5 RCA Venues to Tantalise Taste Buds and Satiate Hunger

Are you looking for your new favourite eatery? There is no better way to find where the locals eat and return to time and again than checking out the Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues on AGFG.

Here are five suggestions for a meal to remember the next chance you get to dine out:

Find an intimate, warm-lit space to chill out with a wine, fine fare or dine privately at Wakefield’s Bar in Ainslie. Wakefield’s is the ideal neighbourhood wine bar, nestled around the corner and upstairs from Edgar’s Inn – one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets. This stylish wine bar exudes rustic charm with exposed brick, dark timber and moody lighting, ideal for after-work drinks, or a romantic interlude with someone special.

 

Pair the ‘Pretty Little Ditty’ cocktail with fritto miso deep-fried seafood and paprika mayo, or tuna crudo, tomato and capers; before picking up a slice of sausage and potato pizza with fior di latte and rosemary, or salami, San Marzano, fior di latte, spicy peppers and chilli flakes. Pasta lovers opt for rigatoni with pork and veal ragu, or linguine, prawns, mussels and chilli.

Delivering the tastiest toasties and sangas in Geelong, head to Mano Deli on Shannon Avenue in Manifold Heights to appease ravenous all-day hunger. This local deli, café, wine and craft beer merchant has a simple food philosophy along with iconic deli offerings to entice all palates to go with a fun selection of housemade sweets including gluten-free options.

 

Say good morning to sourdough crumpets with berry compote, poached pears, cream, maple syrup and walnut crumble; or chow down on a mac ‘n’ cheese toastie on seeded sourdough with truffle bechamel, cheddar, provolone, mushrooms, Parmesan, secret sauce and house pickles. Perhaps a hot pork roll hits the mark with slow-cooked adobo cider pulled pork, jamon, jalapeños, slaw, American cheese and mustard pickle.

Succulent seafood and sparkling sea views await diners at Steamers Bar and Grill on Marine Drive in Wollongong. A blue and white nautical theme with hanging brass lanterns and blond wood furniture, evokes memories of oceanside holidays, while the aroma of wood-smoked meat sets taste buds salivating.

 

Lunch on the terrace with City Beach and Wollongong Lighthouse on the horizon, is an ideal spot to sip a wine, while enjoying wood-fired King prawns, garlic and paprika chips to start; then delve into Peking duck with pancakes, hoisin sauce, cucumber and shallots, or Thai BBQ-style infused wood-fired pork belly, noodles, bok choy, mushroom, broccolini, shallots, chilli and garlic.

In the heritage-listed fire station of North Sydney, Firehouse Hotel offers a cosy escape for good food in warm, welcoming surrounds. Refurbished with soft glowing chandeliers, padded olive booths, low hanging lights and round timber tables, Firehouse’s classic interior is a fitting setting for both intimate evenings and lively groups, aptly resonating an easy laid-back vibe.

 

Taking bistro-style dining up a notch or two with a trendy edge, dishes are a tantalising mix of classic favourites and current trends with fine local produce. Perhaps opt for pub classics like Stone & Wood battered barramundi, chips, salad, lemon and tartar sauce; or devour lamb ragu ravioli with caramelised red onion, roasted red capsicum, tomato, basil, feta and garlic chips.

Discover a third-generation Korean BBQ restaurant with more than 30 years’ experience at K Town Restaurant on Aberdeen Street in Northbridge. This Perth dining destination exudes a rustic vibe of exposed brick, recycled timber and potted greenery while fairy lights twinkle overhead, along with a spacious outdoor area which can host large groups.

 

Think all-you-can eat set menu options along with meat like ox tongue, beef brisket and pork belly; while seafood lovers are enticed by Tiger prawns and scallops all cooked to perfection and accompanied by rice. Perhaps devour tofu kimchi and pork, or raw beef with soy marinade and egg yolk; cheesy pork ribs never disappoint, enjoyed with thick-cut hot chips, or appease ravenous hunger with sizzling bulgogi beef.