6 Hidden Gems to Put on Your Culinary Radar

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:

Sip an estate wine on the outdoor deck overlooking the vines and mountains at Mimosa Wines, a family-owned and operated vineyard, restaurant and cellar door on Bermagui Road in Bermagui. Nestled in the heart of the Far South NSW Coast, Mimosa is a modern restaurant offering à la carte lunch and a more refined set menu for degustation dinners.

 

With scenic seating options inside and out on the deck, expect a relaxed fine dining experience paired with boutique wines; lunch-goers dine on mains of duck, red cabbage, preserved plum and shiso, while in the evening delve into a six-course set menu with wine pairings.

Well-loved local hangout Split Bean Café on Mernda Village Drive is the place to head for an aromatic brew and café fare with flair when in Mernda. This Melbourne eatery is abuzz from breakfast to lunch as friends gather in bright and breezy surroundings, where a full glass frontage makes for an abundance of natural light and cabinets overflow with sweet treats.

Stop in for brunch and devour shakshuka baked eggs with tomato, eggplant, chorizo, Persian feta, heirloom tomatoes and green chilli sauce, with spiced flatbread; or a smashed avocado and potato rosti stack with feta, tomatoes, crispy kale, mixed seeds and a poached egg.

Discover Croydon’s new home of authentic Italian dining at Angelette on Bayswater Road. Red-checked tablecloths, dark wooden furniture and twinkling fairy lights set the mood indoors for memorable meals with family and friends; while the covered alfresco area presents a cheery vibe with brightly striped cloths and vibrant artwork.

 

Expect pizza and pasta temptations such as linguine with meatballs, spicy nduja sauce, red onion, roasted capsicum and tomato compote; or penne and salmon in a tomato crème sauce with charred beets, red onion, ricotta, dill and capers.

Modern Chinese but not as you know it is what you’ll find on the menu at Magnolia restaurant on St Pauls Terrace in Fortitude Valley. This elegant Brisbane dining destination exudes moody charm with white-clothed tables, softly glowing candlelight and potted plants setting the scene for memorable meals with family and friends.

 

Modern Chinese is characterised by southern cuisine as seen in the degustation menus plating up starters such as sashimi grade scallops, fermented bean curd, pear, coriander and garlic; followed by master stock pork belly, housemade rice cracker and premium soy sauce.

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 dining destination dishes up cold beer, cocktails and ocean views in light, bright and breezy surrounds.

 

Salt and pepper calamari and garlic aioli make for the ideal starter followed by Thai prawn pizza with Napolitana sauce, marinated prawns, coriander, capsicum, mozzarella and fresh chilli; or twirl your fork around fettuccine carbonara with crispy bacon, garlic and cream sauce.

Feel special with every bite at District North Kitchen on McKenzie Place in Palmerston. Be warned, this is not your average burger restaurant – find a rustic vibe of well-worn brick with red tables beckoning to join family and friends for a chow down on everyone’s favourite ribs, brisket, chicken and fresh seafood.

 

Tacos such as pulled chicken are sure to hit the mark, served with coleslaw, corn bean salsa, cilantro and onion; or wrap your hands around a bacon and egg, grilled cheese sandwich on thick-cut white bread, oozing with mozzarella, cheddar and rum BBQ sauce.