Food in The Riverina

For a tasty escape, The Riverina is a treat. The region enjoys an outstanding reputation for its food culture, influenced by its strong Italian heritage. Discover fabulous restaurants, delicious gourmet providores, Italian pasticcerias, orchards, farmers markets, farmgate experiences, and award-winning wineries and breweries.

Local produce

Rich soils support an abundance of fresh produce, earning the region its title of Australia’s Food Bowl. The Riverina produces 90 per cent of NSW’s citrus and 60 per cent of its wine grapes, plus almonds, rice, olives, fruit and vegetables. Find them at Wagga’s Riverina Produce Market and farmers markets in Nerranderra, Junee and Leeton.

Providores in the region also create artisan delights, many with a distinct Italian flavour. Try authentic salami at Codemo Smallgoods in Griffith, cold-pressed olive oil at Wollundry Grove Olives in Wagga and cheese at the Coolamon Cheese Factory. For sweet treats, Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is a must-see.

Restaurants, cafes and bars

About 60 per cent of the people in Griffith have Italian heritage, so you can expect great Italian restaurants. At fine dining Limone, much of the produce is grown and harvested at their own Piccolo Family Farm. Try Miei Amici Cafe for great coffee and breakfast, or enjoy traditional dishes at Zecca Handmade Italian.

There’s an emerging cafe culture in Wagga – visit The Blessed Bean (where they roast their own coffee), Fitzmaurice Cafe, Artisan Baker and the Trail St Coffee Shop. For dinner, sample local Riverina lamb at The Magpie’s Nest or dine by the vines at Cottontails Winery. Finish the day with a drink at Birdhouse Bar.

Food tours and experiences

Learn local secrets and cook with the country’s best chefs at a Food I Am cooking class, held in a gorgeous hilltop venue with sweeping views over Wagga.

Take a tour of the family-owned Catania Fruit Salad Farm and sample fresh fruits and nuts as well as jams, mustards, pickles and traditional Sicilian wine. Taste Riverina showcases local food, wine and beer with a series of events throughout the year including food tours, tastings, markets and long lunches.