Bay of Islands
As decadent breakfasts go, Rusty Tractor's doughnuts with crème fraiche and berries take some beating. There are healthier options, too, and the coffee's…
Must-see restaurants in Australia & Pacific
Bay of Islands & Northland
At this beautiful riverside villa turned restaurant, grab a table on the wraparound veranda overlooking yachts bobbing in the neighbouring marina. The…
The Far North
Northland's best Thai restaurant serves zingy dishes with intriguing names such as Angry Pig, Kiwi Chick and Mangonui Showtime, and there's also a good…
Tauranga
Zingy pan-Asian, shared-plate flavours take centre stage at Tauranga's top restaurant. The dark booths are ocean deep, and menu highlights include ginger…
Southern NSW & The Murray
This heritage sandstone cottage showcases superb modern Australian cooking. Flavours could include lavender smoked duck breast or black tortellini with…
The West Coast
Attached to an out-of-the-way but upmarket motel-style complex 4km southeast of the town centre, this restaurant delivers the best bistro-style fare in…
Bay of Plenty
The savoury muffins, scones and cakes bulging across the counter may distract you from the menu at this ever-popular cafe. Seating is limited inside, but…
West Coast Australia
With a contemporary fit-out, polished concrete and a mural, Tokyo Jack's offers izakaya (bar) style Japanese tapas. Moreish highlights include popcorn…
Darwin
Arguably Darwin's premier kitchen, this is indeed a place for a treat. Enjoy your double-roasted duckling or the wild-caught barramundi with macadamia,…
Hobart
So popular it hurts, funky Retro is ground zero for Saturday brunch among the market stalls (or any day, really). Masterful breakfasts, bagels, salads and…
Waikato & the Coromandel Peninsula
Huhu combines expansive terrace views and contemporary NZ food. Sip a Kiwi wine or craft beer – including brews from the local King Country Brewing Co –…
Byron Bay & Northern NSW
Relocating from the country town of Tintenbar to the rather suburban centre of Ballina, Che Bon, headed by chef Rodolphe who hails from Lyon, is a firm…
Magnetic Island
Horseshoe Bay has become quite the hip cafe strip and this favourite cafe does the small things well: fresh healthy wraps, breakfasts, smoothies and…
Gold Coast
Stroll across the road from the beach and brush off your sandy feet for some seriously good breakfasts at this breezy corner cafe, generously garlanded…
Rotorua
Channelling Mexico and Morocco, sociable Abracadabra is a magical cave of spicy delights, from beef-and-apricot tagine to the grande burrito. There's an…
Broome & The Kimberley
A favourite among Derby locals, succulent dinners draw from a wide palette, while breakfasts ($8 to $23) are simply outstanding, showing a level of…
Bay of Islands
Head out to Hōne's shaded lantern-lit courtyard for wood-fired pizza (gluten-free available), cold craft beer on tap and a thoroughly easy-going vibe. An…
South Coast NSW
All gourmet tastes are satisfied at this restored 1851 creamery, 3km west of town. The cellar door showcases exceptional wine, accompanied by cheeseboards…
Cairns & Far North Queensland
An inventive and slightly overwhelming menu of original dishes is presented with passion at this cosy family-run bistro two blocks back from the beach…
Alice Springs
Alice’s locals duck down this arcade for great coffee or fresh juice. There are wholesome homestyle breakfasts (eggs any style, pancakes), pita wraps and…
Outback Queensland
This lovely cafe attached to the Waltzing Matilda Centre opened in 2018, and serves up the usual cafe light meals as well as garlic prawns and the…
Outback Northern Territory
Following a fine outback tradition, join Des for bush yarns and food cooked over camp ovens under the stars. The three-course meal is ideal, but there's…
Yarra Valley
Enthusiastic owners Amanda McCrea and Simone Janken make the town's best coffee at their cafe on the main strip, and also offer a tempting menu of…
Cairns & Far North Queensland
For good old-fashioned fish and chips (barramundi, coral trout or reef fish), along with fish or prawn tacos, burgers and salads, Lucky Fish is a welcome…
West Coast Australia
Focuses on a custom-made wood-fired grill that is used for everything from chicken and fish to pork and beef. Turkish and Middle Eastern flavours underpin…
Blenheim
Although it calls itself a cafe, that doesn't really cover the sophisticated but concise modern NZ menu on offer here (for example, monkfish, steak and a…
Northern Territory
Homemade ice cream, mango smoothies, local honey, Devonshire teas and a range of light meals from mango chicken (of course) to a gorgeous Farmer's Platter…
Christchurch & Canterbury
Let chef-owner Giulio Sturla take you on a magical tasting tour with his renowned degustation menus, which champion all things local and seasonal. Dishes…
Outback Queensland
Charleville's best restaurant is a cut above your average outback eatery. Dishes include lamb with native spices, pork ribs and barramundi, plus a few…
Outback Northern Territory
This cutesy little caravan sits sheltered in the western wall of the visitor centre. It serves Katherine's best coffee and fabulous, thick-cut toasties …
Coffs Harbour
Join Coffs' cool kids propped up at the open window or on a street-side table sipping on the town's best coffee and digging into delights from a menu of…
Dunedin
This thriving market is all local, all edible (or drinkable) and mostly organic. Grab a freshly baked pastry and a flat white to sustain you while you…
The Daintree
We dare you to drive past this all-natural ice-cream producer with a range of flavours that changes daily. The tasting cup includes four flavours – you…
Midlands & Central Highlands
Overdose on pies and astonishingly tall vanilla slices. The owners get up before dawn every day to set the 1860 wood oven blazing. Wood-fired pizzas on…
Canberra
This very popular coffee-themed restaurant has lively service and a broad menu of burgers, all-day breakfasts, and light fish and vegetarian dishes…
Great Ocean Road
Views just don't get any better than this: plonked directly on the beach, this cafe serves up homemade sausage rolls, fresh fish and chips, single-origin…
Rainbow Beach
Cool burger bar that serves up a great range of burgers, including vegan and veg options, with sidewinder chips. Very good fish and chips, too…
Darwin
They've won various awards here and are consistently ranked among Australia's best fish and chips. Lightly battered, wild-caught NT fish are the mainstays…
Victoria
Modern Japanese cuisine, perfectly prepared. Start with tender sushi or sashimi, and don’t miss the gyoza (dumplings) or tempura tiger prawns. There's…
Victorian High Country
If you think a pie is just a pie, this award-winning local institution might change your mind. Try the gourmet pastries – emu, venison, crocodile, buffalo…
