The Pantry at Netherby Guest House

5 Little Rudder St, East Kempsey NSW 2440, Australia
+61 448 958 061
$$$ Cafe
(47 Reviews)
Price Range $20–40

Welcome to The Pantry at Netherby Guest House, a delightful café nestled in the heart of East Kempsey, NSW. With its picturesque location by the river, this hidden gem invites you to take a break from your busy day and indulge in a moment of pure relaxation.

From the moment you step inside, the warm, welcoming atmosphere envelops you. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked treats fills the air, enticing you to explore the impressive menu that showcases a tantalizing array of dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty lunch or a light snack, The Pantry has something to satisfy every palate.

Here, you'll find an imaginative selection of options. For those seeking a delightful breakfast or brunch, the Chicken Katsu Sando (A$22.00) promises a crispy yet tender bite, while the unique Breakfast Birria Tacos (A$26.00) offer a flavorful twist that will leave your taste buds tingling. If you’re after something lighter, the Pumpkin Poke Bowl (A$22.00) combines fresh ingredients for a vibrant and delicious meal.

On Fridays, indulge in the Fire Feast Friday special, featuring tantalizing selections like the Balmain Bug Arancini (A$16.00) and the succulent Fire Roasted Whiting (A$26.00). Each dish is crafted with care and served with a side of friendly smiles from the attentive staff, ensuring that your dining experience is as enjoyable as the food itself.

The outdoor seating is a must-try, as it places you right on the riverbank, where you can soak in the peaceful surroundings while savoring your meal. Customers rave about the ambiance, with one reviewer, Zoie Swindells, sharing, "What a lovely little find! My sister and I... enjoyed a couple of coffees, a delicious homemade scone and reading our books in the sun." It's easy to see why visitors find themselves unwinding here for hours.

Another satisfied customer, Celeste Oakley, can’t stop talking about the dreamy setting and flavorful dishes, declaring the Reuben Sandwich to be "the best outside New York City!" It’s clear that The Pantry excels in both food and hospitality, making it a perfect pitstop whether you’re traveling along the highway or just looking for a new favorite café.

So if you’re in the area, don’t miss out on this incredible eatery. Book ahead to ensure a spot, as the popularity of The Pantry gets busier every day! Treat yourself to a moment of bliss by the river at The Pantry at Netherby Guest House; you won’t regret it.

For inquiries, you can reach them at +61 448 958 061. Your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking
Openings Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

08:00 AM - 03:00 PM

47 Reviews
Zoie Swindells

30 Sep 2025

What a lovely little find! My sister and I had the day off and were visiting the area so decided to stop in for a coffee. We ended up staying for an hour or so, enjoying a couple of coffees, a delicious homemade scone and reading our books in the sun right on the riverbank. Peaceful, welcoming and relaxing, we so enjoyed our visit!

Celeste Oakley

01 Sep 2025

This is an amazing find. An impressively wide menu of delicious food in a beautiful setting over the river. Friendly staff. My New Yorker friend declared it the best Reuben outside New York City! I loved the delicate prawn roll. I suggest booking in advance as they had to turn people away.

Helga Hornig

15 Aug 2025

What a gorgeous little gem. Hidden from ya all, however, do yourself a favour, if /when travelling through, treat yourself to a meal, coffee, chill time.

Edwin Tomlins

06 Aug 2025

Wonderful food in a lovely setting. We didn’t think to book ahead and the team accommodated us, but I’ll book in the future. The French toast with grilled peaches in the photo was delicious. If we’re ever in Kempsey again, we will definitely book at the Pantry.

Lesley O'Hagan

11 Jul 2025

A relaxed friendly lunch stop driving south from the Gold Coast. Outdoor tables by the river and delicious food. Rueben Sandwich and Avocado on sourdough were both flavoursome. Worth the detour off the highway!

Mike R

07 Jul 2025

A beautiful garden cafe at the banks of the river and the grounds of a historic house. Usually, one would expect such a place to be a tourist trap with mediocre goods and exorbitant prices. But it is neither! Excellent fresh foods, delicious coffee and good ole fashioned country service! Highly recommend

Brett Patterson

07 Jul 2025

The Pantry at Netherby House in Kempsey offers a dining experience that is nothing short of exceptional. Nestled along the river, this charming venue provides a picturesque setting to enjoy an innovative menu crafted with fresh, local ingredients. The highlight of my visit was their creative approach to menu design—noticeably absent are the ubiquitous potato chips, well done!!! replaced instead by thoughtfully prepared dishes. The eggplant tempura, served as a side, was light and flavourful, perfectly complementing the expertly pan-fried snapper. Every bite showcased careful attention to detail and a commitment to quality. The service was another standout feature. Warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly, the staff made the experience even more enjoyable. For pet lovers, the space is dog-friendly, adding an extra layer of welcoming charm. With its blend of affordability, fresh produce, and culinary innovation, The Pantry leaves a lasting impression. It is a must-visit destination in Kempsey, and I am already planning my next trip to sample even more of their enticing menu offerings.

Emily

19 Jun 2025

Incredible food, service, and views! Set right on the river, we had the Friday fire feast and came back for breakfast. Both delicious with excellent coffee. The food here is worth a detour!

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