Sometimes, the most satisfying dining experiences aren’t about chasing the next culinary fad—they’re about finding a place that serves familiar favourites with absolute care. Whether it’s a perfectly cooked steak, a melt-in-your-mouth toasted sandwich or a wood-fired pizza done just right, these venues know how to honour the classics.
Here’s where to go when you want comfort, quality and a little something extra.
Trappers Restaurant - Batemans Bay, NSW
Tucked within the Sunseeker Motor Inn on Old Princes Highway, Trappers Restaurant is a warm, elegant escape where polished wooden tables dressed in crisp white cloths set the tone for a refined yet relaxed evening. Gentle pendant lighting casts a soft glow over the art-lined walls, making it equally suited for a long family dinner or a romantic two-top. The menu takes its cues from French technique and Australian produce, with a focus on precision and presentation.
Locally sourced seafood is prepared in-house to ensure the
very best cuts make it to your plate, while premium beef arrives from select
regions, grilled for maximum flavour. Sauces, jus and sides are made from
scratch in the kitchen, resulting in dishes that are as cohesive in taste as
they are striking in appearance.
Reserve your table for a dining experience worth lingering over.
A century-old institution on Sheridan Street, Niagara Café wears its art deco heritage proudly. Restored booth seating, a sweeping curved counter and glass cabinets brimming with takeaway sweets create an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia. Locals gather here for the hearty, unpretentious meals that have kept this diner buzzing for generations.
The menu delivers crowd-pleasers from breakfast to
lunch—think eggs Benedict with smoked salmon for an indulgent start, or
Panko-crumbed squid with chips for a mid-day treat. One standout is their
toasted Reuben, stacked with corned silverside, sauerkraut, horseradish cream,
cheese and pickle—a true nod to diner tradition with a bold, tangy twist.
Drop in and taste a slice of Gundagai history.
On Pakenham Street, Cos Baby Freo brings wholesome food and coffee culture together in a way that’s as stylish as it is inviting. The parklet seating is perfect for dog owners and sunshine seekers, while inside, red banquettes, lush greenery and colourful murals create a lively backdrop.
Breakfast here could mean eggs Benedict with smoked salmon
on buttery brioche or their much-loved bruschetta—sourdough piled with avocado,
halloumi, fresh tomatoes, house-made nut-free pesto and a drizzle of balsamic.
Later in the day, burgers take centre stage, from classic beef with cheese and
pickles to vegan stacks of roasted tomatoes, mushrooms and beans.
Book your spot and start your day the Cos Baby way.
Ozus Coffee - Battery Point, TAS
Perched at the entrance to Battery Point, Ozus Coffee is more than just a café—it’s a place to slow down. The cosy setting invites lingering, whether over a quick caffeine fix or a long chat with friends. Each dish is made to feel like home, turning simple ingredients into comforting, well-balanced plates.
From golden toasties to fresh-baked sweets, the menu is a
warm embrace. Try the scrambled eggs with chorizo, spring onion, pickled
mustard seeds and Parmesan on sourdough, or the smoked salmon cream cheese
bagel with capers, rocket, avocado and lemon. If you’re in the mood for
richness, the slow-roasted beef brisket toastie with cheddar and jalapeño is
hard to resist.
Stop by and let Ozus make your day a little brighter.
Appleby’s Mediterraneo Bar & Grill - Boat Harbour, TAS
With sweeping country views from its alfresco seating and the comforting aroma of wood-fired pizza wafting through its doors, Appleby’s Mediterraneo Bar & Grill is a feast for the senses. Inside, the buzz of conversation mingles with the scent of herbs and smoke from the oven, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts rustic and refined.
Begin with herb focaccia, hot from the oven, before moving
on to hearty Mediterranean pastas like pappardelle with braised lamb shoulder
ragu, oregano, tomato and red wine. Pizza lovers will find happiness in
toppings like smoked chicken with spinach, semi-dried tomatoes, bocconcini and
mozzarella, while mains such as pork with charred root vegetables and honey
cream sauce make for a satisfying indulgence.
Plan ahead and secure your table for a meal to remember.
At their heart, these venues prove that comfort doesn’t mean compromise—it means care, craft and consistency. Whether it’s the timeless charm of a century-old café, the rustic pull of a wood-fired oven, or the quiet elegance of a dining room where every detail is considered, each of these spots elevates the familiar into something memorable. Because sometimes, the greatest pleasure lies not in chasing what’s new, but in returning to what feels just right.
