Where To Go To Get Your Euro Fix Locally
Are you dreaming of escaping the Highlands chill and basking in some European sunshine?
Do you have friends currently swanning around Italy, France and Spain and posting it all over Facebook and Instagram and….well….you’re a little jealous?
Well, we’ve found a less expensive way to crave your travel itch by taking your tastebuds on a European food safari – passport optional!
Here’s some fab local spots to get your taste of Europe without leaving the Highlands.
1:: Monaco Bowral
Cuisine :: European Influences
Menu Fave :: Beef Bourguignon- Braised beef with red wine, carrot, onion & herbs, served with tagliatelle.
Cost :: $$
Good to know :: They have a great vegan menu as well, with entrees, mains and desserts!
2:: Cafe Rosso
Cuisine :: Italian
Menu Fave :: Gamberi-Split king tiger prawns lightly sautéed in a lemon, garlic and white wine served with a fresh Italian salad.
Cost :: $$
Good to know :: They’ve also got an excellent brekkie and lunch menu, so you can get that Italian hit any time of the day.
3 :: Nasz Stolik Deli in Mittagong
Cuisine :: Polish
Menu Fave :: Pączki – traditional Polish stuffed doughnuts
Cost :: $
Good to know :: Probz give them a call before you go in to make sure they’re open
4 :: Bottega B in Bundanoon
Cuisine :: Italian
Menu Fave :: Frittura di frutti di mare (for two), a mixed plate of squid, calamari, fried hoki and garlic king prawns served with house-made tartare sauce
Cost :: $$
Good to know :: They have special regional nights where you can travel through food to different regions of Italy and learn all about their unique cultural delights.
5 :: The Strudel Lady
Cuisine :: Austrian
Menu Fave :: Literally any of the strudels! There’s both sweet & savoury options
Cost :: $
Good to know :: You’ll find The Strudel Lady at many of our local markets – check her socials to stay up to date with where she’ll be.
6:: Ethos at Links House
Cuisine :: European Influences
Menu Fave :: The menu here is seasonal but whatever you choose will be delish!
Cost :: $$$
Good to know :: The views across the Bowral golf course inside the restaurant are just gorgeous.
7 :: Il Trullo Ristorante Pizzeria
Cuisine :: Italian
Menu Fave :: The Il Trullo pizza, with Mozzarella, Italian sausage, friarelli [bitter greens]
Cost :: $
Good to know :: Recently opened by the lovely family who run The General Store & Cafe in Berrima.
8 :: La Palette Restaurant at Mt Ashby Estate
Cuisine :: French
Menu Fave :: Lavender crème brûlée
Cost :: $$$
Good to know :: Have a delicious lunch then go antique shopping at the Sally Beresford Antiques / French Farmhouse Tables Showroom which is on site too.
9 :: Wine Mosaic Lounge and Argyle Street Wine Merchant
Cuisine :: European influences
Menu Fave :: Fresh Fettuccine with slow-cooked roast Duck Ragout (and a glass of Pinot Noir obvs).
Cost :: $$
Good to know :: After taking a short break in May 2023 they’re back open and we are so excited!
10 :: Bistro Sociale at Berida Hotel
Cuisine :: European influences
Menu Fave :: Anything and everything from their French steakhouse range. DROOL!
Cost :: $$$
Good to know :: Come for the food, stay for the delicious cocktails
11 :: Horderns Restaurant at Milton Park Country House Hotel
Cuisine :: French classics
Menu Fave :: Dry aged Grimaud duck breast, jerusalem artichoke, cavolo nero, baby carrot, purple potato and cassis jus
Cost :: $$$
Good to know :: A hatted restaurant, this is a special occasion sort of place and there have been quite a few marriage proposals mid crème brûlée!!
12 :: Il Topolino Alimentari Delicatessen
Cuisine :: Italian
Menu Fave :: Honestly anything from the fridge is a winner – stunning cured meats, cheeses, olives and more
Cost :: $$
Good to know :: This small deli packs a punch in terms of produce and flavour and many customers drive down from Sydney just to load up on their deliciousness.
13 :: Little Paris Cafe at Be Trendy Boutique
Cuisine :: French
Menu Fave :: This clothing shop selling European-style clothes has recently started serving French sweet treats and coffee.
Cost :: $
Good to know :: Shop AND eat delicious French pastries – perfection!!
14 :: Onesta Cucina
Cuisine :: Italian
Menu Fave :: Housemade potato gnocchi with braised lamb, red wine and rosemary ragu
Cost :: $$$
Good to know :: This higher-end Italian dining experience is great for taking visitors to the Highlands.
15 :: Carca Restobar
Cuisine :: Spanish
Menu Fave :: Paella Marisco- Rice, tomato and saffron with prawns, squid, slices of monkfish, chorizo, clams and black mussels.
Cost :: $$
Good to know :: If you’re craving a spot on traditional paella, this is your go-to!
16 :: Eccetera Trattoria Pizzeria
Cuisine :: Italian
Menu Fave :: Pizza Zia Maria, with mozzarella, zucchini, prosciutto, brie, truffle and porcini paste
Cost :: $$
Good to know :: A great family venue with delicious and authentic pizza and pastas
How lucky are we to have so many Euro-inspired places to head to in the Highlands?
While we won’t say no to a dip in the Mediterranean or a pinot in Paris, surely eating out at these fab locations in the Highlands is the next best thing!
Head to our Eat & Drink hub for more food and bevvie inspo!
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