There’s so much to love about Mildura: the thriving regional hub is one of the most remarkable river towns in Australia.
And, when it comes to food, wine, beer and whatever you fancy, you’re guaranteed a fabulous range of exceptional culinary delights. You’ll find cosy cafes, fine dining restaurants and everything in between.
Opening image: Stefano’s Cafe. Image: Visit Victoria.
Pubs and hotels
If you’re after a fine wine with your meal, there’s no shortage of charming pubs and hotels in Mildura, offering delicious dishes and a lively atmosphere. Here are some of our favourites:
The Gateway – located on Fifteenth Street, close to the Murray River, the Gateway is well-known as a family-friendly pub. The food at the bistro is excellent: locals say it’s the best pub grub in town and who are we to argue with that? There’s all-day dining between 11am and 9pm with daily specials and all the traditional pub meals.
Mildura Brewery Pub – located on the banks of the Murray River, the pub is a beer lovers’ mecca. There’s a beer-tasting club, and a popular restaurant where all the food is perfectly matched to the beer. The pub focuses on dishes from their charcoal grill, and they also cater for functions.
Mildura RSL – The award-winning Mildura RSL is home to the popular Wirraway Bistro which is open seven days for lunch and dinner with a great menu to suit everyone’s tastes. The Bistro has a modern decor with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, suitable for that intimate night out for two, or a catchup with friends at lunch – and the kids can burn off some energy in their own “entertainment room!”
The Honey Bar – featuring a modern restaurant, bar and rooftop in the heart of Mildura’s CBD, the Honey Bar is well-regarded for giving a unique spin to classic cocktails. There are beers and ciders on tap, a vast array of food specials, and a fun nightlife atmosphere.
Fossey’s Distillery – this boutique distillery is right in the heart of Mildura. We love their slogan: “Where exceptional becomes the standard and the quirkiness becomes the norm!” At Fossey’s you can try the best of local produce and enjoy the art of gin and whisky swilling and distilling.
Mildura Working Man’s Club – this is definitely a club for everyone and you don’t have to be a “working man” to enjoy it. Full Club facilities including a bar and Bistro 121, which is open every day. There’s a fabulous breakfast menu and a la carte dining. The Sports Bar is always popular during footy season. Parents would highly rate the kid’s playground and Xbox 360 consoles in the games room making family dining nice and easy.
Sunraysia Cellar Door – pop into the Lime Street establishment and you’re invited to sample some of more than 250 wines from 22 Murray Darling wine producers all under one roof. You can “try before you buy” the vast range of the region’s highly awarded wines at Inland Australia’s only one-stop cellar door. They also sell local products, such as olive oils, dried fruit and a great range of gift ideas along with Mildura’s best grinder’s coffee.
Cafes and restaurants
If you’d prefer a cafe or restaurant, Mildura has so much to choose from. Whether you crave the flavours of modern Aussie cuisine, captivating fusion menus, contemporary Thai delicacies, or clever creations by local chefs, you’ll be sure to find something extraordinary.
Stefano’s Spanish Grill – This is the only wood-fired grill and steakhouse in Mildura. Chef Stefano de Pieri uses locally-sourced produce and prides himself in a delicious range of uniquely Spanish entrees such as cheese croquettes. The Grill is a favourite among locals and visitors, so don’t miss out.
Botanica Cuisine – if you’re after incredibly creative dishes, look no further than Botanica Cuisine. The food is a delicious blend of Asian and Northern European flavours, cooked with local produce and ingredients. With a Scandinavian-Australian head chef, much of the menu reflects a fusion of two cultures.
Andy’s Kitchen – if you’re craving authentic Asian food then you must head to Lime Street and treat yourself with a unique twist on the average Thai dish. Chef Andy Nguyen is renowned for his modern take on traditional Thai food. There’s also a tranquil Balinese garden as well as a kids’ play area.
Pizza cafe at the Grand – calling all pizza lovers… and who doesn’t love pizza?! Located at the Grand Hotel, the pizza cafe has all the atmosphere of the hotel but with everything you need and love about a classic pizza restaurant. It’s affordable, delicious and the wood-fired pizzas are served with your choice of salads and a fine range of side dishes.
Phatty Boombah – Mouth-watering burgers and sides, chicken parmys and an ever-evolving menu to cater for everyone. Phatty Boombah has the most delectable burger menu: the Mick Dundee, Bruce Lee, Double Trouble, Double Dallas…not to mention buffalo wings, jalapenos cheese balls and mozzarella sticks.
Golly Cafe and Bakery – This family-owned venue has a great range of ready-to-go options as well as sit-down meals. There’s everything from sausage rolls and pies to sandwiches, and coffee – and they also stock a local range of dressing, dried fruit, nuts, salt and honey.
Central Grind cafe – If you’re popping in for some retail therapy at the Mildura Central make sure you make a pit stop at the Central Grind. It’s a modern sanctuary for the serious coffee and tea lover, to enjoy a scrumptious breakfast or lunch, house-baked cakes, and specialty teas (they’re also fully licensed. )
Blk Mlk – this is Mildura’s first specialty coffee shop, working exclusively with Five Senses Coffee Roasters and running espresso on their state-of-the-art 2015 Synesso Hydra MVP. Blk Mlk serves light, fun, and creative breakfasts, brunch, and lunches. Their most popular options are their gourmet sandwiches and refreshing smoothies… and of course their Mildura-famous coffee.
Larry’s Prosciutteria – described as feeling like you’re walking into a piazza in Italy, Larry’s is renowned in Mildura for its authentic Italian delights. The chefs serve traditional food, including wood-fired pizza, pasta, panini, Nonna’s homemade meatballs, and arancini. There are special touches to the restaurant, including large dining tables, heirloom furniture and festoon lighting. There’s a menu of “sharing options” and platters with hand-selected Italian-produced and homemade ingredients.
Whether you’re seeking a casual dining experience, a relaxed riverside meal, or a trendy pub lunch, you’re going to love Mildura and you’re sure to discover even more delicious delights in this food lover’s haven. Plus, it’s never been easier to visit thanks to Rex’s amazing network of flights. Head over to their website, or study the route map below for more details.
