For many, the best part of the winter is hitting the slopes and for others, it’s cosying up with a good meal and a glass of wine. Whichever side you sway, there are some seriously delicious restaurants in the region to refuel, indulge, relax or party.  

COCINA TAQUERIA

Subsiding that cold mountain chill one fiery margarita at a time, Cocina Taqueria is bringing the heart of Mexico to the Snowy Mountains. Serving Mexican with a modern twist, high-quality produce features prominently throughout the menu. Boasting an extensive cocktail, tequila and mezcal list, you’re well covered for drinks too. 

THREE BLUE DUCKS NIMBO

Offering some of Australia’s best ingredients and fresh produce from the neighbouring Riverina district, Nimbo Fork’s restaurant is under the helm of the very talented Three Blue Ducks team and promises an experience your taste buds will never forget. For those whose alpine escape broadens beyond the ski resorts and expands to the entirety of the beautiful Koszciousko National Park the drive is a worth-while journey in itself. Adventure out to Tumut and discover the historical fly-fishing site and boutique accommodation Nimbo Fork Lodge for spectacular landscapes and an award-winning intimate farm-to-table dining experience. After a big week of eating, drinking and playing in the mountains, their famous Sunday roast lunch (with all the trimmings) is a non-negotiable on your hit list. 

BERNTI’S MOUNTAIN INN

Bernti’s Mountain Inn is located in the heart of Thredbo Village, at the magic spot where flavour meets the mountain. Choose from not one, but two exceptional restaurants: Zack’s Grill and The Bar and Brasserie. Trip Advisor’s #1 rated restaurant in Thredbo, Zack’s Grill, is best known for it’s premium meats, never failing to serve up a tender mouth-watering steak alongside breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Kosciuszko. If you’re after a relaxed all-day dining spot, The Bar and Brasserie has a wide range of dishes, craft beers and full cocktail bar, keeping even the fussiest of eaters delighted. On those days when the sun has you forgetting it’s freezing, dine out on the outdoor heated patio to take your alpine adventure to the next level. 

HOLLY GO LIGHTLY

Swing into Holly GoLightly for great après and nightlife vibes in the heart of Jindabyne. A crowd favourite among locals, settle into the beer garden with a craft beer on tap, wine or cocktail and one of their famous burgers. From espresso martinis and margaritas with smoked chicken wings, cauliflower bites and an epic beef burger, the menu offers something for everyone and is sure to cure your cravings after an epic day carving down the mountain. For nights when dinner turns to drinks and you ask what’s next, you’ll find the best nightlife in the Snowy Mountains at Holly’s, so don’t forget to check their socials for DJ nights. 

BANJO PATTERSON INN

An iconic mountain institution, the Banjo Paterson Inn in Jindabyne is the beating heart of the region all year round. After a day on the slopes, nothing beats a hearty modern pub meal in an authentic après inn. Catch a glimpse of stone walls, a contemporary fit-out and a stylish cocktail bar and you’ve found Clancy’s Brasserie, a favourite amongst locals. If you’re after succulent steaks, fresh salads, the famous ‘Snowy trout’ or a good old-fashioned pub classic, this is a must. Head upstairs and adventure into The Overflow, a hub of good vibes, juicy burgers, hot wings, pizza and American-diner style classics. With regular live music and DJ sets, and of course the famous Kosciuszko Brewery, the adventure doesn’t stop after a big day on the slopes. 

THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER HOTEL

 Ask any Perisher frequenter their plans and they’ll say: snowboarding then The Man From Snowy River Hotel. Arguably the most popular and iconic spot in Perisher, a visit to the main dining room and pub bar will top off your Perisher experience. 

With a huge glass façade that looks out over Perisher Front Valley, The Main Dining Room is the perfect location to relax and enjoy a stunning meal. With fresh Snowy Mountain, South Coast and Southern NSW produce at the core of the innovative menu you’ll be booking in for tomorrow night before you’ve made it to dessert. Come on the right night and you’ll have front row seats to watch night skiing or the Perisher Fireworks. 

At The Pub Bar, journey around a huge stone fireplace centrepiece, choose your rustic wooden tall table and take in the sunset from Front Valley to Mt Perisher while you mix with locals and fellow skiers over a well-deserved beverage. The warm, friendly and Australian snow resort ambience is the stuff of movies, with delicious and classic meals. Once you’ve peeled yourself away from the views, join the fun with pool, darts, sports TV, live music and a range of apres ski entertainment.  

So now you know where to eat, check out where to stop on the way to the snow and the must stay chalets in the Snowy Mountains.