6 Hidden Gem Dining Destinations You Need to Discover

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:

Experience the essence of Europe and the Mediterranean at PARC Brasserie & Bar on Hindmarsh Square in the heart of Adelaide city. Chill out in style at this elegant dining destination, where plush blue carpet and chairs add a calming vibe, along with banquette seating, stools to perch on at the bar and moody lighting ideal for a romantic rendezvous with your someone special.

 

Capturing authentic flavours on a menu sure to impress, perhaps start your hidden gem adventure with char-grilled squid, rocket, chipotle sauce and lime; for the main, think grilled striploin steak, topped with prawns, served with potatoes and Dijon mustard, finish with a signature apple gateau, hazelnut crunch, apple compote and lime yoghurt mousse.

A dynamic Modern Australian menu and a casually refined dining atmosphere join forces at Lamberts Restaurant in Kangaroo Point. Tucked in The Point Brisbane Hotel on Lambert Street, this popular restaurant exudes charm with an open, light-filled dining area overlooking the pool and gardens; while the cocktail bar and lounge are the ideal spot for an after-work drink from a contemporary beverage list.

 

From breakfast to dinner, expect gate-to-plate dishes from seasonally changing menus – think entrées of seared scallops, Jerusalem artichoke, burnt leek, morcilla, vichyssoise and watercress - followed by pork belly, wild rice pilaf, kamote cue, snake beans and sticky adobo sauce, or lamb, bullhorn pepper, smoked eggplant, buckwheat and tomato ezme.

Choose your grill and housemade basting sauce, then watch your dish come to life over hot lava rocks at Embers Grill Burgers on Canterbury Road in Heathmont. This addictive grill restaurant boasts an enclosed alfresco area for balmy days, with potted greenery, white table settings and twinkling fairy lights, while indoors is bright and breezy with recycled timber, cartoon-style murals on the walls and tantalising aromas wafting from the kitchen.

 

Burgerholics are in heaven over choices like the signature beef burger, with bacon, cheddar, onion rings, tomato, lettuce, pickled cucumber and BBQ sauce; or delve into Mediterranean grilled calamari, pork or chicken skewers with sides of sweet potato fries and a seasonal salad of broccoli, spinach, roasted red capsicum, feta, olives and Dijon vinaigrette.

An unforgettable Tasmanian dining experience awaits discerning foodies at Mr Minty's on Salamanca Place in Battery Point. You've never dined like this before in the stylish heart of the new homewares store, surrounded by an eclectic array of Australian art and a curated collection of décor, fashion, jewellery, perfume and gifts.

 

Enjoy an elegant sit-down lunch, or a casual wine and cheese tasting with friends grazing on plates like duck liver parfait, grilled brioche and sherried currants; for the main, don’t go past sugar-cured wallaby, candied walnuts, tongola cury, wild rocket, aged balsamic and EVOO, or beef boulettes osso buco-style with celeriac and gremolata. Finish indulgently with soft dark chocolate, salted caramel, walnut crumb and vanilla bean mascarpone.

Culinary excellence meets the artistry of fine wine in the heart of the Gold Coast at La Bella Cellar on Deodar Drive in Burleigh Heads. Nestled away as a hidden gem, this Chef-hatted destination is a haven for discerning connoisseurs seeking a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

 

Step into a light, bright and stylish vibe of whitewashed walls and furniture, softened by artwork and potted plants to peruse a menu promising temptations such as smoked duck croquettes, vanilla, carrot purée and red wine gel; moving onto lamb rack with Jerusalem artichoke purée, bean salad and jus, or blue spotted grouper, potato scales, finesse salad, caviar and beurre blanc.

Take a moment to taste and indulge in Cantonese delights at Taste Elements on Scarborough Beach Road in Mount Hawthorn. This restaurant nestles in a bustling Perth neighbourhood, boasting a cosy atmosphere and friendly staff to make you feel right at home in stylish surrounds of white-clothed tables, black and white tiles and traditional accents. 

 

Embark on your culinary journey with pan-fried abalone on a bed of mung bean noodles tossed with sesame sauce; then delve into mains such as mud crab braised in ginger and spring onion with sides of greens in shiitake mushroom and abalone sauce, or perfectly cooked Scotch fillet, with black pepper sauce, steamed jasmine rice and braised kailin.