The Union Bank Orange

The Union Bank restaurant is in a 1850s heritage schoolhouse. It’s the place to go right now and it’s open seven days. The octopus and beef tartare starters and the sirloin main are my go-to dishes.

For nearly four years now diners have been returning again and again to the Union Bank for flavoursome unpretentious fare consistently executed to the highest of standards. Large swathes of the menu have developed such a cult following that they can't come off, from the legendary Farmer Doug's potato scallops to my favourite steak in town, the chargrilled sirloin with miso butter sauce. However, the housemade charcuterie options provide a great chance to shake things up and sous chef Chris Tudor is a master of the craft having trained under Romeo Baudouin at Victor Churchill.

What was once the first bank in Orange now exists as one of the town’s most adored dining and drinking destinations; home to an enchanting courtyard and bar, along with its acclaimed dining experience, The Schoolhouse Restaurant. Inside the heritage building, expect exceptional dishes like Farmer Doug’s potato scallop, anchovies with nduja, onion and pickled cucumber, and octopus with smoked macadamia, turnip pickle and ras-el hanout. At the UB (as it’s affectionately known), a connection between people and produce is at its heart, with seasonality and creativity at the fore.

Filling a lofty former bank-turned-classroom just off Orange's main drag, this dining room has ditched the desks in favour of candlelit timber tables, and swapped the shrieks of students for the sound of ambient funk and soul. It's a suitably pared-back setting for chef Dom Aboud's modern Euro-ish dishes, most built around a single featured ingredient. Wines are drawn from the many nearby wineries, including a rotating "featured wine producer" offering an impressive back catalogue of limited vintages, with convivial staff never too far to help you decide.

One of Orange’s newest and fastest-growing establishments, The Union Bank comprises both The Schoolhouse Restaurant and Arthouse Bar & Courtyard. Situated in a gorgeous heritage bank Building on Byng Street the heart of the Orange CBD, The Schoolhouse Restaurant serves up exquisite modern Australian cuisine with a spotlight on seasonal, local produce. Choose from two or three courses, the owners have made it super easy for visitors, offering a suggested local vino pairing for each dish.

According to Country Style editor Kylie, no trip to Orange is complete without a lunch or dinner at The Union Bank, or ‘The UB’ as it’s known. Housed in the 165-year-old local bank, the restaurant has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike for its good food, wine and iconic location. “The contemporary menu focuses on the riches of the region – and don’t miss Farmer Doug’s potato scallops,” Kylie suggests.

Direct yourself to The Union Bank for a courtyard session cloistered within this historic 165-year-old bank. The Union Bank is housed within a Heritage-listed building. The Schoolhouse Restaurant is occupied by diners with reservations, but if you’re here for a well-chosen drink or perfectly stirred cocktail walk-ins are a must, so head outdoors from noon to soak up the ambience and the crisp Orange air.

While many places in Orange feature local fare, Union Bank takes that approach to the max. The grapes of their wine, the hops of their beer, and ingredients of their food are all locally sourced, coming from their own farm just outside the city. This is important because growing varying growing seasons mean Union Bank’s menu is always seasonally appropriate.

Snagging themselves a coveted Chef’s Hat in both 2023 and 2024, The Union Bank offers refined elegance delivered in classy family style. Open 7 days, stop by the courtyard and bar for a delicious array of cocktails, wines, and an extensive shared-style menu. Better yet, book a table at The Schoolhouse Restaurant to be treated to the pinnacle UB experience.

As the weather warms up, dining alfresco becomes a must, and the Union Bank Courtyard offers the perfect outdoor oasis. Tucked away in a historic building, the leafy courtyard makes for the best afternoon atmosphere. With a share plate menu and delicious cocktails, it's perfect for drinks with friends after work or to enjoy a lush spring weekend afternoon.

The courtyard of the heritage-listed Union Bank is the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon nibbling at the Union Grazing Platter (a selection of cheese and charcuterie for 2, 4 or 8 people) whilst listening to some live music. The bar is filled with a range of local Orange wines and the menu is filled with seasonal dishes made with local food produce.

Union Bank Wine Bar: Set in a historic 165-year-old Bank, you’ll find the locally owned and upbeat UB – a thriving food and hospitality precinct with community at its heart. Their cocktail menu is a blend of classics and unique creations, and their wine selection reflects a curated appreciation for fine tastes.

Tried and Tested and Highly Recommended More upmarket is Union Bank Hotel, located in a historic 165 year old building and set amongst an ambient fairy light encrusted courtyard. It serves simple and quality Modern Australian cuisine. Byng Street Cafe have brought back Byng Street Nights (Wednesday-Saturday).

For a more stylish and sophisticated option, you may also want to pop into, the Union Bank Wine Bar. Located on Byng Street, it features a range of local and international wines, craft beers, and spirits to suit all tastes. You can also order gourmet bar snacks and small plates to accompany them.

Union Bank wine bar & restaurant is a real institution and has a very nice courtyard. The wine list here is expansive, though only features wines from Orange and around New South Wales. Here’s our review on the Union Bank wine bar.

Share plates are available at the Schoolhouse Restaurant, inside the Union Bank wine bar. Nab a seat in the courtyard for a long lunch.