Gorgeous natural scenery and diverse cultural heritage are a given in Armidale, but so is a vibrant local food scene. After working up an appetite wandering through Armidale’s striking landscapes, visiting historic cathedrals, and soaking up the colourful foliage, you’re going to want to tap into the town’s delicious restaurant culture. From fine dining to family-owned restaurants, and a healthy selection of places to get pizza, Armidale’s got it all. Here are the best restaurants in Armidale for you to check out, whether you’re going for a date night, bringing the whole family, gathering and grazing, or just in the mood for takeaway.

Signor Vertelli

For pizza purists, Signor Vertelli is one of the must-visit places to go for dinner in Armidale, located on Marsh Street in the town’s lively pub strip. This intimate and buzzing space features an industrial-chic design with an open bar and a traditional Neapolitan wood-fired pizza oven at its heart, delivering a deliciously smoky flavour and crispy crusts. Signor Vertelli’s menu is straightforward and pizza-centric with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. Their pizza dough is a special blend of slow-fermented organic wholegrain flours. They even make their own pizza sauce in-house. You can keep it simple with No. 1, topped with buffalo mozzarella, tomato, and basil, or go all out with No. 7, featuring San Marzano tomatoes, ham, artichoke, mushroom, onion, and fior di latte cheese. Round out the meal with some sides, desserts, and drinks. Dine in or conveniently order online for takeaway. Right next door is Signora Gelato, where you can grab a homemade scoop to polish things off.

Shop 5/110 Marsh Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | 0498 603 367 | Website | Instagram | Tuesday to Saturday 5.00pm–9.30pm

The Cottage

For a romantic dinner in Armidale or special meal out with family or friends head to the Cottage Restaurant & Bar just around the corner from Saints Mary & Joseph Catholic Cathedral. Set up in one of Armidale’s historic homes dating back to 1866, you’ll find a cosy and ambient dining space serving up gourmet seasonal creations for lunch and dinner. The menu’s concept is fusion meets local New England produce and also offers some vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Start with an order of freshly baked bread with confit garlic butter seasoned with oregano and sea salt flakes. For mains, try the salmon fillet or tuck into the grilled duck breast that comes with local Greenhill Orchard pear coated in almonds and a cherry red wine glaze. Don’t forget to check their specials board for inventive, seasonally-inspired dishes. Reservations are essential and you should book online or shoot the restaurant a message at least 72 hours in advance.

86 Barney Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (04) 0832 2004 | Website | Facebook | Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm–9.00pm

Azka Restaurant Wine & Tapas Bar

Nestled within the Powerhouse Hotel by Rydges, Azka Restaurant Wine & Tapas Bar exudes cosmopolitan elegance. Colourful Moroccan glass lamps brighten up the space containing a mix of high tables and cosy sofas, perfect for mingling and nibbling. Azka is the place in town to socialise over small plates and fine wine. The chef has crafted a range of scrumptious tapas and carefully curated a selection of wines to complement them. The tapas menu has mouthwatering selections like oysters, charred octopus with red wine syrup, and sticky pork belly bites. The extensive wine list is exceptional and even has exquisite bottles from Spain, while also paying homage to local beverage makers. Delightful libations await from local winemakers, brewers, and distillers. The wine and tapas bar is open for dinner from 5:30pm six nights a week.

31 Marsh Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 7788 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Friday 7.00am–9.00pm, 5.30pm–9.00pm | Saturday 7.00am–10.00am, 5.30pm–9.00pm | Sunday 7.00am–10.00am

Tattersalls Restaurant

Established in 1854, the Tattersalls Hotel Armidale is an institution renowned for its luxury, sophistication, and excellent service. The hotel’s fine dining spot, Tattersalls Restaurant, is one of the best restaurants in Armidale to patronise when you’re feeling fancy. They serve lunch and dinner a la carte, under the direction of New England local, Chef Jake Mayled. The award-winning chef’s menu plays with pub classics and international gourmet dishes. To start, choose from bread options with artisanal butter or delectable treats like homemade duck terrine, pan-fried Japanese scallops, and mussels. Continue on to decadent, hearty main courses like coq au vin, beef wellington, lamb shoulder, and pumpkin and chevre risotto. Or, order straight from the Josper oven for smoky, indulgent, and rich grass-fed meat. It comes out cooked to perfection and enhanced by your choice of sauces like truffle mushroom and hot English mustard. Pick a side to go with it all like portobello mushrooms with garlic butter or creamy mash. There’s also a generous portion of the menu dedicated to dessert and drinks, where you can find local and international wines, handcrafted cocktails, and an amazing whisky selection.

174 Beardy Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6773 9600 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Hotel breakfast Monday to Sunday 7.00am–9.30am | Lunch Tuesday to Saturday 12.00pm–2.00pm | Dinner Tuesday to Saturday 5.30pm–8.30pm | Sunday 5.30pm–8.00pm

Tattersalls Pizza Garden

Heads up folks, the Pizza Garden is currently closed for winter. The historic Tattersalls Hotel Armidale also has a pizza space on the premises. When you still want the classiness of the Tattersalls, but are craving cheesy classics like pepperoni, garlic and herb, or bbq beef and bacon, give Tatersalls Pizza Garden a try. And even though it’s pizza, don’t expect anything short of gourmet, because this is still the Tattersalls, after all. The pizza menu has a dedicated gourmet topping section including more refined ingredients like roasted pumpkin, roasted lamb, shoulder, and peking duck. Pizzas can be ordered “half and half” so you can pick your two favourite topping sets and there’s even an option to order your crust gluten-free for an extra $2. Make sure to request their chilli or paprika oil to drizzle some extra flavour on.

174 Beardy Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6773 9600 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Currently closed for winter

Addy’s on Marsh

With a name to reflect its prime location on the town’s ‘eat street’ in the CBD, Addy’s on Marsh is one of the best restaurants in Armidale to get your pizza and pasta fix; it’s an Italian restaurant with all your favourite classics and then some. You’ll find something for everyone with a huge menu spanning pizza, pasta, seafood, calzones, risottos, salads, and more. The restaurant is calm and laid back, perfect for a relaxed meal. But if you’re on the hunt for takeaway, it doesn’t get more convenient than at Addy’s, since you can easily order and pay online. Pizzas cover a mix of classics to more nuanced options, from class margherita, vegetarian, and quattro formaggi to more fun creations like Tandoori chicken, Siciliana, and Greek lamb. If you’re looking to satisfy various dietary preferences, check out the vegetarian options as well as gluten-free pasta and pizza offerings. Another thing that sets Addy’s apart is their fantastic meal deals that bundle pasta or pizza with a drink and garlic bread, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck.

2/110 Marsh Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 2300 | Website | Facebook | Tuesday to Saturday 5.00pm–9.00pm

Manny’s on Marsh

Another one right in Armidale’s CBD, Manny’s on Marsh takes you straight to New York City’s iconic Meatpacking District. Step inside, and you’ll find yourself immersed in what feels like a classic NYC restaurant. Manny’s also happens to be one of the best restaurants in Armidale for al fresco dining because of its balcony and outdoor seating. Manny’s embraces its Italian heritage with an authentic New York-style menu. Indulge in homemade pastas, savour mains like the twice-cooked chicken, or feast on the 45-day in-house dry-aged Black Angus Tomahawk steak. The MVP of cooking equipment at Manny’s is the ‘Mibrasa’ charcoal oven, which infuses distinctive flavours into many menu items. Complement your meal with delectable sides such as charred broccolini and end it sweet with classic desserts like cannoli and tiramisu. Their special Sunday roast menu is not to be missed.

117 Marsh Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 3833 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tuesday to Thursday 5.00pm–11.00pm | Friday to Saturday 12.00pm–3.00pm, 5.00pm–12.00am

Kinship Kitchen

Tucked away in Armidale Mall, Kinship Kitchen is a local gem for delightful treats, satisfying meals, and smooth coffee. The little shop is warm and welcoming with a modern farmhouse style. The first thing you notice when coming inside is the beautiful display of baked goods like pies, cakes, and pastries. Kinship Kitchen is one of the best restaurants in Armidale, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or indulgent sweets. They have mouthwatering lunch staples like a Reuben sandwich on their menu, but also veg-forward choices like a tasty vegan bowl for those seeking plant-based options. For drinks, the cafe does fresh juice or brews from Little Marionette specialty coffee roasters. Beyond dine-in delights, Kinship Kitchen offers take-home meals and catering services.

171 Beardy Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | 0404 851 990 | Facebook | Instagram | Tuesday to Friday 8.00am–3.00pm | Saturday 9.00am–1.00pm | Sunday 8.00am–12.00pm | Last Friday night of the month 5.30pm–8.30pm

Manor Restaurant at Cotswold Gardens

History meets exceptional cuisine at the Manor Restaurant at Cotswold Gardens. Housed in the late 1800s Cotswold home, this restaurant is one of the top spots for a nice dinner in Armidale, frequented by locals and visitors alike. Come here for romantic dinner for two, a gathering with friends, or to celebrate a special occasion. The local executive chef is all about putting a spin on high quality comfort foods. Choose to dine in the beautiful, heritage dining room or the cosy seating area and bar. For a truly elevated experience, indulge in their three-course set dinner, featuring starters to choose from like pan-fried scallops with squid ink, mains like pan-seared barramundi, wild mushroom, and truffle risotto, and delectable desserts, like Grandma’s sticky date pudding with balsamic butterscotch sauce and vanilla ice cream.

34 Marsh Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 8222 | Website | Facebook | Tuesday to Saturday 6.00pm–9.00pm

Petersons Winery

Just south of downtown Armidale, find a balance of luxury and relaxation at the enchanting Petersons Winery. Operating out of a beautifully restored historic homestead, are a venue, guesthouse, restaurant, vineyard, and cellar door sprawled across 30 acres of picturesque countryside. Local chefs craft daily menus, highlighting New England’s freshest ingredients. They gladly accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice and offer kid-friendly options, making it ideal for family outings. The restaurant is open for dinner seven days a week and serves lunch most Saturdays and Sundays, but bookings are essential. In the warmer months, you can dine outside and take in their gorgeous grounds. And if you’re in the mood for a more casual, quaint picnic, their English-inspired gardens are open daily for cheese and antipasto boards. Swing by the cellar door for a wine-tasting experience and bring a bottle home of their cool climate wine varieties.

345 Dangarsleigh Road | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 0422 | Website | Instagram | Wednesday to Sunday, Dinner seating times 6.00pm, 6.30pm, 7.00pm | Saturday to Sunday, call to check Lunch times | Cellar door open daily to enjoy a bottle of wine, cheese or antipasto board in the garden

The Mandarin

Easily accessible in the CBD, The Mandarin is a beloved family-owned Chinese restaurant that has been satisfying the locals and visitors alike with its classic made-to-order Chinese cuisine for decades. Despite its modest size, this eatery cooks with big flavours, making it one of the best restaurants in Armidale. The Mandarin’s menu is full of Chinese food mainstays like the delectable honey chicken, savoury beef and black bean, and succulent Mongolian lamb, all prepared with a touch of homemade love. Whether you’re hungry for lunch or dinner, they’re open six days a week to serve you dishes hot off the wok. Stepping into The Mandarin, you’re greeted with a classic Chinese restaurant ambience. Vibrant red walls, ornate golden dragon furnishings, and shiny gold satin tablecloths set the scene. Beyond the cosy dine-in setting, The Mandarin offers the convenience of takeaway and delivery.

213 Beardy Street | Armidale NSW 2350 | (02) 6772 6535 | Website | Tuesday to Sunday 11.30am–2.00pm, 5.00pm–9.00pm