For many people, trying new restaurants is a holiday highlight. And luckily for them, the Granite Belt region has loads of different food options! We’ve sampled the local cuisine and picked our top recommendations for Stanthorpe restaurants.
Our top pick: Groove ‘n’ Grill Diner
Location: 21 Maryland Street, Stanthorpe, QLD 4380
We like it because: Massive, messy, and magnificent!
If you don’t mind getting a little bit messy when you eat and you want good hearty portions, then you have to get yourself to Groove ‘n’ Grill Diner!
The vast menu covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a range of burgers, loaded fries, “build your own brekky”, and desserts. They also cater for gluten intolerances, which we really appreciate.
The burgers here are huge and stuffed to the brim with delicious combinations. Our particular favourites are the Pink Floyd burger (pulled pork, coleslaw, pickles, cheese, and BBQ sauce) and the Fats Domino burger (beef, chicken, pulled pork, bacon, cheese, coleslaw, and a mozzarella stick. Not for the faint hearted).
For drinks, you can indulge in a massive milkshake or enjoy a cocktail (or two, or three, or four)!
The diner itself looks great too, with colourful retro seats and music paraphernalia adorning the walls.
If you’re looking for a quick and dirty meal, then get yourself to Groove ‘n’ Grill Diner!
Highly recommended: Varias Restaurant
Location: 22 Caves Road, Stanthorpe, QLD 4380
We like it because: Locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menu
Perfect for a celebration meal, Varias Restaurant brings a touch of sophistication to a changing seasonal menu.
They source their produce locally where possible, and wine is sourced from their own Banca Ridge vineyard. One of our favourite items on their menu is the signature “Medley of Mains” lunch dish. Smaller portions of two entrées, a main, and a dessert are paired with Banca Ridge wines. It’s a great way to sample a wide variety of the menu.
Although we appreciate the changing menu, it is sad to see your favourites go! I still dream about a beef sandwich and crispy potatoes I had one lunch time, and I haven’t seen it since ☹.
The restaurant is owned by the Queensland College of Wine Tourism and offers training for students in viticulture, tourism, hospitality, and business.
If you’re looking for an extra special meal, book yourself a table at Varias! Booking recommended.
Highly recommended: Hanasaku Japanese Restaurant
Location: 13 Davadi Street, Stanthorpe, QLD 4380
We like it because: Feel-good Japanese food
The Severn River Cottages team are suckers for good Asian food, and we’re lucky to have Hanasaku Japanese Restaurant in Stanthorpe to fulfil our sushi cravings!
Our personal recommendations are for the takoyaki, salmon sashimi, and the unagidon meal. The meal dishes also come with salad, picked vegetables, and miso soup, so make sure you visit hungry! During lunch hours or for smaller palates, we’re also a fan of their nori rolls.
The food is well priced and the staff are very helpful and kind. We have no hesitation in recommending Hanasaku to anyone visiting Stanthorpe.
Visiting Stanthorpe restaurants
At Severn River Cottages, we love getting out and exploring our local area. We’re perfectly positioned amongst Granite Belt highlights, including glorious restaurants, wineries, pubs and hotels, and stunning national parks.
If you’re looking to explore the Granite Belt and don’t know where to stay, come stay with us! We have three private sandstone cottages surrounded by tranquil Australian bush and the languid Severn River. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic couple’s getaway or a family trip, we’ve got you covered!
