Braidwood Part 1: Eat + Drink
Whether you feel like going on a road trip, or you’re passing through on the way to the coast, Braidwood is worth the stop. A new wave of foodies and trendy creatives have sprinkled their fairy dust over the historic town. What was once a convenient pit stop for Canberrans to fuel up or take a break, Braidwood is now a thriving destination.
Just over an hour’s drive from the Capital, it’s an easy trip to the heart of the Southern Tablelands. That’s the average Sydney-sider’s commute to work each morning! We are spoiled. And a beautiful drive it is.
Heritage listed for it’s traditional Georgian Town Plan, Braidwood has been injected with modern boutiques, coffee houses and restaurants. Read on for the top food and coffee spots!
Deadwood
Every plant lovers dream. Not only does this rustic shack serve damn good coffee, but it’s bursting with fresh flowers and greenery from all corners. A huge water feature sits at the entrance surrounded by pot plants. A long wooden bench offers seating underneath tall shelves full of ceramics, baskets, books and homemade jars of pickles.
The building on Duncan Street was originally built in 1882 as the Albion Coach House, and has worn many hats since settling as the beautiful nursery and coffee hangout. Antique cane chairs and tables are waiting in the outside courtyard, which provide most of the seating for patrons.
Locally made treats, sandwiches and Campos coffee are whipped up behind the pressed tin counter, where the friendly ladies will take your order.
Open 8.30am-3.30pm. Closed Sunday and Monday.
The Albion Café
The Albion Hotel is a classic example of NSW country town architecture. The yellow building sits on the corner of the main street and Duncan Street, where you will find the busy café beyond the wrap-around verandah.
Canberra fave Lonsdale Street Roasters gets the locals and visitors going for the day, alongside Three Mills brioche french toast, bacon buns, hommous eggs, smokey baked black beans, organic granola and their famous lamb bun.
After 10am you can indulge in a beer, glass of wine or cocktail! Breakfast and lunch available 7.30am-2pm everyday.
The Braidwood Bakery
Made from the same bread and butter of Trapper’s Bakery in Goulburn, the Braidwood Bakery is one of the most iconic stops for people passing through. The old school country bakery makes mountains of pies, cakes, slices, breads, sausage rolls and muffins on a daily basis.
Open bright and early from 5.30am-5.30pm. Open till 6pm Friday and Sunday.
Provisions Deli
Provisions Deli and Grocery are passionate about local and artisan foods. Grab some gourmet goodies such as bread, olives, honey, poultry, eggs, cheese, fish, organic meat, antipasto and locally grown chemical-free vegetables. If you’re a fine foodie who loves to cook with these ingredients, you must give this cute corner store a visit.
Open 10am-7pm Wednesday-Sunday.
Casanova’s
This space is beautiful! You have to search for it, but you will find Casanova’s tucked down a quiet side street. The spacious restaurant serves local seasonal produce for breakfast and lunch.
‘Baking, making and growing all that we can’ is their motto, which perfectly encompasses their Mediterranean inspired menu.
Large windows that let in plenty of natural light serve as the perfect spot to soak up the sun while you enjoy some of their beautiful dishes. We’re talking buttermilk waffles, baked polenta, salmon gravlax, and hearty mixed lunch plates. The breakfast ciabatta roll is a classic favourite too.
Note: Casanova’s is currently taking a short break, and will reopen on 5 September 2019.
Dojo Bread
Look for the sign on the main street that points to the rusty iron roof. Here you will discover the hidden haven that is Dojo Food. Famous for their German-inspired pies, sausages rolls, crusty white vienna, dense rye sourdough and delicious cakes, the quaint bakery is family owned and operated. A long wooden bench leads out to an open courtyard where you can feast under the umbrellas.
Open 8am-1pm Monday-Saturday. Closed Sunday.
Deer Head Food Van
Feel like sitting in the park for lunch? Or maybe you just want some good grub on the go? If this is the case, keep an eye out for the big yellow food van located in Ryrie Park.
Food sizzles away and mouth-watering homemade slices and cookies await. Bacon and egg rolls, toasties, burgers, steak sambos, hot chips and spiced chickpea burgers are passed through the windows to hungry travellers.
Open 6am-2pm weekdays. Closed weekends.