16 excellent cafes in Orange for coffee lovers and foodies

Lara Picone Lara Picone
hero media
You’re never too far from a well-brewed coffee and delicious meal in Orange.

It’s no great revelation that the fertile lands surrounding Orange are a magnet for food lovers, who come to relish the locally grown produce and world-class wines. Beyond the city limits there’s a virtual buffet of wonderful restaurants to discover at wineries and cellar doors, but you’ll also find an excellent peppering of incredible cafes and coffee joints in and about town. Inspired by seasonal harvests and energised by a perpetual parade of city visitors and relocators, there’s a ravenous energy in Orange’s cafe scene. Here’s our pick of the top spots.

1. Good Eddy

Best for: Creative coffee.

Get your coffee with a side order of city chic at this town centre cafe that grinds Reuben Hills beans in its light and bright digs.

the cafe interior of Good Eddy, Orange
The light-filled digs at Good Eddy is the perfect place to start your day.

Set yourself up at the window and watch Orange open up for the day as you savour your cuppa and tuck into cafe classics such as a bacon and egg roll, toastie and bagel. The kids will go (hazel) nuts for the Nutella milkshake.

Good Eddy interior
Good Eddy serves Rueben Hills coffee beans at its store.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casual, trendy, and artistic
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 6.50am–1.45pm Monday to Friday.
Location: 187 Lords Place

2. Anything Grows

Best for: Outdoor dining.

Take tea in the country-chic courtyard amid blooms and branches at this nursery and cafe near Cook Park.

the cafe exterior of Anything Grows, Orange
Anything Grows exudes country charm.

From something sweet to accompany your brew to larger plates of baked eggs and chicken wraps, you can pop into Anything Grows until 2pm for a meal, and enjoy afternoon tea of coffee and cake until 3pm.

There’s also a gift shop, so you can leave with a posy tucked under your arm or a new pair of gumboots.

 

a close-up of two people consuming their meals at Anything Grows, Orange
The cafe serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Lush, peaceful and laid-back
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 8am–3pm Tuesday to Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 54 Summer St

3. Lakeside Kiosk and Cafe

Best for: Lake views and family-friendly dining.

Lake Canobolas, just 10 minutes from Orange, is perhaps one of the most picturesque spots for a morning cup of coffee. Pop into the Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe to caffeinate for a gentle stroll by the lake or pre-order your picnic provisions.

Baked custard from Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe in Orange NSW
Pop into the Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe for incredible food with a view.

If you’d rather take in the serene view as you enjoy a leisurely sit-down lunch, the cafe will service your needs with a menu ranging from duck breast to gruyere croquettes.

Duck with eggplant from Lakeside Kiosk & Cafe in Orange NSW
Tasty dishes like duck with eggplant are on the menu.

Average price: $–$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed, scenic and family-friendly
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: Kiosk 8am–3pm; Cafe 8am–2.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.
Location: 145 Lake Canobolas Rd

4. Millthorpe Providore

Best for: Gourmet local produce.

If you’re in the vicinity of Orange, it’s almost mandatory to take the 25-minute drive to charming Millthorpe to peruse its heritage loveliness and antique stores.

While you’re there, grab yourself a coffee and a little something from the local favourite, Millthorpe Providore.

Millthorpe Providore cafe exterior near Orange
Grab yourself a coffee and a little something from Millthorpe Providore. (Image: Supplied)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Rustic and inviting
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 6am–3pm Monday to Friday; 7am–3pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 23 Victoria St, Millthorpe

5. Byng Street Local Store

Best for: Brunch with a twist.

For more than a decade this all-rounder cafe has been firing up the espresso machine to fortify customers with their daily brews, just as they like it.

Shop front of Byng Street in Orange
Find a spot to sit out front to enjoy brunch at Byng Street.

Serving breakfast, lunch and quick takeaways, the bright-red door is always open for locals and visitors alike.

Settle in at a communal table, perch at the window or mill about outside having a chat – this beloved corner cafe is here for it all.

 

the cafe interior of Byng Street Local Store
Try this beloved corner cafe for yourself.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Cosy, family-friendly and welcoming
Review: 5/5
Opening hours: 7am–3pm daily.
Location: 47 Byng St

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

6. Groundstone Cafe

Best for: Alfresco dining.

If you’ve allocated time to take in the town’s museum and cultural precinct, be sure to build in a couple of hours to sit and savour at this light-flooded, glasshouse-like eatery.

Inside Groundstone cafe in Orange
It’s a hive of activity inside this light-flooded cafe.

With a considered focus on local produce and seasonal ingredients, breakfast lunch or brunch here is an exercise worth lingering over. From a son-in-law egg salad to sweet and savoury crumpets or a more robust peri peri chicken burger, the flavours are bright and finessed.

a brunch plate at Groundstone Cafe
Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere over brunch or lunch. (Image: Emily Murphy)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Bright, airy and dog-friendly
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 7.30am–3pm Monday to Friday; 8am–2pm Saturday and Sunday.
Location: 151a Byng St

7. The Village Bakehouse

Best for: Classic Aussie bakery fare.

Fortify for a day touring Orange’s agrarian beauty and celebrated cellar doors with a stop at this bakery cafe. Bread has been the business here since 1918, so one can be assured they’ll rise to the occasion when it comes to baked goods.

Breakfast is available until a leisurely 1pm to catch those late risers and may be as simple as sourdough toast or a ‘stella’ smoked bacon and egg roll with trimmings of Swiss cheese, caramelised onion and chilli jam.

Village Bakehouse cafe in Orange NSW
Devour some baked goods at The Village Bakehouse.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Bustling, friendly and casual
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: 5.30am–5pm Monday to Friday; 5.30am–4pm Saturday; 6am–3pm Sunday.
Location: 208 Peisley St

8. Academy Coffee Roasters

Best for: Artisan coffee lovers.

It’s all about the bean at this specialty coffee roastery, which has been extracting the best for the Central West of NSW since 2015.

Pop into their Woodward Street digs for a cup of consciously and carefully sourced coffee and a small bite, from toast to toasties and a pastry treat. If you’re fond of a sweet riff on your usual order, try the Biscoff latte.

Academy Coffee Roasters interior in Orange, NSW
Try the Biscoff latte at Academy Coffee Roasters.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Industrial-chic, modern, and minimalist
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 6am–1.30pm Monday to Friday; 8am–12.25pm Saturday.
Location: 145 Woodward St

9. Bills Beans East Orange

Best for: Serious coffee drinkers.

If you’re in the east of Orange and hankering for a well-made coffee, you’ll find Bills Beans at the heritage corner digs of the former Hackett’s Butcher Shop.

two cups of latte at Bills Beans East Orange cafe
Start your day with a good coffee.

Here the brews have a golden crema and you’ll be well-supplied with a fresh menu from breakfast through to lunch.

a blurry image of a man walking in front of Bills Beans East Orange cafe
Order your coffee to go at Bills Beans East Orange.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Minimalist, intimate and cosy
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 6am–4pm Monday to Friday; 7am–1pm Saturday; 8am–1pm Sunday.
Location: 148 McLachlan St

10. Factory Espresso

Best for: Industrial-chic vibes.

Sporting an array of personalities as a cafe, a comedy club and a roastery for Kite Coffee, Factory Espresso’s vast, industrial-style digs makes it well-suited to all three versions of itself.

the cafe exterior of Factory Espresso in Orange
Factory Espresso is the perfect place to start (or end) the day.

There’s a rotating roster of some of Australia’s best comedians, but if that doesn’t suit your jam, you can also just come along and watch the coffee roasting in action as you sip the end result.

Muesli and coffee at Factory Espresso in Orange
The breakfast menu hits all the right notes.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Industrial-chic, trendy and vibrant
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: 6am–2.30pm Monday to Friday; 7.30am–2pm Saturday; 7.30am–1pm Sunday.
Location: 135 Kite St

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

11. Racine Bakery

Best for: Freshly baked pastries.

While many have heard of Orange’s much-adored Racine Restaurant, now sadly closed, less know of its spin-off bakery. Firing up the oven in 2012 to shape handmade loaves for the restaurant and other small businesses in town, the bakery soon moved into its own bricks-and-mortar digs in town.

Stop by for beautifully bubbled organic sourdough, all-butter pastries, cakes and biscuits and, of course, excellent coffee. You can also order whole cakes, flans and tarts to enjoy at home.

Pastries from Racine Bakery, Orange.
Don’t miss the pastries from Racine Bakery. (Image: Destination NSW)

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Charming, relaxed and family-friendly
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 7am–2pm Monday to Friday; 7am–1pm Saturday; 8am–1pm Sunday.
Location: 142 Summer St

12. Spilt Milk Bar

Best for: Ice cream and desserts.

One for the sweet-toothed lickers and lovers of creamy goodness, this Aussie gelateria churns local and fresh ingredients to make their icy scoops incredibly delicious and opens until later for those post-dinner cravings. They also have milk bars in Canberra and Tamworth.

a hand holding a cone of gelato from Spilt Milk Bar
Gelato is always a good idea.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Fun, casual, nd family-friendly
Review: 5/5
Opening hours: 2pm–9pm Monday to Wednesday; 2pm–10pm Thursday to Friday; 12pm–10pm Saturday; 12pm–9pm Sunday.
Location: 45 Sale St

13. The Agrestic Grocer

Best for: Sustainable, farm-to-table dining.

The Agrestic Grocer is more than just a cafe – it’s a local institution dedicated to promoting organic produce and sustainable farming practices. The menu is wholesome and hearty, featuring locally sourced ingredients that are transformed into delicious, rustic meals. You can also browse their farm shop for fresh produce to take home. The relaxed, earthy vibe, paired with excellent coffee, makes it a go-to for a laid-back breakfast or lunch.

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Rustic, earthy and relaxed
Review: 4/5
Opening hours: 8.30am–4pm daily.
Location: 426 Mitchell Hwy

14. Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est.

Best for: Weekend vibes.

Birdie Noshery is all about weekend brunch, with an extensive coffee menu and a selection of delicious dishes that keep people coming back. The bright, open space creates a lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for friends to gather. Whether you’re in the mood for something light or a more substantial meal, Birdie Noshery has something for everyone.

Birdie Noshery & Drinking Est. exterior cafe in Orange
Birdie Noshery is all about weekend brunch. (Image: Supplied)

Average price: $-$$
Atmosphere: Lively, open and welcoming
Review: 5/5
Opening hours: 11.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–9pm Tuesday to Thursday; 8.30am–3pm and 5.30pm–10pm Friday and Saturday; 8.30am–11.30am Sunday.
Location: 120-122 Summer St,

15. The Sugar Mill

Best for: Sweet treats.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, The Sugar Mill is your go-to cafe. Known for its indulgent cakes, pastries, and desserts, this cafe is a must-visit for anyone craving something sugary and delicious. Their coffee complements the sweet treats perfectly, making it a great spot for afternoon tea. The cozy and casual atmosphere is perfect for catching up with friends over a slice of cake, or simply treating yourself after a long day.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Casual, fun, and inviting
Review: 4.5/5
Opening hours: 8am–3pm Monday to Saturday.
Location: 26B Sale St

16. Cafe Latte

Best for: Quick coffee stop.

Cafe Latte is a small but popular spot for those needing a quick coffee fix. With its simple decor and efficient service, it’s the go-to place for locals who need a caffeine hit on the run. Despite its size, the cafe has a loyal following thanks to its consistently great coffee and friendly service. It’s a perfect spot for grabbing a takeaway or sitting down for a quick chat and a snack.

Average price: $
Atmosphere: Cosy, intimate and efficient
Review: 3/5
Opening hours: 5am–5pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 5am–11am Wednesday; 5am–2pm Saturday.
Location: 217 Anson St

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Lara Picone
Working for many of Australia’s top publications, Lara Picone has had the distinct pleasure of writing, editing and curating content about the finer things in life for more than 15 years. Graduating from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, her editorial foundation began at Qantas: The Australian Way magazine, before moving on to learn the fast-paced ropes of a weekly magazine at Sunday Magazine and picking up the art of brand curation at donna hay magazine. Pivoting a near-problematic travel lust into a career move by combining it with storytelling and a curious appetite, her next role was as Deputy Editor of SBS Feast magazine and later Online Editor of SBS Food online. She then stepped into her dream job as Editor of Australian Traveller before becoming Online Editor for both International Traveller and Australian Traveller. Now as a freelancer, Lara always has her passport at-the-ready to take flight on assignment for the Australian Traveller team, as well as for publications such as Qantas Magazine, Escape and The Weekend Australian. As ever, her appetite is the first thing she packs.
View profile and articles
Orange restaurants
Orange

10 Orange restaurants guaranteed to satisfy your appetite

From hatted restaurants to wineries that do food really well, here’s our pick of where to eat in the Orange region.

Read more
Basalt accommodation in Orange
Orange

The best luxury accommodation in Orange NSW for a lavish getaway

Fine food, cool-climate wine and vineyard views for days: there’s luxury aplenty to be had in Orange and a range of accommodations to suit the mood.

Read more
The 20 best things to do in Orange
Orange

The 20 best things to do in Orange

Orange is filled with gems you’ll want to make time for in your itinerary.

Read more
Exterior view of Kangaroobie Cabin in Orange
Orange

Orange will fuel your country escape daydreams

Country comfort is given a stylish glow-up at these charming Airbnb abodes in Orange.

Read more
hero media

Why winter is the best time to be on the New South Wales coast

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
    Continue
    NSW’s beach towns take on a new kind of magic when the cooler months hit.

    Autumn and winter cast a whole new light on the New South Wales coastline. The sun hangs lower, the shadows stretch longer and the air is crisp and fresh. The frenetic summer crowds are gone, and the rhythm slows to the pace of a leisurely winter bush walk through still, damp quiet. From wineries pouring winter reds to the annual whale migration up the ‘humpback highway’, here’s why winter on the New South Wales coast is better.

    Winter on the NSW South Coast

    Winter down south means misty dawns, sipping a flat white on the beach. The thrill of a whale spotting from the headlands and evenings spent slowly savouring Shoalhaven’s wines by the fire.

    Start in Kiama, where waves crash into the famous Blowholes. This natural spectacle is achieved when underground pressure and swell unite, sending sea spray soaring above the basalt cliffs. This means, due to larger waves, you’re even more likely to see an explosive display in winter.

    two people standing in front of kiama blowhole
    See Kiama’s blowholes in full force. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Inland, the Minnamurra Rainforest Walk in Budderoo National Park is all subtropical forest and trilling lyrebird song. Make sure to walk silently along the elevated boardwalks, past winter-swelled creeks and the tangled roots of fig trees. You might just hear one of the musically talented birds mimicking your footsteps.

    Feeling adventurous? Book a session at Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures for a wobbly walk through the canopy on Australia’s highest zipline.

    Illawarra Fly Treetop Adventures on the new south wales south coast
    Walk among the tallest trees. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, it’s time to take the speed down a notch with a drive over to the historic village of Berry. It’s been a beloved stop for generations of Sydneysiders heading south, as has the obligatory stop at its famous doughnut van for crisped, cinnamon goodness. If you’re ready for something a little more chunky, stroll right past the boutiques (okay, go on, just one quick peek) to Milkwood Bakery. Their flaky pastries and all-day breakfasts are best enjoyed under cream-coloured fringed umbrellas.

    Back in Kiama, you’ll also find modern Middle Eastern share plates at Miss Arda, and next-level burgers on The Hungry Monkey‘s extensive menu: an ode to everything pattie-shaped.

    End the day at The Sebel Kiama on the harbour. The apartment-style rooms come with full cooking facilities — a welcome addition for families looking to test out the local produce they picked up along the way. Including, but not limited to, vintages from nearby Crooked River Wines.

    The Sebel Kiama exterior
    Sleep by the harbour.

    Winter on the Mid-North Coast

    A trip up north is a gentle one at this time of year. You’ll still feel that sunshine warming your shoulders, but the lower temperatures make space for rainforest walks, vineyard lunches and long coastal hikes. All without that pesky humidity.

    First stop? It has to be the town of Port Macquarie. Start by marking out a stretch of the nine-kilometre coastal walk you want to tackle (or do the whole thing), which winds from Town Beach to the lighthouse along rugged headlands and quiet beaches. Hot tip: binoculars. Don’t forget them if you want to partake in some close-up sightings of dolphin pods or whales migrating up the ‘humpback highway’.

    Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, winter on the New South Wales coast
    Wander the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Swap sea for canopy at the Sea Acres Rainforest Boardwalk, one of the last remaining pockets of coastal rainforest in the state. The accessible elevated trail passes under climbing ferns and tangled strangler figs, and is alive with scarlet robins, goannas and diamond pythons – if you’re lucky, you might see one slipping through the leaf litter.

    Afterwards, lunch is sorted at Cassegrain Wines, where crisp whites and elegant reds are grown using a blend of French winemaking tradition and Australian innovation. After a tasting, saddle up for a horse ride through the estate.

    port macquarie koala hospital
    Meet Koala Hospital inhabitants at their temporary home. (Image: Destination NSW)

    The beloved Koala Hospital is rebuilding, so meet its furry patients in their temporary bushland abode at Guulabaa – Place of Koala. Here, you can see rehabilitation up close and learn how one of Australia’s most iconic animals is being carefully rewilded and protected.

    Back in town, Whalebone Wharf serves up fine dining with serious views to go with your oysters. Prefer something breezier? Bills Fishhouse + Bar does everything from blue swimmer crab toast to zucchini noodles drizzled in basil and wattleseed pesto. Down by the waterfront, Little Shack slings ceviche, mushroom burgers and fish tacos with casual aplomb.

    At the end of it all, check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie, right in the heart of town. From here, everything’s walkable. Just park the car, pop your keys in your pocket, and stroll down to the beach.

    bed at Mercure Centro Port Macquarie
    Check in to Mercure Centro Port Macquarie.

    Winter on the Central Coast

    On the Central Coast, expect to explore oyster farms that sit on estuaries, beaches that stretch empty for miles, and the kind of surprise sightings of whale sprays that can stop a hiker in their tracks.

    The best way to settle into this slower rhythm is with the Bouddi Coastal Walk, an 8.5km trail that dips through rainforest and eroding cliffs. It’s made for unhurried walkers and long-lens photographers.

    Up the coast in Terrigal, it’s prime time to spot humpbacks on the move. Join a cruise or find your own perch — Crackneck Lookout and Norah Head Lighthouse are both local favourites.

    a humpback whale breaching on the central coast
    Spot migrating humpback whales. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Travelling with kids? It would be sacrilege not to visit the Australian Reptile Park. Here, Elvis the saltwater crocodile reigns supreme, and the venomous snake talk somehow manages to be simultaneously terrifying and fascinating.

    If that isn’t enough to wear them out, zip and climb your way through Treetops Adventure Central Coast, a ropes course in the canopy of Ourimbah State Forest. Afterwards, steady your nerves with a garden tasting at Firescreek Botanical Winery, where fruit- and flower-infused wines are served under the trees.

    Switch earth for sea and hop on a boat tour with Broken Bay Pearl Farm. Once you’re out on the water, you’ll learn how pearls are cultivated and have a hands-on lesson in grading and shucking.

    woman holding a pearl at Broken Bay Pearl Farm
    Get a hands-on pearl lesson. (Image: Destination NSW)

    As the day winds down, grab a seat at Yellowtail in Terrigal, which takes seasonal native produce and presents it with Asian flair. Prefer something simple? Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination. Find an impressive breakfast and lunch menu, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce.

    Stay the night at Pullman Magenta Shores, between the ocean and the lake. There are plenty of ways to relax, with a massage at the day spa, a poolside beanbag and a round or two at the golf course.

    restaurant at Pullman Magenta Shores central coast
    Eat well at Pullman Magenta Shores’ restaurant. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Winter in Wollongong

    Wollongong does contrast pretty well. One moment you’re walking beneath an enormous Buddha, the next you’re ordering soju a few blocks from the surf. It’s a town where skydivers land on beaches, trails lead to paddocks and winter days stretch long and clear beneath the Illawarra cliffs.

    If you’re coming from the north, start by crossing over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Curving dramatically out like a jutting ‘C’ out above the water means you won’t be able to resist pulling over (safely, in designated lookouts) to gaze down at the waves crashing on the cliffs below.

    Just inland is the serenity of the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. You can trace the prayer path, explore the temple gardens and sip delectable Kam Quat Tea in the quiet light at the Dew Drop Inn Tea House.

    monk teaching tai chi at Nan Tien Temple
    Learn about Buddhist practices. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Next, dust off that cowboy hat. It’s time for the Darkes Forest Riding Ranch. Take a guided canter via trail rides among peppermint gums and paddocks. If you’re happier to look at animals than ride them, Symbio Wildlife Park has red pandas dozing in trees, kangaroos that hop up to you and lessons on conservation.

    The brave among you shouldn’t miss Skydive Australia – Wollongong. A free fall over the coast via tandem jumps before tumbling down to the sand is a breath-stopping thrill. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Check out the program at Wollongong Art Gallery, which delivers contemporary and Aboriginal exhibitions in the centre of town.

    monkey at Symbio Wildlife Park
    Hang out with the locals at Symbio Wildlife Park.(Image: Destination NSW)

    As evening settles in, nab a table at Baby Face Kitchen. It has an ever-changing set menu, with dishes like hand-picked mud crab with white asparagus and salty brown butter, to sheep’s milk and honey ice cream. For something more casual, Dagwood Bar + Kitchen brings the fun with Korean fried chicken, sake cocktails and weekly all-you-can-eat bao buns.

    Check in to Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, right by the sand. With a beachfront pool and ocean views, it’s an ideal base for whatever pace you choose.

    Novotel Wollongong Northbeach
    Fall asleep listening to the waves.

    Winter on the New South Wales coast starts with a cosy place to stay. Start planning your adventure at all.com.