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WHERE TO EAT // Dinner With Friends

Our handy list of go-to restaurants for a fun night out with your friends in The Southern Highlands.
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You’ve organised the babysitter, rounded up your mates and located your party mojo, now what?!

We all love a good night out with friends but often picking a great place that meets our needs can be tricky.

That’s why we’ve created this little go-to for venues that cater to a long awaited, and likely “high-spirited” dinner, out on the town with your pack.

No more excuses! Go make some killer memories with the people who make you laugh til you snort!

 

COVID Update :: We’ve done our best to update the opening hours but as businesses emerge from lockdown, opening hours are changing pretty quickly, so we recommend you check in with your venue of choice to confirm when you can go! 

La Cantina Mexican Bistro at Mittagong Hotel

Why choose me?:: Super laidback, budget friendly and the food is like a fiesta in your mouth!

Average Mains:: $19

Booze situation:: You’re at the pub – order at the bar, amigo!

Hours:: Tuesday to Thursday 5pm-8pm, Fridays and Saturdays 5pm-9pm, Sundays 5pm-8pm

 

The Mill Courtyard

Why choose me?:: Awesome choice of food stalls to choose from and they have Fri-yay on Fridays [obvs] 3pm – 9pm

Average Mains:: $10

Booze situation:: Millsheds Bar is now onsite serving up all the good stuff!

Hours:: Hours vary for each food stall but most are open Thursday – Saturday until 8pm or 9pm.

 

Onesta Cucina

Why choose me?:: Vibrant atmosphere; fantastic, modern Italian menu; attentive staff; a local hotspot.

Average Mains:: $38

Booze situation:: Fully licenced and fully stocked!

Hours:: Monday to Saturday 6pm-9pm.

 

Onesta Cucina

Pizza’s in the Mist

Why choose me?:: Seriously friendly staff; extensive pizza menu; easy parking in a lovely, country location.

Average Mains:: $20

Booze situation:: Fully licenced – great cocktails!

Hours:: Wednesday to Saturday from 5:30pm.

 

Eschalot

Why choose me?:: Fresh, local and seasonal food in a beautiful old building with a gorgeous al fresco courtyard area

Average Mains:: $39

Booze situation:: Lovely selection of wines [a focus on local], beers and spirits.

Hours:: Thursday to Saturday until 11pm, Sundays until 10pm.

Raw & Wild

Why choose me?:: Tapas & Cocktails nights on the weekends in the warmer months and the relaxed, al fresco atmosphere.

Average Mains:: $12.90 for Tapas Plates and $29 Charcuterie Boards

Booze situation:: Fully licenced with a kickbutt cocktails list (mocktails available too)

Hours:: Tapas & Cocktails available from 3pm – 8pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in the warmer months – keep an eye on our Event Directory and their socials for when Tapas Nights start up again.

 

Raw and Wild Tapas and Cocktails in Bowral

Eden Brewery

Why choose me?:: Boozy Burgers food truck permanently onsite, live music and a very chilled atmosphere in the brewery.

Average Mains:: $15

Booze situation:: Eden Brewery have got a range of their own beers, local ciders and wines, and Renegade Spirits available.

Hours:: Wednesdays to Sundays until 8pm.

 

Josh’s Cafe
Why choose me?:: Amazing flavours (Middle Eastern inspired), cosy atmosphere, fun service – the specials board is ALWAYS worth a look.

Average mains:: $29

Booze situation::
Fully licensed with BYO on Thursdays (wine only)

Hours::
Thursday – Saturday 6pm-9pm

 

Tap house southern highlands

Bundanoon Club

Why choose me?:: Chilled, club atmosphere with high quality Italian inspired food, great deck for summer evening catch-ups.

Average Mains:: $28

Booze situation:: Order at the bar – club prices!

Hours:: Wednesdays to Saturdays from 530pm.

 

The Royal Hotel

Why choose me?:: Awesome pub food, separate dining space or head outside in the warmer months.

Average Mains:: $31

Booze situation:: Huge range of drinks thanks to it being a pub!

Hours:: Open 7 nights a week

 

Toshi’s Japanese Restaurant

Why choose me?:: Sushi!!; perfect share plates; excellent food; wonderful service; Japanese style dining.

Average Mains:: From $30. Set menu, a la carte and banquets available.

Booze situation:: Licenced and BYO Wine

Hours:: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm until late

 

Night out with mates

Bangkok House

Why choose me?:: A local favourite; fantastic food; lovely, attentive staff; private room for groups.

Average Mains:: Banquets from $30, Chef’s Suggestion from $14.90 or a la carte from $18

Booze situation:: BYO Only (corkage included in banquets)

Hours:: Tuesday to Sunday 5pm-930pm

 

Bistro Sociale

Why choose me?:: Gorgeous décor; European style menu; pre-dinner drinks by the open fire in the gin bar.

Average Mains:: $32

Booze situation:: Fully licensed with a yummy selection of cocktails, local and European wine.

Hours:: Open 7 nights a week

 

The Bowral Asian Cuisine

Why choose me?:: Laid back, casual dining; perfect for large groups; friendly service; value for money, huge range of cuisines from across Asia.

Average Mains:: $19

Booze situation:: Licensed and reasonably priced

Hours:: Open 7 days

 

Eccetera Trattoria Pizzeria

Why choose me?:: Traditional Italian food; wood fired pizzas; extensive menu;  set menu options; authentic Italian experience.

Average Mains:: $31

Booze situation:: Fully licensed. BYO wine on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Hours:: Tuesdays – Saturdays from 5:30pm

 

Thai Som Boon

Why choose me?:: Fantastic range of fresh cooked Thai dishes. Friendly service, modern decor and reasonable prices.

Average Mains:: $20

Booze situation:: BYO only

Hours:: Tuesdays to Sundays 5pm-10pm

 

Thai Som Boon

 

 

Edited by The Fold Editorial team October 2021

 

Jaime

 

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