The Granite Belt area is rich in local produce, and many of the Stanthorpe cafés champion this in their menu. There are so many options when you’re looking for a bite to eat that it can become overwhelming! So we’ve done some sampling and have created a list of our top café recommendations.
Our top pick: Jamworks Café
Location: 7 Townsend Rd, Glen Aplin, QLD 4381
We like it because: delicious breakfasts, quaint venue, great shop
Just a stone’s throw from Severn River Cottages is Jamworks Gourmet Food and Café. It’s one of the most celebrated establishments in the Stanthorpe area; every time we’ve been, there’s been a steady stream of customers! Service is with a smile, and is efficiently done no matter how busy it is.
We’ve enjoyed both breakfast and lunch at the café, and our personal preference is the breakfast (served until 11am). The menu is full of good-quality, local ingredients, and you’ll often find some Jamworks products that perfectly compliment each dish. Come hungry, as the breakfast items are quite filling!
Within the café is the Jamworks shop so you can take some of their jams, sauces, and relishes home. We’re big fans of the mulberry jam and capiscum, onion, and chilli relish.
During winter, the café is warmed with a log fire. There’s plenty of seats inside and even dog-friendly space outside. It’s a charming, welcoming venue, and it should be top of your list when you visit Stanthorpe.
Highly recommended: Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cider and Shed Café
Location: 10 Halloran Drive, Thulimbah, QLD 4376
We like it because: decadent sweets using local produce
Yet another popular choice, and for good reason. Sutton’s Juice Factory, Cider, and Shed Café is well-known in the area for its orchard, which provides many varieties of both dessert and cider apples. Many local businesses (us included!) will provide Sutton’s juices or preserves for their customers.
Although Sutton’s do create products for you to take home, enjoying a treat in their café is not to be missed. They have a seasonal menu based on availability, but some items are offered year-round. You should try their buttermilk scones and famous apple pie when you visit (although we’re fans of the dutch apple pie).
Most of the desserts at Sutton’s are served with some whipped cream and vanilla bean ice cream. It’s an incredibly rich treat, but oh so worth it! For those without a sweet tooth, Sutton’s do also serve savoury items until 2.30pm.
Highly recommended: Blue Pot Pantry & Café
Location: 679 Thorndale Road, Thorndale, QLD 4380
We like it because: great location, quirky venue, and good food!
Blue Pot Pantry & Café is a quirky little hidden gem, just a few minutes drive from Severn River Cottages. We love the location (it’s so close to us!) and the venue also has some fantastic views of the rolling Granite Belt hills. The café interior is also very charming.
As for the food… delicious! They champion local produce in their menu, including sourcing local wines and beer to enjoy during your meal. Dishes do depend on what’s available during the season, so it’s worth checking their Facebook profile to see what’s currently on the menu.
They also have a range of local chutneys, relishes, sauces and jams that you can purchase which are also used within their menu. Even better, all of these are gluten-free, which we really appreciate!
Visiting Stanthorpe cafés
All the Stanthorpe cafés we’ve mentioned here are just a short drive from each other, and we fully recommend checking them out the next time you visit the area.
Now you know where to eat, what about where to stay? Severn River Cottages has three private, self-catered cottages in a central location to regional highlights. We’re surrounded by national parks, pristine bushland, award-winning vineyards, and fantastic eateries.
