There’s nothing better than a great glass of wine to accompany a great dish…many venues around the country offer paired menus to take all the guesswork out of dining out.
Here are six of our favourites we think you need to try, whether trying to impress on a date night or celebrating with family and friends.
Expect a unique gastronomic experience combining meticulous attention to detail with the finest local ingredients at Taste. by Bold Cuisine on Rooke Street in Devonport. An elegant and sophisticated ambience effortlessly sets the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure from a carefully crafted menu showcasing Tasmanian produce, thoughtfully paired with a selection of wines.
Take the opportunity to indulge the senses in innovative dishes which tantalise the taste buds and leave you craving more; think starters like venison crudo, salsa verde and truffle, followed by salmon with wasabi crust, asparagus and tempura egg, or duck breast, sweet potato, cherry jus and heirloom carrots.
Nestled in an historic stone settler’s cottage built in 1851, visit award-winning winery restaurant Skillogalee on Trevarrick Road in Sevenhill for fare with flair. This charming dining destination offers guests a chance to sample Skillogalee wines in the way they were intended to be enjoyed – with food in the heart of the beautiful Clare Valley.
Dine alfresco in the Summer on the verandah overlooking the garden and vines sipping a glass of Trevarrick Riesling and enjoying pan-fried, line-caught King George whiting, pickled onions, cucumber, capers and chive butter; or beef cheek and Shiraz pithivier pie with cauliflower purée, truffle jus and a glass of Trevarrick Shiraz.
Drawing on Mediterranean flair and inspiration, drop by Willo Parramatta restaurant and bar on Smith Street to experience a fresh, unique and seasonally driven menu using Australian ingredients. Find drinks, dinner and design at this trendy Sydney destination, whether perching on a stool at the bar and enjoying a cheeky cocktail; or dining at round wooden tables indoors, as a full glass frontage lets in an abundance of natural light.
Order entrées that are as stunning on the eyes as the palate such as eye fillet carpaccio, Grana Padano and local rocket, paired with a glass of Pinot Noir; followed by mains like handmade girasoli, blue swimmer crab, Skull Island prawn and lemon butter, enjoyed with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Set amongst a mix of eucalyptus and landscaped gardens, Sidewood Estate Cellar Door and Restaurant on River Road brings hand-crafted wine and food to the Adelaide Hills. The jet-black cladded exterior and gable-roofed Hahndorf venue features local stone flooring and warm caramel leather banquettes, along with an eclectic collection of Australian artwork.
Sample award-winning wines expertly paired with a Mod Oz menu indoors, or take to the enormous hardwood deck for a casual dining experience. Start your culinary adventure with burrata, pangrattato, pancetta crumb and charred asparagus, moving on to pan-fried barramundi, wood oven pumpkin, salumi XO and miso, washed down with a glass of estate Pinot Rosé.
Experience all the extravagance of dining out in the comfort of your own kitchen with Alan Dawes Private Chef. Based on the Sunshine Coast, this private catering company puts the wow factor into your next dinner party, sourcing the best local ingredients to deliver dishes to your table and best of all, do the dishes afterwards!
From seasonal menus showcasing sensational Queensland produce and fresh flavours, expect simple, elegant and delicious choices from à la carte and degustation options; such as Huon salmon, beetroot, capers and mountain ash caviar, or Wagyu, pickled onion and Noosa black garlic, expertly matched with wines by Sommelier Gavin Wraith.
Expect an exclusive Japanese omakase fine dining experience at Takashiya on Grey Street in South Bank. Nestled in the Emporium Hotel, this Brisbane restaurant exudes elegant charm with flowers cascading from the ceiling, Japanese accents and a well-stocked bar promising rare whisky and sake, along with wine and cocktails.
Overseen by Chef Takashi Nami, one of the deftest hands at slicing sashimi, crafting nigiri and other technical wizardry, Takashiya fans the flames of omakase-style fare with delicate flavours, fresh ingredients and more than a touch of showmanship. Choose from mini, standard and premium menus and delve into the likes of lobster nigiri and caviar; before slicing your knife into perfectly cooked Wagyu steak, foie gras nigiri and seasonal truffle.
