5 RCA-winning Restaurants to Try in the New Year

We all have our local favourite dining destinations that are well loved for many reasons – what better time to enjoy a celebration over a meal with family and friends at one of 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 throughout the New Year:

Mornington locals and visitors head to hidden gem 2 Left Sisters tucked away on Watt Road in the peninsula's industrial area. Named for two sisters who own the café, this drive-through and dine-in eatery is the place to head when the weather turns chilly; sit by the fire inside and join the lively buzz of conversation, or choose to use the drive and stay warm and dry while picking up lunch.

 

Be tempted by breaky plates like zucchini and corn fritters with salmon, turmeric hummus and rocket salad, or indulge in berry bliss pancakes with ice cream, berry coulis and honeycomb; the lunch crowd devours pulled pork tacos with slaw, chipotle mayo, salsa verde and coriander. 

Texas BBQ has arrived in Armstrong Creek with the opening of Armstrong Barbecue on Unity Drive in Mount Duneed. With a whiskey bar, beer garden and outdoor space for the kids, this family-friendly dining destination delivers the authentic taste of American barbequed meat in chilled-out surrounds, ideal for catch-ups over a brew, burger or plate of ribs.

 

Chow down on a chopped brisket sandwich with BBQ sauce, pickles and onion, or devour maple whisky-glazed pork belly with sides of potato salad, Mexican street-style corn and Southern slaw. Take the hassle out of your next special event or occasion with catering from Armstrong’s food truck and experience the essence of Texas BBQ in every bite, creating culinary memories for family and friends.

Experience Korean dining in an unconventional and quirky setting at Seoul Chicken and Beer on Langtree Avenue in Mildura. From robot waiters to fun and funky neon signage, this urban restaurant delivers on all fronts; settle in and don’t worry just beer happy and smile because there is chicken on the menu, along with other Korean favourites like bibimbab, bulgolgi and pork kimchi stew.

 

Indulge signature crisp and crunchy boneless chicken, coleslaw, pickled radish and fries; or pork kimchi stew with tofu, mushroom, onion and spring onion. Give your taste buds a hit of fire with spicy beef bulgogi with sesame, onion, garlic, ginger, carrot and spring onion.

Celebrate authentic Indian cuisine the way it was meant and dine royally at The Royal Turban on Monaro Street in Queanbeyan. A large alfresco area beckons to soak up rays on balmy Queensland days; while indoors exudes a sleek vibe of marble, stacked stone, timber table settings and softly glowing cane lights, ideal for lingering over a meal with someone special.

 

From a menu designed to reflect culinary traditions centuries old, start a flavoursome adventure with garlic King prawns cooked in the tandoor and served with mint sauce; before tender goat curry, cooked on the bone, with sides of steamed rice, papadums and garlic cheese naan. 

Find the freshest seafood dishes Central Queensland has to offer at Pompano Seafood Deli at various locations around Yeppoon. This mobile deli-style food van pops up at markets, picnics, festivals and events, along with stints at Capricornia Cruising Yacht Club, dishing up all manner of seafood temptations sure to hit the mark.

 

Throw your net over catches like a King prawn toastie with garlic butter, cheese and spring onions, or hook a fresh Moreton Bay bug salad with mozzarella, tomato, basil oil and balsamic glaze; pizza lovers devour slices topped with scallops, marinated artichoke, mozzarella, spring onion and garlic.