4 Restaurants Where D Stands for Destination

Destination dining is on the menu at venues around the country that have a special magical edge to their culinary offerings and ambience.

Whether it is the location, the menu or that little ‘je ne sais quoi’ that makes them extraordinary, here are four where D stands for destination:

Take in ocean views as balmy breezes rustle overhead leaves at Melaleuca Port Douglas on Wharf Street. Boasting a fabulous alfresco courtyard with three giant mango trees forming a canopy above diners, as well as a chic indoor restaurant space, this fine diner combines relaxed and casual service with a Modern Australian menu to set the mood for a memorable meal.

 

Visit for lunch and delve into choices like seared scallops to start with maple-roasted bush-smoked bacon, sweet corn purée and crispy leek paired with a glass of Yarra Valley Chardonnay; while those dining in the evening may be enticed by pan-roasted Moreton Bay bugs in red Thai curry sauce with chilli, lime, Vietnamese mint, lychees, sautéed green beans and steamed jasmine rice, paired with a glass of French Chenin Blanc.

Hunt for your own truffles in the Truffiere before heading to the restaurant to enjoy a memorable meal at Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes on Howards Road in Wattle Flat. This Ballarat fine dining destination is the culmination of a dream for the Downes family of growing their own produce to showcase in paddock-to-plate cookery, as well as minimising waste and sourcing ingredients from the surrounding area.

 

Enjoy brunch dishes like cured salmon, boiled egg, kipfler potato, asparagus, herbs, crème fraiche and caviar; while Friday long lunch-goers are spoilt for choice with offerings of steak and frites, with chimichurri and truffle mustard. Start an evening meal with octopus, potato wafer, peppers and caper, before squid ink spaghetti with Moreton Bay bug, garlic truffle beurre blanc and a glass of Bended Knee Pinot Noir.

Nestled in the picturesque town of Mount Victoria within the world heritage-listed Blue Mountains, Victoria & Albert Guesthouse on Station Street is a haven of tranquillity set amidst six acres of stunning grounds. Step through to doors to feel instantly transported to a bygone era, where every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered; take a leisurely seat on the wrap-around balcony, gazing out over the majestic mountains while sipping a glass of local wine or a perfectly brewed cup of tea.

 

Begin a memorable meal with chilli salt squid, seasonal greens, lemon and dill aioli, before delving into tempting mains such as white fish, braised French lentils, baby fennel and lemon caper butter; or crispy chicken, potato and leek gratin, carrot, sweet peas and red wine shallot sauce.

Set amongst a mix of eucalyptus and landscaped gardens, Sidewood Estate Cellar Door and Restaurant on River Road brings hand-crafted wine and food to the Adelaide Hills. The jet-black cladded exterior and gable-roofed Hahndorf venue features local stone flooring and warm caramel leather banquettes, along with an eclectic collection of Australian artwork. 

 

Savour the flavours of the season with Sidewood Estate’s mouth-watering new Spring menu which pairs Modern Asian fusion with native Australian ingredients to create an offering that will have you coming back for more. Expect dishes like burrata with quandong and Szechuan pepper jam, blue swimmer crab dumplings, applewood smoked lamb ribs and freshly shucked Smoky Bay oysters – which can be enjoyed on their own or shared with family and friends.