Must-see restaurants in Australia & Pacific

  • Merimbula Wharf

    South Coast NSW

    As much a destination venue as a restaurant, the views over bay and beach are just stunning from the windows of the Wharf southeast of central Merimbula…

  • 2 Mile Bay Sailing Centre Cafe & Bar

    Taupo

    There’s nowhere more lakefront than this Two Mile Bay cafe-cum-pizzeria-cum-bar that's as chilled as the lake (and the Bob Marley tunes). The main dining…

  • Buster Crabb

    Fiordland & Southland

    A heritage building and quirky backstory lift Buster Crabb above the ordinary. Named after a British navy frogman who was supposedly spirited away to join…

  • Knoll Ridge Chalet

    Taupo & the Ruapehu Region

    Perched at the top of the Sky Waka gondola is this gathering of three eateries – NZ's highest restaurants – including the food-truck-style Four Peaks…

  • Monster Kitchen & Bar

    Canberra

    Concealed in the ubercool Nishi Building, Monster is one of Canberra's more versatile dining spots. Hotel guests, New Acton locals and politicians alike…

  • Epocha

    Melbourne

    Set within a grand Victorian double-storey terrace, elegant Epocha serves interesting European-inspired dishes. Customers pick two or three courses (three…

  • Raw Balance

    North Island

    This is heaven for vegans, the gluten-free inclined, health conscious and environmentally aware. In winter, raw sweets and salads are complemented by a…

  • Mt Noorat Hotel

    Great Ocean Road

    The new owners have put tiny Noorat back on the map with a classy refit of this grand 1909 red-brick boozer. The stripped-back front bar exudes country…

  • Ode

    Sydney

    A dark haven from the bright Bondi glare, smoky smells from the oysters on the hibachi (Japanese charcoal grill) pervade this wood, copper and leather…

  • La Macelleria

    Brisbane

    After opening their first gelateria in an old butcher's shop in Bologna (La Macelleria means 'The Butchery'), Italians Matteo Zini and Matteo Casone…

  • Montalto

    Victoria

    Wander alongside the vines to view the 31 permanent works in Montaldo's sculpture garden and then relax over a meal in the well-regarded Mod Oz restaurant…

  • Denmans Beer Cafe

    Airlie Beach

    Regular live music and a convivial mood are found in this bar, which stocks more craft beers than the rest of town combined. The food – such as a shared…

  • E'cco

    Brisbane

    Years on, E’cco remains one of the state's gastronomic highlights. Polished yet personable staff deliver beautifully balanced, visually arresting dishes,…

  • Waterfront Cafe

    South Coast NSW

    Guarded by territorial seagulls, this cafe sits on the boardwalk in the centre of town, gazing upon the lake. Service is attentive, the coffee's decent…

  • Peppergreen Farm

    Victoria

    Growing a lot of its own produce, this farm cafe is an excellent not-for-profit social enterprise set up to mentor members of the local community who have…

  • Small French Bar

    Melbourne

    A quaint, understated restaurant with exposed industrial piping, red brick and a mix of metal and timber tables, the greatest flourish here is the …

  • Hopscotch

    New South Wales

    The hard-angled surfaces of this parkside establishment amplify the din of delighted diners, shovelling away perhaps Tamworth's best breakfast (the baked…

  • Petit Tracteur Bistro

    Victoria

    Uncompromisingly French, the Little Tractor is associated with nearby Ten Minutes by Tractor. You'll dine on Gallic delights such as steak tartare,…

  • Safya

    Byron Bay

    This family-run spot gives cafe fare a fusion Med–Middle Eastern tweak – eggs with cumin-spiked butter, falafel and pita bread, and avocado toast dusted…

  • Fahrenheit Restaurant & Bar

    Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula

    The decor is a tad stark at this spacious upstairs eatery, but a friendly local welcome and plenty of Waikato sunshine easily counter any misgivings about…

  • Rocco

    Cairns

    Perched up the top of the 12-storey glass tower that is Riley (one of Cairns' three Crystalbrook Collection hotels), this smart, eco-conscious restaurant…

  • Green Olive at Red Hill

    Victoria

    Set on a 27-acre farm, this always-bustling family-run enterprise revolves around its modern, light-drenched restaurant, which has outdoor tables…

  • The Pantry

    Manly

    Right on the beach, this Manly favourite is perfect for watching the goings-on in the water and on the sand while kicking back with anything from a hearty…

  • Spice Alley

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This little laneway off Kensington St by Central Park is a picturesque outdoor eating hub serving street-foody dishes from various Asian cuisines. Grab…

  • Cafe Dbar

    Gold Coast

    This lovely spot is perched above the cliffs of Point Danger, at the easternmost point covered by two states, almost on top of the NSW–Queensland border…

  • Lentil as Anything

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This Melbourne import stands out by offering tasty fare (usually South Asian–influenced) on a voluntary-contribution basis. You can give money for your…

  • Il Posto

    Brisbane

    Plot your next Italian adventure at this neighbourhood stalwart, known for its soulful pasta dishes and thin-crust pizzas. Pizzas come either rosse or…

  • Tide Wine Bar

    Brisbane & Around

    Right over the water, modern, breezy Tide will have you sipping lattes, vino, beer or a peach Bellini while gazing out at envy-inducing yachts. Food…

  • Dinner by Heston

    Melbourne

    Heston Blumenthal needs no introduction, and while he's not in the kitchen here, his head chef and team serve creative takes on historical recipes, with…

  • Milk Bar

    Byron Bay & Northern NSW

    A later than usual opening means this lovely cafe, with its rustic communal dining table and footpath seats, is all about the big brunch or late lunch, or…

  • Beau's

    Sunshine Coast

    White and aqua tiles keep things fresh at Beau's, one of the best cafes on the Sunny Coast. Almost everything here is made from scratch, with a short,…

  • Byblós

    Brisbane

    A slice of contemporary Beirut by the Brisbane River, Byblós specialises in Lebanese and Mediterranean edibles. While service can be a little hit-and-miss…

  • Long Beach

    North Island

    Snare a seat in the large conservatory or garden bar at this uptempo, family-friendly cafe-bar – a sunny spot for an afternoon wine or ale, with live…

  • Tramsheds Harold Park

    Newtown & the Inner West

    This foodie hang-out is a refurbished centenarian brick tram depot at the northern end of Glebe. It's a handsome redevelopment with a supermarket,…

  • Felix for Goodness

    Brisbane

    Spruced-up Felix channels Melbourne with its laneway locale, industrial fit-out and effortlessly cool vibe. Produce-driven, all-day-brunch dishes might…

  • Bomba

    Melbourne

    Two venues in one, downstairs at Bomba is reminiscent of a buzzing Spanish bodega serving tasty tapas and raciones for the hungry, while upstairs,…

  • The Mill

    Victoria

    A former flour mill (built in 1881) has been transformed into a gathering space for locals. Rustic style and industrial chic combine for a buzzing bar and…

  • Timbre Kitchen

    Tasmania

    Timbre's kitchen is the ultimate in seasonal menu design – the menu changes at least weekly, and is dependent on what produce local growers have delivered…

  • Ohinemuri Estate Winery

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Ohinemuri Estate Winery has Latvian-influenced architecture and serves excellent lunches: shared platters, seafood, soups and vegetarian dishes all…

  • Mokoan Hub & Cafe

    Victoria

    A good place to view the Winton Wetlands' ever-evolving landscape is from the deck of this cafe that's been judged one of Australia's best examples of…

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