Bundaberg produces a huge amount of Australia's small crops. A lot of places don’t take advantage of the fresh, amazing produce, but many do. Service can be a bit chilled in the B’Berg. You always order at the counter and never wait for all your meals to come out before you start, sometimes they are a bit all over the shop. Also most dinner places stop service at 8pm. Here are some of my favourite spots.

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Eleven Acres

What a venue. Located in the bush on the western outskirts of Bundy. Relaxed vibe in this destination location. Feels like a farm with a modern art injection. Young local chef doing some exciting things with local produce. Take a walk after you eat. Breakfast, lunch 7 days. Dinner Friday and Saturday. $$$

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Water Street Kitchen - Walkervale

Can a cafe change the whole vibe of a suburb? No doubts. Water Street Kitchen is like going to your Nana's house if she was a 24 year-old artist obsessed with fine dining. Young crowd, creative vibe bistro hidden away in the burbs of Bundy. Food is fine dining street food, like pulled pork Po-Boys and Ramen. Coffee is as good as you can get and baked treats as tasty as any Melbourne bearded baker can dream of. Only open Monday to Friday, but I think this place is going to be like a Pokemon and evolve rapidly. $$$

 

Indulge - Bundaberg

Incredible award winner paddock to plate cafe. Euro vibe and good strong coffee. Meals are huge so don’t be afraid to share. Good place for a morning  (10am) beer. Seasonal menu with farmers delivering produce each morning. No night service and closed Sunday. Only serve breakfast menu to 11am, then switches. Only breakfast menu on Saturdays and closes at 12 noon. $$$

 

Oodies Cafe - Bundaberg North

The chill vibe in this little cafe is off the charts. This place is Bundaberg. The food is basic but delicious. So friendly and creative. The story of it is perfect as well, two sisters that teamed up to transform a flooded old shop front to a bespoke urban cafe. Free wifi and you can really kick back. Some night time music events happen here as well. $$

 

Riverfeast - Bundaberg East

Every Friday night and some Sundays outdoor food and booze party. This is such a great place to sit and watch the sunset over the river while having a local beer (Baffle Beer or Bargara Beer). Variety of food stalls and local musicians belting out some tunes. It’s an old shipping construction warehouse and has street art covering the walls. Looks pretty too. Must try the 4670 BBQ (12-hour slow cooked amazement) and Lick Dessert Bar (donut sweet goodness). $$

 

Busy Bee Fish and Chips - Bundaberg

Mind blowing experience. 50 years in the same spot. Double battered chips are NEXT LEVEL. Deep fried banana and pineapple. Must do. $

 

At James’s Place - Bundaberg

Korean influenced breakfast and burger bar. Truly amazing huge burgers cooked with passion. The vego mushroom burger is worth a try. The Double Burger is insane. Good to see the Asian/Australian flavour mash-up. Not open Sundays and late Thursday and Friday night only. $$

 

Diamond Garden Chinese - Bundaberg North

I have had some big nights in the unique Chinese restaurant. Perfect for a big party crew and oh so cheap for the quality of the feed. Whack a bottle of rum on the middle of the table and feast. Good place to go if you want to eat a bit later. Take-away at the front, dine in out the back. The Chef is a bit of a local legend. $

 

Kitchen Confidence Cooking School - Bundaberg

Just wow. This is a top night out of learning about food and eating like a king/queen. Wayne hosts different themed nights (check their Facebook to find out what’s on) in a little kitchen dining room. It’s super popular and you need to book. Take a bottle of wine and have a good time. Wayne also does take-away meals. Not open Saturdays and Sundays. $$$

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Casablanca's - Bargara

I need a beer at 11am, followed quickly by a coffee. I want to relax. I want tapas and beers on a Saturday arvo. I want lovely friendly family vibe service. I want to feel like I'm in some little Spanish place. Yeah, all that here. Baffle Beer on tap too. $$

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Windmill Cafe - Bargara

Great little brekky place. Last time I ate here they were doing some cool stuff with local produce. Can be a little hit and miss with service. Hours are a bit all over the shop too. $$

 

Red Chilli Thai - Bargara

Best Thai in region. Need to book. I don’t think it’s BYO. $$

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Nourish Cafe - Bundaberg

If you are looking for a healthy option, Nourish is a clean eating as you can get. Vegan and vego options that will blow your mind. No night service. $$

 

Brewhouse - Bundaberg

Beer brewery in an old converted warehouse. They do really basic pizzas and some small bites. Some interesting takes on beer, pumpkin for example. Open nights and good vibe. Just wish they did more events, get a Sunday or Saturday BBQ happening dudes. $$

 

Grunske’s Seafood - Bundaberg East

Fresh seafood you can eat while looking at the boat unload more. Great spot on the river. Can be pricey, but just go the Hot and Cold Seafood basket and share it. Watch the sun set and eat your fill. No BYO and open nights. $$$

 

Mollydooker's Cafe - Apple Tree Creek

Canadian themed restaurant beyond great. Amazing menu. Must try the Rueben Sandwich. $$

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Bundy Pub Meals

All are pretty spot on for good generic pub food. Most have specials on weeknights.

 

Good picks are:

• Spotted Dog - Bundaberg

• Melbourne Hotel - Bundaberg South

• The Club Hotel - Bundaberg

• The Metro Hotel - Bundaberg

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Pick your own

Lots of roadside stalls dotted around the place, look out for hand painted signs and super cheap local, just picked produce. This guide is a pretty good roadmap to get you started but you will see them along your way - just have change handy.