5 Hidden Gem Dining Destinations You Need to Discover

There are those hidden gems of restaurants that only the locals know about dotted all around the country, where good food, vibes and times are guaranteed.

Next time you’re on the lookout for a new dining or drinking destination, try one of these five venues:

Taking inspiration from the beauty and rugged landscapes of the Blue Mountains and past cultures, Arrana on Macquarie Road in Springwood weaves native ingredients and stories into its menus. Step into a warm space, where the lighting is soft and the champagne abundant, ideal for a romantic fine dining experience and ponder two degustation-style seasonal menus with wine pairing options.

 

Think delicious starters like ocean trout, kelp, apple and lemon myrtle, or crocodile, lemon aspen, quinoa, nashi and scallion; before mains such as drunken duck with mushroom, chestnut and Davidson plum, best enjoyed with a glass of Torbreck Kyloe Mataro or a native basil sour cocktail.

Heartfelt meals to suit any gathering or occasion are what you’ll find at Soul Kitchen Co on Ruthven Street in the heart of Toowoomba’s CBD. Bespoke dishes await at this stylish venue where olive green walls are adorned with vibrant artwork and clothed tables are set with napkins and sparkling glassware to set the scene for a memorable four-course menu with matching wines that is ever-evolving.

 

Settle in for an entrée of grilled scallops with kaffir pickled onion, ginger, jungle curry and puffed rice, paired with a glass of Grenache; then delve into mains such as lamb backstrap with balsamic beetroot, green peas, charred carrot, eggplant relish and jus.

For a sophisticated Sydney take on a modern Parisian bistro, head down Macleay Street in Potts Point to find Bistro Rex. An elegant ambience of mosaic floor tiles, shining brass fittings and potted greenery awaits while on balmy days and nights take to the alfresco area to people watch with a cocktail in hand.

 

Passionate about utilising Australia’s finest produce and native ingredients, expect to sample entrées such as Wagyu beef tartare, with cornichons, tabasco, sriracha, capers, pickled onions, egg yolk, chives and parsley, served with toasted brioche; for the main affair, think plates like confit duck leg, braised lentils, Winter greens and jus gras, or a Moreton Bay bug omelette with lobster sauce and trout roe.

Discover a mood of quiet indulgence at Lord Cardigan on Cardigan Place in Albert Park. This hidden gem in the middle of Albert Park Village is tucked around the corner from the hustle and bustle offering an oasis of relaxed calm with white-clothed tables, trailing greenery and banquette seating ideal for lingering over a delicious meal.

 

Stop in for a weekend brunch of Parmesan and onion-flavoured scrambled eggs with seared spinach on sourdough, or dine later starting with Pacific oysters fried in chickpea batter with finger lime and aioli; seafood linguine with capers, chilli, garlic and lemon entices for the main, or perfectly cooked aged sirloin with house chips, mixed leaf salad, herb butter and red wine jus.

Revolutionising how Gold Coast diners eat and enjoy casual fine dining, Bottega on Thomas Drive brings a little slice of Italy to Chevron Island. Founded by Enzo Loterzo – who wanted to deliver a piece of his previous award-winning Hawthorn restaurant to the GC – this stylish venue blends polished concrete, exposed brick and moody lighting, with a menu embracing housemade pasta, pizza and an extensive wine list.

 

Start with calamari fritti, lemon, capers, pickled red onion and cherry tomatoes, or saffron and bocconcini arancini; for the main, don’t go past signature crispy roast duck, braised in balsamic and brown sugar sauce, served with mixed berries and sides of roast garlic and herb potatoes, char-grilled asparagus, shaved Parmesan and white truffle oil.