Small plates are a type of dining that became popular in the United States after 2000 and have 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:
Expect to find the marriage of a finely orchestrated dish and beverage at Nodaya Dining Bar on Bunn Street in Pyrmont. Spend the evening in a relaxed and stylish vibe, just like those cosy, hidden-away bars in Japan as you ponder a drinks list fully stocked with a range of Japanese whiskies, wine, sake and spirits.
Constantly thinking about the best combinations of drinks and snacks and how to bring out the best in both, brothers Raita and Hiro Noda present a menu that is sure to tempt all tastes; think signature small plates like curry pan – crispy hot bread filled with Japanese-style Wagyu beef curry.
Indulge all the senses in classic style at elegant Varsity Lakes restaurant The Brooklyn Wine + Tapas on Varsity Parade. Chill out after a busy day and image yourself in the library of an English manor as you sink into leather Chesterfield couches and admire the ladder to reach books on the top shelf, or book an intimate side room for a romantic evening with someone special.
Pair a glass of red with small plates of Korean beef tacos with kimchi, spring onion and sesame, or sticky pork belly with Asian slaw, pickled ginger and sesame seeds; sweet tooths opt for crème brûlée with hazelnut sable, poached rhubarb and fig sorbet.
An authentic and contemporary dining experience awaits Sydney’s North Shore diverse dining crowd at K-Town Korean BBQ on Young Street in Neutral Bay. A warm and inviting vibe of exposed brick, banquette seating and glowing neon signage greets guests as they settle in to cook their food at individual stations at each table.
Anchored in tradition, expect every element of your meal to tempt the senses, perhaps starting with steamed prawn dumplings, or crispy seaweed glass noodle rolls, before barbeque delights such as the signature mixed platter with Wagyu beef cuts, pork, scallops and halloumi cheese.
Find a unique shared dining experience taking you on a culinary journey like no other at 520 Macaulay Road in Kensington. A rustically chic interior of exposed brick, recycled timber and potted greenery awaits Melburnians looking for good vibes and good food; from classic recipes to new-age kitchen adventures, each dish reflects a passion for high-quality food presented simply yet pleasingly.
Dive right in and take a bite of tapas offerings like Japanese-style chicken karaage and lime aioli, or garlic prawns and chorizo cooked in white wine and served with bread; best enjoyed with a Macaulay 520 Volt cocktail - gin, elderflower liqueur, lime juice and tonic.
For traditional Thai, Indian and Nonya, all in one place, go no further than Hanuman on Mitchell Street in the heart of Darwin. Part of the Holiday Inn Esplanade complex, this modern Asian restaurant boasts a magnificent alfresco dining area and stylish cocktail bar, while the décor has been sourced from around the world adding to the truly exotic experience.
Start with house specialty oysters with vivid tastes of lemongrass, sweet basil, ginger, chilli and coriander, or fragrant chicken and pandan leaf parcels with sticky palm sugar dipping sauce; perhaps roasted duck salad tempts, with cherry tomato, cashews, mint, cucumber, pineapple, lychees and spring onion.
