Basil Nut Cafe & Restaurant Katoomba

This restaurant has been my latest discovery and truly one of the best culinary surprises! Tucked away in a quiet corner of the arcade, it’s easy to miss at first glance—modest and unassuming—but incredibly busy, especially at dinner time. The space is quite unique, spread across two small rooms, with an outdoor terrace and even additional tables set up in the arcade hallway. On a Saturday night, I was seated in the main dining room and watched the constant flow of customers—every table full, people waiting for takeaway orders—yet everything ran so smoothly. I was genuinely impressed by how efficient and well-organised the staff were. We first visited on a Thursday and loved the food so much that we came back again on Saturday. It’s honestly some of the best Thai food I can remember having. We tried the BN noodles and Buddha bowls—both dishes were packed with flavour and absolutely delicious. I even ended up buying a jar of their BN sauce to take home! This place is a true hidden gem, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves authentic Thai cuisine.

Visited this cafe during a day trip to the blue mountains. Like every restaurant in the area it was very busy, but after a very short wait they sorted us a table. The food was really good, but the dining area and the service didn't match the food. Also worth noting there are no toilets available in this restaurant.

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.

Wow, I honestly didn’t expect their pho to be this delicious! The broth was incredibly rich and full of deep, comforting flavor. Another dish I highly recommend is the Kullaway Seafood Curry!! It’s absolutely amazing! The red seafood curry is served in a coconut shell, which makes it even more special, and the taste is wonderfully bold with just the right amount of spice. Definitely a must-try!

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.