – it’s a local institution dedicated to promoting organic produce and sustainable farming practices. The menu is wholesome and hearty, featuring locally sourced ingredients that are transformed into delicious, rustic meals. You can also browse their farm shop for fresh produce to take home. The relaxed, earthy vibe, paired with excellent coffee, makes it a go-to for a laid-back breakfast or lunch.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Rustic, earthy and relaxed
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: 8.30am–4pm daily.
Location: 426 Mitchell Hwy
Best for: Weekend vibes.
Birdie Noshery is all about weekend brunch, with an extensive coffee menu and a selection of delicious dishes that keep people coming back. The bright, open space creates a lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for friends to gather. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or a more substantial meal, Birdie Noshery has something for everyone.
Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Lively, open and welcoming
Review: 5/5
Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–9pm Tuesday to Thursday; 8.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–10pm Friday and Saturday; 8.30am–11.30am Sunday.
Location: 120-122 Summer St,
Best for: Sweet treats.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, The Sugar Mill is your go-to cafe. Known for its indulgent cakes, pastries, and desserts, this cafe is a must-visit for anyone craving something sugary and delicious. Their coffee complements the sweet treats perfectly, making it a great spot for afternoon tea. The cozy and casual atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends over a slice of cake, or simply treating yourself after a long day.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casual, fun, and inviting
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 8am–3pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: 26B Sale St
Best for: Quick coffee stop.
Cafe Latte is a small but popular spot for those needing a quick coffee fix. With its simple decor and efficient service, it’s the go-to place for locals who need a caffeine hit on the run. Despite its size, the cafe has a loyal following thanks to its consistently great coffee and friendly service. It’s a perfect spot for grabbing a takeaway or sitting down for a quick chat and a snack.
Average price: $
Atmosphere: Cosy, intimate and efficient
Review: 3/5
Opening hours: 5am–5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 5am–11am Wednesday; 5am–2pm Saturday.
Location: 217 Anson St
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