Best Restaurants in the Blue Mountains
We have some wonderful restaurants here in the mountains, which serve amazing dishes from all over the world. To help you plan where to eat while you're here, we've put together a list of some of our favourite places in the area. We hope you enjoy!
Image by Avalon Katoomba, via www.avalonkatoomba.com.au
1. Avalon Katoomba
This is our favourite restaurant in Katoomba. It’s located near the top of the Main Street opposite the iconic Carrington Hotel. The restaurant was the old cinema/picture house and has retained its quirky old world charm. Our favourite dish is the home-made vegetarian spring rolls for entree followed by their signature Slow Roasted Lamb wrapped in Prosciutto with thick cut home-made hot chips and chunky veggies. Best washed down with a glass of Idiot Shiraz from Orange NSW.
Image by Pins on Lurline, via www.pinsonlurline.com.au
2. Pins on Lurline
We give this beautiful fine-dining venue a double thumbs up. This heritage property has seen past-lives as a letting house, a school, a guest house and now a restaurant. The cuisine is Modern Australian and chef Adam Shaw uses locally sourced and seasonal produce, which means the menu is updated year-round. 6 and 10 course tasting and degustation menus are available, or you can opt for bottomless bubbles at lunch time. No dietary requirement is too much to ask and they also offer exquisite wine pairings. Fabulous for a special occasion.
Image by Station Bar, via www.stationbar.com.au
3. Station Bar
While not strictly a restaurant, this is our favourite bar and they serve great food. Located at the top of the main street in Katoomba, this inviting venue is the ideal place to unwind with a few beers or cocktails, and listen to live music with the locals on Fridays and Saturdays. It also serves some of the best-rated pizza in Australia, which we can personally vouch for. Our favourite is the Duck Pizza.
Image by Papadinos, via www.papadinoskatoomba.com.au
4. Papadinos
Papadinos is a classic Italian family restaurant and has been a part of Katoomba forever. Expect a warm welcome, mouth-wateringly authentic Italian cuisine and good value for your money. The menu is traditional and expansive, so you have your pick of pastas, pizzas, seafood, steaks and risottos, followed by a creamy Italian dessert and a top quality coffee if you have room!
Image by The Carrington, via www.thecarrington.com.au
Image by The Carrington, via www.thecarrington.com.au
5. The Carrington
Bold and ornate, this is the most iconic hotel in the Main Street, and offers three venues in one.
The Grand Dining Room was built in 1887 and is absolutely beautiful inside, with high domed ceilings and detailed décor. The menu is as fabulous as the venue, starring seasonal produce, prime cuts and creative flavours.
The Old City Bank Bar and Brasserie is a more casual venue which moonlights as a piano bar on Fridays and Saturdays. The family-friendly restaurant is upstairs from the Irish pub and is always bustling. The home-made Guinness pie with hot chips is the absolute best, in our opinion.
Champagne Charlie’s Cocktail Bar is named after French Champagne merchant Charles Heidseick, who was dubbed ‘Champagne Charlie’ in the 1850s. It shares the luxurious and intricate style of the Grand Dining Room and is Katoomba’s most elegant cocktail bar. Open from 7pm until late if you’re keen for a more glamorous tipple. Or open during the day for Devonshire Cream Tea if you’d like to go somewhere special for the afternoon.
Image by Arjuna, via www.arjunarestaurant.com.au
6. Arjuna Indian Restaurant
This beautiful Indian restaurant is just up the road from Careel Cottages. It’s a small, family-owned gem where the owners are also the chefs! It’s BYO only and has been part of Katoomba for over 35 years. Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine, served with traditional presentation, with stunning views overlooking the Jamison Valley.
Image by Katoomba Canton Palace, via www.arjunarestaurant.com.au
7. Katoomba Canton Palace
If you’re in the mood for South East Asian cuisine, Katoomba Canton Palace is a warm and welcoming family-owned restaurant that has been part of the local scene for years. The Han family pride themselves on local favourites and traditional Chinese and Malaysian dishes, and have been nominated finalists numerous times for best Asian food in the Sydney west region.
Image by 8 Things, via www.8things.com.au
8. 8 Things
Created by international chef Misha Laurent, who is passionate about both food and travel, 8 Things has its name because it serves 8 “street” food dishes from 8 cultures, in a funky venue with great tunes. Each dish has been honed and perfected, so whether you go for the Korean Bao or the NYC Cheeseburger you’re guaranteed to be in for a treat.
Image by Steve and Sharon, having a lovely dinner!
9. Basil Nut, Katoomba
If you're craving South East Asian flavours with a modern twist, Basil Nut is a must-visit!
By day it's a relaxed coffee shop serving up Grinders coffee and tempting Asian-inspired desserts, but come 5pm it transforms into a buzzing Asian dining destination.
The menu is wonderfully eclectic! Think Asian-infused soft shell crab burgers and Korean BBQ pork alongside traditional wok dishes, aromatic curries and a mouth-watering selection of street food including pork belly, gyoza and satay chicken. Open six days a week (closed Tuesdays) in the heart of Katoomba's main street, we reckon it's a Blue Mountains dining experience you shouldn't miss!
Image by Darley's Restaurant, via www.darleysrestaurant.com.au
10. Darley’s Restaurant
Darley’s is an absolutely exquisite fine dining restaurant within the gorgeous Lilianfels Resort and Spa, just a stone’s throw from the Three Sisters. Marvel at the picturesque views of the historic English gardens and Jamison Valley, take in the sumptuous décor, and feast your senses on the gourmet offerings on the menu. The cuisine is high-end Modern Australian, with a range of high-end dishes including octopus with tripe, wood-smoked pork belly, toothfish and lamb rump. A must-visit.
Image by Polar Bear of Leura, via https://polarbearofleura.com.au/
11. Polar Bear of Leura
Despite it’s distinctly Arctic sounding name, Polar Bear of Leura serves a mixture of Turkish, Middle Eastern, North American and Italian food. The expansive menu covers a range of dishes from Kofte to Fettucine, although they specialise in pizza. Their pizzas sport some unique toppings including Canadian Bacon, Garden of Eden, and the Polar Bear (a meat eaters dream, with pepperoni, bacon, chicken and mushroom on a tomato base). They also serve a fabulous array of cocktails, so you can sip on a Stoned and Herbal or a Rise of the Ottomans while you enjoy the ambience.
Blue Mountains Restaurants FAQs
What time do restaurants close in the Blue Mountains?
Most restaurants in the Blue Mountains serve dinner until around 9pm or 9:30pm, with kitchens typically closing between 8pm and 9pm. Some venues like Station Bar and casual eateries may stay open a bit later on weekends, while fine dining venues like Darley's and Pins on Lurline usually have set dinner service times. The Blue Mountains operate at a more relaxed pace than Sydney, so late-night dining options are limited. We recommend booking an earlier sitting if you're planning a special dinner, and always check individual venue hours, especially on Sundays and Mondays when some restaurants close early or don't open at all.
Do I need to book ahead for restaurants in the Blue Mountains?
Yes, booking is definitely a good idea, especially for dinner and weekends. Popular spots like Avalon, Pins on Lurline and Darley's can book out days in advance, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Upscale venues absolutely require reservations. For casual lunch spots you can usually walk in on weekdays, but weekend lunches can also get busy. If you're visiting during school holidays, long weekends, or the cooler months (when the mountains are most popular), book as far ahead as possible. Most restaurants take online bookings through their websites or via platforms like OpenTable.
Are the restaurants in the Blue Mountains family-friendly?
Absolutely! Many restaurants warmly welcome families, including Papadinos (a classic Italian favourite with kids), the Carrington's Old City Bank Bar and Brasserie, Katoomba Canton Palace, Polar Bear of Leura, and Station Bar. Most restaurants offer high chairs and kids' menus or are happy to accommodate smaller portions. Fine dining restaurants like Darley's and Pins on Lurline are more suited to adults or older children who can sit through a longer meal. It's always worth mentioning you're bringing small children when you book so the venue can seat you appropriately.
What's the dress code for Blue Mountains restaurants?
The Blue Mountains keeps things refreshingly casual. For most restaurants, smart casual is perfect. More up-market places like Darley's, Pins on Lurline, and the Carrington's Grand Dining Room suit slightly smarter attire (collared shirts, dresses, nice trousers), but even there you won't need a jacket and tie. Casual family restaurants and cafes are completely relaxed. Remember the mountains can be chilly year-round, so bringing a jumper or jacket is always wise, especially for evening dining.
Can I get vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options in the Blue Mountains?
Yes! Most restaurants in the Blue Mountains are excellent at catering to dietary requirements. Pins on Lurline explicitly states that no dietary requirement is too much to ask. Avalon, Arjuna, and 8 Things all offer good vegetarian and vegan options. Many venues can modify dishes to be gluten-free or dairy-free, so just let them know when booking or ask your waiter. Asian restaurants like Basil Nut and Katoomba Canton Palace are usually great for vegetarians with tofu and vegetable options. For the best experience, mention your dietary needs when making your reservation so the kitchen can prepare accordingly.
Which restaurants in the Blue Mountains have the best views?
For stunning views, you can't beat Arjuna Indian Restaurant and Darley's Restaurant, both of which overlook the magnificent Jamison Valley. The Carrington's Grand Dining Room doesn't have valley views but the interior is a feast for the eyes in itself. Scenic World's Terrace Cafe (worth a mention even though it's not on our main list) offers incredible valley views during the day. Most restaurants in the main streets of Katoomba and Leura don't have valley views, but they make up for it with charming heritage buildings and great atmosphere!
Are dogs allowed at any of the restaurants?
Some restaurants with outdoor seating areas may welcome well-behaved dogs, particularly cafes during daytime. Policies vary significantly between venues, so it's essential to check online or call ahead before bringing your pup. Most indoor dining areas don't allow dogs (except service animals).
Which Blue Mountains restaurants are best for a special occasion?
For celebrating something special, Darley's Restaurant is absolutely exquisite with its fine dining menu and stunning setting at Lilianfels. Pins on Lurline offers an unforgettable experience with their degustation menus and wine pairings. The Carrington's Grand Dining Room is perfect for a glamourous celebration in a heritage setting, or try Champagne Charlie's for afternoon Devonshire Tea in style. Avalon is also wonderful for special occasions with its quirky old-world charm. All of these venues offer that extra touch of magic that makes a celebration memorable.
What's the best area to stay in the Blue Mountains for easy access to restaurants?
Katoomba has the highest concentration of restaurants with everything from casual to fine dining within a 10-minute walk along the main street. You'll find Avalon, Papadinos, the Carrington, Station Bar, Basil Nut, Arjuna, Katoomba Canton Palace, and 8 Things all in close proximity. Leura offers a more refined selection with a charming village atmosphere and boutique shopping. Blackheath is quieter with fewer options but still has excellent venues. If you want maximum variety without driving between meals, Katoomba is your best bet, and if you're staying at Careel Cottages, you'll be perfectly positioned!
Is there parking available near the restaurants?
Yes, all three main towns have street parking and public car parks. Katoomba's main street has angled parking and several council car parks within easy walking distance of most restaurants. Leura has street parking along the main strip and a large car park near the station. Blackheath has ample street parking in the town centre. Parking is free in the evenings. The towns are very walkable, so you can easily stroll between your accommodation and dinner. Just remember to bring a torch for the walk back if it's dark!
Which Blue Mountains restaurants are BYO?
Arjuna Indian Restaurant is BYO only (no corkage fee charged), making it great value for a special meal. Many other restaurants offer BYO options alongside their own wine lists, often with a small corkage fee (usually $5-$10 per bottle). Papadinos, Katoomba Canton Palace, and several other venues typically allow BYO. It's always best to check individual restaurant policies when booking, as some venues are licensed only or may restrict BYO to certain days or wine only (no BYO beer or spirits).
What are some other things to do in Katoomba and the Blue Mountains?
We hope you enjoy some amazing meals while you're here. If you're looking to find out more about evenings out in the Blue Mountains, you can also check out our guides to the Best Pubs and Bars in the Blue Mountains, and the Best Live Music in the Blue Mountains. Alternatively if you're interested in exploring local vintage finds, records and artisanry you might like our guide to the Best Blue Mountains Shops and Boutiques.
Blue Mountains FAQs
For more useful information that will help you plan your stay, we invite you to take a look at our Visiting the Blue Mountains FAQ guide, which will help you plan when to come, what to wear, where to stay and more.