It’s a common conundrum: you’re going out to eat, but you’ve got no idea where to go. Whether it’s a casual dinner out, a date night or a special celebration, Penrith’s ever-changing food scene has plenty to offer.
We’re a team full of locals, so here’s the Weekender’s ultimate guide to going out in Penrith…
A great steak
Osso: It’s hard to go past Osso for a delicious steak – it’s what they’re known for. Located inside Panthers Leagues Club, we’d recommend starting with a Three Cheese Pizzaiola and then diving into one of the delicious Black Angus steak options. And if you’re there for lunch, tell Billy the Weekender sent you!
Outback Steakhouse: Outback Steakhouse has been a Penrith favourite for many years. Signature steaks include the New York Strip and Victoria’s Filet. If you’re up for a challenge, try the Tomahawk Cowboy Cut, for $139.95 to share (price correct at January 2025).
Mexican delight
Chechos: We almost lost Chechos last year, but it has since been revived and continues to deliver top quality cocktails and delicious modern Mexican. While some of our favourites have disappeared from the menu over the years, we can’t go past the Chechos Fried Chicken and Patatas Bravas. And of course, it’s one of the best places in town for a Marg!
Guzman Y Gomez: If you’re not on the Guzman train, where have you been? As much as Guzman may sit in the fast food and takeaway category, its food is top notch and it’s great for a quick Mexican meal with the family or even a first date. We declare the Spicy Chicken Nacho Fries as the most under-rated menu item. Find them on Mulgoa Road or at Werrington.
Pizza, so much pizza
Product Of Italy: This Henry Street mainstay has been cooking up delicious pizzas for years now. You won’t get overloaded ingredients here, but the thin bases make for a perfect starting point to a pizza of your choosing. We’re all about the Napoli and the Capricciosa.
Gellafrenda: Sitting in the car park of Nepean Village, this might not seem like your top level pizza place but Gellafrenda has really come into its own over the last couple of years. We can’t go past the Pepperoni pizza with hot honey. Definitely the hot honey. Don’t leave without it!
Honourable mentions: We love the Mad Afghani Chicken at Mad Toppings, the Six Meats at Ooshman in Penrith and St Clair, the Borrago from Sittanos and pretty much anything from the famous Ronnie’s Pizza House.
More pizza? Italian date nights
Tins & Wood: Located on Tindale Street, Tins & Wood has become a favourite for a quiet night out with a significant other – offering a good mix between a casual night out and something a little fancy. The pizzas and pastas are all terrific here, and the service top notch.
Poppi Tino: Located in the Caddens Corner shopping centre, Poppi Tino may not scream romance from the outside but the food will definitely have you wanting to return. This is a fun restaurant – great cocktails, friendly staff and pretty affordable too. A little off the beaten track in terms of not being in the Penrith or St Marys CBD, but well worth a visit!
Burgers. We want burgers.
Betty’s Burgers: Betty’s has been expanding for a few years now and its Westfield Penrith location has become pretty popular. Betty’s prides itself on its freshness, and its burgers certainly have that feel about them – not too over the top, and certainly a clean feel.
Burger Point: It’s worth the drive over to Manufactor in North Penrith for a Burger Point burger. And you’ve got to try a doughnut-glazed burger at least once in your life, right?
Five Guys: Nobody could deny that Five Guys has great burgers. And you won’t find a freezer here – everything is fresh. The price point is the issue, but as a treat every now and again, it’s well worth it.
McDonald’s: If you’re after an old favourite, there’s plenty of McDonald’s restaurants in Penrith to answer the call. And we’re pretty pumped that the McOz is currently back on the menu (for a limited time, January 2025).
But what about old school burgers?
We’ll hit you with a little list to work through here if you’re keen for a classic takeaway shop burger: Hallani’s at Kingswood, Colyton Seafood & Takeaway, Fish Fish in South Penrith, Southlands Takeaway in South Penrith and My Hong Takeaway in Emu Plains.
Don’t come at us – but that’s our list of faves.
Let there be sushi!
Sushidake: A new entrant to Penrith’s dining scene in 2024, Sushidake is located in the old Burger Head site on Henry Street. No sushi train here, but a full menu with great items at an affordable price. Definitely a must-try if you’re a sushi fan.
Sushi Sapporo: Open from 10am and closing at 9pm, it’s pretty much all day Sushi at this popular Nepean Village sushi train. Shopping centre sushi is always hit and miss but this is certainly elevated and well-priced. Most importantly, it’s delicious!
Ichiban: A favourite among Penrith CBD diners for years, Ichiban on Riley Street has never dropped in quality and is convenient, with a great range of sushi faves.
Chinese for the win
Happy Inn: You wouldn’t meet too many people in Penrith who wouldn’t declare Happy Inn the best Chinese around. And after 40 years on High Street, it’s hard to argue. The Satay Chicken and Rainbow Steak are among our faves here.
Silver Palace Restaurant: Another long-term mainstay in the area, Silver Palace Restaurant at St Marys is a family favourite for many. If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a birthday or milestone, look no further.
Spice it up with Indian
Cook’s Castle: You wouldn’t think the best Indian food in Penrith comes out of Cook’s Castle when you first walk inside, but it’s hands down the top place in town. All the classics, some unique items and a wonderful staff who always look after their regulars. You’ll find them at the bottom end of High Street.
Talking Tables: If longevity is a test of your success, then you can’t go past Talking Tables. They’ve now been a mainstay in the Penrith CBD for years, and they never fail to deliver a delicious meal.
Anand Indian Restaurant: Anand has been producing quality Indian food on Queen Street for years now and provides a cosy atmosphere and some of the best butter chicken around town, if that’s your thing.
Falak Indian: Falak Indian is at Caddens Corner and delivers five star Indian. The spices here are next level good – definitely one of the best Indian spots around.
Terrific Thai food
Bai Bua: Thai doesn’t get much better than this Woodriff Street delight, which has been in Penrith for decades now. And we know for a fact their kitchen works a lot better than their website. All the usual favourites are great here, and try their crispy chicken dishes!
Siam Thai: Located at 558 High Street, Siam Thai is always busy – so much so you’ll probably have to wait for a table on one of their busy nights. The food here is amazing, and have you tried the fried ice cream?
American BBQ, please
Rusty Penny: Now we know a brewery should be known for its better, but seriously, have you tried the BBQ at Rusty Penny? These guys know their stuff, and it’s pretty affordable too. Get one of the share plates and go for your life. Seriously, it’s unmissable.
Brisket Boys: The team behind Brisket Boys travelled to the United States before they opened to try the best BBQ in the world, and more importantly, to perfect their menu and offerings. They have two locations in Penrith – Manufactor and Panthers. Both deliver mouth-watering BBQ.
Date night delights
Long’s House: Long’s House opened on Old Castlereagh Road last year and has quickly become a favourite amongst our team. It’s a share-style menu and the wine list is extremely extensive. Definitely a unique night out, given you also get to escape the hustle of the main dining strips.
Sinclair’s: Located about the famous Log Cabin in Penrith, Sinclair’s set itself as a top dining destination from the moment it opened and it hasn’t dropped in quality at all. Don’t let it being part of a pub put you off – in fact, it’s ideal to enjoy a drink as the sun sets at the Loggie before heading up to Sinclair’s for a delicious meal. We can’t go past the 600g Tajima Wagyu Striploin.
Mr Watkins: The atmosphere of Mr Watkins is almost second to none on High Street. It’s a great spot for a quick drink, or to settle in for a night working through the cocktail menu. The food menu is also spot on, and a little different to what you’ll find elsewhere. It’s the Beef Asado for us.
Family friendly dining
Griddle: Located in a famous Penrith restaurant spot on Woodriff Street, Griddle is an unassuming family restaurant with a decent kids meal and affordable overall modern Australian menu. Its size makes it perfect for large parties too without any fuss. And the steaks are actually pretty good!
El Gringos Locos: As much as El Gringos Locos is a perfect spot for groups and a night out with the girls, it’s also pretty family friendly. The restaurant is Mexican themed, and definitely has a more casual vibe than say, Chechos. Make sure you have the Ice Cream Nachos for dessert.
How about breakfast?
Percy Plunkett: It’s hard to go past Percy Plunkett as one of the best breakfast spots in Penrith. The menu changes seasonally, though there’s a few items that never disappear, like the famous Deep Dish Pancake. It’s affordable, the coffee is good, parking is available at the nearby Nepean Village and the staff are always ready to help.
Cafe At Lewers: Hard to beat Cafe At Lewers for its atmosphere and relaxed vibe. Enjoy breakfast while the kids run around the gardens. The Cinnamon French Toast is sensational, but it’s also got a pretty solid Big Breakfast. You’ll find it on River Road at Emu Plains.
A little bit of fun with dinner
Chef’s Buffet: This Korean BBQ joint opened at Westfield Penrith last year and has quickly become a favourite among our team. With all you can eat bbq meats, seafood, salads and desserts, it’s excellent value for money and you have the added fun of the hot plate being right in front of you. It gets VERY popular and busy, so arrive early if you’re desperate for a spot.
Kickin Inn: It’s messy, but it’s bloody delicious. Kickin’ Inn on Mulgoa Road is best experienced through one of their ‘bags’, such as the Deluxe Prawn Bag and the Craw Bag. Cooked to perfection and served in the bag right on the table. There will be laughs, mess and full bellies.
Penrith’s best pub feed?
The Pioneer Tavern: If you like your schnitzels, it’s hard to go past the Pioneer Tavern. Trust us, schnitzels galore. There’s all your standard pub fare too in a dedicated dining room. Definitely a must-try in South Penrith.
Aussie Arms: The Aussie Arms lost its way a little in terms of its restaurant offering but the current bistro and dining room is excellent. If you haven’t been for a while, give it another crack.
The Peachtree Hotel: The Peachy is a favourite amongst Penrith locals and there’s no doubt it’s got some of the most delicious pub meals around. The variety is pretty good here too – it’s not just steaks, schnitzels and burgers. Everyone is catered for.
All you can eat
Okami: If you love Japanese food, you can’t go past Okami on Lawson Street. Okami offers an all you can eat service, meaning you consume as much from their delicious menu over two hours as you like. And it’s pretty cheap too at under $45 for adults. Make sure you try the Miso Steak.
The Savoury Dining: This High Street restaurant has had a roller-coaster start to life but the current incarnation appears to be doing well. They’re refined the menu to include plenty of Asian favourites, and it’s just $39.90 per adult.
A few more while we’re at it
We love to devour a burger at Fat Jaks, and the Italian Street Kitchen never disappoints.
And for the best view you’ll get in Penrith, don’t forget Theo’s.
Love your Greek food? House Of GRK is well established on Henry Street and you won’t go hungry.
Weekender Newsroom
This post has been published by the team in our newsroom.