Top 3 Places to Eat in Coober Pedy

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
21/08/2025
A vintage truck displayed atop a sign welcomes visitors to Coober Pedy, an iconic Australian opal mining town.
Petra Nesti, Pexels

The dining scene in Coober Pedy focuses on hearty and practical meals, providing a comforting experience with a surprising variety of cuisines to satisfy travellers and locals alike.

1. Big Winch 360 Cafe & Wine Bar

Cuisine: Modern Australian, Cafe & Wine Bar

Perched with expansive views over Coober Pedy and towards the Breakaways, this cafe and wine bar offers a relaxed setting to enjoy South Australian produce and wines. I found it to be an ideal spot for catching a stunning Outback sunset. The menu presents a range of casual dishes, from satisfying ribs and steaks to flavorful laksa, with thoughtful vegan options like bruschetta and pesto pasta available. The atmosphere encourages lingering, whether indoors or on the lush lawn area.

Price: A$25 - A$45 per person for a main course. Drinks separate.

Getting There: Located slightly elevated from the main town on Italian Club Road. While not directly on Hutchison Street, it is easily accessible by a short drive or taxi from central Coober Pedy.

2. John's Pizza Bar & Restaurant

Cuisine: Pizza, Italian, Australian

Stepping into John's, you immediately feel the welcoming, family-owned atmosphere in this licensed, cafe-style, al-fresco restaurant. It stands out for its high-quality pizzas, which feature a good variety, including their unique 'Coat of Arms' pizza with smoked kangaroo and emu. Beyond pizzas, the menu offers generous portions of pasta, schnitzels, and steaks, providing excellent value. The coffee here is also noteworthy, making it a reliable choice for a satisfying meal.

Price: Pizzas from A$13 (small) to A$33 (large); Pastas from A$14 - A$18; Main dishes A$22 - A$28.

Getting There: Conveniently located on Hutchison Street, the main thoroughfare of Coober Pedy, making it easily walkable from most central accommodations.

3. Umbertos Restaurant (Desert Cave Hotel)

Cuisine: International, Australian Specialties

Within the iconic Desert Cave Hotel, Umbertos offers a more refined dining experience. Despite its remote location, the restaurant delivers excellent food and a surprisingly elegant, relaxing ambiance. The menu showcases both local Australian specialties, such as kangaroo, and international dishes. It presents a notable opportunity for a more upscale meal in Coober Pedy.

Price: Estimated A$40 - A$70+ per person for a main course, reflecting its premium offering within the local dining scene.

Getting There: Situated within the Desert Cave Hotel on Hutchison Street, the restaurant is centrally located and easily accessible on foot from other points of interest in the main town area.

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