There’s something deeply restorative about a journey to the mountains - crisp air, panoramic views and a slower pace that makes every bite taste better. Whether you're gazing out over snow-dusted peaks or dining lakeside with the scent of pine in the breeze, these high-altitude culinary destinations serve food that reflects the rugged, seasonal beauty of their surroundings.
This is your gourmet guide to the best mountain escapes worth the drive:
Nestled in secluded parkland on the edge of Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House is the kind of destination that transforms a dinner into an occasion. Just minutes from the heart of Canberra, it feels worlds away - quiet, intimate and elevated, both in setting and in culinary ambition. White tablecloths, an open fireplace and a wall of windows framing the water create the perfect backdrop for refined dining with a touch of country lodge romance.
Executive Chef John Leverink delivers mountain-inspired
luxury through a Modern Australian lens. His charcoal pork loin is a
knockout - perfect crackling, fennel’s gentle sweetness, the heat of nduja and a
smoky piperade working in harmony. Other standouts include the scallop
tortellini, rich with roe and Warrigal greens and a White Pyrenees lamb that
speaks directly to the mountainous theme. This is polished, seasonal fare in
one of the most serene dining rooms in the country.
Escape to lakeside elegance - reserve your table now.
The Mill Restaurant – Pokolbin, NSW
Set against the awe-inspiring Brokenback Ranges and surrounded by Hunter Valley vineyards, The Mill Restaurant is your go-to for elevated rural dining. Inside, the space blends relaxed country charm with subtle luxury - a perfect match for its breathtaking outdoor views. It’s a place where you linger longer, sipping wine and savouring the beauty of the valley and mountains in the distance.
The honey-glazed duck leg is pure mountain
indulgence - crispy-skinned, rich and balanced by earthy beetroot and tangy
rhubarb sauce. Served with kipfler potatoes and a peppery arugula salad, it's
the kind of dish that belongs in a fireside lodge or vineyard hideaway. Begin
with charred octopus and end with a chocolate pudding touched with mint and
cardamom cream. The Mill’s seasonal focus ensures that every meal mirrors the
rhythms of the region.
Book now for a luxurious Hunter escape with a view to match.
Red Stag Restaurant – Eurobin, Vic
On a 70-acre farm with sweeping views of the Victorian Alps, Red Stag Restaurant is equal parts mountain retreat and culinary adventure. Originally a humble tourist farm, it's now a fully-fledged dining destination complete with a gift shop, deer paddocks and a rustic-chic restaurant that pulls in locals and road trippers alike. Expect hearty, game-forward dishes and a cosy country setting with just the right amount of quirk.
Daring palates will love the housemade cranberry and emu
pie - encased in buttery pastry, served with creamy mash, sweet peas and a rich
onion gravy. It’s unapologetically local, tapping into the region’s game meat
tradition. For something shareable, the roast venison pizza with marinated
vegetables and bocconcini delivers big flavour and alpine charm in equal
measure.
Ready for a true taste of the mountains? Secure your table today.
Tanswells Commercial Hotel – Beechworth, Vic
Step into history at Tanswells Commercial Hotel, a Beechworth landmark since the 1870s that now doubles as a standout dining destination in the High Country. The double-storey brick façade and wraparound verandah nod to its gold rush past, while the modern kitchen serves up pub food with real culinary heft. Inside, expect a welcoming buzz, great beer and plates that pack a punch.
The braised Sicilian spiced goat is a standout for
adventurous eaters - deeply spiced, fork-tender and served with creamy polenta,
labneh and a vibrant parsley salad. It’s comfort food with edge, a perfect
match for Beechworth’s brisk nights and heritage charm. This is country
hospitality done with finesse and a little fire.
Drop in after a day on the trails - book your table and refuel in style.
Courabyra Wines Restaurant – Tumbarumba, NSW
Tucked into the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, Courabyra Wines Restaurant offers a postcard-perfect experience of high-country dining. From its wraparound verandah to the indoor fireplace, everything about this winery restaurant encourages you to slow down and savour - whether that’s a crisp Riesling or a steaming plate of pasta after a long bushwalk.
The dukkah-crusted lamb backstrap is a hero dish - served atop
a roast vegetable salad and paired with a glass of the signature 805 Pinot
Noir. It’s earthy, aromatic and perfectly in tune with the high-altitude
terroir. Don’t skip the coconut prawns or the silky housemade ravioli, either.
With local wine flowing and the mountains standing tall in the distance, it’s
hard to imagine a more fitting place to dine.
Make it a long lunch in the Snowy Mountains - book your table at Courabyra now.
