A Foodie’s Guide To The Snow
Jindabyne, Thredbo, Perisher; no matter where your skis take you, be sure to visit these Snowy Mountain gems
Snowy Mountains, NSW
Calling all snow bunnies: ski season has officially begun. Yes, that’s right; that powdery goodness has officially started to encase the Snowy Mountains of NSW, transforming them into a winter wonderland.
Whether you’re a ski veteran or are simply skimming your toes across the snow for the first time, one thing’s for sure: all that time carving up the slopes is bound to leave you hungry, and probably craving an OTT hot chocolate or glass of mulled wine to warm the soul.
So, if a road trip to NSW’s ski resorts is on the cards for you this year, be sure to make room in your itinerary for some of these iconic food and drink hot spots. Here’s our ultimate guide to the best places to eat and drink in Jindabyne, Thredbo and Perisher.
Where to eat and drink in Jindabyne, NSW
Sundance Bakehouse
We think you’ll find that there’s nothing quite like the warm, crusty flakes of a good pie, or the fluffy insides of a freshly baked baguette before or after a day spent in ski boots - and Sundance Bakery is practically a local legend. Stop in for a coffee, pie and sausage roll, or grab a loaf to go. It’s our go-to for a quick bite before a big day.
6 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
La Famiglia
Much like our own well-loved Albi’s Taverna and Queen Margherita, La Famiglia is the real Italian deal in the Snowy Mountains. Is there anything so winter-warming as a cheesy handmade pizza, plate of freshly made pasta, or top-quality Italian-sourced glass of red? We think not. La Famiglia is also a great takeaway option to enjoy back at your accommodation. We suggest placing your order early as these guys get busy!
Shop 2, 2 Snowy River Avenue, Jindabyne
Takayama Japanese
For fresh and filling Japanese bites, look no further than Takayama Japanese restaurant. The menu includes a line up of classics; salmon sushi rolls, tempura eggplant, sashimi and, most importantly, plenty of Sapporo beer to go around.
Shop 19, Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre, 5 Snowy River Avenue, Jindabyne
Birchwood Cafe
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that rings oh-so-true when the day in question will be spent tackling the slopes of the Snowys. Wholesome, tasty brekkie and lunch classics comprise the Birchwood menu - and beer, wine and cocktails are served from 10:00am if you’re really getting into the vacay spirit.
3/3 Gippsland Street, Jindabyne
Crackenback Farm
Bringing fine dining to the Snowy’s, this luxurious black barn-style accommodation and restaurant uses fresh, seasonal produce to create farmhouse-style perfection. Perched over Lake Crackenback, the restaurant boasts stunning views over the lake and Snowy Mountains. If you’re after a real treat yo’self moment, consider yourself sorted.
914 Alpine Way, Crackenback
Cocina Taqueria
Modern, flavour-filled Mexican bites, mezcal and margaritas (yes, chilli-infused included); nothing quite warms the soul like the spicy flavours of jalapeno poppers, burritos and tacos.
5/33 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
Wild Brumby Distillery
Situated in a beautiful setting between Jindy and Thredbo, Wild Brumby Distillery is the perfect place to warm yourself from within by taste testing a selection of their award-winning schnapps, gin and vodka. We couldn’t recommend the Butterscotch, Sour Apple and Pear William enough! If you’re looking to take shelter from the cold for a little longer, we highly recommend dipping into their food menu, which offers a selection of antipasti, mains and sweets.
Alpine Way, Thredbo
Jindabyne Brewing
If you’re a sucker for a crafty ale, a tipple enjoyed at this rustic yet vibey brewery is a no brainer. Offering a selection of brews for every taste bud, long-time local Karl started his career on the slopes before opening this Jindy favourite back in 2015. The brewery also serves a selection of tasty meals too!
5 Nettin Circuit, Jindabyne
The Banjo Paterson Inn
This iconic institution has been serving locals and tourists alike for many-a ski season. Known to get busy once the sun goes down, there’s three different spaces housed across split levels so you can take it from casual to a little bit fancy. Within, you’ll also find the Kosciuszko Brewery, which has been churning out seasonal ales in a copper-clad mash turn, lauter and brew kettle since 2009.
1 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne
Where to eat and drink in Perisher, NSW
Mid-Station Cafe
Break up the day with a stopover at Mid-Station Cafe to enjoy a quick, tasty lunch, snack or, if you’re so inclined, happy hour. This venue is found half way up the mountain on Perisher Valley. We love their hot choc here too!
Sundance Bakery
Yes, that’s right; this is the Perisher counterpart of Jindy’s highly regarded Sundance Bakehouse - and you can bet that you’ll be served the same delicious pastries, freshly baked breads and coffee here too.
Perisher Centre, Perisher Valley
Skitube Donuts
Arrive a little early to catch the Skitube and you’ll give yourself the chance to indulge in some sweet, warm, freshly-made mini donuts (aka Lil Orbits) for the ride up. We promise you will not regret it!
Ski Tube Perisher Station, Perisher Valley
Sundeck Hotel
Après-ski should always signal a cosy time and that’s what you can expect at the 1800-metres-above-sea-level Sundeck Hotel. Regale in ‘Schnappy Hour’, where you’ll be served a tasting paddle of test tubed filled schnapps. Grab a bite to eat and maybe catch some live music or a game whilst you’re there.
Kosciuszko Road, Perisher Valley
Cowpuccino
If you’re scaling the declines of Blue Cow, make Cowpuccino your designated refuel location. Choose from their selection of ready-made bites and sip on one of the best hot chocolates or coffees on the mountain.
Platform Level, Blue Cow Skitube Station, Kosciuszko National Park
Guthega Alpine Inn
Bringing Euro-Alps-vibes to Perisher, Guthega Alpine Inn serves the most delicious Glühwein (mulled wine). There’s also a lunch and dinner menu that focuses on fresh, regional produce served in the form of cosy, warming dishes. Park at Guthega and ski straight back to your car when you’re done.
57 Mount Tate Road, Guthega
High Ground Coffee Bar
Steps away from the village 8 ski lift and tucked in below the Manor Hotel, it’s worth arriving early for the day and stopping off at High Ground Coffee Bar - especially given that they have a rep for brewing some of the best flat whites and lattes on the mountain. Take a break here again for brunch or lunch, and enjoy the shakshuka eggs, a burger or a Guinness pie.
6/9946 Kosciuszko Road, Perisher Valley
Where to eat and drink in Thredbo, NSW
Merritts Mountain House
Right at the tippy-top of Merritts Gondola (1660 metres up, FYI), lodge-style Merritts Mountain House keeps things simple and homey with a bistro-style menu that features the likes of nachos, soups, German-style pretzels, poutine and the best hot chocolate on the mountain (according to our founder, Bronte). Come for the food and the view, and stay with a bucket of Coronas - we don’t doubt you’ve earned it.
Top of Merritts Gondola, Thredbo
The Bakery in the Village Square
Famous sourdough, quick, tasty sweet treats and freshly baked sausage rolls and pies - it’s a roll call of everyone’s bakery favourites. Need we say more?
24 Diggings Terrace, Thredbo
Alpine Bar
It’s a European tradition to indulge in a drink or two after a day on the mountain, and there’s no better place to do it here in Australia than at Alpine Bar. Located right in the hustle and bustle of Thredbo village, Alpine Bar slings cocktails to the pumping sounds of live music and DJs.
Friday Drive, Thredbo
Lounge Bar
Touted as Thredbos ‘home of cocktails’, a visit to Lounge Bar usually involves nibbles, an open fireplace, maybe some Glühwein, and a build-your-own martini - although it’s really hard to go past a classic Espresso rendition!
Friday Drive, Thredbo
Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest earns its name by being Australia’s highest altitude restaurant, located at 1937 metres above sea level. As you can imagine, the 270-degree views are next level and, thanks to an Italian-inspired menu, the experience more than matches up.
Top Of Kosciuszko Chairlift Kosciuszko Express, Quad Chair, Thredbo
Kareela Hutte
Chalet-style, mountain-hut-feel Kareela Hutte is a ski-in-ski-out venue located halfway down Thredbo’s Supertrail run. Kareela Hutte’s menu matches its interiors, with a German lean that sees platter boards and tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat dishes making a strong feature.
Apres Bar
Hearty and homey, Apres Bar tempts you off the slopes with its live music, freshly shucked oysters, house made pasta and the promise of a unique house-made cocktail. A relaxed, hole-in-the-wall favourite tucked away within The Denman Hotel, Apres Bar buys into its laid-back nature - ski boots encouraged!
28/30 Diggings Terrace, Thredbo