Taste the flavours of Ipswich with my top seven dishes from Ipswich restaurants and cafes. You’ll be surprised at the old favourites and new eats you’ll find at the best restaurants in Ipswich.
Flavours of Ipswich
The word has been out for a while about Ipswich food but now there is a chance to try many of the new dining experiences in Flavours of Ipswich.
Some of Ipswich’s favourite local restaurants have created more than 30 lunch and dinner combinations for the 18 days of Flavours of Ipswich.
From April 7 to April 24, you can eat your way through menus at participating restaurants offering $25 two-course lunches and $35 three-course dinners.
Start with entrees like pan-fried scallops or a signature cocktail. Next enjoy slow-cooked beef cheeks, epic burgers and succulent seafood and then finish with a decadent dessert.
Award-winning restaurants including Bakehouse Steakhouse and the Prince Alfred Hotel, The Cottage Restaurant, Club Services Ipswich and Brothers Leagues Club offer a variety of cuisines including Indian, modern Australian and Turkish inspired.
I recommend booking your lunch or dinner at these venues as you don’t want to turn up and be disappointed because there is no space.
Boozy cupcakes at The Retro Diner for Flavours of Ipswich.
My top seven Ipswich tastes
There are so many delicious tastes in Flavours of Ipswich but these seven are special to me. Some remind me of epic past meals, others are old favourites and there are a couple of new tastes that I really want to try – anyone for Charcoal Kulfi?
Read on and see if you agree with me!
Boozy cupcakes, The Retro Diner
I have been addicted to cakes for way too long but this takes them to another level. How about a cupcake dessert infused with a pipette of alcohol? Chocolate-Kahlua cupcake anyone?
The three-course $35 creative dinner menu also includes a cocktail or a glass of wine. The alcohol-free drink alternative is a milkshake, either Tim Tam cookies and cream or peanut butter, chocolate and banana.
There are eight cupcake flavours for you to fantasise about.
THE RETRO DINER, 195 Brisbane Street, Ipswich
Camel milk gelato at Homestead Cafe
Camel milk gelato, Summer Land Camels
I know, you are turning your nose up at camel milk gelato! Well, stop that right now!
This is delicious gelato with a clean milk flavour that is even better than the freshest cow’s milk you have ever tasted. No funky flavours at all.
You’ll need to head out to Summer Land Camels for this so make a day of it. Take the family and pet or even ride the camels. I always come home with some of their gorgeous soap from the well-stocked shop. You’ll find lots of goodies here.
Here are some more tips on exploring the area.
Summer Land Camels, 8 Charles Chauvel Drive, Harrisville
Got to love a burger high tea!
Burger high tea, Ruby Chews
I like this twist on the traditional with a Burger High Tea! Instead of finger sandwiches and tiny cakes, there are southern fried chicken tenders, classic sliders and sundaes for dessert. This three-tier extravaganza is only for two people so grab your bestie for this one.
Riverlink Shopping Centre, Cnr Downs Street & The Terrace, North Ipswich
Ooey, gooey crumbed camembert
Crumbed Camembert, Longhorn Bar and Grill, Club Services Ipswich
This blast from the past has really stood the test of time. A renegade from the 80s, crumbed camembert with a tangy plum sauce is a gooey delight. I love the contrast between the molten cheese interior and the crunchy crumbed exterior. Bliss!
Their Belgian waffles dessert with mixed berries, chocolate sauce, berry coulis and ice cream keeps the 80s alive for me.
Club Services Ipswich, 5A Lowry Street, North Ipswich
Loaded rib steak at Cafe Kalina
Philly Cheese Steak, Café Kalina
Oh yes, how good would that sliced rib steak taste loaded with Philly cheese, bell peppers, mushrooms and caramelized onion (hold the onion for me)? Bonus – it comes with hot chippies!
Also, check out their marinated calamari and aim for a healthy finish with a raw slice.
THE CAFE KALINA, Kingfisher St, Springfield
Unctuous pork belly at Shamrocks.
Pork belly at Shamrocks, Brothers Leagues Club
I don’t know when my obsession with pork belly will ever end! This slow-cooked pork belly comes with spiced apple relish and fresh green leaf salad which is just what you need to combat the unctuous flavours in the pork.
While you are there, sample their 250g Angus rump which comes with shallot mash.
Dessert can be a berry mouse tart with chocolate gelato.
What else can you try in Flavours of Ipswich?
- Wagyu Cheeseburger at Bakehouse Steakhouse
- Parmigiana at Casa Mia
- Nepalese Wok Noodles at Chai House
- 12-hour slow-cooked beef cheek at Commercial Hotel, Redbank
- Baked cheesecake at Fourthchild
- Fish Methi Malai at Indian Mehfil
- Smoked BBQ ribs and wings at Jets
- Chille Verde at Montezuma’s
- Butter chicken at Memories of India
- Turkish inspired eggs at Raw Energy
- Tuscan beef brisket at The Boulevard
- Parmesan and thyme gnocchi at The Cottage Restaurant
- Surf and Turf at The Prince Alfred Hotel
More to explore in Ipswich
Take a look at these six top cafes and restaurants in Ipswich.
You can also see Ipswich from the air with a hot air balloon flight over the city.
