Cafe Lewers at Penrith Regional Gallery

Since having kids our requirements for dining out have become a lot more ‘specific’. We still want a licensed venue with good food, but we also want a casual atmosphere, preferably with outdoor seating and a bit of room for restless kids to roam. Long relaxing dinners are a vague, distant memory of an almost forgotten BC (before children) era, so we are constantly searching for options that specialise in morning teas and long brunches/lunches.

Located at the Penrith Regional Gallery, Cafe Lewers achieves all this. Don’t be fooled by the name, it is actually located in Emu Plains, (ie on the mountain’s side of the Nepean River) hence we feel we can claim it as one of ours. The head chef is Ross Dobson of ex-Bill’s fame (yes Darlinghurst Bill’s). Ross, is a local Penrith boy who has come home after finding fame in the big smoke. Ross delivers a seasonally adjusted menu of locally sourced produce. We can happily testify that we have enjoyed exquisite meals on the many occasions we have dined here, and yes there’s a simple kids menu too!

Overlooking the sculpture/herb gardens, the cafe is located in a wide, covered, contemporary verandah space between the historic Lewers Bequest gallery and the new Penrith Regional Gallery. I love the softness of the rustic sandstone pavers underfoot and the level lawn next to the tables, but the big draw card is definitely the kid’s lego tables! This is one of those rare gems where parents with young kids can actually relax!

www.penrithregionalgallery.org/cafe.php