Bellingen's cafes are a step above the regional average. The town has developed a food culture driven by the organic farming community in the valley and the demands of an educated, alternative-lifestyle population. The result is strong coffee, good breakfasts, and a higher-than-usual prevalence of vegetarian and vegan options.
The Five Percent Espresso Bar and the Bellingen Gelato Bar are local institutions on the main street. For a full breakfast or lunch, Oak Street Food and Wine (when open) does justice to the local produce. The Saturday morning market at the park on the river is the best place for fresh valley produce, local cheeses, and snacks. For dinner, options are more limited midweek — Friday and Saturday nights are when the restaurants that do open actually come to life.