It was generally a trip reserved for a visit to craft brewery Hallertau or perhaps a boat ride up the river, but it would seem locals and visitors alike are now spoilt for culinary choice when it comes to heading to Riverhead. A new dining precinct has erected, named Riverhead Central, with light-filled cafe Harvest at its heart.

Run by Ange and Dan Housley (previously Merchants of Venice), they’ve spent three years turning this project into the beauty that it has become. Consisting of three establishments, Harvest Cafe, Forester restaurant (coming soon) and the fish and chip shop, aptly named The Chippy — it’s safe to say they’ve got all your bases covered.

The cafe is perfectly placed for all-day sun, and with green and white walls, it’s a simple Scandinavian theme throughout that runs true to the concept of keeping things local (the artwork and leather stools have come from nearby too).

With a focus that lies on providing good quality, locally sourced food for the community, it would seem Harvest has successfully achieved the brief. At the kitchen’s helm is Executive Chef Campbell White (ex Hipgroup), serving breakfast, all day brunch and lunch. Things like the fresh gnocchi served with pumpkin purée, red onion petals, pecorino cheese, and nut brown butter, as well as the pan fried sprouts and potatoes with kimchi purée and poached eggs, steal the show.

Havana coffee, housemade sodas, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies are all available, and soon the team will be offering bread straight out of the oven to go. We’re pretty sure this is going to become a favourite, for not only the community but for those weekend wanderers who make the trip out there.

Open 7 days from 7am – 4pm.