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:

Modern, sophisticated French dishes taking inspiration from the traditional roots of the Burgundy region await discerning foodies at La Chouette on Alexandra Street in Hunters Hill. A stylish ambience of white-clothed tables, sandstone and a light green colour palette sets an elegant vibe for intimate dining with your special someone, while a large wall wine rack promises ideal pairings to dishes on the menu.

 

Say merci to entrées of French onion soup with caramelised onion, toast and cheese, or scallops with truffle cream, leeks and crumble; moving onto plats prinicipal such as lamb rack nicoise, artichokes, zucchini, olives and rosemary sauce, or confit duck, Brussels sprouts, speck and port sauce. Finish decadently with apple crumble, with salted caramel and ice cream.

Discover Prospect’s hidden gem down the laneway on Prospect Road at Café Komodo. This Adelaide dining destination dishes up cocktails and global café fare served in a cool hideaway with a retro vibe of vinyl on the walls and outdoor courtyard seating for balmy SA days. From an all-day breakfast menu, choose to start your day with poached eggs and pistachio pesto, served with wilted spinach and seared broccolini.

 

 

Stop in later and chow down on a grilled chicken burger with slaw, greens and pesto mayo on a Turkish bun, or a bacon and egg burger

with hash brown and BBQ sauce on a brioche bun; sweet tooths don’t go past double-stacked French toast, drizzled with maple syrup, topped with mixed berry compote and cinnamon sugar.

Say buon appetito to authentic pizza and pasta at Rozelle’s hidden Italian gem, Il Grappolo on Terry Street. Tucked away from hustle and bustle, this cucina and pizzeria blends bold red walls with dark wood, poster-style artwork and splashes of greenery, to set the mood for leisurely dining with family and friends.

 

Grab a glass of your favourite red and settle in for dishes using the best imported and local produce; as seen in starters of sizzling prawns with garlic, chilli and olive oil. Handmade spinach and ricotta ravioli with sage burnt butter and cherry tomatoes will have pasta lovers salivating; grab a slice of Diavola pizza with hot salami, roasted peppers and chilli, or tuck into pan-seared veal, white wine, lemon and broccolini.

Those craving authentic Indian cuisine in Cashmere head to Indian Curry Junction on Warra Lane. This Brisbane dining destination is a must-visit for guests who believe food excites and delights as one of the most fundamental joys; catering for all occasions, book your next function here for guaranteed success with immaculate food and service.

 

All dishes are prepared using the freshest local ingredients along with specialty imported spices for a truly unique taste; think starters like tandoori chicken tikka with yoghurt and spices, before hot and spicy beef vindaloo, or lamb rogan josh, with sides of steamed basmati rice, garlic naan and papadums. Seafood lovers opt for prawns cooked in rich creamy tomato gravy.

Nestled on the Main Street of picturesque Littlehampton in an historic old stone cottage, find a family-friendly vibe at Artisan Oak Café. With the option to dine inside in air-conditioned comfort or outside alfresco under the shaded verandah, linger over brunch or lunch from an extensive range of savoury pastries, café-style light meals and housemade sweet treats, while those time-poor can pick up a quick snack to go.

 

Take time to explore the Goodies kitchen showcasing local products including artwork, before recharging with smashed avocado on toast with poached eggs, beetroot relish, feta, dukkah, pepitas and balsamic glaze; or Chef’s choice zucchini, corn and feta fritters with avo crush, salad greens and spicy tomato relish.