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Restaurants and CafÉs in Historic WindsorDecisions, decisions, decisions: where to grab a quick bite? Is there a romantic place for dinner? There are so many choices in Windsor that eating is a dilemma as well as a pleasure! Fish and chips, Thai, Indian or Italian cuisine are just a few of the choices available. Local fare is traditionally Australian, but an international flavour is easy to find. Don’t overlook restaurants located on Baker and Fitzgerald Streets, or the outdoor bistros tucked away in the local pubs. Perfect for watching the people-parade are the many café tables that spill out onto The Mall. This is one of the most charming aspects of a day in Windsor. For evening dining, there are several upscale choices along The Mall and Baker Street. The dining scene changed dramatically with the opening of sophisticated and trendy Vault 146 in a historic building on George Street. And just beyond the historic village, “Harvest” at Sebel Resort continues the upmarket choices. A few kilometres from Windsor on Hawkesbury Valley Way, you’ll find the casual and comfortable “Hog’s Breath”. Each restaurant offers its own ambience and some great menu choices.
On a summer evening Thompson Square cafés buzz with lively children and parents. After dinner, couples stroll along the softly-lit Mall, while children devour ice-cream treats and a solitary street musician plays a melancholy tune. Many cafés do not require a reservation, but check this section for each restaurant’s details. The listing begins with those that are on the historic Windsor Mall. A separate section is reserved for those establishments beyond The Mall. Windsor Cakes and Baked GoodsAddress: 187 George Street at Fitzgerald Street, The Mall The baker is up at the wee hours to prepare freshly baked goods and scrumptious cakes. Buy the slice, or buy the whole cake. Hawkesbury locals are out the front early each morning. Windmill CaféAddress: 185 George St, The Mall Picnic tables out the front under the shade of leafy trees are the perfect place to enjoy the Windmill’s hamburgers, tasty sandwiches, freshly made quiche or a hot chicken dish. The Cake GalleryAddress: Shop 1, 168-172 George Street, The Mall Next to the old Post Office building on the corner of George and Fitzgerald streets, The Cake Gallery holds sovereignty on The Mall. Sleepy-eyed groups gather for a latte and a freshly baked pastry, to read the daily news or talk quietly about politics and the weather. This is the cafÈ for waking up slowly and planning your day in the Hawkesbury. Fitzroy HotelAddress: 161 George Street, The Mall The Fitzroy, a historic building on The Mall offers typical Australian cuisine in the Thunderbolt Bistro. Slip past the bar and lounge, you’ll find the tables and chairs in a plant-filled shady oasis or grab a table overlooking The Mall for al fresco dining and people watching. Great garden burgers with all the trimmings are served up on big platters. Melts, lobsters, steak and pasta are just a few of the other items. Weekends, The Fitz serves up entertainment in a laid-back environment with popular recording artists such as benjalu, Josh Pyke, Killing Heidi and Eskimo Joe. In good weather, the crowd spills onto The Mall and out to the back deck. And if you are planning an event, the Fitz has a sizeable function room with a small stage and a big deck out back for those warmer summer evenings. Call for bookings.
Cookies RestaurantAddress: 22 Fitzgerald Street Cookies is just off The Mall on Fitzgerald Street, across the road from a Windsor icon, the old water tower and can accommodate tour and bus groups. A large terrace area often fills with those who like a late lunch, and in the evening, Cookies lights up quiet Fitzgerald Street. Simon’s CaféAddress: Shop 1, 100 George Street, The Mall This kid-friendly cafÈ is in constant happy motion, serving up breakfast, light lunches or more substantial fare. If you’re looking for a Hawkesbury cafÈ where the locals gather, Simon’s is the place. Cutting back on the carbs? The chef will accommodate your needs and the friendly staff will encourage you to ‘stick with it’. Billy J’s Coffee ‘n MoreAddress: Shop 135b George Street, The Malll “Everyday Fare with Flair” is the mantra at Billy J’s, a small surprise tucked away under the leafy side of The Mall. The menu is all homemade – quiche, focaccia and the “specialty” of the house, baked potatoes with toppings of every choice. Day-trippers to Windsor rave about the coffee and you’ll find the umbrella-shaded tables full by early morning. Go European style – share a table with a stranger Vault 146Address: 146 George Street Swish, sophisticated, modern interior and decor in an old-world setting; wine-tasting in the vault, a trendy wine bar, a shaded deck and a patio for larger outdoor groups and perfect for a wedding party. How could one restaurant offer so much? Through the hard work of dedicated owners, Jo-Ann and Rodney Coates have planned, designed, even laboured and hired dedicated staff to bring a desirable elegance in cuisine to The Mall. With their opening just days before this Guide goes to press, we know that the Coates will tweak menus, tighten service and make changes as the year progresses. But for their opening effort, Vault 146 is a roaring success. Such entrees as a wild mushroom crepe in sage cream sauce with toasted pinenuts and king prawns on a mango and chilli salsa set the senses in motion. For the main, the fish of the day was tender and moist and the vegetables (often the biggest letdown of many fine restaurants) – green beans – were prepared to perfection, crisp and vibrant in colour. On a return visit, the hot rock cooking is a must experience. You cook your own at the table! And save room for a delicate dessert (rosewater meringue with mango cream and strawberries). The Vault is open all day for coffee and tea – the banana tarte with caramel sauce sounds like a winner for a late afternoon tea. Great food and an elegant ambience – who would know this was the home of a bank only months ago – will make your trip to Windsor memorable.
Sweet TreatsAddress: 2 Lachlan Court, The Mall Hot dogs, chicken, sandwiches, fresh juices and yogurt with berries are merely a few of the items on this menu. Tables are available and takeaway is okay, too. The specialty, and it’s a winner, is New Zealand ice-cream, and you’ll find children dragging their parents towards the shop. There are many, many choices of delectable ice-cream flavours, so you may find a late-night queue on weekends. Indian Curry HutAddress: Lachlan Court, The Mall The queue lines up quickly at the Curry Hut on The Mall when the door opens around noon. The aroma of Indian spices wafts out onto the street from the spotless serving tables. This is a tiny cafÈ, with only a few tables, but they also provide quick takeaway service. Biviano’s Italian and Seafood RestaurantAddress: 9 Baker Street White linen, high ceilings, timber floors and a beautiful bar in a historic building make an intimate and sophisticated setting for a delightful foodie experience on Baker Street across the street from the Hawkesbury Regional Museum and its wonderful historic collection. While it is impossible to sample Biviano’s extensive menu, we were drawn to our favourite – risotto. On this day served with tender garlic prawns and chicken, white wine and a touch of cream and parmesan, the risotto was a beautiful shade of pink and dotted with parsley. The secret – local cherry tomatoes immersed only long enough to yield tenderness. While additional parmesan was offered, we suggest, ‘go easy’ – the strength of the cheese risks overpowering the dish’s delicate smooth flavour. Seafood is a must – soft-shell crab, oysters and fish are fresh and always on the menu. And for that touch of the worldwide slow food movement, Cittaslow (meaning literally ‘Slow City') in Windsor, we will return to sample the lamb or veal. The chef’s special recipes are from his Italian grandmother he only recently discovered. Of course, pastas are a staple at this very upmarket restaurant. Bookings are required, particularly on weekends. We suggest you always call – why risk disappointment! Sunrise SnacksAddress: Shop 1, 89 George Street, The Mall It’s a new early morning menu so think a “big breakfast” – thick toast, omelettes, and Eggs Benedict – all at reasonable prices. And for lunch and dinner, the menu offers a uniquely Indian flavor. Curries – but with only fresh produce and quality meats. Sunrise is new on the restaurant scene and it joins the community offering international cuisine. Macquarie’s Arms Hotel BistroAddress: 99 George Street & Thompson Square The bistro continues to serve its loyal patrons and families a menu of great Australian choices – for brunch, lunch or a late evening dinner. It is hearty Australian pub food: burgers, melts, big sandwiches and, of course, beer. For vegetarians, try the veggie burger served with terrific chips. It’s not uncommon to find the terrace or beer garden crowded on any given day, in any season. Entertainment sparks up the level of frivolity on Friday and Saturdays, and on Sundays, the hotel sponsors musicians in the Square.
Windsor Thai PalaceAddress: 82 George Street, The Mall This handsome historic building with its brick interior walls, , dark wood, tall windows reveals a calm, quiet and cool ambience, great for an unhurried lunch or winding down after work. It isn’t formal, and luncheon specials are priced to suit a family’s budget. A varied menu of Thai delicacies – Pad Bai Krapao – is prepared fresh each day. Fresh is more than relative as local produce is a staple among the stir-fry vegetable dishes. The chef will adapt to your wishes for spicy or mild and entrees include curries, salads and Thai-style beef. We always love the wholesome simplicity of the ‘Palace’s’ cuisine where vegetarians are also well catered for. Note: The restaurant does a booming takeaway business.
Windsor Ice CreameryAddress: 89 George Street, The Mall You can expect a constant crowd of ice-cream lovers in this shop. And now the owner has extended her menu to include some terrific brunch or late breakfast items on that weekend morning – toasted banana bread with fruit and smothered with maple syrup. (No calorie watching here!) And for an afternoon treat, ask Tony about the “Diggers’ Delight.” Yet, families will continue to queue up morning, afternoon and late into the evening trying to make a choice of favourite ice-cream: sugar or waffle cone, double or triple, sorbet or full-on chocolate. What a dilemma! Would anyone care to share? Trentino’s on GeorgeAddress: 3/89 George Street Get an early start on the road and you can kick off your day on historic George Street with a leisurely breakfast at Trentino’s. Al fresco is the award-winning Trentino’s scene, particularly on weekends when the pace slows. This is a BYO restaurant and reservations are recommended. Windsor SeafoodsAddress: 74 George Street (Thompson Square) Windsor Seafoods, overlooking Thompson Square, is a happenin’ scene, day or night. The café terrace fills with music, gongs (see below), laughter – even ‘Snappa’, a blue and gold Macaw, who imitates his noisy owner – and, of course, fresh seafood. This all makes for good food and good fun. Order the seafood platter for a fantastically fresh lunch or dinner – no pre-cooking here. Salads are prepared from the freshest local produce, seven days a week. The kitchen rarely rests, and if Chef Barry is on duty, ‘Snappa’ is also. A hint for the novice: After you place your order, listen for the kitchen gong. This means your lunch is ready and waiting. Ours rang many times before we realised it was our lunch! Chef Barry is boisterous and spirited; he loves his customers and he loves his seafood. Windsor Chinese RestaurantAddress: 88 George Street, The Mall When you enter this establishment, you are immediately reminded of a festive Chinese holiday as the wonderful aroma of fresh vegetables, or perhaps prawns, wafts through the air. The menu follows the wonderful Asian tradition of many choices. So, don’t rush. The old building has had many lives and its dark rooms and high ceilings reflect the shape and interior of its past and protected history. The outdoor terrace overlooking George Street and Thompson Square is decorated with plants and lanterns, creating an air of serenity and calm. The Bridge CaféAddress: Shop 2, 80 George St (Thompson Square) The Bridge Café is one of those wonderful little jewels that we seek in the café scene, no matter the city or town. You are grateful when the distinct smell of freshly ground coffee wafts out its doors every morning. Good food, perfect cappuccinos and welcoming staff are its winning combination, and the locals will attest to that. Rarely is it quiet at The Bridge, either inside or out on the terrace across from the Macquarie’s Arms Hotel. The doors open at 8 am for the early-morning crowd, but a hearty breakfast is on the menu all day. For lunch, focaccia and melt choices are a favourite. Coffee and conversation at The Bridge is a great way to start your day in historic Windsor. Gloria Jean’s CoffeesAddress: Shop 3, 70-72 George Street Gloria Jean’s Coffees are now ubiquitous in New South Wales, but this Windsor café amazes everyone with its impressive baked goods. By morning tea, the place is packed inside and on the outdoor terrace overlooking Thompson Square. On public holidays, the queue is out the door! The fresh goodies go quickly. Luckily, the staff replenishes the cases with freshly made cakes and scones in time for your afternoon coffee. This Hawkesbury Gloria Jean’s is out of the ordinary.
Rosco’s Burger & Kabob HouseAddress: Shop 2, 70/72 George Street (Thompson Square) Traditional burgers – with all the trimmings – and your favourite kabobs are the specialty of this newly opened take-away shop. Stir Crazy Noodle BarAddress: Shop 2, 70/72 George St (Thompson Square) Watching your waistline? This Asian café offers many healthy (and slimming) options. The choice can be overwhelming, so Stir Crazy has designed a 1-2-3 step formula to help you create your own noodle stir fry. You’ll find a great menu, rich in protein and very low in the bad fats. Clean and contemporary is a fitting description of this café, and the staff are friendly and efficient. The terrace overlooks Thompson Square. Aldo’s Italian KitchenAddress: 68 George Street (Thompson Square) Aldo’s on George Street provides that international cuisine we have come to expect worldwide. Italian is the language of choice in this kitchen, so you’re guaranteed an authentic taste of Florence or Venice. The smell of garlic wafting out onto the street is tantalising whether you hunger for pizza or pasta. The chef’s secret: Aldo’s also does a tasty plate of ribs! Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Ridgey Didge Pies & Ice CreamAddress: 68 George Street ( Thompson Square ) People are talking, in fact, talking wildly about the Ridgey Didge Pie Shop at the top of George Street. Word has gotten out beyond Windsor and you’ll frequently find a queue for these small savoury delicacies, freshly bak ed each morning. Another bonus: no preservatives are added. If you want to take some home, frozen pies are available. For those of us who think using the microwave is cooking, Ridgey Didge has a set of instructions for best baking results. Among pie fans, Ridgey Didge is considered the best. » Food & Wine Beyond Historic WindsorHog’s Breath CaféAddress: Level 1, 244 Richmond Road, Clarendon This restaurant feels like a party – it is spacious and has high ceilings, lots of windows, and a wrap-around verandah overlooking the runway of the Richmond RAAF base. You can choose either a table or booth; the staff will accommodate your needs if your party is greater than six. As for the menu, it is varied and it is tasty. Servings are hearty and steaks are served up by friendly wait staff. The house specialty is the ‘18-hour slow cooked’ prime rib steak – and it is oh so tender! For dessert try the rocky road sundae. Warning: this irresistible dessert is served up for two; go it alone if you dare. The ambience is fun, festive and casual. Sitting on the verandah, you can often watch the ‘big ones’ at the RAAF base practise ‘touch and go’ landings! Customers return again and again – Hog’s Breath is sweet – a perfect recipe for great dining!
Sebel’s Harvest RestaurantAddress: 61 Richmond Road Located in the Sebel Resort on Richmond Road, Harvest Restaurant offers up contemporary Australian cuisine. Grilled beef and lamb are favourites on the ‡ la carte menu. From their extensive wine list, you can choose a local Hawkesbury wine. Don’t overlook the special Friday Night Fish Market; it’s a feast that calls for a return trip.
Tebbutt VII Restaurant and Function CentreAddress: Palmer Street For an exceptional gourmet dining experience, an evening in the unusual buildings of amateur astronomer John Tebbutt marries the sciences of bountiful eating and beautiful stargazing. At the end of Palmer Street, in a pastoral setting of old barns, fences and horses, Tebbutt VII offers a sophisticated dining environment like no other.
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