The Orange district has a well-deserved reputation for fine food, with the F.O.O.D. (Food Of the Orange District) celebration, held each April, now one of Australia's most popular gastronomic events.

Recommended restaurants (bookings essential):

Lolli Redini: Chef Simonn Hawke. This stylish one-hatted restaurant offers an innovative menu inspired by the richness of local produce -- with an Italian influence. Dinner: Tues-Sat from 6pm. Lunch: Saturday only. Closed Sunday & Monday. 48 Sale Street (02 6361 7748) lolliredini.com.au

Sister's Rock: Part of Borrodell Vineyard, this restaurant has amazing views and even more amazing food! Lunch: Friday, Saturday & Sunday 12 – 3.00pm, Dinner: Friday & Saturday from 6.00pm. 298 Lake Canobolas Road (02 6365 3128) - borrodell.com.au

Union Bank Wine Bar and Restaurant: Gorgeous atmosphere, share plates or have your own substantial meal in open courtyard or by a cosy fire. Open Mon-Sat 12noon to late, Sun 12noon-9pm. Cnr Sale & Byng St (6361 4441) www.unionbank.com.au

Sweet Sour Salt: Vibrant and flavoursome modern Asian dishes. Fully licensed. Open for lunch Fridays 12-2, dinner from Tuesdays. Closed Sunday & Monday. 116 Summer St (02 6362 5191)  sweetsoursalt.com.au

Percy's Bar & Kitchen: Delicious share plates for lunch and dinner in a funky setting. Banquet menu available for large groups. Open 7 days.  120 Summer St (02 6361 2400)

Byng St Local Store/Cafe: Great coffee, fresh yummy pastries, sandwiches and salads. Open every day from 7am for breakfast and lunch, closed at 6pm. Private dining room available for up to 20 guests for lunch or dinner (bookings essential) or can provide catering. byngstreet.com.au

Racine Restaurant: Head chef Shaun Arantz (formerly of The Schoolhouse Restaurant) prepares French-inspired modern Australian dishes in a setting with views across La Colline Vineyard. Lunch: Fri-Sun from 12pm. Dinner: Thurs-Sat from 6pm. Closed Mon & Tues. 42 Lake Canobolas Rd (02 6365 3275) racinerestaurant.com.au

Fiorini's: Simple but delicious Italian food from sisters Patrizia and Marina, in a charming rustic setting. Lunch & dinner: Fridays and Saturdays. Lunch only on Sundays. BYO- Cnr Canobolas Rd & Lake Canobolas Rd (02 6365 3863)

Old Convent: Josie Chapman. Fresh regional produce simply prepared - cafe style. Brunch & lunch Sundays only 9am-4.30pm, BYO alcohol, and payment by cash or cheque only (no credit card facility). Catering by arrangement at any time for booked groups of 15 or more. Convent Road (02 6365 2420) oldconvent.com.au

Tonic: Tony and Nicole Worland. Situated in the historically important and well-preserved town of Millthorpe, about 30 minutes from Orange. Brunch & lunch: Sat & Sun. Dinner: Thurs-Sat.
Cnr Pym & Victoria Streets, Millthorpe (02 6366 3811) tonicmillthorpe.com.au