Discover Why these 5 Venues are Readers’ Choice Award-winners

We all have our local favourite go-to destination, whether it is a rustic café in Canberra, a bakery warming the heart with fresh bread in Bellingen or discovering the taste of the Top End in Darwin.

Here are five venues where a warm welcome, delicious food and attentive service are always on the menu:

Those looking for a cosy corner café to hang out with a coffee in Holt head to Bunny Beans Café on Hardwick Crescent. Named after owner Bernard’s nickname, this café exudes rustic charm from recycled timber, exposed brick and dark wood table settings; while on balmy Canberra days, take to the alfresco area with your fur baby to people watch.

 

Kickstart your day with crispy chicken on a potato waffle with bacon, maple syrup, pickle and paprika; while those dropping by later wrap their hands around a pesto chicken toastie, loaded with rocket, pesto and cheese that melts in your mouth.

Delicious bread that warms the heart along with pastries, toasties and rolls are on the menu at Hearthfire Bakery on Hyde Street in Bellingen. Owners Sally and Dave are passionate about not only bread but also sustainability, local ingredients and creating a sense of community; while a team of highly-skilled craftspeople lovingly create doughs turning them into loaves such as baguettes, ciabatta and spelt multigrain.

 

Pair a dandelion chai tea with an oat and raisin cookie, or rose pistachio brownie; perhaps wrap your hands around a pulled pork and slaw roll, or beef and red wine pie. Don’t forget to check out the tempting sweet treats such as Persian love cake and Banoffee tart.

Bringing together Asian inspiration and the rich flavours of Top End ingredients in every dish, head to Madame Za on Maluka Drive in Palmerston for fusion fare with flair. Nestled in Rydges Palmerston, this Darwin dining destination exudes style with filigree screens, birds nest-style pendent lights and a stunning mural dominating one wall, ideal for lingering over a cocktail and perusing a menu sure to tantalise the palate.

 

Jump right in with sesame-seared scallops, hoisin glaze and fried basil, or sweet and sticky chicken wings with spring onions and sesame seeds; experience a taste of the NT with a main of teriyaki kangaroo noodle stir-fry with mixed Asian vegetables.

Join a crowd of Gilgandra locals heading towards charming Railway Hotel on Bundy Street seeking refreshing beverages and a generous meal. Dating back to 1910, this country town hotel continues to provide a place to revive after long days, whether hard at work or exploring the surrounding region, luring in visitors with old-world warmth and grandeur to unwind in good company.

 

A pizza menu offers sumptuous flavours, spanning from popular traditional options through to a selection of gourmet pizzas with mouth-watering toppings as well as tasty burgers like chicken schnitzel with lettuce and mayonnaise, on a toasted bun.

Whether seeking fresh local produce, beer, wine or a meal with family and friends, there is something for everyone at The Agrestic Grocer on Mitchell Highway in Orange. Take in shelves groaning with temptations from jams, chutney and pickles, to colourful vegetables and take-home meals for an easy dinner; or stop awhile and join the lively buzz in the courtyard as local artists entertain at the weekend.

 

Early risers are spoilt for choice with plates like Turkish poached eggs with garlic-infused yoghurt, Aleppo chilli butter, herb salad and olive crumb on sourdough; a lively lunch crowd chows down on a beef burger with American cheese, onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato and special sauce.