14 of the best Jindabyne restaurants and eateries

From casual and lively pubs to funky small bars to iconic bakeries, we’ve found some of Jindabyne’s best eateries.

The alpine town of Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains is base camp to Australia’s highest peak, Mt Kosciuszko. With ample cafes and restaurants at your fingertips, it makes for a fuss-free stay near the mountain, year-round. Here are some of the best Jindabyne restaurants.

1. Banjo Paterson Inn

This alpine-style stone-clad hotel is open year-round is a favourite gathering place for both locals and travellers. Clancy’s Brasserie on the ground floor offers a pub-style menu with classics such as chicken schnitzel, Caesar salad, a grill selection and its famous ‘Snowy’ trout.

In The Overflow upstairs, you’ll find burgers and pizzas. It’s also home to Musters Bar, which spills out onto an outdoor terrace with views of Lake Jindabyne and regular live tunes, and microbrewery Kosciuszko Brewhouse, where the original Kosciuszko Pale and limited-edition seasonal ales are on tap.

Address: 1 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

2. Bacco Italian Restaurant

Bacco has been serving delicious Italian cuisine for 25 years. It’s a rustic, cosy spot right in the centre of Jindabyne to enjoy a la carte dining – think pizzas, pastas and mains such as pollo bacco and veal scallopini, topped off by affogato or homely lumberjack cake for dessert.

Or you can order pizza and pasta from the takeaway menu to eat back at your accommodation or perhaps by Lake Jindabyne, which is a few minutes’ walk from here, during warmer months.

Address: 10 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

3. Birchwood

Fuel up for a day on the slopes or traversing the Snowy’s best bushwalks at Birchwood. In the heart of town, this cosy café serves wholesome breaky dishes such as granola, avo on toast, and Turkish eggs, as well as all-day options including a B&E roll and toasties. For lunch, a creamy soup, poke bowls and burgers are added to the menu. Add a coffee made with Single O beans or a house-brewed kombucha to sip on – or peruse the booze options after 10am. We love Birchy’s Lunch Packs, made especially for days up on the mountain: think a jam-packed sandwich, fresh-squeezed juice, veggie sticks and fruit, and a store-baked sweet slice.

Address: Unit 3/3 Gippsland St, Jindabyne

4. Cocina Taqueria

Here at Cocina Taqueria, they encourage long dinners, deep conversations and losing track of time. Add in an entire menu dedicated to tequila, mezcal and margaritas and we don’t have any problem doing that. The intimate, dimly lit restaurant has subtle Mexican styling, while the menu is traditional Mexican dishes with a modern twist.

There are tacos and burritos, as well as small and large plates such as ceviche, jalapeno poppers and Oaxacan lamb barbacoa. Smaller gringos are also offered nachos and quesadillas.

Address: Shop 5/33 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

5. Brumby Bar & Grill

A stalwart of Jindabyne since 1982, Brumby Bar & Grill serves pub favourites such as chicken schnitzel, beer-battered fish and chips, burgers and steak. Don’t let the outdated deter you: inside the dining room is warm and stylish, complete with a stone fireplace for the cooler months.

If you come by on a Sunday, you’ll be treated to open mic night and there’s also a big screen for footy fans and after-dark DJs and entertainment.

Address: Cnr Kosciuszko Road &, Kalkite St, Jindabyne

6. Takayama Restaurant and Bar

Sit down for some Japanese izakaya in the mountains at this town centre restaurant. The menu spans small plates such as edamame, sushi rolls and pork gyoza, to large share plates including karaage, katsu and tataki beef. Or order some piping hot ramen for one. Top off the experience with a glass of Sapporo or a yuzu cocktail.

Address: Shop 19/5 Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

7. Jindabyne Bowling Club

Who doesn’t love a casual dinner at the bowlo? This one is perfect for families, not only for the affordable food but also because there’s an indoor playground that the kids (and parents) will love, no matter the weather outside. Chow down on a burger, prawn cutlets, chicken parmi, a steak sandwich and all your other pub favourites, and try your hand a trivia on Thursdays. There’s also a courtesy bus that services Jindabyne and surrounds – a bonus when you’re on holiday and want to enjoy a drink while out at dinner.

Address: 2 Bay St, Jindabyne

8. Jindabyne Brewing

After a day on the mountain, ski instructor Karl Veiss was enjoying a beer in a hot tub at a friend’s place when he had the idea to start up a family-friendly brewery. And so, Jindabyne Brewing was born. A warehouse-style brewery tucked away in a quieter street of town, on a property that has views of Lake Jindabyne.

Sample the five beers on tap – including Alpine Red X, a dark lager, and Hefe Veiss, a German wheat beer – and order from the succulent meat skewers menu with a side of house chips and aioli.

Address: 5 Nettin Cct, Jindabyne

9. Panorama Thai

Just around the corner from Jindabyne Brewing, this Thai restaurant is tucked away in an unassuming motel. But if you’re craving Thai cuisine, you won’t be disappointed. The dining room is simple but light and airy and has an incredible view of Lake Jindabyne. The menu is concise but full of extremely flavoursome dishes such as Massaman beef and chilli basil eggplant. The pad kee mao is delicious but they don’t lie when they say spicy.

Address: 16 Nettin Cct, Jindabyne NSW 2627, Australia

10. Sundance Bakehouse

Just follow the crowds to this cult bakery, located within the Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre in Jindy – the flagship store of three in the Snowies, the other two are in Bullocks Flat and Perisher. Grab a takeaway coffee and a freshly made pastry, toastie, pie or roll to pack for a day on the mountain.

Address: 6 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

11. Nimmitabel Bakery

Founded in the town of Nimmitabel, east of Jindabyne, this bakery has been serving freshly baked goods using traditional methods since 1950. Its Jindabyne outpost in Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre has a cosy fireplace, perfect to sit around and enjoy a coffee made with Seven Miles’ Black Mountain coffee beans, with a brekky wrap or a homemade pie. Grab a rock cake for the road.

Address: Shop 3 Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre, 13 Kalkite St, Jindabyne

12. Parc. Cafe

Adjoining the Snowy Region Visitor Centre in town, Parc. Serves an all-day menu featuring a big brekkie, burritos, sambos and wraps. Pouring Madding Crowd coffee, organic juices and smoothies, alongside local brews from Jindabyne Brewing and Shut the Gate wines. Sit out in the sunshine – where, during summer, they occasionally have live music – or retreat inside when it’s subzero temps out.

Address: 49 Kosciuszko Rd, Jindabyne

13. Pinot’s Wine Bar

There are plenty of lively pubs in Jindabyne, but if it’s a glass of wine in a dimly lit and elegant bar, then Pinot’s is your place. Named after owner Hannah’s dog, Pinot’s has a succinct wine menu, a rotating selection of craft beer on tap, and cocktails.

Enjoy with bar bites such as fresh Merimbula rock oysters, baked camembert or one of Pinot’s signature potatoes – loaded with indulgent toppings including the Golden Arches, which has beef, cheese, pickles, lettuce and a secret sauce.

Address: Shop 18b Nuggets Crossing Shopping Centre, Snowy River Ave, Jindabyne

14. Holly Go Lightly

Holly Go Lightly is a good-time diner serving Southern American staples such as poutine, fried cheese balls and burgers such as maple bacon, beef and cheeseburger.

Craft beers, spicy margs, and Holly’s house wines are served to DJs spinning live tunes. The beer garden is the place to be, especially when the weather warms up.

Address: 6 Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne

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