Initially drawn to Orange for its abundance of cool-climate wineries, outdoor country lifestyle, and Basalt’s luxe studio accommodation we were excited to discover that Orange also has a large variety of high-quality restaurants that could easily rival some of the world’s best. So make sure you visit the below eateries on your next visit to Orange, not only will you find the food and hospitality second to none but you’ll get a sense of the community’s spirit and like us may never want to leave.
After a long day of wine tasting, we arrived at Mr Lim’s just before closing and without a reservation which isn’t ideal, but after hearing from the locals how good the food was we knew we had to experience Mr Lims. Thank goodness we did, not only did we love all of the dishes we ordered and the exquisite interiors we wish we would have arrived earlier so we could have ordered another serving of what might have been the best Korean Fried Chicken (K.F.C) we have ever eaten. We recommend booking as Mr Lims can get very busy, especially on the weekends and would request a table in the front window or sitting at the bar.
Must Try
Fragrant prawn wanton w. soy sauce & corriander
Spicy Korean Fried Chicken (K.F.C)
Slow-cooked chicken w. Mr Lim’s sweet & sour sauce
Fried rice
Cuisine: Korean & Chinese
Price: $$
Serving: Lunch (Friday to Sunday) & Dinner (Wednesday to Monday)
Atmosphere: Casual
Location: 282 Summer St, Orange
Phone: (02) 6360 1122
Website: Mr Lim
Mr Lim also has two “brother” restaurants in Orange – Mr Sushi King & Avido Ristorante Italiano
Locate in one of Orange’s newest architecturally designed buildings Printhie’s 5-course lunch degustation menu allows you to enjoy a true “fine dining” experience while sitting over 1000 meters above sea level and right across the hall from Printhie’s cellar door. Combining polished concrete, leather furnishings, moody tones, and stunning country views with quality produce you understand why so many people tell you Printhie Dining is a must-visit while in Orange.
Every element on your plate has been strategically placed and looks like a work of art. Between the Barramundi w. broccoli smoked eel, and dashi, Beef Rump w. tarragon and port puree and the White Chocolate dessert w. cinnamon it’s hard to choose a standout dish as they were all so delicious. For those that like oysters, our waitress mentioned for an additional charge they also offered freshly shucked Sydney rocks oysters from their on-site live oyster tank, with salt water from the South Coast.
Currently, Printhie Dining offers a set 5-course menu with wine pairing available at an additional charge, they also provide an alternative vegetarian menu and the staff are extremely helpful in accommodating your needs and tastes. We recommend booking a wine tasting approximately one hour before lunch so you have enough time to taste Printhie’s collection of cool climate wines beforehand.
Must Try
Barramundi w. broccoli smoked eel and dashi
Beef Rump w. tarragon and port puree
White Chocolate dessert w. cinnamon
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Price: $$$$
Serving: Lunch
Atmosphere: Fine Dining
Location: 208 Nancarrow Ln, Nashdale NSW 2800
Phone: 0409 645 075
Website: Printhie Dining
Printhie also offers “experiences” including picnics, helicopter winery tours, and sparkling masterclasses
Charred Kitchen and Bar is one of Orange’s “hatted” restaurants, with rustic interiors, a relaxed environment, and an extensive wine menu Charred offers that perfect blend of comfortability and fine dining.
Offering a five-course set tasting menu using the finest local ingredients and cooked over a woodfire each dish contains simple combinations that are bursting with uniquely delicious flavours. Although we didn’t opt for the wine pairing, it is available for an additional cost.
We were lucky to be served by Dave, Charred’s restaurant manager, sommelier, and possibly the best and most knowledgeable service person we have ever come across.
We recommend requesting a booth next to the window when booking, these seats offer more privacy.
Must Try
French onion & triple cheese tart
BBQ Bay lobster
Charcoal chicken & corn w. peri peri sauce
Black Angus charcoal w. horseradish emulsion, sourdough “vine cuttings”, sweet & sour onion
Cultured milk gelato w. lavender-infused local honey
Cuisine: Modern Australian over a woodfire
Price: $$$ – $$$$
Serving: Snacks at Charred by Charred & Dinner at Charred
Atmosphere: Contemporary Casual
Location: 5 New Street, Orange
Phone: (02) 6363 1580
Website: Charred
*Charred’s last dinner service will be on 31 August 2024
Open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week Byng Street offers loads of country atmosphere, delicious food, Allpress coffee, and cosy interiors. You can dine inside or out but we recommend sitting at the open window bench seats to experience the best of both worlds, it’s truly the perfect place to watch tourists and locals start their day while soaking in true country air and hospitality. If you are looking for a quick pick-me-up head to the takeaway window where coffee is being brewed from 7 am or pick up a pre-made muffin, cake, yoghurt, or sandwich from the inside counter.
Must Try
Ricotta and lemon hotcakes w. blueberries
Ham & cheese toasted croissant
Allpress coffee
Cuisine: Cafe
Price: $$
Serving: Breakfast & Lunch
Atmosphere: Casual – Cafe
Location: 47 Byng Street, Orange
Phone: (02) 6369 0768
Website: Byng Street Local Store
After hearing about the famous “Lolli Redini” twice-baked gruyere cheese soufflé that is now only available at Birdie we knew we had no choice other than to order this from the menu, and it was good, simply cheesy, fluffy and delicious. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Birdie is a stylish, fun, vibrant eatery and bar that offers good service, good food, and the perfect environment for kicking back and relaxing. There is plenty of seating inside and out but our favourite spot was sitting at the bench window seat, it was a little more secluded and had a view of the twinkle lights outside.
Must Try
Cheese soufflé
Panko crumbed salt & pepper calamari
Cuisine: Cafe
Price: $$ – $$$
Serving: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Atmosphere: Contemporary Casual
Location: 120-122 Summer St, Orange
Phone:
Website: Birdie Noshery
The Union Bank is another restaurant that came highly recommended by locals. Offering an ever-changing modern Australian “share style” menu you can either dine inside at the Schoolhouse Restaurant or outside in the Arthouse Bar and Courtyard under the fairy lights, gas heaters, and umbrellas. We pre-booked the Schoolhouse as we thought it might have been too cool for sitting outside but once we arrived wished we had opted for the courtyard area as it seemed spacious, lively, and full of atmosphere. The Schoolhouse accepts bookings and the Courtyard accepts walk-ins only.
If like me you are wondering what a modern Australian Menu consists of imagine dishes of Pork with rum glaze, mustard, and burnt lime, a Prawn Cocktail with gem hearts, Beetroot with labneh and dukkah, Farmer Doug’s potato scallop, Jalapeno croquette and Coconut with rhubarb, Turkish delight, and pistachio to name a few. If you are unsure what to order, The Union Bank also offers a “Feed Me” menu consisting of three courses that can be paired with three local wines for an additional cost.
Must Try
Farmer Doug’s potato scallop
Beetroot w. labneh and dukkah
Warm Ciabatta Bread
Union Bank Prawn Cocktail
Pork with rum glaze, mustard, and burnt lime
Panna Cotta
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Price: $$$ – $$$$
Serving: Lunch & Dinner
Atmosphere: Contemporary Casual
Location: 84 Byng Street, Orange
Phone: (02) 6311 1770
Website: The Union Bank
Big lovers of gelato we had Spilt Milk high on our list of places to visit while in Orange, however, we didn’t expect that once we tried it we would be going back again, and again and again – it’s that good!
Offering freshly made Gelato and Sorbet with “natural Aussie ingredients” and in loads of ever-changing delicious flavours, Spilt Milk can be enjoyed in either one, two, or three scoops, a take-home pack, or via home delivery by placing your order on the Spilt Milk app.
We guarantee it will be hard trying to decide what flavours to choose and if you should add the warm chocolate topping or not…. the answer is yes add it!
Located next to Birdie Noshery Spilt Milk is a stand-only space, you will generally see a crowd of people out the front licking away.
Must Try
Vanilla Malt
Salted Caramel
Peanut Butter Brownie
Nutella
Cuisine: Gelato & Sorbet
Price: $
Serving: from noon on weekends and 2 pm on weekdays till late
Atmosphere: Casual
Location: 45 Sale Street, Orange
Phone: (02) 6360 4873
Website: Spilt Milk Bar
Spilt Milk also has stores in Dickson, Act & North Tammowrth
Thoughts, opinions, and photos shared about Best Restaurants | A Foodies Guide to Eating Out in Orange are entirely my own.
