Upper Blue Mountains

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The Imperial - Mt Victoria     
Great for the deep-fried foods and usually has a coal fire burning on a cold wet day. You may have to fight off the poseurs from Piddington. Only one choice for vegos.
(02) 4787 1878 - 1 Station Street

The Ivanhoe - Blackheath    
Reasonable food at reasonable prices. The best pub option in Blackheath. Allegedly home to best meat pies “in the universe”.
(02) 4787 6156 – 231 Great Western Highway

Gardners Inn - Blackheath  
Once good but has gone downhill. Food is vastly overpriced. Can be a bit trendy on weekends. Rude wait staff. Only salvation is the lounges in front of the fire on a cold wet day.
(02) 4787 6400 - 255 Great Western Highway

Wattle Cafe - Blackheath    
A popular meeting place for bushwalkers for eons, it had friendly staff and reasonable coffee.
(02) 4787 8153 - 240 Great Western Highway

Piedmont Inn Pizza - Blackheath    
Possibly the best pizza in the mountains, but the restaurant is small so ring and check there is room if you have a big group. May not like you at your dirtiest. 4787 7769
(02) 4787 7769 - 248 Great Western Highway

Blackheath Fish and Chips    
A popular meeting place for bushwalkers for eons, it has friendly staff and reasonable coffee. Eat across the road in the park. Food quality can vary, but no complaints about filthy canyoners.
222 Great Western Highway

Friars Tucker Takeaway - Blackheath    
They do an awesome veggie burger, which is very filling (yes, this one was reviewed by a vego). We’re assured the meat ones are great too, very gourmet, but not too pricey.
(02) 4787 7041 – 249 Great Western Highway

Blackheath Patissierie    
Good sourdough and some good pies. Has gone downhill in recent years due to change of ownership.
(02) 4787 8447 - 6 Govetts Leap Road

Rajarani Indian Restaurant - Blackheath   
Excellent traditional food, no charge BYO and very reasonable prices.
(02) 4787 6968 - 124 Wentworth Street

Gearin Hotel - Katoomba     
A little grungy and local-only, but that just adds to the vibe. Food is pretty good, prices are reasonable, and it is one of the few places in the mountains with decent live music. Buy a meal and two drinks and get a second meal free!
(02) 4782 4395 – 273 Great Western Highway

Blackburn’s Family Hotel - Katoomba    
Another pub that focuses on the local crowd rather than tourists. Good food, big serves and interesting atmosphere.
(02) 4782 1106 – 15 Parke Street

Rene’s Pizza - Katoomba    
Close to the station, great food and good service. It can be hard to get a table but well worth it if you crave a greasy treat.
(02) 4782 1859 – 4 Katoomba Street

Arjunas Indian Restaurant - Katoomba    
Possibly the best Indian food in the mountains. Positioned just off the highway near Shell Corner. Ring ahead to check they have room.
(02) 4782 4662 – 16 Valley Road

Chork Dee - Katoomba    
The best place for Thai. No MSG. Ring ahead to make sure they have space.
(02) 4782 1913 – 204 Katoomba Street

Sanwiye Korean Cafe - Katoomba    
Relatively new restaurant with fantastic, well priced food on the main drag.
0405 402 130 - 172 Katoomba St

Hominy Bakery - Katoomba    
Next door to Michels Patisserie, offers a great selection of pies, cakes and pastries. Specialised in sourdough bread and also has two great vegetarian pie options.
(02) 4782 9816 - 185 Katoomba St

Common Ground Cafe - Katoomba    
Run by an obscure religious sect, this place serves great food which is well priced. Their Amazon energy drink comes highly recommended to keep you awake for drive home. Closed Friday night and all day Saturday.
(02) 4782 9744 – 214 Katoomba Street

Swiss Cottage - Katoomba    
Really good food including traditional Swiss fare. Have an open fire. Need a clean change of clothes and dry shoes. Need to book. 4782 2281
(02) 4782 2281 – 132 Lurline Street

Alexandra Hotel (The Alex) - Leura    
Cheep beer, reasonable food, nice sunny beer garden for the warmer days. Good Japanese place next door if you want to source your food and drink separately!
(02) 4782 4422 – 62 Great Western Highway

Hana Japanese Restaurant - Leura    
Good food, BYO alcohol or you can get sake there. Open late. Try the green tea ice-cream.
(02) 4784 1345 – 121 The Mall

Leura fish & chips - Leura    
The most run down looking shop in the mall, but good prices and generous servings of grease. You can scandalise the visiting bourgeoisie by sitting on the grassy median strip to eat. Usually open after the other shops.
141 The Mall

Thai Square - Leura    
Great Thai that comes highly recommended by the locals. BYO with reasonably priced food. Open 7 days.
(02) 4784 2477 – 130 Megalong Street

The Conservation Hut - Wentworth Falls    
Perfectly positioned above the Valley of the Waters (at the finish point for Empress Canyon). The food, while a tad pricy, is generally great. An open fire makes it very cosy in winter.
(02) 4757 3827 - Fletcher Street

Schwarzs Patissierie - Wentworth Falls    
A bit trendy and pricey, and can often have a big queue, but very good quiches, pretzels and rolls. Staff can be a bit rude, but usually only when it is busy.
(02) 4757 3300 – 30 Station Street

Il Postino’s - Wentworth Falls    
Superb morning coffee, brilliant cakes and excellent breakfasts.
(02) 4757 1615 – 13 Station Street

Blue Mountain Hotel - Lawson     
Good food, reasonable prices, nicely restored historic building. In winter the fire is going and there is a good selection of beers on tap. Friendly service, comfy lounges and no issues with dress code.
(02) 4759 1023 – 286 Great Western Highway

Back to the Fat Canyoners’ Good Grub Guide – Download a PDF version of the guide