5 Restaurants to Discover the Essence of Cooking with Fire

Imagine this…flickering flames, the crackling of firewood and the smell of food.

These sensory perceptions have appealed to us for thousands of years and are every bit as appealing today as they were then. We still enjoy making use of basic primitive elements such as fire to cook food, socialise and bring us closer together.

For a meal to remember, discover the essence of cooking with fire at these five venues:

Open the barn door at Etsu Izakaya on Gold Coast Highway in Mermaid Beach to discover a magical mystery tour of Japanese share-plate dining. Moody surrounds of neon signage, walls plastered with photographs and a long, low-lit dining space make this izakaya-style restaurant an ideal place for a romantic encounter, or chilling out with friends for after-work drinks. 

The menu embraces all aspects of Japanese fare from sushi and sashimi to tempura, salads and teriyaki; think yakitori skewers cooked on the robata like pork belly, with ginger glaze, Nashi pear chutney and chilli, or melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu kushiyaki with black garlic, aged tare and chives.

Delivering delicious, authentic Persian cuisine to Gold Coast foodies for more than a decade, Shiraz Persian Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit when in Surfers Paradise. Located on Gold Coast Highway just a short walk from most hotels, this award-winning dining destination exudes stylish charm with polished wood floors and ceilings, wicker chairs and trailing greenery setting the scene for memorable meals.

 

Get things started with eggplant dip and Turkish bread, before succulent traditional wood-fire grilled lamb cutlets, or kebabs served with tomato, saffron rice and barberries; perhaps devour a grilled skewer of marinated beef rib eye fillet, or chicken thigh fillet with sides of flatbread, grilled tomato and rice.

Experience authentic Indian cuisine with a modern twist honouring its roots in every dish at The Secret Kitchen – The Indian Saga on Lexington Drive in Bella Vista. Elevate your senses in a relaxing, floral dining ambience where leather banquettes and intimate table settings set the mood for lingering over a memorable meal with family and friends.

 

Delve into Royal Indian fare with Chef Aanal Kotak’s own touch as seen in starters such as tandoori murgha tikka chicken skewers, or peri peri prawns with garlic, mayo and secret spices; before main plates such as lamb rogan josh, or butter chicken Delhi-style, with sides of steamed rice, papadums and garlic naan.

Quality ingredients, cooked to perfection – that’s the simple mantra that sums up everything on the menu at Elements Smokehouse Bar and Grill on Palmer Street in Darlinghurst. On balmy days dine alfresco and people watch or take in city lights at night; while indoors is elegant and stylish with a sandstone bar, recycled timber and cosy corners ideal for an intimate evening with someone special.

 

Steak is the specialty featuring the choicest cuts, sizzled and seared to a succulent sensation, with your choice of sides; or delve into seafood like crispy skin barramundi with rocket and Parmesan salad, grilled broccolini, chimichurri, whipped feta, beetroot relish and burnt lemon.

Take your tastebuds on an exotic journey at El Attar Middle Eastern Grill on Neil Street in Toowoomba. Be transported to Egypt after your first steps through their doors and into a moody ambience of red décor, mosaic tiles and wall murals of pyramids, as the aroma of spices waft from the kitchen, whetting appetites for authentic Middle Eastern fare.

 

Share entrées of crispy lamb samosas and charcoal-grilled prawns, served with sauce and pickles, or dip a spoon into creamy tomato and coconut soup with vegetables, noodles and flatbread. For a mesmerising main, contemplate the likes of a sizzling lamb shawarma plate with yellow rice, garden salad, flatbread, sauce and pickles; or devour a charcoal-grilled chicken burger with cheese, salad, sauce and golden chips.