Lismore's Best Restaurants
The best places to eat and drink in Lismore
Lismore is a fantastically diverse city with a great selection of restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re after a corporate lunch, a quiet dinner before a movie, a relaxed family birthday, or a lively event with delicious food and drinks, there is somewhere to go for every occasion.
Fire in the Belly
Pizza aficionados, start your engines… Fire in the Belly is Lismore’s go-to option for gourmet wood-fired pizzas, and it doesn’t disappoint. You won’t soon forget the atmosphere, as the wood-fired pizza oven is a spectacle in itself: it’s in the shape of a large red dragon, the belly in the middle is a roaring fire where the pizzas are cooked – hence the name. The menu is full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and you’ll find everything from risotto, pasta, salads, delicious house-made desserts, liqueurs, wine and coffee on the menu. But the crown jewel really is the wood-fired pizza. Choose between “Australian style” and gourmet pizzas, and if you’re feeling daring, try out their signature “Dragon’s Breath” pizza – it’s not for the faint of heart!
Black Sombrero
Black Sombrero is everyone’s favourite Taqueria and Tequileria in the heart of Lismore’s CBD. This restaurant prides itself on traditional Mexican flavours, and even features an amazing charcoal grill in the kitchen inspired by the North Mexican charcoal pits of Sonora and Baja, where the meats are cooked over charcoal for a delicious authentic taste. The menu is full of mouthwatering Mexican flavours easily enjoyed alongside a Margarita, mojito or cold cerveza (beer). And there are plenty of seating options for all occasions – from booths to the private Rosalita Room to La Yarda, an outdoor grassy courtyard perfect on balmy summer nights. If you’re in town, be sure to drop in and say ‘Hola’!
La Baracca Espresso Bar & Trattoria
La Baracca is a stylish café and restaurant suitable for corporate lunches or chic dinner dates, or even just breakfast with a little panache. This popular establishment serves modern Australian cuisine alongside fabulous coffee with outstanding service, making for a delectable dining experience trendy amongst locals and visitors alike. Call in between Monday to Saturday, but don’t forget to make a reservation – this place fills up fast.
The Loft Restaurant
The Loft is a fabulous restaurant with a funky vibe and classy service. Fine food and wines are presented in a cosy atmosphere suitable for all types of occasions. Tucked away in an assuming lane off Magellan Street, the restaurant itself is true to its name and is located in an old loft that has been renovated to the hipster nines. Romantic ambience accompanies the divine menu of flavoursome dishes that have earned this restaurant top spot on TripAdvisor as the #1 restaurant in Lismore.
The Terrace Bar, The Richmond Hotel
For relaxed dining with classic Australian food and cold drinks, The Terrace Bar at The Richmond Hotel is the place to go. Generous serves, yummy food and great value make this pub-style restaurant a popular choice with locals. As the name suggests, this restaurant sits up high on a balcony overlooking Woodlark Street, providing a lovely open and airy atmosphere that makes it a popular place casual meals or after-work drinks.
LaVida Bar and Restaurant
For a taste of Mediterranean life, visit LaVida Bar and Restaurant for alfresco dining in a romantic European-style courtyard complete with fairy lights. Offering tapas, lunch and dinner alongside your choice of fine wines or beer, do yourself a favour and visit this gem of a restaurant in this lifetime. Faultless service, charming ambience and phenomenal food always make LaVida an excellent choice. While you’re there, be on the look out for the original 1966 fully restored Vespa in the courtyard.
Mary G’s
For some good old-fashioned pub grub in the heart of Lismore, you can’t go past Mary G’s. If you’re after something classic like chicken parmigiana, barramundi burgers or steak and chips in a casual, friendly atmosphere, Mary G’s on the corner of Woodlark Street and Keen Street is your best bet. While you dine, enjoy a refreshing drink from the bar in one of their various dining areas: the bistro, main bar, beer garden or VIP room (for private functions). For an easy and delicious lunch idea, visit Mary G’s from Monday through Saturday for $10 lunch specials on some of their most popular dishes. They also hold themed nights for some of their different meals – sangria and tapas Wednesdays is a favourite with many Lismore locals!
