5 RCA-winning Restaurants for Christmas Celebrations

We all have our local favourite dining destinations that are well loved for many reasons – what better time to enjoy a festive celebration over a meal with family and friends at one or yours?

Or, you could venture outside the norm and try one of these five Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues that promise good food, good vibes and good times over the festive season and throughout the year:

What was once a sushi stand has evolved into internationally-acclaimed community restaurant, Federal Doma Café on Albert Street in Federal. For more than 10 years, this Northern Rivers dining destination has been providing a warm and attentive venue where staff members are passionate about sharing their knowledge of Japanese cuisine with locals and visitors alike.

 

Early risers stop in for a grilled halloumi breaky burger with egg, lettuce, mayo, tomato, avo, tomato oil pickle and coriander, or join a lively lunch crowd for seared salmon sashimi salad, with citrus soy, basil, umeboshi pesto, herbs and green leaves; perhaps a wasabi steak sandwich hits the mark, with lettuce, tomato, mayo, carrots, red onion, bean sprouts, cabbage and herbs, on housemade charcoal bread.

For a feast of Thai cuisine by the sea in Cairns, take to Iyara by Sakare restaurant located along the Esplanade. Sleek and suave in style, Iyara's polished timber floors and matte black fit out with touches of warm red hues radiate a sophisticated lounge bar vibe with diners perched on a balcony above the street, making the most of uninterrupted, oceanfront views and icy cocktails.

Traditionally inspired Thai dishes are crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and spiced to suit all tastes. Share entrées like betel leaves stuffed with prawns, roasted coconut, peanut, ginger, chilli and fresh limes, before mains such as roasted duck curry with lychee, pineapple, grapes and Thai basil; perhaps caramelised crispy pork hock hits the mark with chilli vinegar dressing and sides of steamed jasmine rice and roti.

Bringing a taste of Europe to Red Hill, Le Coin Bistro on Enoggera Terrace charms locals with a relaxed French ambience. Feel the mood as you settle in at dark wood tables next to the wall mural of a pig and rooster, while other walls are adorned with Art Deco posters depicting Parisienne life. On balmy days take to the comfy couch out front to sip a vino as you contemplate extensive menus from early to evening dining.

 

Say merci to a lunch of oven-roasted duck, braised red cabbage, spaetzle, cranberries and port wine jus, or gnocchi with sage butter, asparagus, goats’ cheese, semi-dried tomatoes, pine nuts and Parmesan; while evening diners start with sizzling escargot, garlic herb butter and bread, followed by Black Angus eye fillet, café de Paris butter, red wine jus and bistro potatoes. Finish with tarte au chocolat, praline crumb and raspberry sorbet.

Come home to Mum at Maman Bar & Kitchen on James Street in Burleigh Heads for fine fare to share. This restaurant is all sleek lines, white and bright, creating an ideal ambience for lingering over delicious Mediterranean to Middle Eastern bites, sustainable wines and no-nonsense cocktails to toast all those near and dear. Founded by two Mums – Lizzy and Karen – each dish is served with love from local and organic ingredients, which have been nurtured from the ground up.

 

Settle in and graze on Moroccan-spiced duck cigars, coriander labneh and pomegranate relish, or scallop moussaka, grilled eggplant, tomato fennel salsa, taramasalata and sea scallops; those with heartier appetites opt for lamb shank tagine, quince, sesame seed, preserved lemon couscous and saffron yoghurt, or locally-caught market fish, shallot mashed potato, wilted baby spinach, sauce vierge and crispy leeks.

Good food, good vibes and good times along with cocktails to die for await at 2640 Restaurant and Bar on Kiewa Street in Albury. Step inside to discover a floor-to-ceiling mural painted by a local artist which pays homage to all things Albury-Wodonga and chill out with a Red Lady Sour gin cocktail to peruse a menu showcasing fantastic regional produce.

 

On balmy days, dine alfresco on salmon and dill scrambled eggs and Meredith goats’ feta, on toasted Vienna, or apple and cinnamon waffles topped with apple compote, butterscotch sauce, coconut and almond crumble and vanilla ice cream in the morning; or start an evening meal with wattle seed crusted kangaroo loin, beetroot relish and papadums, followed by creamy white wine, garlic and prawn pappardelle pasta with Moreton Bay bug, Parmesan and charred lemon cheek.