There are those hidden gems of restaurants that only the locals know about dotted all around the country, where good food, vibes and times are guaranteed.
Next time you’re on the lookout for a new dining or drinking destination, try one of these six venues:
European-inspired Culinary Escape
Situated in the forecourt of Australia’s oldest hospital, Porcellino on Macquarie Street brings seasonal and contemporary café dining to the Sydney CBD. Enjoy a communal or private dining experience with the choice of alfresco dining, or inside seating, creating a European-inspired escape in the heart of the city.
Sandstone brick, fretwork and walls adorned with an eclectic mix of artwork set the scene for all-day dining; indulge the senses with lunch plates like linguine with prawns, lemon, chilli, garlic and parsley, or wrap your hands around a braised pork roll with fennel and apple coleslaw, served with fries and salad.
Old-fashioned Service with a Smile
Family-owned and operated, Pizzami Gourmet Pizza Bar on the corner of Kingfisher Drive and Heron Street loves catering to locals and Peregian Beach visitors alike. Serving great local produce and good old-fashioned service with a smile, this Sunshine Coast hidden dining gem dishes up cold beer, cocktails and ocean views in light, bright and breezy surrounds.
Salt and pepper calamari with garlic aioli makes for the ideal starting plate, or grilled halloumi on a bed or rocket with a fresh lemon wedge; before gourmet pizza slices such as succulent slow-cooked pulled pork, cashew nuts, fresh spinach, soy sauce, yoghurt and mozzarella on a Napoletana sauce base.
Hunter Valley Hidden Gem
A Hunter Valley hidden culinary gem awaits discerning diners at Oak & Vine on Thompsons Road in Pokolbin. Nestled in Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, this restaurant offers a ‘smart dining’ experience where you can enjoy a meal that quintessentially represents the Hunter Valley; dine alfresco and take in views of the pool and manicured grounds, or head indoors for a pre-dinner drink at the bar.
Enjoy exclusive wines to pair with dishes given a Sri Lankan twist, such as half-shell scallops with tangy coconut crust and finger lime to start; move onto memorable mains like housemade chicken curry and pilau rice, or sous vide rack of lamb with papadum and curry leaf crust, eggplant moju and tamarind jus.
Charming New Neighbourhood Bar
Experience the laid-back warmth of the Warren View Hotel as you are welcomed without pretension to Teddy’s Enmore on Stanmore Road. This new neighbourhood bar, tucked away above the pub, oozes charm and open-natured approachable service in surrounds of exposed well-worn brick, moody lighting and leather armchairs for chilling out.
The kitchen menu is based around sharing with Chef’s signature focaccia being the ideal starting point, or scallops with chilli, grapes, shio and blood lime; perhaps charred octopus, Warrigal greens, chilli and olive oil hits the mark, or sous vide flank steak with saltbush spice, chimichurri, twice-cooked potatoes and witlof salad.
Exclusively Curated List of Small Plates
Neighbourhood food and wine designed to be shared and enjoyed with a perfectly matched glass is what you’ll find at Bar Leo Food & Wine on Panitz Street in Bundall. Dine out in the alfresco area under the Gold Coast sun or relax inside for a more comfortable experience as you sit at one of the bars and enjoy an ice-cold tap beer or wine.
From the exclusively curated list of small plates dine on dry-aged kingfish, sesame, pickled fennel yuzu and ponzu, or steak tartare, chilli oil, crème fraiche, bonito, mustard and straw potato; larger plates such as roast chicken, nduja, baby spinach and soft herb crème fraiche always entice, with a side of chat potatoes, butter, sea salt and togarashi.
Global Dining Adventure
Take flight on a culinary journey around the globe at Brighton’s The Timbuktu Café on Wilson Street. Tucked away from the busy streets of this Melbourne suburb, this café is that quiet place where time stops; while the kids enjoy the play area, real people meet for catchups or come here alone for a coffee and treat, brunch or a glass of wine.
Live your everyday life to the beat of an enticing menu of international fare like the South Philly – sautéed beef fillet, onion, cheese and red capsicum in a focaccia, served with mixed leaf salad and pickles – or smoked salmon, fried egg, tartar sauce, hash brown and tomato, feta and pine nut salad.
