A Foodie’s Guide to the Riverina: The Best Cafés, Wineries & Restaurants

There’s a reason they call the Riverina the food bowl of New South Wales. Stretching from Griffith’s orange groves to Hay’s riverbanks and Leeton’s vineyards, the region is a feast for the senses — where long lunches roll into golden sunsets, and every meal tells a story of local soil, sun and skill. 

Here’s your ultimate guide to tasting your way around the Riverina — from small-town bakeries to award-winning wineries. 

Cafés and Bakeries Worth the Detour 

Start your day the Riverina way — with a coffee and something freshly baked. 

Bertoldo’s Pasticceria, Griffith – An institution since 1952, this Italian bakery is the beating heart of Banna Avenue. Grab an espresso and a cannoli before exploring the nearby art gallery. 

Mick’s Bakehouse, Leeton – Famous for its flaky pies and vanilla slices, this family-owned gem is a must for travellers heading along the Mid-Riverina Food Trail. 

Diamonds & Dust, Temora – Where vintage charm and good food and coffee collide, this is a must-stop for your 

Coolamon Country Bakehouse, Coolamon – A classic small-town stop pairing buttery pastries with country hospitality. 

Robertson’s Hot Bread Kitchen, Hay – Freshly baked bread and old-school sandwiches for picnics by the river. 

Wineries and Cellar Doors You Can’t Miss 

If the Riverina has a signature flavour, it’s wine. The warm climate and rich soils have earned the region its reputation as Australia’s largest wine-producing area, home to household names and boutique estates alike. 

De Bortoli Wines, Bilbul (Griffith) – A Riverina icon. Their Noble One Botrytis Semillon is world-famous, but the cellar door experience is just as memorable. 

Calabria Family Wines, Griffith – Family-run since the 1940s, offering a Mediterranean-style tasting experience. 

McWilliam’s Hanwood Estate, Hanwood (Griffith) – Heritage architecture meets modern winemaking; perfect for a long tasting and vineyard stroll. 

Whitton Malt House, Whitton (Leeton Shire) – A show-stopping distillery and dining venue where you can sip whisky by the lake and enjoy paddock-to-plate menus. 

Berton Vineyards, Yenda – Consistently rated among the best value wines in the country, with a relaxed, rural tasting room. 

Where to Dine: The Riverina’s Best Restaurants 

You’ll never go hungry here — from fine dining in Griffith to rustic farm-to-table experiences across the smaller shires, every plate celebrates provenance. 

Zecca Handmade Italian, Griffith – Seasonal, locally sourced, and utterly authentic. Expect handmade pasta, local olive oil, and a buzzing communal atmosphere. 

Limone Dining, Griffith – An architectural marvel built entirely from recycled materials, Limone is the region’s crown jewel — sophisticated, soulful, and deeply seasonal. 

Whitton Malt House, Whitton – Not just a distillery — also one of the Riverina’s best dining experiences, with premium cuts and local produce overlooking the water. 

Exies Sports Club, Griffith – A casual local favourite for hearty meals and a lively atmosphere. 

Royal Hotel, West Wyalong – Boutique pub dining with regional wine pairings and a contemporary twist on country classics. 

Hay Bowling & Golf Club Bistro, Hay – Perfect for family dinners after a day exploring the Murrumbidgee. 

Whether you’re sipping Chardonnay in Griffith, sampling artisan cheese in Coolamon, or sharing stories over a pint in Hay, pack an appetite, jump in the car and get ready to discover why the Riverina truly is where the country comes to feast.