I’ve always believed that the soul of a town lives in its food—not in the fancy fine-dining joints that chase stars and Michelin mentions, but in the local haunts. The cafés with mismatched chairs, the takeaway joints that smell like heaven at 10 pm, the bustling spots that locals frequent and visitors barely know to Google.
Discover new places and experiences
When I rolled into Goulburn, NSW—often passed over for its bigger neighbours Sydney and Canberra—I wasn’t expecting a food revelation. I thought I’d find a decent pub meal or two, maybe a local bakery. What I discovered, however, was a small town with a big appetite and even bigger heart.
What follows is a carefully curated list of five (plus a few bonus) affordable, crowd-favourite restaurants in Goulburn—each of which left me full, happy, and pleasantly surprised. This isn’t your typical top-5 list. It’s personal, visual, and as flavourful as the meals themselves.
1. The Roses Café
📍Location: 260 Auburn St, Goulburn NSW 2580
First Bite Impressions
There are cafés that serve food, and then there are cafés that serve feelings. The Roses Café, tucked right into the heart of Goulburn’s historic Auburn Street, is absolutely the latter. As soon as I walked through its wide glass doors, I was greeted by a warm hum of conversation, the clink of cutlery against porcelain, and the buttery-sweet aroma of fresh pastries in the air.
It was mid-morning, and the place was already bustling with life—young couples lingering over flat whites, tradies grabbing an early lunch, and elderly locals reading the newspaper over scones. There was something deeply comforting about the setting—like I’d stumbled into a well-loved living room that just happened to serve exceptional food.
I settled into a window-side table, with sunlight pouring across the wooden tabletop, and I couldn’t help but people-watch between sips of coffee. This café felt lived-in and loved—not trendy for the sake of it, but effortlessly charming.
Must-Try Dish
I went with a local favourite that had been recommended to me by no fewer than three Goulburn residents: Rose’s Signature Chicken & Leek Pie.
The golden, flaky pastry practically melted under my fork, revealing a steaming, creamy filling of slow-cooked chicken and soft, aromatic leeks. It was seasoned beautifully—rich but balanced, with a hint of white pepper that lingered pleasantly. Paired with a lightly dressed garden salad and a crusty bread roll, it was one of those meals that made you close your eyes after the first bite. It reminded me of comfort food done right: nostalgic but elevated.
On another visit, I tried their quiche Lorraine and a slice of their famous raspberry coconut cake—both equally stellar. Their pastry cabinet is a work of art.
Cost
In terms of value, The Roses Café punches well above its weight. The chicken & leek pie with salad came in at \$14 AUD, and my cappuccino was \$4.50. Even with a slice of cake added on, I was still well under \$25 AUD. For the quality, presentation, and portion size, I honestly would’ve expected to pay more.
What People Are Saying
This place has over 1,200 reviews on Google, and the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive. Visitors mention the consistently good coffee, generous portions, and “homestyle cooking with flair.” One TripAdvisor review described it as “a must-stop on any drive between Sydney and Canberra,” and I couldn’t agree more.
A local I chatted with at the counter told me, “Roses is where you bring your mum, your mates, and your first date. It’s where you go when you don’t want to take chances.”
How to Book and Save
Roses is first-come, first-served for the most part, but they do accept phone bookings, especially for larger groups. During peak hours—especially 11:30 am to 1:30 pm on weekends—it can be a bit of a scramble for a seat.
Pro Tip: Check their blackboard near the counter for their daily off-menu special. It’s usually a unique bake or hearty pasta dish, priced just under \$15, and it often sells out before 1 pm.
If you’re planning ahead, try booking via Quandoo—it’s one of the few reservation apps that list small-town favourites like Roses in Australia. And don’t forget to ask if they have any weekday coffee loyalty stamps going—locals hinted at a “buy 5, get 1 free” offer for return customers.
2. Paragon Café
📍Location: 174 Auburn St, Goulburn NSW 2580
A Step Back in Time—with a Full Plate
You can’t talk about Goulburn’s food scene without mentioning the Paragon. Open since 1940, it’s a vintage dream—think art deco signs, retro booths, and milkshake glasses taller than your forearm.
Must-Try Dish
Lamb’s Fry with Bacon and Onion Gravy – Yes, I know it sounds “old-school,” but it’s unbelievably hearty and rich. Pair it with creamy mashed potato and seasonal veg and you’ve got a dinner your grandfather would tip his hat to.
Alternatively, try their housemade lasagne or chicken schnitzel burger—generous, crispy, and stacked high.
Cost:
Meals start around \$12.50, with main dishes usually hovering between \$15–20 AUD.
What People Are Saying
This place has over 700 reviews on Google, many praising the huge menu, generous servings, and timeless vibe. “It’s like going back to the ‘50s but with modern coffee,” one reviewer said.
How to Book and Save
Walk-ins welcome, but on weekends, grab a table by calling ahead.
Deal Alert: They often post lunch combos and dessert deals on their Facebook page—check early!
3. Fredo’s Asian Noodle House
📍Location: 128 Auburn St, Goulburn NSW 2580
Big Flavours, Small Prices
Tucked between a newsagency and a clothing shop, Fredo’s is easy to miss—but trust me, your nose will lead you in the right direction. If you love bold, Southeast Asian flavours on a budget, this is your jam.
Must-Try Dish
Char Kway Teow – Wok-fried flat rice noodles with prawns, chicken, bean sprouts, and egg. Smoky, slightly spicy, and incredibly filling. Served in generous portions.
Vietnamese Beef Pho – Fragrant, hearty, and served with fresh herbs and bean sprouts. Ideal on a chilly Goulburn evening.
Cost:
Dishes range from \$12 to \$18 AUD. A full meal with entrée and drink can easily be had for under \$25.
What People Are Saying
Locals call it “the best Asian food between Canberra and Sydney.” I overheard a table of tradies comparing the Laksa to Sydney’s Chinatown. (For the record, it held up.)
How to Book and Save
They don’t take bookings—first come, first served. Go early for dinner or do takeaway via Menulog or DoorDash.
Budget Tip: Order lunch specials for \$10–12 AUD. Portions are still massive.
4. Trappers Bakery of Goulburn
📍Location: 4 Sowerby St, Goulburn NSW 2580
Legendary Pies and Country Warmth
This one’s more than just a bakery—it’s a regional icon. Ask anyone who’s driven from Sydney to Canberra, and they’ve likely made a pit stop here.
Must-Try Dish
Beef & Guinness Pie – A dark, rich, slow-cooked beef filling in a golden, flaky pastry shell. Balanced, comforting, and perfect with a flat white.
Apple Turnover with Fresh Cream – Freshly baked with that perfect balance of tart and sweet. Great for takeaway.
Cost:
Pies from \$6.50, meals and coffee around \$15–18 AUD.
What People Are Saying
This place has earned its spot in road-trip folklore. “Best pies on the Hume Highway,” say countless reviews. I met a couple from Queensland who detour here every time they drive south.
How to Book and Save
Walk-in only, and lines can be long during school holidays.
Smart Hack: Use the Skip App for pre-ordering—grab and go, stress-free.
5. Greengrocer on Clifford
📍Location: 2/37 Clifford St, Goulburn NSW 2580
Bikes, Brunch, and Boutique Vibes
This café is part organic grocer, part cycle shop, part brunch haven. It’s got a touch of Melbourne with Goulburn’s friendly service. Lots of indoor plants, great music, and some of the best coffee I had on my trip.
Must-Try Dish
Avocado & Feta Sourdough Toast – With poached eggs, dukkah, and chili oil drizzle. Not only beautiful to look at, but the textures and flavours were bang-on.
Smoothie Bowls – Their berry-based bowl with house-made granola and bee pollen had me sold.
Cost:
Dishes around \$14–20 AUD. Coffee from \$4.50.
What People Are Saying
Young locals and weekend tourists love it here. “Sustainable, cool, and delicious,” one reviewer wrote. The whole vibe feels clean, conscious, and a little hipster—but in the best way.
How to Book and Save
No reservations, but weekdays are quieter.
Insider Tip: Check their website for weekday loyalty perks—buy 5 coffees, get one free. Great if you’re staying for a few days.
Bonus Mentions (Quick Picks Under \$15)
- Mandarin Court Restaurant – Great for classic Chinese takeaway. Try their Mongolian Beef.
- Loaded Dog Hotel (Tarago) – A pub a little out of town, but with some killer schnitzels.
- Guzman y Gomez Goulburn – For when you want Mexican fast, fresh, and tasty.
Platforms to Know for Booking Food, Flights & More in Australia
When you’re exploring regional Australia, especially smaller towns like Goulburn, having the right tools makes a big difference. Here are my go-to platforms:
- Zomato & Yelp – For real-time restaurant reviews and user photos.
- Quandoo – For restaurant reservations, especially popular brunch spots.
- Menulog / Uber Eats / DoorDash – For takeaway in Goulburn (limited, but growing).
- Wotif / Booking.com – For hotel+restaurant package deals.
- Klook & GetYourGuide – For booking local experiences or winery tours nearby.
Small Town, Big Flavour
If you think budget-friendly meals can’t be exciting, Goulburn will change your mind. These eateries prove that good food doesn’t have to come with white tablecloths and three-digit bills. All you need is passion, quality ingredients, and that signature Aussie hospitality.
From flaky pies to fragrant pho, Goulburn has fed me well—and more importantly, reminded me that travel is often best measured not in miles, but in meals.
