Where to Eat on the Granite Belt

Local produce is a star in many cafes and restaurants in Stanthorpe and throughout the Granite Belt. Here’s where to eat on the Granite Belt.

Where to eat on the Granite Belt

You will be surprised by the variety of dining experiences available in this region. From small family-run cafes to hospitality training restaurants, there is a destination for every occasion.  Roam the streets of Stanthorpe, check out the little cafes, and range further to find the regional heroes. This gorgeous old pub in Stanthorpe’s main street, Commercial Hotel, has the Commerical Coffee Shop which is worth checking out.

The newest opening on the Granite Belt is the Ballandean Pub at Ballandean, which has reopened after extensive work with a menu that ranges from pub classics and burgers to chef’s specials, with several items showcasing local producers. There’s a beer garden at the from and a playground for children.  TIP: Book your table ahead here!

I find it hard to resist a stop at Sutton’s Apple Farm and Cidery for a slice of their famous apple pie. The pies are very large so you might want to share a slice. Better still, buy a pie to take home with you. Sutton’s also has a dine-in menu that features local produce and their buttermilk scones are pretty special too. TIP: Browse the selection of take-home preserves.

Another place for scones is Jamworks Cafe and Larder where you can match your scones to some of their amazing jam varieties.  TIP: I love their Strawberry, Ginger and Rose Jam.

For more Granite Belt goodness, hop into the car and follow this Granite Belt Food lover’s trail or take a look at a Dog’s Day out on the Granite Belt.

 

Where to eat in Stanthorpe

Essen

Now the family team of Clarissa, Stu and Claudia are heading up the kitchen and it’s called Essen, an Austrian/German noun meaning meal or dinner.  This reflects the family’s heritage and their passion for cooking.  They love sharing good honest food with friends and their menu is filled with family favourites adapted to use premium local Granite Belt produce.

Out the back is the sort of veggie garden that makes me very envious and some of their produce comes from there too.  You can take a wander through the garden between courses.

I enjoyed eating at Essen and an extra bonus was that my accommodation, Apple Blossom Cottage, was within walking distance.  This gave us the opportunity to try some great Granite Belt wine matches.

TIP: Book ahead

Barrelroom Wine Lounge

Unwind in style at this Granite Belt wine lounge, The Barrelroom, open daily from 11 am to 4 pm. Guests can indulge in signature grazing platters, exquisite cheese boards, and premium wines. Whether visitors are seeking a leisurely afternoon or a refined evening experience, the inviting atmosphere and curated selection promise to delight their senses. It’s an opportunity for all to join in and enjoy a memorable culinary journey in the heart of wine country.  The Barrelroom is dog-friendly with a table near the back door where you can park your pooch. TIP: Try the Tim Tam Slam! Find out more about Barrelroom Wine Lounge.

St Jude’s Cellar Door & Bistro

The St Jude’s Cellar Door and Bistro 

Open Wednesday to Monday, St Judes serves coffee from popular Brisbane roaster Fonzie Abbot. Slow-cooked, Italian style rustic dinners are available on Friday and Saturday nights.

Find St Jude’s Cellar Door & Bistro at 28200 New England Hwy, Ballandean. TIP: Bookings essential.

Jersey Girls Cafe

Just 10 minutes drive out of Stanthorpe, Jersey Girls Cafe and Stanthorpe Cheese offer a real paddock to plate experience.  Their artisan cheese are made from a single herd of pure bred Jersey cows that you can see grazing in the paddocks. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because it’s Queensland, it’s hot here.  In the border highlands the 925 metre above sea level altitude means temperatures can hit -15C. That’s pretty darn cold! Summers are warmer, but the living is still easy. Depending on the weather, the milk and cheeses vary slightly reflecting seasonal differences which makes for interesting eating and true farmhouse cheeses.. This is great lunch cafe especially if you enjoy a hearty Ploughman’s lunch.  Select three cheeses and your favourite accompaniments and settle in to cheese heaven. The cheese cakes are pretty awesome too. I like to purchase a selection of my favourites and take them home in a cooler bag, so don’t forget to pop yours in the car. Find Jersey Girls and Stanthorpe Cheese at 4 Duncan Lane, Thulimbah.

Granite Belt Brewery

You might head to Granite Belt Brewery to see how they make their locally inspired brews in their 1000 litre microbrewery but you’ll also enjoy their beer-hall inspired menu.  It’s not too fancy but goes well with their full-flavoured beers.

You can settle in with a tasting paddle and enjoy an afternoon here with a group of friends.  If too much beer is consumed,  the are 20 cedar cabins with log fires just outside the door.

People are talking about their new pumpkin beer too!

For something a little different, try Varias Restaurant at the Queensland College of Wine Tourism.  You’ll enjoy a selection of local produce prepared and served by hospitality students along with a stunning vineyard view and an open fire.

 

What to bring home from the Granite Belt

A trip to the Granite Belt is not complete without leaving with a car stuffed full of local produce and wine.  You’ll find some roadside stalls, depending on the season but Sam’s Farm Fresh Fruit and Veg at Cottonvale is a one-stop-shop for all things locally grown.

Pick up your Mt Stirling Olives, local free-range eggs, jams, apple juice and honey, and taste the region back in your own kitchen. You’ll find it just off the highway at Thulimbah.

During the strawberry season, you can pick your own at Ashburn Farms. You’ll also find it hard to resist their strawberry sundaes.  Try the one that has a sauce of caramelised strawberry balsamic vinegar.  It is absolutely the best strawberry sundae I have eaten.

Disclaimer:  The writer was a guest of Granite Belt Tourism.