Just over an hour from Sydney, the Blue Mountains beckons with its stunning bush trails, brightly coloured rosellas, king parrots, and abundant wildlife.
This UNESCO world heritage area is also home to the iconic Three Sisters and the renowned Jenolan Caves.
While being enamoured by the natural environment, it’s easy to fall into tourist traps.
Cedar, Katoomba
First on the list is Cedar, an unassuming kebab shop that’s anything but ordinary. This hole-in-the-wall gem is helmed by Josh, a former personal chef for the Rolling Stones.While he has plenty of rock ‘n’ roll stories to share, his culinary creations are the real draw.
Despite often having lines out the door, the wait is manageable, especially if you visit right at noon or around 5 p.m.
Cedar’s kebabs are legendary, earning a spot among the top five in NSW. Josh crafts his own sauces—Zhoug and Toum are standouts, particularly when paired with sweet chili.
His menu is impressively diverse, featuring numerous vegan dishes, salads, and an extensive selection of plant-based kebabs.
The Laughing Elephant, Wentworth Falls
The Laughing Elephant is a well-kept secret among locals. This quaint spice shop offers a vast array of Asian spices and foods, but its crowning glory is the banh mi.The vegetarian banh mi, with its secret barbecued paste, tofu, and Asian greens, is the best I’ve ever tasted.
Tuesdays are special at The Laughing Elephant, as they stock up on Malaysian desserts which disappear quickly—though you might still snag one or two on a Thursday.
Freshly made rice paper rolls are another highlight, selling out swiftly each day.
Frankie and Mo’s, Blackheath
Frankie and Mos, a relatively new wine bar in Blackheath, is a labour of love from the father-son duo, Tom and Bob.Tom, a globetrotting viticulturist with a degree from Adelaide Hills University, joined forces with his father in 2016 to craft small-batch natural wines.
These organic wines are now served in their Govetts Leap Road restaurant.
The service is friendly and efficient, even during busy times. The menu, inspired by fresh, local ingredients, changes frequently.
On our visit, we savoured a melt-in-your-mouth vegetarian gnocchi, an exquisite cheese tart, chat potatoes, and Sicilian olives, all perfectly paired with a fruity rosé.
Frankie and Mos offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious tapas-style dishes and exceptional wines.
Pho Moi, Katoomba
Pho Moi Katoomba, a cosy 30-seat diner, is the brainchild of Chef Tai from Ho Chi Minh.Known for its exceptional pho, this place will have you salivating over a 16-hour slow-cooked herbal beef stock that’s earned it a spot among the top five pho restaurants in NSW.
It’s an ideal spot for a casual lunch or dinner, where the menu features fresh Vietnamese street food. From pho noodle soups and spring rolls to rice paper rolls, noodle salads, and rice meals, every dish is hand-crafted daily in limited quantities.
The specials menu changes regularly, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
Vegetarian spring rolls and crispy stir-fried eggplant with rice are my preferred choices, with the eggplant’s tender flesh melting in your mouth, complemented by a spicy sauce, garlic, and spring onion.
Black Cockatoo Bakery, Lawson and Katoomba
Matt Moran of Aria fame hails Black Cockatoo as “a phenomenal bakery in Lawson,” with his top pick being their croissants.Among these, the almond croissant stands out, alongside the Enmer bread loaf.
I concur with Mr. Moran—nothing compares to this bakery.
Their macarons are an unparalleled taste sensation, and the weekend-exclusive quiches are equally remarkable. The garlic snails, with their layers of light pastry, exemplify why Black Cockatoo was voted as making NSW’s second-best croissant—though many would argue they deserve the top spot.
With locations in Lawson and Katoomba, it’s essential to arrive early on weekends as pastries sell out quickly. For Sydneysiders, a weekend drive to Black Cockatoo is a pilgrimage well worth making.
Sanwiye, Katoomba
Sanwiye Katoomba never disappoints, but be sure to book ahead as it’s often busy.Recently, they’ve expanded by taking over the shop next door, doubling their capacity—a boon for customers.
On a chilly night, their ginger tea is the perfect warmer.
Our favourites include the vegetarian pancake, duk bokki, and Japchae, the sweet potato noodles. The pickled radish and vegetarian bulgogi with rice are also top picks.
The Bowery, Katoomba
Housed in the historic St. Andrew’s church, The Bowery is my top choice for fine dining in Katoomba.It strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, welcoming you even if you arrive in an oodie on a cold mountain night.
The setting is enchanting, with a large stained glass window and bird-themed décor adding a quirky touch.
The fish tacos are a must-try, as are the prawn koliwada.
We’re also partial to the kumara and pumpkin croquettes with peanut satay sauce.
The Bowery is open for dinner, lunch, and brunch, and on a sunny day, you can enjoy your meal al fresco under colourful umbrellas in their leafy courtyard.
Blackheath Bakery and Patisserie
Situated at the highway end of Govetts Leap Road, Blackheath Bakery and Patisserie is the original sourdough bakery in the area.Their financier cake is the best you’ll ever taste, and they offer two incredible vegetarian pies that will have you returning.
While many head to the Bakehouse on Wentworth, it doesn’t compare to the authentic experience of Blackheath Bakery.
Their unique pies and cake make it a standout destination for anyone seeking the true essence of Blue Mountains baking.
