A Beautiful Lunch Spot: Bingham Riverhouse

Lunch at Bingham Riverhouse is SUCH a treat. Set right on the banks of the Richmond River, the property has a calm, almost restorative quality to it, elegant without being over the top, and perfectly in tune with its vibrant surroundings. Large windows frame the river beautifully, and the gentle movement of the water outside seems to slow everything down the moment you sit at the table.

The food reflects that same sense of intention. Under the direction of award-winning chef Vanessa Marx, the menu champions locally sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients, presented with creativity but never unnecessary fuss. There’s a clear respect for produce here, not just in flavour but in how each dish is plated and paced as part of the meal.

To start, the baked diver-caught scallops with sea vegetables, preserved lemon and garlic butter were outstanding. The scallops were beautifully tender and sweet, enhanced rather than masked by the rich garlic butter. The preserved lemon cut through with a bright, saline sharpness, while the sea vegetables added subtle texture and a coastal freshness that felt perfectly balanced. It was very refined and the ideal start to a long, lazy lunch.

The main course – a 10oz Haye Farm organic steak with peppercorn sauce and seasonal greens – was deeply satisfying. Cooked exactly as requested, the steak had a lovely depth of flavour that spoke to the quality of the meat. The peppercorn sauce was classic and warming without overwhelming, and the seasonal greens brought freshness and lightness to the plate. It was a generous, well-judged dish that felt indulgent but grounded, letting excellent ingredients do most of the work. I took some leftovers home of course.

Dessert was a welcome surprise: a twist on rice pudding with clementines that took you straight back to your childhood, but added a refined, fine dining taste to a much loved nostalgic dessert.

The drinks menu deserves a mention too. A bottle of house red wine paired beautifully with the steak, and the Lychee Martini was a standout pre-lunch cocktail, floral, fresh and perfectly balanced, making it as enjoyable as the setting itself.

What really ties the experience together is Bingham Riverhouse’s clear commitment to sustainability. From sourcing to execution, there’s a sense that care runs through every decision, and it adds an extra layer of appreciation to the meal without ever feeling preachy. A top spot for the Richmond area!

Find out more > www.binghamriverhouse.com/dine/riverhouse-restaurant/