It's reasonable to say that Dubbo's been on our radar for a long time, we all know about the Western Plains Zoo and have most likely visited or want to visit at some point in our life. However, what Dubbo hasn't been letting us in on is their thriving food, coffee and bar scene. 

We decided to make a mini-escape of it, and in the process discovered what is possibly one of Australia's best-kept foodie secrets; what followed was an onslaught of food and drink that we'll be remembering for a long time.  

Scattered throughout Dubbo's city centre are tasty cafes and restaurants, there's a new craft beer brewery, we even found ourselves a sassy little Speakeasy! With only two days to play, we managed to cram in some serious eating and drinking that went like this...

The Press

The best way to describe The Press is, think The Grounds of Alexandria just without all the tourists. Another favourite for locals who enjoy sitting amongst the lush greenery in the light-filled outdoor space. Press was one of our dining highlights and was complemented with exceptional service; you only have to have a quick browse over their Instagram to see what we mean about the food.

Where: 33 Bultje St
When: Mon-Fri | 7.30am-3pm
Sat | 8am-3pm
Sun | 8am-2pm
More Info: click here 

Short St Store

The first foodie stop-off we had in Dubbo, the Short St Store feels just like a Newcastle café. With relaxed vibes, blooming good coffee and a food menu certain to delight all tastes; it was hard to peel us away from this spot!

The quaint homey café is smack-bam in the middle of a beautiful residential area in Dubbo and taking one step inside almost feels like you’ve been welcomed into the home of a good friend. Take a seat in the sunny courtyard or pull up a seat in one of the light and plant filled rooms.

Where: 11 Short St
When: Mon-Fri | 6am-3pm
Sat-Sun | 7.30am-12pm
More Info: click here

Local Coffee Co

Kick start the day with a very delicious cold brew. Local Coffee Co is popular with locals, and for good reason! The owners are all about quality coffee and encouraging customers to be as sustainable as possible. With one of the walls dedicated to promoting Keep Cups and climate-change facts; they even have a bucket for customers to drop their batteries into for recycling.

Where: 124 Brisbane St
When: Mon-Fri | 7.30am-2pm
More Info: click here

The Auctioneer

We came across this place completely by accident. Dropping into local retail store, Frank & Enid we noticed this beautiful coffee machine sitting in the front window of the space in front. The Auctioneer was what we laid our eyes on, and we have to admit – we visited this place numerous times!

Brought to Dubbo locals by the team behind local pastry making business, the Farmer’s Bakehouse. The cosy coffee spot is complete with the teams hand-crafted breads, pastries and mouth-watering pies as well as coffee that is certain to hit the spot.

Giving you a little taste of the city in downtown Dubbo, The Auctioneer has a huge focus on fine coffee, decadent French pastries and an everchanging seasonal menu. Grab your goodies on the go or indulge in their very own quaint courtyard.

Where: 46 Wingewarra St
When: Mon-Fri | 7.30am2.30pm
More Info: click here

Black Tambourine

Owned by the very friendly Henry Doliveiro, this hidden little gem offers up an impressive menu that is super fresh with Black Tambourine being known for making everything in-house. Don’t be deceived by the hole-in-the-wall exterior, there’s room to pull up a chair out the front or squeeze into a nook out the back. 

Where: Brisbane St
When: Mon-Fri | 6.30am-3pm
Sat | 7.30am-2pm
More Info: click here 

Alchemy on Victoria

Located away from town, Alchemy on Victoria is one of those places you’ve just got to make the time for to check out. Perfect for breakfast and brunch, or even that midday pick me up, the cafe also doubles as a retail space jam-packed with all the best local produce. 

Where: 54 Victoria St
When: Sun-Thu | 8am-2pm
Fri-Sat | 8am-3pm
More Info: click here 

Church St Corner [CSC]

Right in the centre of town, Church St Corner is a hard one to miss with their bright and inviting interiors calling you over to come in for breaky! Home to award winning chefs, delicious and seasonal menus and some darn good coffee.

Head in for breakfast and try dishes like the amazing protein porridge with seasonal flavours or their famous corn fritters with crispy bacon and salsa. For those with a sweet tooth they also stock fresh donuts, muffins and brownies made in house daily.

Where: 15 Church St
When: Mon-Fri | 7am-2.30pm
Sun | 8am-12pm
More Info: click here 

The Establishment

Yes, believe it or not, Dubbo does indeed have its very own Speakeasy; The Establishment Bar. Completely unexpected, what owner Tenelle Bond has managed to do so incredibly well is transport you out of the country into a New York Gatsby-like interior and sophisticated cocktail offering.

Seeing a niche in the Dubbo scene, and somewhere to grab a coffee after 4pm for those little get togethers that wasn’t a pub, Tenelle has brought her knowledge and passion to the venue, creating something special for community. Elegant and reasonably priced there is a drink for every taste.

Where: 90 Macquarie St
When: Thu-Sat | 5pm-12am
Sun | 4pm-8pm
More Info: click here 

Devil’s Hollow

Only opening in mid 2019, the idea for Devil’s Hollow Brewery came about after four mates took a trip to South Africa and decided they wanted to bring a metropolitan city bar experience to Dubbo, with a community feel.

Each of the beers on tap have their own story to tell and are mostly connected to the history, culture and location of Dubbo, even the name – Devil’s Hollow -  references a corner in the local lake named Devil’s Hole. The massive venue can hold up to 400 people features beautifully crafted recycled timber tables, a pizza oven imported from Italy and plenty of entertainment on the weekends from live music to community market events.

Where: 10 Commercial Ave
When: Mon-Tue | 7am-2pm
Wed-Thu | 7am-10pm
Fri | 7am-11.30pm
Sat | 8am-11.30pm
Sun | 8am-9pm
More Info: click here 

The Monkey Bar

The Central West’s very own craft beer and cocktail destination all in one location. The Monkey Bar has quickly become a crowd favourite with their constantly rotating tap beer selection, a unique cocktail menu and fresh, local produce utilised on the food menu. 

Where: 24 Wingewarra St
When: Tue-Thu | 4pm-10pm
Fri-Sat | 4pm-12am
More Info: click here 

One Siam Thai Restaurant

We love a good Thai meal here in Newcastle, so it’s no surprise that we went on the hunt to find something good in Dubbo. It didn’t take long and my gosh didn’t they deliver! One Siam Thai Restaurant serves up authentic Thai and Laos cuisine dominated with fresh herbs and spices. 

Where: 169 Wingewarra St
When: Mon-Sun | 10am-3pm | 5pm-9.30pm 

Royal India Restobar

Everywhere we went, people would ask us if we’d tried Restobar yet! So, midway through our stay in Dubbo we gave in and dropped into the local Indian restaurant to grab some takeaway. I hate to have to call it, but this was easily the best Indian food I’ve ever tried.

Showcasing the finest Indian cuisine, Royal India Restobar is the go-to restaurant in the whole area. With reasonable prices and all your favourite Indian dishes, the flavours created are from the team’s unique recipes with just the right blend of seasonings. 

Where: 29 Bultje St
When: Mon-Sun | 5pm-9pm
More Info: click here