20 Of The Absolute Best Lismore Restaurants And Cafes In 2026
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
Just over an hour south of Coolangatta, lays the truly glorious town of Lismore/Bundjalung Country. Where you’re invited to ‘come to the heart’, and indulge in its vibrant music scene, street-art alleyways, labyrinth of surrounding rainforests and, of course, the best Lismore restaurants, cafes and hidden haunts.
You may recognise Lismore as the flood-ravaged small town that rallied together and rebuilt the city. I know it as home. Before moving to the Gold Coast in 2010, I grew up in Lismore and since then, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bypassed Byron Bay, road-tripped through Bangalow and gazed out the window over green pastures in Clunes before pulling up at a friend’s place, the ‘rents or a dinner reservation.
Over decades, Lismore’s dining scene has evolved and developed into one that, in my opinion, rivals that of its glitzier neighbours. Despite its hardships, Lismore is home to a whole swag of creative restaurateurs, and eateries that hero local produce and the people who make it happen.
In case you can’t tell, Lismore is kind of a big deal to me. And if you’re lusting after a hinterland roadtrip, here at Urban List we believe you should add it to your shortlist of locales (just make sure it’s a Saturday if weekend feasting’s on your mind. Sundays are near-ghost-towns on the food front).
I can almost guarantee you’ll fall in love with the community spirit, the lively events and the food. So much so that perhaps a few day’s stay is on the cards. Here are my pick of the best Lismore restaurants and cafes in 2026.
How we choose: Culinary excellence, consistent service, cultural relevance, moody ambiance, sustainability where possible, and real-world buzz from our team and community.
The Best Lismore Restaurants & Cafes At A Glance
Best Lismore Cafes
BEBEY
98 Magellan St, Lismore NSW 2480
Bebey is the freshest addition to Lismore's dining scene. By day, the crew spin vinyl and sling piping hot cups of the widely applauded Kwila coffee. Come night, there's speciality wine and a curated selection of bites. Founders Sarah, Dan, Vic and Mel honestly create such a warm atmosphere. It's refreshing to see such passion in a setting revived from flood times, embellished with art and with glasses raised everywhere.
The after dark menu calls for its own shoutout. A tidy selection of plates topped with sweet goat cheese and roasted red pepper muhamara on sourdough, through to Japanese pumpkin with labne and pistachio agrodolce. Then there's the succulent roasted chicken thigh with fennel, chickpeas and zaatar, which has quickly garnered a cult following. Cafe hours are 7am - 2pm Tuesday through Friday, then Thursday and Friday nights are for clinks, bites and tunes.
INSIDER INTEL
- Keep an eye out for it just a few doors up from The Levee
- It's namesake is Francis Bebey, a trailblazing African American creative and musician
Little Love Bros Coffee Nook
20 Cathcart St, Lismore NSW 2480
By the same creators as local taqueria Taco Love Bros, the completely adorable Little Love Bros Coffee Nook lives up to the hype. What felt like a caffeine-fuelled pop-up in the beginning, is clearly here to stay.
Expect perfectly poured cups filled with Old Quarters Coffee Merchants coffee. ICYMI: this is Australia's only specialty coffee company that sources 100% Southeat Asian green beans direct from farmers. And I can confirm it makes for seriously smooth cups of liquid gold. Plus, it's only available in a handful of locales, so it's kind of a big deal.
Yes, there are breakfast burritos. Yes, there are breakfast tacos. And if you're quick, there's even a warmed up goblet of orange, lemon and ginger juice with tumeric, cayenne pepper and honey. All served with a magical spice-spiked rim that makes breakfast feel like a fullblown celebration. Now you can swing by Monday to Saturday 6am - 12noon, and Sundays 7am - 11am.
INSIDER INTEL
- This coffee spot has recently started opening on Sundays
- Keep a keen eye out for limited release pastries, churros, slices and cheesecakes
Henry's Bakery & Cafe
87 Keen Street, Lismore NSW 2480
Henry's is a relic on Lismore's cafe scene, having called Keen Street home since the literal 1980s. It's been passed down through four generations and has recently seen a massive overhaul of the aesthetic and fitout. The vibe is similar to Bruns Bakery. Think a massive cabinet of flaky pastries, loaded pies, pistachio-crusted cakes and rows of loaves as far as the eye can see.
There are heaps of catering and custom cake order options, making it a go-to for special events. Or pocket a fresh sambo for an iconic Lismore park picnic staple. Swing by 7am - 5.15pm weekdays or until 2.30pm Saturday.
INSIDER INTEL
- The team recently launched an in-store rebrand and fitout refresh
- The cake artistry in full flex here is genuinely phenomenal
The Bank Cafe & Espresso
67 Molesworth St, Lismore NSW 2480
First there was The Left Bank, which snuggled up next to Lismore’s original tiny art gallery before closing in 2010. Then, in that same year, The Bank Cafe & Espresso turned an old bank into a cafe just down the street. And I can confirm, your money is in safe hands when you choose to sip or nibble here.
Today, The Bank’s known as one of the best Lismore cafes for intimate catchups, long lunches and occasionally coworking. Open seven days 7am-2pm, this place serves up epic all-day breakfast and lunch from 11am. A top option for groups with varying dietary requirements, grab a cuppa and stay a while at this historic building turned bustling coffee house.
INSIDER INTEL
- Find some of the best mugs of Chai in town here
- The fungchesy toastie with garlic mushrooms, vegan mozzarella and vegan aioli slams
- If you're seated in the alleyway, remember to order at the counter because table service is only for indoor seating
Timbre Lismore
53 Dawson St, Lismore NSW 2480
Image Credit: Timbre Lismore | Instagram
One of my favourite things about Lismore is its tapestry of creative people from all over who come together, chat, collaborate and cheer each other on. At Timbre Lismore, you’re just as likely to be tapping on your laptop next to a local artist as you are a seasoned muso. And everyone behind the brews genuinely cares about how you’re going today.
This industrial chic Lismore cafe-meets-community space pours specialty coffee and invites you to lounge a while.
When your coffee comes from those who are the Vice President of the International Women’s Coffee Alliance in Australia, you know you’re in for a treat. A sun-drenched coffee bar that invites you to ‘decolonise your mind’, do yourself a favour and swing by Monday through Friday 7am-2pm except Wednesdays which is until 3pm, then 7am - 1pm Saturday.
INSIDER INTEL
- Take a look around their incredible First Nations library
- Keep an eye out for pop-up markets, record sales and events
- Browse their curated selection of wares handmade by women in Papua New Guinea
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Muddle Puddle Cafe
62 Wyrallah Rd, East Lismore NSW 2480
One of the more understated spots on our list located at the end of the teeny Wyrallah Road shops, Muddle Puddle Cafe pulls a crowd. Most notably for their Nepalese MoMo Dumplings. Ask anyone whose had them, they’re next-level good.
For a quick cuppa, a loaded bowl of Nepalese noodles topped with marinated chicken or all day brekkie (because why not), this is your go-to Lismore cafe. Stop by 7am-2.30pm Monday through Saturday.
INSIDER INTEL
- My go-to’s the steamed veggie momo’s which wrap a medley of veg in a bouncy pillow of pastry. Like it crisp? Opt to deep fry, but to be honest they’re delish steamed
FOREST Lismore
142 Keen St, Lismore NSW 2480
Follow your nose to this bustling Korean cafe by day that moonlights as a restaurant Friday and Saturdays. Start your day at FOREST with a giant mug of black sesame latte or a matcha mango smoothie with honey. Though the food menu is what will have you back time and time again. Steaming hot bowls of bibimbap rice bowls topped with fried egg and mixed vegetables or crispy Korean fried chicken marinated in special sauce and served with housemade kimchi.
Limited seating makes for an intimate ambiance, though takeaway service is quick too. Come night I've had the kimchi fried rice and tofu bokkeum which are big on comfort food flavours and in size. FOREST Lismore is open 6.30am-2.30pm Monday through Saturday and 5-8pm Friday and Saturday nights.
INSIDER INTEL
- The kimchi fried rice, tofu bokkeum and mushroom hot pot are all stars in my opinion
- If it's raining, choose a table that isn't the outdoor spot on the very right when facing the store
- Coffee is by small batch Sydney roasters, Grace & Taylor
- To book, call or text 0429 361 168
take care
11 Rural St, Lismore NSW 2480
INSIDER INTEL
- The spicy cacao is perfect for these frosty nights
- Seasonal plates and small bar foods shine here
- To book, email takecarecafeau@gmail.com
Best Lismore Restaurants
Uncle Lim’s
3/178 Keen St, Lismore NSW 2480
If the walls could talk at Uncle Lim’s, oh there’d be some scandalous town stories on their lips. One of the longest standing restaurants in Lismore that used to trade as Cafe Giardino’s, there’s greenery-lined alfresco dining beside a water fountain in the garden area, indoor seating then the upstairs pozzies for nighttime feasts.
Their Asian fusion menu is brimming with tantalising dishes. The tom yum King prawn wonton soup is a menu frontrunner, and the lychee sweet and sour fish is always a favourite around my family’s dinner table. Dishes deliver authentic spice levels true to their warnings and they’re open 4pm-8pm Tuesday through Saturday then Sundays 5pm-8pm.
INSIDER INTEL
- My go-to every time is a large serving (instead of the entree) of the sticky, chilli caramelised eggplant
- This is my pick for dinner before a few-minute wander to Lismore grand art gallery for the latest exhibition or community activation
- To book, call 6621 5118
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187 Cantina
6 Nesbitt Ln, Lismore NSW 2480
Image Credit: 187 Cantina | Instagram
Over the years, this place has gone from literally a doorway in an alley you wouldn’t think twice about, to an upmarket pork-cheek-curing fine dining locale, to now a Mexican joint that basically gets a round of applause everytime it's mentioned. 187 Cantina offers quick service and fresh dishes like the flavour party that are the ceviche tostadas, featuring citrus cured white fish, fresh pineapple, chili slices and pico de gallo topped with coriander.
Take your pick from a wide variety of snacks tacos and burritos, best washed down with a classic margarita (ask for dirty dumped). Lunch bookings are available from 12noon Monday through Friday until 1.30pm, then through to 3pm on Saturday. Reservations are available 5pm-7.30pm Monday through Thursday or until 8pm Friday or 4pm - 8pm Saturday. This is one of the best Lismore restaurants for a cocktail and bite to start your night.
INSIDER INTEL
- Head here if you have plans straight after since table turnovers are speedy
- Opt for outdoor seating for long lunching, then come night try to get a spot in the upstairs loft area for a unique experience
Ma Ma Moi
24 Carrington St, Lismore NSW 2480
Do yourself a favour and eat-in at one of the best Lismore restaurants for breakfast or dinner. Tucked away from the main drag in Lismore, Ma Ma Moi makes a mean Malaysian chilli sambal scrambled eggs served on a bed of flaky croissant topped with basil, chilli and a scattering of herbs. Breakfast runs 7am-2pm Monday through Saturday.
Come nighttime, expect casual dining below the haze of neon lights, where there are $20 whiskey sours and crispy pork belly buns dripping in sweet pepper sauce. It’s the generously portioned bulgogi beef rice bowl topped with pickled ginger, sesame and spring onions that’ll have you booking your next meal here on the spot. Open for dinner 4.30pm through 8.30pm Friday and Saturday only.
INSIDER INTEL
- The loaded benny with tofu, perfectly poached eggs, lashings of citrus-infused hollondaise and lotus chips is a gamechanger
- Call 6621 5641 to book a table
The Levee Lounge and Bar
88 Magellan St, Lismore NSW 2480
The Levee is Lismore’s beloved wine bar, where the service shines, the vibe’s always good and debaucherous nights begin. These guys also stock local business Pyewackets Shrubs so you can basically build your own cocktail or mocktail using distilled, foraged herbs. Pretty freakin’ cool if you ask me.
This afternoon turned after dark haunt is moody, but with zero pretentiousness. Think: quick service and attentive care that’ll make it a treasured pitstop in your night. I love the unique layout - like one big hallway lined with intimate tables for two. Live locals acts often croon in the corner and there’s a selection of snacks like Grumpy Grandma’s mixed olives and cheese, deli or vegan charcuterie boards. These guys are open 4pm until late Wednesday through Saturday.
INSIDER INTEL
- This is the perfect spot to meet for generously sized cocktails pre-dinner or for your nightcap
- Don't be fooled by the pint-sized facade, this locale stretches way back with more seating
The Stockpot
133 Molesworth St, Lismore NSW 2480
Image Credit: The Stockpot | Instagram
Daily happy hour 4pm-5.30pm makes this one of the best Lismore restaurants for $10 margies, $5 schooners and BBQ eats. Locals loved The Stockpot long before they were named 2024’s ‘restaurant of the year’ in the Australian BBQ Awards (yes, they’re a thing). Though now you too can see what all the buzz is about.
I have it on good authority that the ironbark smoked brisket meal is considered worthy of a final supper. Featuring 250 succulent grams of smoked brisket, together with fresh slaw, tangy pickles and some chippies. There’s crispy southern fried chicken wings, a whole lineup of towering burgers and vegetarian options like the ‘crack cauliflower’ featuring Korean sweet and sour bites.
I’m obsessed with this team’s commitment to keeping their menu fresh, with weekly specials including the likes of smoked Bangalow sweet pork belly with fresh cucumber, spring onions and lettuce for wrapping, to dunk in ssamjang. And the Stock Pot Paloma, with tequila, amaro montenegro, grapefruit, lime and soda. Keep an eye on socials for their latest release. They’re open for lunch 11.30am-2pm and 4pm-8pm-ish Thursday through Saturday.
INSIDER INTEL
- Grab a serve of cheesy smoked pork and jalapeno croquettes at any chance you get
- The new burger loyalty card makes every 10th burger free
Earth Oven
104 Keen Street, Lismore NSW 2480
I’ll come right out and say it. This is the best Lismore restaurant for those craving creative Italian cooked to precision. As an extra dash of delight, each of Earth Oven’s wood-fired pizzas are named after towns and villages around the Northern Rivers. Adorable, yes. Helpful in giving insight into what to expect from the region’s neighbouring locales, also yes. The menu is a gold mine.
For example, the lamb, feta and pistachio pizza scattered with spinach is an ode to Corndale’s rolling green pastures. While the vegan artichoke, mushroom and capsicum pizza with capers and olives pays tribute to the eclectic Jiggi area. The Lismore pizza is arguably the best (it’s a supreme).
Also offering gluten-free bases and dairy-free cheese, place your eat-in or takeaway order 4.30pm-8.30pm Tuesday through Saturday. While the fitout’s simple, I’m of the impression it’s so the flavours can really sing.
INSIDER INTEL
- No matter how busy it gets here, the team are literal rays of sunshine
Mayumi’s Kitchen
Star Court Arcade, 126 Molesworth St, Lismore NSW 2480
Lismore’s series of snaking alleyways and arcades make a wander around the city centre an interesting explore. Hidden down the Star Court Arcade is my pick for the best Lismore restaurant for ramen at Mayumi’s Kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for piping hot pork chashu atop traditional noodles in a bath of tonkotsu pork bone broth or a vegan ramen in umami miso broth, This. Place. Is. It.
Catering to our vegetarian and vegan friends, while also serving crisp karaage chicken and deluxe okonomiyaki (that’s Japan’s tasty cabbage pancakes in dinner plate sizes), as well as bento boxes and sushi, come for the food, delight in the friendly service. Lunchtime feasting is 10am-2.30pm Monday through Saturday.
INSIDER INTEL
- Book-end your visit with a browse of one of the many nearby thrift stores
- Is the perfect post-show feed after catching something at the Star Court Theatre, which host live acts and a series of indie films all week long
Mumbos Cucina
29 Keen Street, Lismore NSW 2480
As one of the newest restaurants in Lismore, Mumbos is the family-run place that swung open its doors in October 2024 and they’ve been plating up rich beef ragu bolognese with pappardelle, a sprinkling of parmesan and house made bread ever since.
Home to a drinks menu that features a curated list of Italian cocktails, I recommend that everyone sip a Bellini at least once in their life, and this is the place you can indulge in the peachy goodness of an authentic one. Are you in Keen Street or is it Capri? Squeeze your eyes shut and you might just transport your senses to a quaint, European eatery. Friday lunch is 11.30am-2pm and dinner’s 5pm til late, daily, except for Tuesday and Sunday.
INSIDER INTEL
- The team brngs 70 years of Lismore knowledge to your dine-in experience
- Gluten-free pasta is available
Japanese Kitchen Little Tokyo
32 Carrington St, Lismore NSW 2480
Image Credit: Japanese Little Kitchen | Instagram
You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon Lismore’s best-kept secret when you duck inside Japanese Kitchen Little Tokyo for the first time. What this hole in the wall ramen house and soba bar lacks in seating is well and truly made up for with value for money and taste.
Reminiscent of a traditional Japanese Shokudo (a casual, often family-run ‘little restaurant’), try the loaded kaarage chicken udon, guaranteed to fill even the hungriest of eaters. Then again, you can’t go wrong when you nab a plate of fresh salmon sashimi for a quick bite.
Time your visit with precision between 11am-2.30pm Wednesday through Friday and until 2pm Tuesdays.
INSIDER INTEL
- If the few tables are taken, pick a street bench around the corner on Magellan Street beneath the poinciana trees and watch the world go by
- Team your visit with a session at nearby bathhouse, Bathe
Charby’s Smash Burgers
91 Woodlark St, Lismore NSW 2480
Charby’s isn’t just a burger bar. It’s a way of life. These blokes know burgers. And their mastery of ground beef makes you rethink every burger you ever had, and swiftly regret that it wasn’t a Charby’s.
It’s a tiny menu. Like, five burgers max. But it’s because what they do, they do devilishly well. The Double Spicy takes the plate with double of all the faves. Think tenderly smashed Australian beef, melt-away American cheese, onion, lettuce, the signature Charby’s spicy sauce and garlic aioli combo - topped with a bunch of jalapenos to leave you breathing fire. It’s fast, furious and dangerously satisfying. Head in for lunch Wednesday through Saturday 11am-2.30pm or dinner 5pm-8.30pm.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their limited release works burger is big news, don't walk run
- There's a fried chicken tenders menu that gets bigtime reviews
Two Mates Brewing
7 Engine St, Lismore NSW 2480
Sure, this is technically a brewery and taphouse, but Two Mates offers simple meals like classic cheeseburgers and fried chicken bahn mi through the week then hosts a pop-up yum cha kitchen Sundays 12pm til 7pm.
Picture a shed fitted out with memorabilia picked by two old friends, and that’s basically the aesthetic here. Charming in its street signs and wacky wall art, venture outdoors for a sun-drenched kid’s play area and picnic benches. The roller door’s up 3pm-8pm Thursday and Friday, then12noon ‘til 8pm Saturday and 7pm on Sunday.
INSIDER INTEL
- It's snuggled right next to the Lismore to Casino rail trail
- If you're familiar with the Lismore dining scene, you’ll know that a kitchen open on Sundays is a truly rare sight
- The Gangster West Coast IPA gets a great wrap for its full-flavour profile with an interesting mix of florals, citrus and pine. Just make sure you’re not deso because it’s a strong drop
Frida’s Field
76 Booyong Rd, Nashua NSW 2479
Image Credit: Frida's Field | Jess Kearney
On the outskirts of Lismore, a 20 minutes drive into the hinterland or 50 minutes from Coolangatta, is the hatted restaurant, Frida’s Field. I am blown away by how many Lismore locals have not yet explored this place and encourage anyone who’ll listen to dine here. From the moment you arrive, you’re surrounded by lush meadows and towering trees. Set on 120 acres of regenerative farmland, the team are incredibly passionate about actively reducing and reversing climate change through their operations and work towards hosting an onsite ecosystem.
Their menu changes every six weeks, crafted by award-winning chef Alastair Waddell, where meals hero the region’s bountiful produce. Producers include the ecological onsite quarter-acre organic market garden, growing many of the dishes’ ingredients, like hand-plucked eggplant and squash, grilled and marinated then drizzled with garlic oil.
Long 2.5-3 hour lunches here allow for strolls through the gardens, drink in hand, and refined dishes you’ll be raving to your mates about long after your last bite. Lunches are Friday through Sunday 12pm-4pm, reservations required well in advance.
INSIDER INTEL
- Their winter menu has launched with a carnivore and vegetarian menu for $125 per person
- A chat with owner Jeanie and you’ll feel like you’re out to lunch at an old friend’s. Which you kind of are as the family live onsite too
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Main image credit: Two Mates Brewing | Onsite
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