South Coast NSW
Big views of the river are amplified by beautifully presented seafood at understated, elegant Wharf Rd. Rich but creamy rock oysters and sashimi,…
Must-see restaurants in Australia & Pacific
Parnell & Newmarket
Greek cuisine is rare in Auckland, but Gerome's modern interpretation of traditional Hellenic flavours make it one of Auckland's best restaurants…
Melbourne
This contemporary Southeast Asian laneway restaurant sits in a former car park. It's slick, with metal scaffolding, raw brick, a long communal table and…
Darwin
In historic Lyons Cottage, this fine little cafe has some really tasty dishes inspired by Aboriginal bush tucker from the desert. In addition to more…
Canberra
Wood-fired pizza, rosé on tap and house-made gelato are just some of the charms of this cool, millennial-pink bistro, set in the ground floor of East…
Mid-North Coast
The Anchorage resort's Galley Kitchen morphs into a resolutely fine-dining restaurant in the evening, but the simple waterfront space still vibes holiday…
City Centre & Britomart
That there are queues outside this boutique ice-cream shop even in the middle of winter says a lot about the magical confections that it conjures up…
Lord Howe Island
Open all day, this is the island's go-to spot for a morning coffee or post-walk pick-me-up. It's also an excellent place to eat. Friendly management and…
Melbourne
The newest branch of Melbourne's favourite pasticceria chain occupies sleek, central digs right near Flinders St Station. Try not to drool as you walk…
Napier
This long, floorboarded room with its green-tiled bar is the pride and joy of the Napier foodie scene. Hip and slick but not grossly unaffordable, with…
Hobart
Make sure you stop by this enduring Hobart favourite, even if it’s just to gawk at the display cabinet full of delectable pies, tarts, baguettes and…
Gold Coast
These simple, elegant dishes show you what Modern Australian cooking is all about. The menu ranges from soft-shell crab with green mango, peanuts and…
Brisbane
After working in Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris, Brisbane-born chef Andrew Gunn now steers Urbane. Widely considered Brisbane's top restaurant, its…
Melbourne Region
The Bluebeanies take their coffee seriously, offering a weekly rotating single-origin coffee alongside a crowd-pleasing menu of breakfast dishes, light…
Hamilton Island
With a great peninsular location overlooking the masts of Hamilton Yacht Club, Bommie is Hamilton's swankiest, most atmospheric restaurant, with excellent…
Northern Beaches
Housed within a heritage-listed beach house overlooking the ocean, this brilliant Sardinian restaurant serves specialities such as oven-roasted suckling…
Great Ocean Road
In the old post office is this seafront cottage cafe with wooden floorboards, art on the walls, an open fireplace and a vintage record player spinning…
Victoria
Its name references the sun-kissed Tuscan island, and Bistro Elba's menu reflects this Mediterranean inspiration. Stylishly casual, it's one of Sorrento's…
Tasmania
Towns on Tasmania's northwest coast are known for their cafe culture, and there are plenty of stylish examples where you can enjoy great food and a well…
Kings Cross & Potts Point
This sunflower-yellow former artists’ residence is now a top-notch contemporary vegetarian restaurant. Dishes are prepared with real panache; the tasting…
Byron Bay & Northern NSW
Yami, appropriately pronounced 'yummy', dishes up some of the crispiest felafel and most flavoursome Middle Eastern vegetarian food you'd never expect to…
The Wairarapa
On the highway just north of Carterton, this excellent little bakery-cafe makes famously good sourdough bread, lamb-cutlet pies, steak sandwiches and…
Broome & The Kimberley
Nourishing, healthy, paleo food is the mantra behind Jalangurru Mayi ('good mood'), which eschews refined ingredients and sugars, a smart move in a town…
Bay of Islands
Muted colours give way to sea views at this new upstairs seafood restaurant across from Paihia pier. The seasonal menu is largely seafood focused (who can…
Exmouth
This Exmouth institution has a pretty poolside location, smart service and a mega seafood menu (but vegetarians and vegans get some loving too). Don't…
South Coast NSW
With more hats than a milliner, Caveau is at the forefront of native Australian cooking. This lauded restaurant serves gourmet fare such as barramundi…
Tasmanian Food & Wine Conservatory
Tasmania
With the laudable aim of showcasing Tasmanian food and wine – especially from boutique and small producers – this stylishly converted conservatory 15km…
Southern NSW & The Murray
Zecca serves up handmade pasta and Italian meals in the modern setting of a converted 1940s Rural Bank building. The kitchen uses local ingredients where…
Victoria
Eating here is like taking a culinary tour of the Mediterranean – Greek, Lebanese and North African dishes all get a run with subtle flavours. The decor…
Brisbane & Around
Chef Amanda Hunt has saved Hampton from eternal culinary damnation with this smart, produce-driven cafe. Local produce (including ingredients from Amanda…
Hunter Valley
Local lad Frank Fawkner's compact space tucked into a corner of Oakvale winery makes you feel you are all – chefs, waiters, diners – on a convivial shared…
Auckland
The Persian heritage of the Lolaiy family combines with game meat and foraged ingredients at Cazador. Decor such as stuffed animal heads is largely…
Ponsonby & Karangahape Rd
Located amid the restored heritage architecture of St Kevin's Arcade, Gemmayze St presents a stylish update on Lebanese cuisine. Mint, orange blossom and…
Sunshine Coast
A mishmash of recycled furniture and vintage ephemera, side-street Velo is an easy-going, breezy affair. Here, locals play board games while munching on…
Wellington
Deservedly ranked among Wellington's best restaurants, Logan Brown oozes class without being overly formal. Its 1920s banking-chamber dining room is a…
Bay of Plenty
The sea air might easily be Mediterranean at this new restaurant that has brought quality Italian cooking to the Mount. All the accents are Italian, from…
Christchurch
Global influences punctuate the shared plates menu at this recent opening south of the city centre. The honey- and chipotle-fired chicken goes well with…
Victoria
Miss Amelie's elegant dining room is easily Albury Wodonga's classiest place to eat, and the menu and service also don't disappoint. Mains could include…
Franz Josef Glacier
SnakeBite's flavour-packed meals awaken taste buds after their long slumber through the West Coast's lamb-and-whitebait menus. Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai…
The Southeast
What a surprise! Tasmania's best sushi – including fresh Tasmanian wasabi – is in sleepy Geeveston. Opening hours are disappointingly limited (and he…
