5 Readers’ Choice-winning Venues for Native Ingredients on the Plate

Native ingredients are shining on plates all around the country as more and more of our dining destinations discover the abundance of flavour, goodness and texture they add to a dish.

As we continue on our culinary drive around the country checking out Readers’ Choice Award-winning venues, here are five where you can enjoy the bounty of Australian nature:

Set on a small 10-acre farm in Carool’s picturesque countryside sits Potager - A Kitchen Garden, a culinary destination popular with locals and visitors alike. While guests come to taste sumptuous cuisine, they are spoiled with a panorama across a flourishing Northern NSW valley from inside a contemporary fit-out, in the stylish décor of local craftspeople.

 

As much as possible is grown on the farm and sourced from the surrounding region, with an aim to serve only organic produce and grass-fed meat. An ever-changing menu is sure to make the mouth water, with choices like wild venison loin, native spinach, rosella, pepperberry and kohlrabi.

Ettalong locals flock to The Box on the Water restaurant and lounge bar for absolute waterfront dining in contemporary style, found ocean-side of The Esplanade on the redeveloped foreshore. In all weather, soak up panoramic views across soft sand and sheltered bay waters, dining at a leisurely pace, seated underneath lush ferns hanging from the ceiling in black pots, while surrounded by a smart casual environment reflective of nature outside.

 

Sip a craft beer or cocktail while enjoying octopus terrine with crispy potato, kale chips, macadamia crumbs and chilli, or crispy pork belly bites, salted dulce de leche and aji Amarillo; followed by bavette steak, chimichurri, roasted corn ribs and watercress salad.

Serving exceptional cuisine within a beautiful, intimate setting, Broken Hill locals and visitors alike head to The Old Salt Bush on Oxide Street for a meal to remember. Guests at this stylish restaurant and catering company experience a total immersion of the senses, enveloped in the comfort of the décor, sounds and smells emanating from the kitchen, creative plating and mouth-watering flavours.

 

Showcasing the best seasonal, local ingredients, expect to sample entrées like lemon myrtle stacked prawns, avocado and kipfler potato salad; before signature saltbush dusted lamb, with lamb cutlet, wild spinach, vegetable and red wine jus.

Contemporary dining overlooking manicured gardens beckons guests to Wild Swan at Mandoon Estate on Harris Road in Caversham. This elegant restaurant mixes clean lines with colourful abstract artwork as diners relax at tables set with white linen, or chill out on leather couches with a drink and ponder modern, innovative a la carte and degustation options. 

 

Combining classic techniques with the finest local and seasonal produce, dishes have been designed to match the estate’s award-winning wine and beer. Expect choices like kangaroo tartare, smoked emu ham, Davidson plum and black barley.

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 crocodile spring rolls, Vietnamese dipping sauce and salad garnish, before pan-seared barramundi fillet, seasoned greens, steamed rice and Thai sauce; or delve into prawn and Moreton Bay bug pappardelle with shaved Parmesan and lemon cheek.