Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant Katoomba

We went to Basil Nut for lunch after finishing the Grand Canyon walk and the food was absolutely delicious. Every dish was fresh and full of flavour and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I also tried the Vietnamese cold coffee which was okay but not as impressive as the food. The inside of the restaurant felt a bit too cramped so we decided to sit outside. Unfortunately, the table we got was right near the door and every time it opened a burst of cold wind came through. The floor outside was also a little uneven so the table was slightly inclined which made it less comfortable. It was the only table available at the time so we had to make do. On the positive side, the food really was outstanding, the payment process was quick and easy, and there is some parking available on the main road. We were lucky to find a spot. Overall this is a place I would return to for the food, even though the outdoor seating could be improved.

Basil Nut Café & Restaurant in Katoomba was absolutely worth the stop, and honestly worth the wait as well. We visited during a busy period, so there was a short queue, but once we were seated and the food arrived, it became very clear why the place is so popular. Every single dish we ordered was full of flavour, fresh, and beautifully presented. You can really taste the care that goes into the cooking – nothing felt mass-produced or rushed, even though the restaurant was packed. The flavours were rich but well balanced, not overly salty or sweet, just really delicious food done properly. The portions were generous too, so you definitely feel like you’re getting great value. We kept saying to each other, “This is actually so good,” with every bite. The menu has a great mix of options, and it’s the kind of place where you want to come back just to try more dishes. The staff were friendly and calm despite how busy it was, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Overall, it was a fantastic experience , delicious food, good vibes, and absolutely worth the wait. We would happily come back again next time we’re in Katoomba.

Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant – Katoomba ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Highly Recommended) We had an outstanding meal at Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant in Katoomba—easily one of the better Thai restaurants we’ve visited anywhere in the world. The dishes were vibrant, authentic, and incredibly well-priced for the quality. Papaya Salad with Fried Soft Shell Crab This was a standout. The papaya salad had the perfect balance of sweetness and sourness, with beautifully fresh and sweet vegetables throughout. The soft-shell crab was fried perfectly—light, crisp, and flavourful—creating a great contrast of textures. Every bite of salad with crab was just excellent. Pork Belly The pork belly came lightly fried, closer to a BBQ style, with a sweet and tangy sauce accented by a hint of tamarind. Served over spring greens, it was satisfying, hearty, and very filling without feeling heavy. Prawn & Pineapple Fried Rice Another well-executed dish. The prawns were very fresh, cleaned well, and nicely stir-fried. The plating was thoughtful, and the fried rice itself was cooked perfectly. Simple, flavourful, and very good. Signature Dessert – “Matchaffogatto” A fun Thai twist on an affogato: ice cream topped with matcha instead of espresso. I personally would have preferred a more bitter matcha to balance the sweetness of the ice cream, but it was still enjoyable and worth trying. For all this food, the bill came to only $106 AUD (about $70 USD)—an exceptional deal given the portion sizes and quality. Service: service was friendly and efficient. Thank you! Overall: Authentic flavours, generous servings, and excellent value. Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant is absolutely worth a visit if you’re in the Blue Mountains. Highly recommend!

An authentic Thai restaurant with a touch of broader Asian flavors. We weren’t expecting the curry to be this flavorful, and the portion was just right — beautifully presented as well. The weather outside was cold and chilly, but this lovely restaurant truly warmed us up.

Best THAI FOOD I have had in Australia, beats some meals in Bangkok too! My family had such an amazing dinner here, we had to come back few days later for lunch. We really recommend the Chilli Barrumundi, fried to perfection, soft in the middle with a sweet tangy sauce… Every dish has such ‘wok hey’ and delicious seasoning, we can’t recommend this place enough. There’s something seriously wrong with other reviews that didn’t give 5 stars. It’s a quaint family style diner that’s right up our alley. Perfect for a small group! Most importantly it’s HALAL!