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 five venues:
Authentic Italian Dining
Nestled in Box Hill North, Da Pino Pizzeria e Cucina is a purveyor of authentic Italian dining with a strong influence from Sicilian heritage. Beginning life as a small takeaway, this cucina has been an institution in the community for more than 25 years, with the new generation taking over to modernise the experience but always sticking to family roots.
Find a calming vibe of green walls, marble-topped tables, flowers and sparkling glassware as you peruse a menu promising everything from pasta to pizza and seafood; say grazie to plates such as squid ink pasta with prawns, scallops, mussels and white wine, topped with Moreton Bay bug.
Unique Setting in Lush Grounds
Experience fresh wholesome food complemented by natural scenery as loved ones come together at The Vintage Secret Garden on Galston Road in Galston. Escape the city and enter this secret garden to hear birds chirping and the calming sounds of the water fountain in a unique setting at this cute Sydney café, whether dining indoors at white-clothed tables or alfresco among the lush grounds.
From early until late, dine on tempting plates like sizzling garlic prawns in a hot pot of Napoli sauce, served with toasted sourdough; or slow-cooked, char-grilled pork ribs with secret BBQ glaze, fries and a side of sautéed greens with almonds.
Unique Accommodation & Dining Destination
Located in Wallerawang and surrounded by world-class attractions, find hidden gem Black Gold Motel & Crib Room Restaurant on Main Street. Originally the Old Wallerawang School built in 1881, Black Gold Motel has undergone a series of imaginative transformations to create a clean, comfortable and unique accommodation and dining destination.
With a name derived from the local coal mining industry, the walls of this venue carry echoes of the region’s mining history; while the restaurant serves dishes such as crispy skin ocean trout, with roasted chat potatoes, asparagus and creamy lemon dill sauce.
Elegantly Restored Building
Take in the unique and beautiful location as you chill out with family and friends at Nornabar restaurant on South Coast Highway in Nornalup. Situated on the national highway in Walpole Nornalup National Park, just moments from the giant tingle trees and Tree Top Walk, relax in the elegantly restored historic building or on the outside cottage garden terrace.
Experienced Sri Lankan Chefs plate up delicious Mediterranean and South Asian cuisine from locally sourced, quality seafood, meat and vegetables; think plates like wild-caught fish curry with coconut sambal, yoghurt, papadums and steamed rice.
Tantalising Aromas Greet Hungry Diners
Discover famous slow-cooked ribs and delicious pizza at Pizza & Ribs on the Run on Bent Street in South Grafton. This well-loved Northern Rivers dining destination boasts a bright red and green façade, while indoors the tantalising aroma of pizza cooking in the oven wafts in the air tempting all who pass through the doors.
Chow down on tender finger-lickin’ good pork ribs with potatoes, corn on the cob and sour cream; pick up a slice of satay chicken pizza with mushrooms and onion, or go Tropical with bacon, prawns, pineapple, capsicum and onion.
