Gia Cafe & Bistro brings Sri Lankan flavours into the centre of Leura in a way that fits the Blue Mountains rhythm of breakfast crowds, slow lunches and early dinners.
Location and setting
You find Gia at the lower end of Leura Mall, on the corner of Megalong Street, a short walk from the village’s main shops and the train station. The dining room is compact, around 50 seats, with timber tables, hanging plants and soft lighting that suits both daytime trade and an early evening sitting.
How the day is structured
Gia runs as a café during the day, then shifts to a Sri Lankan focused bistro on Thursday – Saturday nights. Breakfast and lunch run from around 9.00 am to mid afternoon on most days, with dinner service Thursday to Sunday from about 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm, so you plan around an early finish rather than a late sitting.
Potato Rosti
Breakfast and lunch
Daytime service targets walkers, day trippers and locals who want familiar dishes with clear Sri Lankan and European influences.
Typical breakfast options include:
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Celone curry omelette with spiced fillings that lean into Sri Lankan flavours.
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Potato rosti with house-cured ocean trout, poached eggs, horseradish, crème fraiche and herb salad.
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Classic full breakfast plates and eggs on toast for those who want something straightforward.
Lunch keeps things compact and practical:
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Fish and chips using crumbed fish rather than a heavy batter.
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Steak sandwiches and mushroom toasties with small twists in the fillings and seasoning.
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Daily soups and stocks that use kitchen trimmings to reduce waste and keep food costs tight.
Reviews on local platforms highlight consistent flavour and portion sizes that suit people heading out to lookouts or returning from a walk.
Sri Lankan hopper
Evening focus on Sri Lankan dishes
At night the menu shifts toward Sri Lankan dishes and works well for shared dining.
Key elements:
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A range of curries built around fish, pork and other proteins, with rice and papadums to share. A noted example is the Spanish mackerel curry in turmeric and coconut gravy with samba rice.
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Sri Lankan tuna croquettes with curry mayonnaise as a common starting point.
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A compact drinks list with classic cocktails, local and imported wines, beers and spirits that match spiced food.
The format suits couples or small groups who want a single sitting before or after a drive through the escarpment lookouts, rather than a long, late service.
Chef background and approach
Chef Chathun Perera brings experience from hotels and restaurants in Sri Lanka and Dubai, including time under three Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire, into a very local Blue Mountains setting. His approach is straightforward: seasonal produce, local suppliers where possible, and a blend of European technique with Sri Lankan flavour profiles.
Practical points for your visit
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Address: 4/201 Leura Mall, Leura, on the corner of Megalong Street.
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Parking: Metered spots out front, with free parking about 100 metres further along the Mall.
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Opening pattern:
– Breakfast and lunch: generally Monday and Thursday to Sunday, from around 8.30 or 9.00 am to 2.30 or 3.00 pm.
– Dinner: Thursday to Sunday from about 5.30 pm to 8.00 pm. -
Size: Around 50 seats, so dinner benefits from a booking, especially on weekends or during school holidays.
Gia is a clear example of a great location using a focused menu, strong chef background and tight trading hours to appeal to both visitors and locals in Leura.
Chef Chathun Perera
