6 Venues to Find Thrills on the Grill

As we shiver through the arrival of Winter and what this season brings to the table, you can still get your Thrills on the Grill with a char-grilled meal at home or your favourite restaurant.

Nothing says delicious more than the sizzle of perfectly cooked meat, seafood and vegetables…here are six venues to celebrate with family and friends over a grilled meal and a tipple:

Cast your net over some of Sydney’s best grilled fish and chips at Sea Cow on Victoria Street in Darlinghurst. This bustling, airy corner Sydney dining destination boasts tables alfresco for balmy days, or grab a seat at the bifold windows indoors which open onto the street and are ideal for people watching with a cold glass of wine in hand.

 

Perhaps grilled loligo squid hits the mark to start your culinary adventure, or dip your spoon into a signature fish curry with a side of fragrant steamed rice; order grilled rainbow trout, swordfish or whole lemon soul for the main affair, with delicious sides such as coleslaw, chips and mixed salad, washed down with a glass of white wine, or icy beer.

Those seeking generous platters of Korean charcoal grilled meat head along Lyons Street to find Jang Ta Bal Strathfield. This authentic Korean eatery with tabletop BBQ grills for cooking your own protein and vegetables, is filled with tantalising aromas, smoky flavours and a lively buzz of conversation, as diners treat themselves to all manner of temptations.

 

From premium cuts of Wagyu to ox tongue, pork jowl and belly, duck, chicken and seafood – there is something to satisfy all cravings – along with sides like kimchi or squid and shallot pancakes. Perhaps mixed seafood and tofu hot pot hits the mark, with vegetable fried rice; or delve into the likes of stir-fried glass noodles, beef and vegetables, ideally paired with an ice-cold beer or glass of wine.

When made properly, souvlaki is a thing to be admired and few follow this practice as well as Kalimera Souvlaki Art, an Oakleigh eatery that has patrons lining up from near and far. Running the length of the restaurant, the open kitchen is where the focus lies in this vibrant cafe; an upbeat ambience is partnered by colourful shutters plastered to the back wall, silver buckets of herbs and a selection of sepia-toned photos adorning the exposed brick wall.

 

Preserving the taste from the motherland, Greek owner and operator Thomas Deliopoulos is adamant that fresh is best, dishing out tasty gyros options of lamb, chicken and pork; while succulent skewered meat can be teamed with a Cretan salad of barley rusks, feta, tomato, olives, oregano, capers, virgin olive oil, chips and pita bread.

Experience where wood-fired craftmanship, local ingredients and exquisite dishes converge to create a dining experience like no other at Flaming & Co on Racecourse Road in Ascot. Step into an earthy vibe of terracotta filed floors, banquette and intimate table settings as the ironbark-fuelled wood iron roars into life; on balmy Brisbane days, dine alfresco as you peruse a menu infused with unique smoky flavours.

 

Choose to begin with grilled Tiger prawns, mojo verde, nduja emulsion, Warrigal greens and shellfish oil, before mains of Wagyu rump cap, with grilled cabbage, sherry, red wine jus and sides of fries and grilled oak salad with samphire dressing, honey and pork jowl crumb. Finish sweetly with grilled pineapple, beurre bosc, lemongrass mousse and anise. 

Embark on a regal Turkish journey at The Sultain’s Table on Enmore Road in Enmore. Since 2004, this vibrant eatery has been a beacon for authentic Turkish cuisine, inviting guests into a warm and exuberant setting; bask in the alfresco courtyard or opulent interior, adorned with cushioned seating.

 

Discover a sensory journey through Turkey with a menu embracing big flavours and fresh produce, carefully curated to take you to the bustling streets of Istanbul. Delight your palate with char-grilled lamb and chicken skewers served with salad and lavash bread, or wrap your hands around a gourmet harem’s treat pide with chicken, lamb, Turkish sausage, beef, cheese and egg; those who can’t decide can opt for the Eat like a Sultan banquet menu.

A hot spot to be seen in Broadbeach, The Cuban is where to go to get your Latin American groove on. Nestled in The Oracle conclave, this restaurant is all about the flavours and taste sensations of Cuba - whether popping in for lunch, dinner or a mojito - diners are taken on an adventure to a land of colour, culture and coffee.

 

Get comfy on black leather furniture and relax in a moody vibe, with red accents and worn brick, adding a sleek ambience, matched by a punchy menu and cocktail selection. Grab a tapas plate of char-grilled Spanish chorizo, served on focaccia with aioli, chimichurri and herbs, then slice your knife into perfectly grilled Wagyu rump, with roasted potatoes and rocket salad, or grilled salmon, corn purée, green beans, salsa verde and herb salad.