Windsor Restaurants Hawkesbury

Decisions, 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, on Baker Street and in the surrounding areas just beyond the historic village. Each offers its own ambience and some great menu choices.

If dining in a horse-drawn carriage sounds like a sentimental setting, a reservation is only a phone call away. How about booking a dinner theatre off George Street? You’ll dine with comedians, musicians and dancing girls all in an elegant setting.

On a summer evening Thompson Square cafés buzz with lively children and parents. After dinner, couples stroll along the well-lit Mall, while children devour ice-cream treats and a solitary street musician plays a melancholy tune.

Most Hawkesbury cafés do not require a reservation, but check this section for each restaurant’s details. The listing begins with those restaurants that are on the historic Windsor Mall. A separate section is reserved for those establishments beyond The Mall.

Windsor Cakes and Baked Goods

Address: 187 George Street at Fitzgerald Street, The Mall
Hours: Daily 6.30am-2pm

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 Café

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 Gallery

Address: Shop 1, 168-172 George Street, The Mall
Phone: 02 4577 7875
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm

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 café for waking up slowly and planning your day in the Hawkesbury.

Fitzroy Hotel Garden Bistro

Address: 125 George Street, The Mall
Phone: 02 4577 3396
Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am

The Fitzroy, a historic building on The Mall has recently undergone a renovation with the addition of a modern al fresco dining area, the Thunderbolt Bistro. And if you slip past the bar and lounge, you’ll find the garden bistro, a little plant-filled oasis on a sunny day. Great garden burgers with all the trimmings are served up on big platters. Melts, lobsters, steaks and pasta are just a few of the other items. The chef recommends the seafood platter – it’s a winner!

Weekends the Fitz serves up entertainment in a laid-back environment with popular recording artists such as benjalu, Josh Pyke and Killing Heidi & Eskimo Joe. In good weather, the overflow crowd spills onto The Mall and out to the back deck.

Flame Bar & Grill

Address: 22 Fitzgerald Street
Phone: 02 4577 5422
Hours: Daily 11am-2 pm, 5pm-late

Flame Grill is just off The Mall on Fitzgerald Street, across the road from a Windsor icon, the old water tower. Flame can accommodate tour and bus groups.

A large terrace area often fills with those who like a late lunch, and in the evening, Flame lights up quiet Fitzgerald Street. This is the place to go for top-quality Australian beef, and farm-fresh salads and vegetables. You can expect good-size portions of the typical Australian fare on Flame ’ menu.

Simon’s Café

Address: Shop 1, 100 George Street, The Mall
Phone: 02 4577 2208
Hours: Open Daily

This kid-friendly café is in constant happy motion, serving up breakfast, light lunches or more substantial fare. If you’re looking for a Hawkesbury café 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’.

Sweet Treats

Address: 2 Lachlan Court, The Mall
Phone: 02 4577 7466
Hours: Open daily

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.

Billy J’s Coffee ‘n More

Address: Shop 135b George Street, The Malll
Phone: 02 4577 8589
Hours: Open daily

“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.

Indian Curry Hut

Address: Lachlan Court, The Mall
Hours: Wed-Mon 11am-9.30pm
Phone: 02 4587 7334

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 café, with only a few tables, but they also provide quick takeaway service.

Biviano’s Italian

Address: 9 Baker Street
Phone: 02 4587 8499
Hours: Tues-Sun noon-3pm, 5pm-late

The theme at Biviano’s is ‘any sauce with any pasta’. Salads and bruschetta are the perfect beginning to your lunch. In the evenings this award-winning restaurant serves up beef lasagne, risotto primavera, veal vino bianco and the king of all pastas, veal Oscar: king prawns and asparagus served in a cream brandy sauce. You won’t walk away hungry!

Coachella Café

Address: Shop 1, 89 George Street, The Mall
Phone: 02 4587 9906
Hours: Call for hours

Coachella’s young chef, Alan McCartney delivers an Asian flair combined with the flavours and trends of his Filipino heritage.

The locals favour the seafood platter. Ask the staff about Alan’s ‘specialty of the house’ which changes weekly.

Windsor Ice Creamery

Address: 89 George Street, The Mall
Phone: 02 4577 2926
Hours: Daily 10.30am-late

You can expect a constant crowd of ice-cream lovers in this shop. Families queue up morning, afternoon and late into the evening trying to make a choice: sugar or waffle cone, double or triple, sorbet or full-on chocolate. What a dilemma! Would anyone care to share?

Trentino’s on George

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.

Trentino’s offers exceptional Mediterranean cuisine which includes grain-fed chicken and beef, the freshest of seafood choices and, of course, local Hawkesbury farm produce. This is a BYO restaurant and reservations are recommended.

Windsor Chinese Restaurant

Address: 88 George Street, The Mall
Phone: 02 4577 3647
Hours: open daily

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.

Macquarie’s Arms Hotel Bistro

Address: 99 George Street & Thompson Square
Phone: 02 4577 2206
Hours: Daily 10am-late

The Macquarie, built in 1815, lays claim to be the oldest pub in Australia, though it has had a few years off the scene. The hotel has recently undergone a “face lift” and with its rich dark polished woods and new leather furnishings has the feel of a private club where friends have met for almost two centuries.

At the entry off Thompson Square, the verandah’s worn stone and cedar doors are beautiful relics of Australian history. Over a slow lunch on a quiet weekday afternoon, you’ll feel this is the place where business, politics, and perhaps a little skullduggery, has occurred repeatedly. You’re becoming a part of the Macquarie’s history – past and present.

Now about the food: 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 Palace

Address: 82 George Street, The Mall
Hours: Open daily
Phone: 02 4577 8000

In this handsome dark building with its brick interior walls, you will find a varied menu of Thai delicacies prepared fresh each day. Local produce is a staple among the stir-fry vegetable dishes and the chef will adapt to your wishes for spicy or mild. Entrees include salads and Thai-style beef. Vegetarians are well catered for. Note: the luncheon specials are priced to suit a family’s budget.

The Bridge Café

Address: Shop 2, 80 George St (Thompson Square)
Phone: 02 4577 3349
Hours: Open daily – 8am

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 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.

Windsor Seafoods

Address: 74 George Street (Thompson Square)
Phone: 02 4577 2155
Hours: Open daily 11am-8.30pm

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 an award-winning, fantastically fresh lunch or dinner. Salads are prepared from the freshest local produce, seven days a week. The kitchen rarely rests, and if Chef Barry is on duty, Snappa the Macaw 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. Check out the storefront window loaded with seafood.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees

Address: Shop 3, 70-72 George Street
Phone: 02 4577 9505
Hours: Open daily - 7:30am

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 House

Address: Shop 2, 70/72 George Street (Thompson Square)
Phone: 02 4577 7212
Hours: Tues-Sun 10:30am

Traditional burgers – with all the trimmings – and your favourite kabobs are the specialty of this newly opened take-away shop.

Stir Crazy Noodle Bar

Address: Shop 1, 70 George St (Thompson Square)
Phone: 02 4577 2244
Hours: Daily 11am

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 Kitchen

Address: 68 George Street (Thompson Square)
Phone: 4577 9400
Hours: Daily 10.30am-2pm, 5-10pm

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 Cream

Address: 66 George Street ( Thompson Square )
Phone: 02 4598 0840
Hours: Daily 10.30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm

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 Windsor

Back to the shop, you won’t leave hungry if you try a triple scoop of chocolate fudge, mango magnificent, or orange gelato. Norgen-Vaaz is a specialty brand – rich in taste, and probably calories, too! For chocolate lovers, try Stairway to Heaven – exquisite white chocolate with bits of dark!

Whispers – Crowne Plaza Norwest

Address: 1 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills
Phone: 02 9634 9634
Hours: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Weekend Brunch

From the first glance, Whispers is a sophisticated setting for an evening out. The entire room gleams – mellow sandstone, black fittings and soft lights above glimmering like a hundred lit candles. Whispers is the perfect ‘kiss and make up’ spot for the, “I’m sorry….” situation you inadvertently stepped into earlier in the week.
Offering either set or a la carte choices and you’ll find such delectables as spiced tiger prawn cutlets with chilli and garlic served on chargrilled ciabatta. From the a la carte menu, try the salmon gravalax with celeriac remoulade and a great gaspacho dressing (the secret is in the avocado cream). Dinners are hearty – you won’t leave hungry!

The weekend brunch has become a favourite – reservations would be wise.

Hog’s Breath Café

Address: 244 Richmond Road, Clarendon
Phone: 02 4587 9300
Hours: Open daily, lunch and dinner

This restaurant feels like fun – 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 speciality is Prime Rib – slow cooked up to 18 hours and 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.

Tony and Stephen purchased this franchise 18 months ago and are still making changes. They love their work and are good to their staff. Customers return again and again – a perfect recipe for great dining!

Sebel’s Harvest Restaurant

Address: 61 Richmond Road
Phone: 02 4577 4222
Hours: Daily 6pm-late

Located in the Sebel Resort on Richmond Road, Harvest Restaurant offers up contemporary Australian cuisine. Grilled beef and lamb are favourites on the à 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.

Clydesdale Colonial Restaurant

Horse-drawn carriages and food is a family tradition for the Barlow and Patterson owner-duo. On a horse-drawn wagon, Grandfather Barlow ferried his ice-creams throughout the Hawkesbury, much to the delight of old and young alike.

Now, on weekends, the Clydesdale-drawn Colonial Restaurant, complete with costumed host, brings colonial Windsor back to life. Velvet, lace and brass lanterns provide an 1800s ambience, and cuisine from contemporary Windsor restaurants provides the repast. You can plan your trip for a weekend three-hour breakfast, leaving from the Sebel Resort, or for lunch and dinner, leaving from the 1840 convict cellar at the foot of Thompson Square. With a group of friends, this is not your typical dinner party. Reservations are essential.

Jolly Frog Hotel

Address: Windsor Road at Macquarie Street
Phone: 02 4577 4999
Hours: Daily for lunch and dinner

The Jolly Frog Hotel has created a mix of informality, good food and reasonable prices. Traditional Australian fare is the menu for Jolly Frog and there are dining spaces both inside and out under the colourful umbrellas.

Tebbutt VII Restaurant and Function Centre

Address: Palmer Street
Phone: 02 4577 7306
Hours: Friday-Sat 6pm - late; Lunch Sun 12-3pm

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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Restaurants and CafÉs in Historic Windsor Decisions, 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, on Baker Street and in the surrounding areas just beyond the historic village. Each offers its own ambience and some great menu choices. If dining in a horse-drawn carriage sounds like a sentimental setting, a reservation is only a phone call away. How about booking a dinner theatre off George Street? You’ll dine with comedians, musicians and dancing girls all in an elegant setting. On a summer evening Thompson Square cafés buzz with lively children and parents. After dinner, couples stroll along the well-lit Mall, while children devour ice-cream treats and a solitary street musician plays a melancholy tune. Most Hawkesbury cafés do not require a reservation, but check this section for each restaurant’s details. The listing begins with those restaurants that are on the historic Windsor Mall. A separate section is reserved for those establishments beyond The Mall. Windsor Cakes and Baked Goods Address: 187 George Street at Fitzgerald Street, The Mall Hours: Daily 6.30am-2pm 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 Café Address: The Mall – Phone: 02 4577 9466 Hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-4pm 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 Gallery Address: Shop 1, 168-172 George Street, The Mall Phone: 02 4577 7875 Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 8am-2pm 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 café for waking up slowly and planning your day in the Hawkesbury. Fitzroy Hotel Garden Bistro Address: 125 George Street, The Mall Phone: 02 4577 3396 Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am The Fitzroy, a historic building on The Mall has recently undergone a renovation with the addition of a modern al fresco dining area, the Thunderbolt Bistro. And if you slip past the bar and lounge, you’ll find the garden bistro, a little plant-filled oasis on a sunny day. Great garden burgers with all the trimmings are served up on big platters. Melts, lobsters, steaks and pasta are just a few of the other items. The chef recommends the seafood platter – it’s a winner! Weekends the Fitz serves up entertainment in a laid-back environment with popular recording artists such as benjalu, Josh Pyke and Killing Heidi & Eskimo Joe. In good weather, the overflow crowd spills onto The Mall and out to the back deck. Flame Bar & Grill Address: 22 Fitzgerald Street Phone: 02 4577 5422 Hours: Daily 11am-2 pm, 5pm-late Flame Grill is just off The Mall on Fitzgerald Street, across the road from a Windsor icon, the old water tower. Flame can accommodate tour and bus groups. A large terrace area often fills with those who like a late lunch, and in the evening, Flame lights up quiet Fitzgerald Street. This is the place to go for top-quality Australian beef, and farm-fresh salads and vegetables. You can expect good-size portions of the typical Australian fare on Flame ’ menu. Simon’s Café Address: Shop 1, 100 George Street, The Mall Phone: 02 4577 2208 Hours: Open Daily This kid-friendly café is in constant happy motion, serving up breakfast, light lunches or more substantial fare. If you’re looking for a Hawkesbury café 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’. Sweet Treats Address: 2 Lachlan Court, The Mall Phone: 02 4577 7466 Hours: Open daily 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. Billy J’s Coffee ‘n More Address: Shop 135b George Street, The Malll Phone: 02 4577 8589 Hours: Open daily “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. Indian Curry Hut Address: Lachlan Court, The Mall Hours: Wed-Mon 11am-9.30pm Phone: 02 4587 7334 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 café, with only a few tables, but they also provide quick takeaway service. Biviano’s Italian Address: 9 Baker Street Phone: 02 4587 8499 Hours: Tues-Sun noon-3pm, 5pm-late The theme at Biviano’s is ‘any sauce with any pasta’. Salads and bruschetta are the perfect beginning to your lunch. In the evenings this award-winning restaurant serves up beef lasagne, risotto primavera, veal vino bianco and the king of all pastas, veal Oscar: king prawns and asparagus served in a cream brandy sauce. You won’t walk away hungry! Coachella Café Address: Shop 1, 89 George Street, The Mall Phone: 02 4587 9906 Hours: Call for hours Coachella’s young chef, Alan McCartney delivers an Asian flair combined with the flavours and trends of his Filipino heritage. The locals favour the seafood platter. Ask the staff about Alan’s ‘specialty of the house’ which changes weekly. Windsor Ice Creamery Address: 89 George Street, The Mall Phone: 02 4577 2926 Hours: Daily 10.30am-late You can expect a constant crowd of ice-cream lovers in this shop. Families queue up morning, afternoon and late into the evening trying to make a choice: sugar or waffle cone, double or triple, sorbet or full-on chocolate. What a dilemma! Would anyone care to share? Trentino’s on George Address: 3/89 George Street Phone: 02 4587 7419 Hours: Open Daily 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. Trentino’s offers exceptional Mediterranean cuisine which includes grain-fed chicken and beef, the freshest of seafood choices and, of course, local Hawkesbury farm produce. This is a BYO restaurant and reservations are recommended. Windsor Chinese Restaurant Address: 88 George Street, The Mall Phone: 02 4577 3647 Hours: open daily 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. Macquarie’s Arms Hotel Bistro Address: 99 George Street & Thompson Square Phone: 02 4577 2206 Hours: Daily 10am-late The Macquarie, built in 1815, lays claim to be the oldest pub in Australia, though it has had a few years off the scene. The hotel has recently undergone a “face lift” and with its rich dark polished woods and new leather furnishings has the feel of a private club where friends have met for almost two centuries. At the entry off Thompson Square, the verandah’s worn stone and cedar doors are beautiful relics of Australian history. Over a slow lunch on a quiet weekday afternoon, you’ll feel this is the place where business, politics, and perhaps a little skullduggery, has occurred repeatedly. You’re becoming a part of the Macquarie’s history – past and present. Now about the food: 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 Palace Address: 82 George Street, The Mall Hours: Open daily Phone: 02 4577 8000 In this handsome dark building with its brick interior walls, you will find a varied menu of Thai delicacies prepared fresh each day. Local produce is a staple among the stir-fry vegetable dishes and the chef will adapt to your wishes for spicy or mild. Entrees include salads and Thai-style beef. Vegetarians are well catered for. Note: the luncheon specials are priced to suit a family’s budget. The Bridge Café Address: Shop 2, 80 George St (Thompson Square) Phone: 02 4577 3349 Hours: Open daily – 8am 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 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. Windsor Seafoods Address: 74 George Street (Thompson Square) Phone: 02 4577 2155 Hours: Open daily 11am-8.30pm 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 an award-winning, fantastically fresh lunch or dinner. Salads are prepared from the freshest local produce, seven days a week. The kitchen rarely rests, and if Chef Barry is on duty, Snappa the Macaw 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. Check out the storefront window loaded with seafood. Gloria Jean’s Coffees Address: Shop 3, 70-72 George Street Phone: 02 4577 9505 Hours: Open daily - 7:30am 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 House Address: Shop 2, 70/72 George Street (Thompson Square) Phone: 02 4577 7212 Hours: Tues-Sun 10:30am Traditional burgers – with all the trimmings – and your favourite kabobs are the specialty of this newly opened take-away shop. Stir Crazy Noodle Bar Address: Shop 1, 70 George St (Thompson Square) Phone: 02 4577 2244 Hours: Daily 11am 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 Kitchen Address: 68 George Street (Thompson Square) Phone: 4577 9400 Hours: Daily 10.30am-2pm, 5-10pm 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 Cream Address: 66 George Street ( Thompson Square ) Phone: 02 4598 0840 Hours: Daily 10.30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm 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 Windsor Back to the shop, you won’t leave hungry if you try a triple scoop of chocolate fudge, mango magnificent, or orange gelato. Norgen-Vaaz is a specialty brand – rich in taste, and probably calories, too! For chocolate lovers, try Stairway to Heaven – exquisite white chocolate with bits of dark! Whispers – Crowne Plaza Norwest Address: 1 Columbia Court, Baulkham Hills Phone: 02 9634 9634 Hours: Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Weekend Brunch From the first glance, Whispers is a sophisticated setting for an evening out. The entire room gleams – mellow sandstone, black fittings and soft lights above glimmering like a hundred lit candles. Whispers is the perfect ‘kiss and make up’ spot for the, “I’m sorry….” situation you inadvertently stepped into earlier in the week. Offering either set or a la carte choices and you’ll find such delectables as spiced tiger prawn cutlets with chilli and garlic served on chargrilled ciabatta. From the a la carte menu, try the salmon gravalax with celeriac remoulade and a great gaspacho dressing (the secret is in the avocado cream). Dinners are hearty – you won’t leave hungry! The weekend brunch has become a favourite – reservations would be wise. Hog’s Breath Café Address: 244 Richmond Road, Clarendon Phone: 02 4587 9300 Hours: Open daily, lunch and dinner This restaurant feels like fun – 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 speciality is Prime Rib – slow cooked up to 18 hours and 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. Tony and Stephen purchased this franchise 18 months ago and are still making changes. They love their work and are good to their staff. Customers return again and again – a perfect recipe for great dining! Sebel’s Harvest Restaurant Address: 61 Richmond Road Phone: 02 4577 4222 Hours: Daily 6pm-late Located in the Sebel Resort on Richmond Road, Harvest Restaurant offers up contemporary Australian cuisine. Grilled beef and lamb are favourites on the à 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. Clydesdale Colonial Restaurant Address: Sebel Resort Phone: 02 4577 4544 Horse-drawn carriages and food is a family tradition for the Barlow and Patterson owner-duo. On a horse-drawn wagon, Grandfather Barlow ferried his ice-creams throughout the Hawkesbury, much to the delight of old and young alike. Now, on weekends, the Clydesdale-drawn Colonial Restaurant, complete with costumed host, brings colonial Windsor back to life. Velvet, lace and brass lanterns provide an 1800s ambience, and cuisine from contemporary Windsor restaurants provides the repast. You can plan your trip for a weekend three-hour breakfast, leaving from the Sebel Resort, or for lunch and dinner, leaving from the 1840 convict cellar at the foot of Thompson Square. With a group of friends, this is not your typical dinner party. Reservations are essential. Jolly Frog Hotel Address: Windsor Road at Macquarie Street Phone: 02 4577 4999 Hours: Daily for lunch and dinner The Jolly Frog Hotel has created a mix of informality, good food and reasonable prices. Traditional Australian fare is the menu for Jolly Frog and there are dining spaces both inside and out under the colourful umbrellas. Tebbutt VII Restaurant and Function Centre Address: Palmer Street Phone: 02 4577 7306 Hours: Friday-Sat 6pm - late; Lunch Sun 12-3pm 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. :: Back to Top :: Search this website! × close	Quick Planner Links Leura Blue Mountains Hawkesbury Tourism Hawkesbury 4H Festival
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Restaurants and CafÉs in Historic Windsor