Dining Out In Orange

At our cellar door we often get asked to nominate good local restaurants and fortunately we are spoilt for choice in Orange. In our experience, wine-savvy visitors like to see a good selection of local wines on the wine list – it just meets their expectations about dining out in Orange. Here are three of our regulars.

Schoolhouse Restaurant

This newish restaurant is in the historic Union Bank Building, circa 1858, and run by partners Sarah Crowley and Dom Aboud. In the warmer months a drink in the courtyard is the best way to start before heading into dinner. Formally of Rockpool Bar and Grill, chef Dom certainly knows how to rattle the pans but this is not a stuffy restaurant. Dom describes his menu as being brasserie-style with Mediterranean and European influences. On our last visit the beef sirloin was simply superb.

Sweet Sour Salt

If you are in the mood for Asian food there are several excellent options in Orange, none better than Sweet Sour Salt run by chef Ivan Podres. We’ve worked with Ivan in the past, matching Colmar Estate wines with his exciting modern Asian dishes in a FOOD Week dinner. What a night that was! The atmosphere is relaxed and the food is fantastic. Front of house is the knowledgeable and affable Leigh Oliver who can guide you through the excellent selection of local wines.

Charred

Feeling a bit jaded? Think you have seen it all before? Then head straight to Charred for an exhilarating night of food and wine. Chef Liam O’Brien seems to hit new highs every time we visit with his refined and exciting cuisine. Oh, and what a wine list! Sommelier Dave Collins (a self- confessed wine nerd) has put together a remarkable collection of wines, including the best selection of local wines in the district, as well as some superb bottles from overseas. His passion for wine knows no bounds.