We all know someone who is a full-on foodie… they always pick the most expensive dish on the menu, they loooooove to wine + dine wherever they go, they ALWAYS watch the latest MasterChef season, and they basically live to eat and drink.
If that person is coming to stay with you for the weekend, you’re totally going to want to show the Highlands off in all it’s food + bevvie glory, right?
Or maybe you and your local foodie friends are up for some gourmet experiences of your own.
Here’s an itinerary we’ve put together for one fabulous weekend of deliciousness – a gourmet guide to the Highlands to guarantee full bellies, tantalised tastebuds and maybe a bit of extra padding around the belly.
Clink!
FRIDAY ON MY MIND
Fridays are all about unwinding and letting your hair down after a long work week, and Robertson’s wine and cheese bar is the ultimate spot to do just that.
Pecora Cheese & Wine is a stylish, sleek bar/café run by the team behind local business Pecora Dairy. Come for the gorgeous interiors, stay for the wine and yummy grazing plates (and cheese, obvs!).
Not far from there is Robertson Public House & Kitchen, who recently scored a ‘Best Regional Casual Dining’ award, so you know a bite and a bevvie here is a good shout!
Another excellent choice is Sutton Forest Inn [yummy pub-grub is always a hit] or for some fun cocktails and nosh and over in Mossy we can’t go past Flour Bar where all manner of sipping is satisfied, coffee, wine, cocktails and more!
PETIT-DEJEUNER [BREKKIE!] ON SATURDAY
Ooh la la… are we in the Highlands or France? Treat your guests to a hearty and tasty buffet breakfast at Bistro Sociale in Bowral which serves up delish European cuisine with a French twist.
Feast on plenty of high-quality hot & cold buffet items like omelettes, pancakes and eggs cooked as you like them. We love the leafy green atmosphere of this place any time of the day TBH.
Or go full French with some crepe heaven at Franquette Creperie. This incredible modern creperie on Bong Bong St is serving up delicious sweet and savoury crepes that will definitely have your guests shouting “Ooh la la!”
If you’ve got pals who are all about that organic living then defo head to Raw & Wild Market & Cafe for all the freshness.
The Boston Ivy 1880 in Mittagong, Berrima General Store and the newly opened Busy Bee in Moss Vale are most definitely worth a visit as well.
SATURDAY FEAST
Okay, we’re stepping things up a notch with this one.
Lotus Bowral at Park Proxi Gibraltar Bowral plates up such exciting Asian Flavours using incredible fresh local prouduce.
Another wonderful option for some seasonal Highlands fare with sophistication then reserve a spot at Ethos Restaurant inside Links House. The menu changes with the seasons but expect heavenly dishes like Little Mountain mushrooms with garlic miso and kale as well as free-range Northern Rivers pork cutlet, yum!
Or if you didn’t get enough of a European fix in the morning then book the gang in for a table in La Palette Cafe at Mount Ashby Estate. French inpired dishes + paddock to plate ethos = all the noms!
What about the peeps who can’t decide?
It’s gotta be The Mill Bowral then! Anyone who’s partial to the street food dining style will totes be in heaven at this courtyard style space! Kebabs, pho, banh mi, vegetarian delights, gelato, donuts and more! Plus, there’s the excellent Millsheds Distillery & Bar to keep everyone well supplied with top-quality tipple.
SATURDAY SIPPIN’
Did someone say wine o’clock? That’s right – it’s time to hit up some of our fab local wineries in the afternoon.
On the way out of Mittagong heading back towards Bowral you’ll find Artemis Wines – grab a spot on the lawn, at a wine barrel or inside the cosy cellar door and have a tasting. You’ll be able to sip on their award-winning range of wines, as well as their spirits too.
If you’ve got time to squeeze another winery in, then head on over to Bendooley Estate.
This famous winery is absolutely stunning both inside and out and is headed by award-winning winemaker Jonathan Holgate.
SATURDAY NIGHT STYLE
Tonight you’re going to dine in style at one of our region’s most loved restaurants – Eschalot in beautiful Berrima.
With a menu that changes constantly, your tastebuds will be delighted with pure, fresh Aussie ingredients prepared with creativity and plated with love and sharing in mind.
Another wonderful option is Katers Restaurant at Peppers Manor House. Perfect for a cosy feast with roaring fireplaces, hearty and nourishing dishes and plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options as well.
Both venues also have a sensational wine list to keep the vino-times from earlier in the day flowing.
Night Capping
Not ready for bed yet? We don’t blame you. Luckily, you can pop into The Parting Glass for a tantalising late-night tipple.
Everything on the cocktail menu sounds so exciting we reckon it will be quite hard to stop at one [but do you really have to?].
And if you’ve decided to stick with wine for the evening, you’ll be spoilt for choice with their extensive wine menu.
EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING
Caffeinate me, baby! Head over to Kaffeine in Bowral for all your caffeine needs. It’s a cosy and friendly place that will certainly awaken your senses even before the coffee touches your lips. The staff are super friendly and their brekkie menu is also pretty darn tasty too.
Grab a spot by the windows for maximum people-watching capability.
For the pals who prefer a lazy morning and a good sleep in [see last night’s cocktails] make sure to order some deeeeelish TNT bagels to munch on as you wake up, before heading out for the day. You can find TNT bagels at many of our local markets and online.
SPLENDOUR ON THE GRASS
After all that food and wine, we’re thinking a little bit of local history and a wander in nature might be nice. Might work some of yesterday’s kJs off!
Now that you’re caffeinated, head over to Retford Park to see the gorgeous gardens – and make sure to swing by Bendooley Larder first to collect a delicious picnic hamper for brunch!
Built in 1887, the Retford Park house is an iconic shade of pink, and the gardens have been meticulously cared for. You’re bound to find a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy your picnic.
Another iconic Highlands location to visit is Fitzroy Falls. The West Rim walk is popular for good reason and The East Rim walk whilst lesser explored is still gorgeous.
And there’s an ulterior motive to come here as well. The Burrow Café has recently opened up at the visitors centre and is already scoring rave reviews from locals for their top-notch coffee and drool-worthy eats.
ONE LAST LUNCH
The weekend isn’t over yet!
Head over to the stunning Osborn House for lunch. If your guests are visiting when their iconic Fire Feasts are happening then make sure to reserve a spot stat. These are super popular and a sensation for both the eyeballs and the tastebuds.
If the Fire Feasts are not in action during your guests’ visit, no worries because George’s restaurant inside Oborn House is also a treat.
With a welcoming and relaxed vibe, there are options on the menu for lighter bites like sandwiches and salads all the way up to the incredible-sounding Wagya Milanesa or Beef Short Ribs. Make sure to save room for dessert as well because the whole menu looks divine. Oh and because the menu changes seasonally you can always expect new and fresh dishes.
After your decadent lunch settle into George’s bar for some more tipple and to reminisce about all the amazing things you ate, drank, and experienced on your gourmet foodie weekend.
Food coma incoming!
Fair warning, you’re going to be pretty full of food and alcohol at the end of this weekend… and we take zero responsibility for the state of your bank account at the end of it!
Totes worth it, though.
Oh, and if you need someone to drive you around the Highlands in style, check out our directory of transport services and leave the driving up to somebody else!
Originally written by Alana Kaye and updated by The Fold
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