Bowral Cafes: A Foodie’s Guide to the Southern Highlands

Whether you are committing to a full-blown tree change or you are simply taking a country jaunt for the weekend, Bowral should be on your list. Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, this cute country town is the largest in the Southern Highlands. It is also where many visitors base themselves for a romantic weekend away among the vines. Bowral will also surprise many a city-slicker with its selection of cute and sophisticated cafes and restaurants. These are some of the best Bowral cafes and those in the surrounding villages that you simply can’t miss during your visit.

Skye Gilkeson | Cover Image © Moonacres Kitchen

6 of the Best Bowral Cafes

The Press Shop

Get your Insta-account ready, The Press Shop is made for that feed. This place is almost too cute with its duck-egg blue and white colour scheme and its adjoining Bespoke Letterpress shop.

Stop in for a delicious breakfast crafted from locally-sourced produce. Our go-to is always the simple Taluca Park Free Range Eggs on toast but there are a few more gourmet options on the a la carte menu.

Expect one of the best coffees in Bowral thanks to their strong Cultivar pours, try their house-made cold brew or a beautiful Little Wildling tea.

Pick up a few handmade gifts, wrapping paper and cards from the shop after breakfast.

5/391-397 Bong Bong St, Bowral

 

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Cafe Rosso

Known as one of the best spots for casual Italian in the area, Cafe Rosso is also a preferred morning coffee spot for us too.

Conveniently located next to the Harris Farm Market means parking is easy in the early hours and a quick grocery run after a latte, even easier.

If you pop into Cafe Rosso for lunch you will be spoilt. The Italian fare is simple and traditional, and they serve up some delicious cocktails and wines to go with it.

Shop 3, Corner of Station and, Bowral St, Bowral

Rush Roasting Co.

If you want to try some of the best coffee in Bowral you should rush, don’t walk, to Rush Roasting Co. These guys know what they are doing when it comes to roasting and pouring. Located in the lovely Grand Arcade off Bong Bong St, this is a conveniently located Bowral cafe to stop in at after you wander the Bong Bong boutiques.

Rush also has a small selection of freshly made sandwiches, cakes and sweet treats. Of course, they also sell their coffee beans, should you be shopping for a present to take home to friends.

 The Grand Arcade 4, 293-295 Bong Bong St, Bowral

The Mill Cafe

There’s nothing flashy about The Mill. But, that’s part of its appeal. It’s a relaxed cafe that’s ideal for groups and families.

Its sizeable dining room has a thoughtful play area for the little ones over in the far corner which will give weary parents some time to finish their food. The Mill staff is always super friendly and accommodating. The modern Australian menu makes it a good choice for the whole family or a casual lunch. In winter, grab a spot by the fire for a long lunch with friends or enjoy their regular live music offering.

Stop in on a Saturday for their well-known farmers market in the courtyard or wander the shops featuring local artisanal goods and clothing.

 210-224 Bong Bong St, Bowral

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Gumnut Patisserie

Love a sweet treat? Gumnut Patisserie is the place for you. Gumnut is a busy spot for visitors, particularly on the weekend. So, if you are planning on visiting the Bowral cafe on the weekend, get there early. Alternatively, visit the Mittagong location instead to skip the crowds (not open on Sundays).

Gumnut is known for its delicious pastries, handmade cakes and their fresh meat pies and sausage rolls.

Shop 7, Grand Arcade, Bong Bong Street, Bowral | Corner of Cavendish & Dalton Streets, Mittagong

 

Flour Water Salt

Flour Water Salt is a cute cafe located on Bong Bong Street. A small space, this is a good takeaway spot or a cosy destination for a coffee date. Their sticky chai is warming and delicious for those who aren’t big coffee drinkers. Otherwise, you can expect all the usual pours.

It’s the cabinet that might be the hardest to resist with their famous pies and sweet treats tempting you from the moment you walk in.

374 Bong Bong St, Bowral

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Other Southern Highlands Cafes you Must Try

We can’t discuss Bowral cafes without sharing some of our favourites from the other nearby Southern Highlands villages. After all, when you visit this part of New South Wales, you have to jump in the car and explore the gorgeous smaller, towns too.

Mittagong

Station Coffee House

A local favourite, Station Coffee House is buzzing from the early hours until closing time but owner Jake and his bubbly staff manage the crowds well with a smile.

The cafe serves up large portions of breakfast favourites alongside their delicious coffee. They also do delicious smoothies and juices.

12a Bowral Rd. Mittagong

The Shaggy Cow

The Shaggy Cow just a few doors down is a popular spot, particularly with visitors on the weekend. So, book a table if you hope to stop in on a Saturday. The menu is modern Australian with a twist.

They also offer picnic hampers and packages should you prefer to take your breakfast or lunch to a nearby park (lovely Lake Alexandra Reserve is just down the road). You need to pre-order and pay for their family packages.

112 Main St, Mittagong

The Boston

The uber-cool setting at The Boston is a little bit New York, a little bit Melbourne. With Campos coffee on the pour, a simple seasonal food menu and pared-back interior, it’s a chic setting.

Grab a spot out in the sunny back courtyard of the 1880s terrace for a break from antiquing nearby. Closed Sunday and Monday.

107 Main St, Mittagong

 

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Moss Vale

Highlands Merchant

The pretty blue building with black and white striped awning and hand-painted floral mural of Highlands Merchant draws you in as you drive through the main street of Moss Vale. This cute curated visual story continues inside as you take a seat in this cosy cafe.

It’s the beaming faces of their staff and a cabinet brimming with sweet treats that also welcomes customers on entry. They make great coffee and a have a small a la carte menu for breakfast and lunch.

405 Argyle St, Moss Vale

Rush Roasting Co.

Picky about your coffee? Rush is worth a stop in for a morning heart starter. Their Moss Vale cafe is the newest addition with an established roastery and cafe in Bowral’s Bong Bong Street.

 Shop 6/348 Argyle St, Moss Vale

Robertson

Moonacres Kitchen

Moonacres Kitchen is our favourite cafe in the region for a few reasons. It is a true local, country cafe. It’s clear every part of the culinary journey has been considered; from growing their own produce, crafting a seasonal menu to the cosy and friendly environment in which they serve their delicious food and drinks.

If you didn’t know Moonacres existed, you would easily drive straight past it on your way through the tiny town. But, when you step into the dining room, it feels like you’re dining in someone’s country kitchen. Warm smiles welcome you, with the shine of the pastries overflowing in the cabinet a powerful distraction.

The first question you will be asked at Moonacres on the weekend is “Do you have a booking?”. My advice is to always book or it’s likely you won’t get a seat here, particularly if you plan on dining as a group.

Shop 6-7, 79-81 Hoddle Street, Robertson 

 

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Berrima

Historic Berrima really is a culinary destination all its own, with the award-winning Eschalot and popular Josh’s in the main street (the Old Hume Highway) and Bendooley Estate a few minute’s drive away.

 

The Little Hand Stirred Jam Shop

This quaint shop sells home-made jams, relishes, pickles to take home to your own larder, or gift to friends and family. But, it’s really the home-made ice cream that you should try while wandering through.

The artisanal micro-dairy gelato is creamy and delicious and the perfect accompaniment to a wander down Berrima’s shop-lined main street.

1/9 Old Hume Hwy, Berrima

Exeter

Exeter General Store

From the outside, the Exeter General Store is a quintessential country corner store. That charm only increased when you walk in. The charming interior welcomes diners with its wooden tables, surrounded by full bookshelves and the morning sun streaming in.

The menu is much more sophisticated then you might first expect as they show off local producers’ seasonal produce. Expect the typical eggs benedict, smashed avocado and egg and bacon rolls. But, you’ll also find breakfast congee, chia pudding and superfood smoothies and a substantial kids menu.

1 Exeter Road, Exeter