Sometimes, the best dining experiences aren’t the ones splashed across billboards or shouted from social feeds—they’re the ones you stumble upon. A small café in a strawberry field. A moody degustation room tucked down a city laneway. A lakeside Italian restaurant you never knew you needed. These hidden gems may fly under the radar, but for those in the know, they’re pure culinary gold.
Here are four places where the food is as memorable as the setting—and where you’ll quickly feel like a local in on the secret.
La Rustica by the Lake – Kingston, ACT
Overlooking Canberra’s scenic Lake Burley Griffin, La Rustica by the Lake offers an authentic slice of Italy with a contemporary twist. Inside, it's all soft lighting, blond wood and potted greenery, with chandeliers adding a hint of luxury. Whether you’re dining in the sun-drenched space by day or bathed in a romantic glow by night, this Kingston gem makes every occasion feel special.
The menu blends classic Italian comfort with modern finesse. Dive into deep-fried scallops with warm tomato salsa and balsamic reduction before twirling your fork through penne tossed with Tiger prawns, asparagus, garlic and a dash of white wine. For mains, the Costolette d’Agnello—grilled lamb cutlets drizzled in spicy red wine and balsamic jus—are a standout, served over potato and pumpkin mash with seasonal vegetables. It’s hearty, elegant and just the right amount of indulgent.
Shelanous – Port Melbourne, VIC
Tucked away on Rouse Street, Shelanous is a sensory playground that redefines the Melbourne dining experience. Visually stunning and creatively driven, this degustation-only restaurant is as much about ambience as it is about taste. A carefully curated soundscape flows through the intimate space, guiding your journey through every aroma, texture and flavour.
Chef Rony Parienty crafts a menu that’s both inventive and rooted in classic technique. Expect a visually arresting series of courses, each one telling a story and challenging convention. With matching beverages and luxurious service to match, Shelanous is more than a meal—it’s a culinary performance. Perfect for adventurous foodies, date nights with a twist or small groups wanting something extraordinary, this is one Melbourne secret worth seeking out.
Shaylee Strawberries – Atherton, QLD
Hidden in the lush tablelands of North Queensland, Shaylee Strawberries combines farm-fresh flavour with country charm. This family-run café and strawberry farm in Atherton is the kind of place you stop by for a scone and stay for the strawberries, housemade gelato and a bottle of Berry Lane strawberry wine to take home. With garden views, blooming rows of produce and the scent of sweetness in the air, it’s a refreshingly down-to-earth gem.
On the menu, expect seasonal, wholesome fare with a little flair. Think smashed avo on sourdough with feta and balsamic, or a char-grilled rib fillet sandwich stacked with Swiss cheese, chimichurri and garlic aioli. The zucchini and halloumi fritters are a hit—served with fennel purée, housemade zucchini pickle and a punchy peri peri sauce. Whether you’re popping in for brunch or browsing the farm shop, Shaylee hits the sweet spot between rustic and refined.
Bailey on the Terrace – East Perth, WA
Sophisticated and stylish, Bailey on the Terrace is an East Perth restaurant that knows how to impress without trying too hard. Located on Adelaide Terrace, this sleek spot features moody lighting, polished glassware and plush seating—ideal for romantic dinners, corporate catch-ups or celebrating something (or someone) special. With a menu helmed by an award-winning chef, expect refined modern Australian fare with a focus on flavour and balance.
Begin with confit pork belly paired with chorizo purée and
octopus, or try beef tartare with cured egg and walnut bread sauce for a dish
that’s both punchy and delicate. For mains, the slow-braised lamb with rigatoni,
eggplant and Parmesan is pure comfort, executed with precision and elegance.
Finish with dark chocolate mousse, house fudge and white chocolate ice
cream—it’s the sort of dessert that seals the memory of a perfect night.
Hidden gems like these aren’t just places to eat—they’re places to experience.
Each venue offers a unique take on dining, from serene farm cafés to
high-concept degustation, all united by a commitment to flavour, atmosphere and
individuality. So next time you’re hunting for something new, skip the obvious.
The real treasures are waiting to be discovered.
