Have you ever discovered a place that feels like a secret you want to keep but also can’t help sharing? That’s the Tweed River House for you. This isn’t just another restaurant – it’s a slice of Australian history that’s found new life as one of the Northern Rivers’ top dining spots.
Set on the banks of the peaceful Tweed River in Murwillumbah, this century-old manor has been lovingly restored into a chef-hatted restaurant. It’s where history meets modern cuisine in the most beautiful way possible.
Whether you’re planning a special celebration, looking for a unique dining experience, or simply curious about this hidden gem, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Tweed River House.
The Riverside Manor That Became a Food Lover’s Paradise
Sitting on the banks of the Tweed River in Murwillumbah, the Tweed River House has stood tall for over a century. This grand old manor isn’t just any building – it’s now one of Australia’s top dining spots.
What makes this place special? Think stunning river views, chef-hatted cuisine, and a building that tells stories from another time. The Tweed River House has been totally transformed from an old riverside manor into a restaurant that food critics can’t stop talking about.
When you visit the Tweed River House, you’re not just having a meal – you’re stepping into a piece of Northern Rivers history. The building itself is as much a star as the food on your plate.
This isn’t your everyday restaurant. With its recent Chef Hat award in the 2025 Australian Good Food Guide, it’s clear this place is something special.
From Historic Manor to Culinary Destination: A Century of Change
The story of Tweed River House goes back more than 100 years. This grand building has watched over the Tweed River through countless seasons and changes in the landscape.
In recent years, the building got a new lease on life. New owners saw potential in the old structure and worked hard to keep its historical features while creating a modern dining venue.
Gregory Lording, the renovation mastermind, kept the charm of the past while making the space work for fine dining. His experience in hospitality helped create a venue that feels both timeless and current.
Perhaps the most amazing part of the Tweed River House story is its comeback after the February 2022 floods. The lower level was hit hard, with floodwaters causing damage and washing away their excellent wine collection.
Despite this setback, the team rallied. With help from volunteers and the Australian Defence Force, they cleaned up and reopened just two months later, on April 1, 2022.
A Setting That Captivates: Inside the Restored Manor
Walking into Tweed River House feels like stepping into another time. The restoration keeps the building’s soul intact while offering all the comforts modern diners expect.
The design choice of “plantation-meets-the-orient” creates a unique atmosphere. The color scheme – ebony, ivory, and green – feels both fresh and timeless, perfect for a riverside setting.
Look up and you’ll see beautiful pressed tin ceilings and statement chandeliers. These details aren’t just pretty – they connect you to the building’s long history and create an elegant dining backdrop.
Co-founder Phillip Hepburn described the feeling perfectly: “It’s got such a calm, happy feel to this place whether you’re inside here or out on the river terrace.”
The sound of clinking glasses, soft music, and the gentle flow of conversation creates that sense of peace that’s hard to find in today’s busy world. It’s a place where time seems to slow down.
Multiple Ways to Dine: Finding Your Perfect Spot
The Tweed River House isn’t a one-size-fits-all dining spot. Instead, it offers several unique areas where you can enjoy your meal, each with its own special feel.
The Main Dining Room brings all the indoor elegance you could want. With those stunning pressed metal ceilings, palm fans moving gently overhead, and those eye-catching chandeliers, it’s a feast for the eyes.
Want to feel closer to nature? The River Verandah might be your spot. This covered outdoor area gives you panoramic views of the Tweed River and the rolling hills beyond. It’s the perfect backdrop for a special meal.
For something more casual, the Palm Lounge welcomes guests without reservations. Sink into a Bahamas lounge chair and enjoy drinks, small bites, or coffee in a relaxed setting.
When the weather’s good, many visitors head to the Lawn Bar. Right beside the river, this outdoor space is perfect for sharing plates and drinks while soaking up the sunshine and river views.
Award-Winning Cuisine: What’s on the Menu
At the helm of the Tweed River House kitchen is Chef Joseph McGrattan. With experience in top Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, he brings world-class skills to this riverside venue.
Chef McGrattan may have global experience, but his cooking focuses on local treasures. He sources ingredients from the Tweed’s rich farmlands, rivers, and ocean to create dishes that truly represent the region.
The menu changes with the seasons to showcase the best local produce available. This approach means the food is always fresh, always exciting, and always connected to the surrounding land.
Instead of standard à la carte dining, the restaurant offers structured experiences. You can choose from two or three-course prix fixe menus or go all-out with five or seven-course tasting menus.
For those with dietary needs, the kitchen has you covered. They offer vegan and gluten-free options, and can work with other requirements when given notice.
Standout Dishes That Keep Diners Coming Back
Some dishes have become favorites among visitors. The Australian bay lobster with spanner crab and finger lime gets lots of praise from food lovers who visit the Tweed River House.
The squid with smoked pancetta and herbs brings together smoky and fresh flavors that show off the chef’s skill. Each component works together perfectly on the plate.
Meat lovers often rave about the Angus beef with potato fondant and truffle jus. The beef is cooked just right, and the truffle adds a touch of luxury that fits the setting.
The wild-caught fish of the day lets the kitchen showcase the freshest seafood from nearby waters. It’s served with corn cream and marinated daikon for a dish that’s both comforting and surprising.
Don’t skip dessert – the smoked pineapple with caramel and coconut sorbet offers a sweet ending that still feels light and refreshing after a full meal.
Recent Recognition and Special Events
The Tweed River House continues to shine in the culinary world. As of 2025, it proudly holds its Chef Hat status from the Australian Good Food Guide, placing it among the country’s top restaurants.
Recent reviews from early 2025 suggest the restaurant is better than ever. Visitors praise both the historical setting and the exceptional food quality that keeps people coming back.
Special events add extra appeal to this already special venue. Coming up on May 2, 2025, is an elegant High Tea priced at $90 per person. The menu includes ocean trout gravlax, beef tartare, and lobster mini rolls.
Sweet treats like apple tartlets and banana parfait with gold wafer round out the High Tea experience. All this comes paired with quality coffee or organic tea, served in the grand Dining Room.
What Visitors Are Saying: The Tweed River House Experience
Guest experiences tell us a lot about what makes Tweed River House special. Recent reviews from 2024 and 2025 paint a picture of a dining destination worth traveling for.
One reviewer called the restaurant “the epitome of the HIDDEN GEM” and described the food as “superb.” Despite living north of Brisbane, they felt the journey was well worth it and planned to return.
A January 2025 reviewer described it as “A 5 Star Gem in the Tweed” after traveling 135 kilometers just to eat there. They specifically loved the pan-fried squid and expertly prepared main courses.
Another recent guest described their experience as “wonderful,” noting the perfectly cooked medium-rare beef and the clever mist spray system that keeps outdoor diners comfortable on sunny days.
The restaurant has worked hard to address past feedback. Earlier reviews sometimes mentioned concerns about portion sizes, but recent feedback suggests these issues have been resolved.
Plan Your Visit: Essential Information
Ready to experience Tweed River House for yourself? You’ll find it at 131 River Street, Murwillumbah, NSW 2484, Australia, at the corner of Smith and River Streets.
Making a reservation is easy. Just call 61 2 6672 5269 to secure your spot. Because of its popularity, booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for weekend visits.
The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday for both lunch and dinner. Sunday hours run from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, while Thursday hours are 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Friday and Saturday offer the longest opening times, from 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM, perfect for those seeking a special evening out. Note that the restaurant is closed Monday through Wednesday.
When planning your visit, consider what dining area might suit you best. For special occasions, the Main Dining Room offers elegance. For river views, the Verandah can’t be beaten.
Why Tweed River House Should Be on Your Must-Visit List
The Tweed River House isn’t just a place to eat – it’s a destination in itself. Few restaurants offer this unique mix of historical charm, natural beauty, and culinary excellence.
For history lovers, the century-old building provides a glimpse into the past. The careful restoration keeps the story of the place alive while giving it new purpose.
Food enthusiasts will appreciate Chef McGrattan’s seasonal menus and commitment to local produce. The Chef Hat award confirms what many diners already know – this is serious food in a stunning setting.
The location on the banks of the Tweed River adds natural beauty to your dining experience. Those river views create a peaceful backdrop that complements the elegant food and surroundings.
When you visit the Tweed River House, you’re not just having a meal – you’re creating memories. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve gone home.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler exploring the Northern Rivers region, Tweed River House offers something special. It’s a place where history, nature, and fine dining come together in perfect harmony.
