On the western part of the Great Dividing Range, just a couple of hours drive from Brisbane, you will find the blue skies and stunning natural beauty of the Granite Belt – a true country escape that every foodie and wine-lover should visit.

In these parts of Southern Queensland Country, Stanthorpe, the largest town in the Granite Belt, offers some of the best wineries and restaurants in all of Queensland.

In this post, Granite Belt Retreat offers you a local’s guide to some of the best Stanthorpe cafes restaurants and pubs that the region has to offer:

Sutton’s Juice Factory

You cannot visit the Granite Belt and not drop by Sutton’s Juice Factory – home to the best apple pie you’ll ever taste.  Aside from their delectable apple pie, you’ll also enjoy their servings of sausage rolls and mulled apple juice, as well as other homemade cakes. Really, you can order anything on their menu and you’ll surely love it. Perhaps it’s because they always use real butter and all their ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality. 

Don’t forget to take some of the goodies home to your family!

Granite Belt Brewery Beer 

If you want to cool down with the best locally brewed beer and you’re keen to try a few out of the box brews, you can’t go wrong with Granite Belt Brewery. With over 10 beers and ciders on tap and 2 different tasting paddle sizes to choose from, the toughest part is deciding which beers to try.  Want to see how your favorite beverage is made, you can watch the process through a glass window, too!

Some of the must-try menu items include the pulled pork burger, Irish Red Ale, Porter (a must try in winter), and local Applethorpe Cider. Of course, we won’t stop you if you want to try the mouthwatering Tenterfield venison pie, the osso buco, or the parmesan-crusted Barramundi either. 

Essen Restaurant

Relatively new, this restaurant is family-run. If you’ve been to the Granite Belt Wine Country several times and you’re looking for somewhere new to eat, this is an excellent option to try. Here, you’ll be served home-style cooking that will surely make the restaurant one of your favorites fast. 

From their grandma’s dumplings to some authentic pork schnitzel, apple strudel, and potato salad, they have everything an Aussie could ever want. 

Heritage Estate Winery

If you have time for a drive, you could head to Cottonvale to visit the Heritage Estate Winery to see their impressive collection of award-winning wines. That’s not all there is to see, too. The winery is home to some of the finest antiques you’ll have the pleasure of seeing, including a 17-seat rosewood and leather table used by the Queensland’s Executive Council in 1859, back when Queen Victoria declared that Queensland is a colony. 

As the favorite of wine writer James Halliday, Heritage Estate Winery will certainly meet your discerning taste in wine.  You’ll also enjoy their dinners while watching silent movies playing in the background. 

Conclusion

As you can see, you will not be left wanting when you visit Stanthorpe. Visit any of these recommended Stanthorpe pubs and restaurants and you’ll find it to be the highlight of your trip! Better yet, extend your visit to a few days of relaxation and we promise to provide you the best dining experience and the most romantic accommodation in Stanthorpe.

Wondering what to do in Stanthorpe? Granite Bel Retreat & Brewery has your back. Whether you’re looking for some fine wine, a unique beer brew, or flavors that will delight you, we have it all for you. You can even enjoy them in your cabin! Contact us today and we’ll tell you what awaits you on your visit!