Small plates is a type of dining that became popular in the United States after 2000 and has gone on to take the culinary world by the whisk.
When you are out with friends enjoying Friday night drinks, most of us just want to graze on several different plates that tantalise taste buds and harmonise with our cocktails.
Here are five venues that epitomise small-plate dining:
Timeless, Elegant Cellar Room
Drink, dine and hear the stories of the people behind the produce at Edwin Wine Bar and Cellar on City Road at Southbank. With a simple philosophy of celebrating and supporting local people and produce, this fun and funky wine bar offers an escape from the chaos of the city with a warm welcome extending into the timeless and elegant cellar room – the ideal space for intimate dinners and corporate events.
Sip on an Edwin's Aviation gin cocktail and dine on small plates such as house spiced chicken wings and marinated cucumber, hiramasa kingfish, ajo blanco and charred grapes, or zucchini flowers with salted ricotta and green tomato chutney.
Ideal for Family Gatherings
Cedar & Stone Woodfired Pizza Bar on Old Cleveland Road East in Wellington Point is the product of COVID lockdown and the need for great pizza. Opening in 2000 in the middle of a nationwide lockdown out of a converted shipping container in the car park of an industrial estate in Capalaba, the brand took off and led to the expansion of the present restaurant venue which is ideal for gatherings with family and friends.
Jump right in with small plates of crispy chicken wings tossed in honey sriracha sauce, or Asian-glazed sticky pork belly, slaw, chilli and scallion; perhaps wrap your hands around Moreton Bay bug, beef or fried chicken sliders, washed down with Barbie Bubbles cocktail.
Contemporary Asian Fare
Fresh seafood, cool beats, funky cocktails and tasty wines await Port Lincoln diners at Santi’s on Liverpool Street. This contemporary Asian restaurant focuses on combining bold flavours with fresh produce from the Eyre Peninsula delivered in a trendy vibe of leather banquette seating, portholes in the walls and a vibrant colour scheme, along with an alfresco area ideal for soaking up rays on balmy days.
Pair a Toki Highball cocktail - Japanese whisky, soda and lemon - with small plates like local octopus with kaffir and tamarind glaze, finished with mild Sichuan chilli paste, charred spring onion salsa and signature laksa aioli.
Sensory Shared Plate Dining
Sensory experiences, shared plates and fun wines await discerning foodies at Ates Blackheath on Govetts Leap Road. This Mediterranean dining destination in the beautiful Blue Mountains produces stunning dishes from a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven, championing local and sustainably farmed produce, locally brewed craft beer and wine.
Settle into a rustic vibe of recycled timber, spice-coloured walls and trailing greenery, or head to the covered courtyard to share small plates such as beef tartare with potato galette, salted cucumber and shaved salted egg yolk, enjoyed with a glass of Pinot Noir.
Go-to Spot for Cool Dining
Great food should be shared – that's the philosophy at Henrys on Grosvenor Street in Neutral Bay. This stylish restaurant is the North Shore's go-to spot for cool, contemporary dining, set on the leafy back streets of the suburb; with a laid-back atmosphere of natural, modern interiors accented with elegant tones of black, white and gold.
Each visit to Henrys will see you eating, drinking, laughing and sharing small plates of kingfish ceviche, coconut cream, kombu, lemon oil, pickled eschalots and roe; or devouring crispy prawn tacos with habanero mayo, shredded cabbage, Spanish onions and coriander.
