For a memorable dining experience that transcends more than just the cuisine, there are a plethora of restaurants around the country where the views are as good as the food.
Whether it’s taking in water vistas, city skylines, rolling green countryside or listening to the babbling of a nearby stream, these five venues won’t disappoint on or off the plate:
Stunning Waterfront Location
By road, water or air, Cottage Point Inn on Anderson Place offers a magical Sydney dining experience not quickly forgotten. Set on the water in the Kur-in-gai Chase National Park, by day or night, this stylish restaurant is framed by a stunning bushland waterfront making it the ideal location for a uniquely romantic destination.
Sharp service and a quality menu complement the surroundings, whether sipping a wine alfresco, or dining indoors at intimate settings – think five and eight-course tasting menus dishing up starters of seared scallops, smoked cauliflower, pickled grapes, Poorman’s orange and native pepperberry; for the main, think duck breast, native dukkah, charred cabbage and nasturtium, finishing with white peach and vanilla cheesecake, pistachio and native limes.
Breathtaking Coastal Panoramas
Take your dining experience to new heights at the Gold Coast’s only revolving restaurant, Horizon Sky Dining on Gold Coast Highway in Surfers Paradise. Immerse yourself in breathtaking coastal panoramas from an enchanting rooftop setting and embark on a journey where you’ll not only savour delectable buffets crafted by skilled Chefs and a dedicated culinary team but also witness iconic Gold Coast landmarks in all their splendour.
Sip on handcrafted cocktails, or explore the wine list featuring local and international vintages to find the perfect pairing for your palate, whether you’re toasting a special occasion or simply unwinding with friends. From succulent seafood to perfectly cooked steak and a range of fresh salads and vegetables, every bite will satisfy the most discerning palate.
Native Bushland and Waterway Views
Wine and dine surrounded by native bushland and waterways at TarraWarra Estate Restaurant on Healesville-Yarra Glen Road in Yarra Glen. Visit the subterranean cellar door for an unforgettable tasting experience, or head to the deck shaded by native peppercorn trees to linger over a glass of wine.
The dining room awaits with a menu inspired by the kitchen garden and local suppliers, perhaps delve into starters such as Buxton trout, macadamia, fennel and roe with a glass of 2022 Roussanne, then devour duck breast, shiitake, black garlic, jus, olive oil brioche and roasted yeast butter, accompanied by a glass of 2014 Reserve Pinot Noir. Desserts like cuvée chocolate tart, PX raisins and Anglaise are sure to entice.
Glorious Natural Surroundings
Lakeside Café on Ross Smith Boulevard in Oakden boasts glorious natural surroundings and a contemporary interior design, making it the ideal place to relax with family and friends. A parkland setting makes for great alfresco dining, while indoors is light, bright and breezy with white subway tiles, dark wood table settings and cabinets displaying delicious grab-and-go options.
Meet friends for brunch over a brew and wild mushroom bruschetta on toasted crusty bread, with buttery garlic sauce and a hint of chilli; those dining later are spoilt for choice with gourmet pizza and pasta choices along with hearty mains; think slices of surf and turf with steak strips, prawns, bacon, capsicum, cheese and roasted onion on a tomato base with a drizzle of Hollandaise sauce and touch of basil.
Dine in the Clouds
Sweeping views of the Adelaide city skyline await at Japanese restaurant Koomo on Frome Street in the heart of the CBD. With a name meaning ‘cloud’ in Japanese, this stylish dining destination nestles on the 10th floor of the Crowne Plaza hotel and welcomes guests into an ambience of wooden splendour, while overhead cylindrical pendents softly glow, setting the scene for memorable meals.
Stop in for a hot buffet breakfast seven days a week or dine in the evening on share plates of pork and cabbage dumplings and spicy black vinegar sauce, before larger offerings of char-grilled pork cutlet, spinach, yam yam jam, plum jus and sides of nori fries, grilled broccolini and grilled King oyster mushroom with sweet tare glaze and garlic chips. Desserts such as caramel pudding, passionfruit gel and freeze-dried citrus tempt sweet tooths.
