Some cafés and casual dining spots offer more than just good food — they create a sense of place, purpose and community. Whether it’s a farmers’ market-turned-hospitality hub, a social enterprise giving back, or a sunlit coastal pizzeria that feels like home after a long day, these venues remind us that eating out can be as much about connection as it is about flavour. Here’s where to go when you’re looking for comfort with character.
The Agrestic Grocer - Orange, NSW
Part farmers’ market, part café and part weekend entertainment hub, The Agrestic Grocer on Mitchell Highway is where the country’s bounty meets community spirit. Wooden shelves bow under the weight of jars, preserves and fresh produce, while an open courtyard hums with live music when Saturday rolls around. It’s the kind of place where browsing turns into lingering, and lingering turns into ordering just one more coffee while you watch the locals mingle.
On the menu, mornings begin with the kind of plates that
make you glad you got up early — think silky poached eggs nestled on
garlic-spiked yoghurt with a kick of aleppo chilli butter, or the simple
perfection of a ham, cheese and tomato toastie on Turkish bread. Come
lunchtime, you might be tempted by the crisp crunch of chicken karaage with
pickled sides, or a cheeseburger layered with onion, pickles and crisp lettuce.
Reserve your table now and enjoy the full Agrestic experience.
Momentum Café - Frankston, VIC
Set within the lively Karingal Hub, Momentum Café brings industrial cool to Frankston’s dining scene. The space feels effortlessly current, with muted greys, warm timber accents and splashes of vivid red pulling your gaze around the room. It’s an ideal pause point whether you’re sneaking in a solo coffee break or sharing lunch with friends after a shopping marathon.
The kitchen’s dedication to in-house craftsmanship shines
through — from bread still warm from the oven to jewel-bright jams and
dressings that elevate even the simplest salad. Zucchini and corn fritters
layered with halloumi, avocado and beetroot labneh make a brunch worth
repeating, while those lingering past noon might succumb to slow-cooked beef
brisket piled high over golden fries.
Book your seat today and savour Momentum’s signature freshness.
Industry & Co on Oxley Avenue isn’t just a café — it’s a social enterprise with a purpose. Profits fund training and employment for people living with diverse abilities, so every cup of coffee poured here carries a little extra heart. Choose a breezy perch outside and watch Margate life roll by, or settle into the understated warmth indoors where timber floors and soft lighting keep the atmosphere relaxed.
The daily-changing menu offers a compact but tempting
selection. A meat lovers’ quiche, generously layered with ham, bacon and
salami, might be just the ticket, while the chicken, cheese and avocado toastie
is a simple, crowd-pleasing classic. For a sweet finish, lemon and coconut
slice or a fudgy chocolate brownie will keep the afternoon smiling.
Support the cause and enjoy your next coffee at Industry & Co.
BunLee Bun & Brew - Burleigh Heads, QLD
Bright, coastal and buzzing with flavour, BunLee Bun & Brew brings a fresh Vietnamese twist to Burleigh’s dining strip on James Street. Its light-filled space nods to the Gold Coast surf scene, from a wave-shaped counter to art depicting sandy-footed surfers, while the smell of freshly baked baguettes drifts temptingly from the racks.
Their banh mi is the hero — filled with your choice of pork,
chicken or beef alongside crisp carrot, cucumber, coriander and lettuce. For
something lighter, chicken rice paper rolls make the perfect beach snack, while
bao buns stuffed with slow-cooked pork are pure comfort in handheld form. A
Ginger Ninja juice with carrot, apple, ginger and turmeric ties it all together
with a zing.
Order ahead and take BunLee goodness straight to the sand.
Town & Country Pizza & Pasta North Torquay - Torquay, VIC
On Fischer Street, just minutes from the surf, Town & Country Pizza & Pasta is where classic Italian comfort meets coastal charm. A wall of windows floods the space with sunlight, making it an inviting stop for locals and travellers alike. Whether you’re winding down after a day on the Great Ocean Road or simply craving a night of unfussy, well-made food, this is the kind of spot that delivers.
The pasta menu reads like a love letter to nonna’s kitchen,
from fettuccine with chicken, roast pumpkin and pine nuts in a creamy garlic
sauce to spirals tossed with Napoletana, chilli and a splash of vodka. Pizza
lovers can’t go past the seafood-laden Oceania, or the fiery Mexicana with hot
salami. And if indecision strikes, the Town Special — ham, mushrooms, capsicum,
olives and anchovies — is a safe and satisfying bet.
Call now to lock in your pizza night at Town & Country.
From Orange to Torquay, these eateries prove that the everyday meal can be anything but ordinary. Each one brings its own personality — be it rustic charm, social impact, coastal energy or Italian warmth — yet all share a common thread: food made with care, served in spaces designed to welcome. Wherever you choose to pull up a chair, you’ll find more than a meal; you’ll find a reason to stay a little longer.
