6 New Chef Hat-winning Dining Destinations to Excite Taste Buds in 2025

There are several new dining destinations to put on your culinary radar after the announcement of the 2025 AGFG Chef Hat Awards last Friday.

Make it your mission this year to visit at least one! Here are six new entries in capital cities around the country that are worth the road trip:

This intimate 28-seater venue located on Given Terrace in Paddington is the place to head to slow down, be present and fully immerse yourself in the richness of each moment as it unfolds. ‘Attimi’ in Italian refers to the idea of living in the present moment and fully embracing the ‘here and now’ – letting go of past and future distractions and worries to be fully engaged in the present experience.

 

Showcasing artwork by the Chef and owner, Dario, expect an offering that emulates modern Italian fine food and service, bringing a European Michelin-style dining experience to Queensland. Dine on starters like sous vide and charcoal octopus, lardo di colonnata, smoked labneh, EVOO and balsamic vinegar; before mains such as sirloin steak with fermented blossom honey, pickled baby mushrooms and soy red wine jus.

Home to six dedicated experiences – including four restaurants, a patisseries, whisky and cocktail bar - Prefecture 48 on Sussex Street in East Sydney is a stunning heritage dining precinct inspired by the richness of Japanese cultures, arts and the innovation of its 47 prefectures. Bringing diverse cultural influences to an international stage, every corner of the precinct is thoughtfully designed to showcase exquisite art forms and vibrant movements that define Japanese cuisine.

 

Each venue is meticulously crafted based on its unique character, embodying a deep commitment to presenting Japan’s authentic cultural essence on a global platform. From steamed King crab and sea urchin to Wagyu chuck tail flap with kombu and saltbush salt, tarragon vinegar jelly, citrus kosho, burnt lime powder and cherry compote, you’ll find a dish at one of the venues that will tantalise taste buds and excite diners.

Circl Wine House on Punch Lane in East Melbourne is the city’s unparalleled destination to try some of the world’s best wines alongside a highly considered European-inspired food offering with Scandinavian finesse. Nestled within an iconic Melbourne laneway in a double-storey building with a unique façade, Circl creates a memorable culinary experience for all, boasting one of the city’s most impressive wine cellars and a warm and atmospheric interior.

 

Snack on smoked eel tart, compressed cucumber and horseradish, or brisket, spiced date and black pearl oyster mushroom; before memorable mains such as grouper with lobster sauce, sugarloaf cabbage and peas, or crumbed pork chop, apple cider velouté and kohlrabi. Finish decadently with a dessert of dark chocolate, almond, nougat, honey and vanilla ice cream.

Inspired by a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian ingredients, TUNKI – Ceviche and Woodfire Grill on Brebner Drive brings Nikkei cuisine to West Lakes. Located in the Lakes Hotel, this stylish dining destination is named after the Andean passerine bird of the cotinga family which is the national bird of Peru; settle into curved banquette booths or blond wood tables and grey chairs indoors, or head alfresco and take in water vistas while sipping a cheeky cocktail or two.

 

Begin with lobster tacos with guacatillo salsa, pickles and flying fish roe, or steak tartare, aji Amarillo, black truffle, quail egg, cornichons and smoked shiso mayo; then delve into chipotle marinated lamb cutlets with mint, cucumber and sides of broccolini and Josper-grilled sweet corn, or grilled octopus, red yuzu sauce, Japanese sweet potato and Australian natives.

Operated by Sophie Pope and Lachlan Colwill, Omotenashi is a 10-seat, Kaiseki-style restaurant nestled inside the Lexus of Tasmania showroom on Elizabeth Street. Serving a fixed menu comprising about 15 items or courses, accompanied by tea and sake, the dining experience is deeply rooted in a produce-driven philosophy, aiming to highlight the finest Tasmanian produce available throughout the year.

 

Think plates of salmon oshizushi with chives, curried egg yolk sauce, toasted nori and charcoal, or tomatoes, honeydew and okaka to start; moving onto a shell hot pot with steamed bailer, yuba, shiitake, purple daikon, red radish and citrus, served in dashi broth. Perhaps rice, seasonal pickles, abalone and roasted green tea hit the mark, or cold-smoked flathead, served with preserved nasturtium flowers. 

Blending the rich culinary traditions of Istanbul with the vibrant culture of Australia, head to Rakkas Restaurant on Eastlake Parade in Kingston for an unforgettable dining experience. This Canberra hot spot takes diners on an enchanting journey through Turkish flavours, seasonal cocktails named after famous Turkish cities and delicious dishes, all served in moody surrounds of subdued lighting, sparkling glassware and intimate table settings.

 

Start your adventure with char-grilled calamari, walnut tarator, isot butter, radish and watercress salad, then devour confit duck legs with sweet potato and sage purée, crispy kale, date jus and sour cherries; or lamb backstrap, smoked eggplant begendi, red wine jus and apricot marmalade. Decadent desserts such as poppy seed semolina cake, crème diplomat and strawberry gum tea await those with room to spare.