For a memorable dining experience that transcends more than just the cuisine, there are a plethora of restaurants around the country where the views are as good as the food.
Whether it’s taking in water vistas, city skylines, rolling green countryside or listening to the babbling of a nearby stream, these six venues won’t disappoint on or off the plate:
Chef-hatted Food and Views
Located on the banks of Lake Daylesford with exquisite water views from any vantage point, the Boathouse Restaurant on Leggatt Street offers a sophisticated dining venue for lunch and dinner. Take in stunning vistas from a warm and cosy indoor dining area for Winter catch-ups, or soak up the sun on the outdoor deck and seating area during warmer months; expect year-round comfort with stylish food and professional service as you enjoy a glass of wine with family and friends.
Dive in with entrées of smoked beetroot, goats’ cheese, popped quinoa and roasted walnut, followed by Moreton Bay bug, crustacean sauce, herb oil and polenta; for the main, think plates like herb-crusted lamb rack with chimichurri, hasselback potato and berry sauce.
Sea Breezes and Ocean Views
Find an elegant beachfront destination offering a bistro and fine dining seafood option with ocean views at Seascape Restaurant & Bar on The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise. Take to the bistro on level one with opening bi-fold windows showcasing the iconic beach where sea breezes and amazing sea views turn any casual dining experience into something extraordinary, or head up the timber-lined staircase to find unrivalled vistas and a contemporary seafood menu.
Start your seaside adventure with a sashimi plate of cured salmon, yellowfin tuna, hiramasa kingfish, wasabi, soy, pickled ginger and tobiko, before slow-roasted lamb shoulder, infused with garlic, oregano and fennel, served with rosemary roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables and tzatziki.
Idyllic Beachside Location
Set in idyllic beachside Lennox Heads, Shelter on Pacific Parade beckons as a home away from home for locals and visitors alike. Whether passing through or part of the community, seek shelter at this charming restaurant - where bifold windows open to provide ocean views and allow balmy breezes to waft into an interior vibe of well-set tables and linen – ideal for lingering over a leisurely meal with that special someone.
Open early for those enjoying a beach walk, choose from a seasonal menu of local, sustainable produce, starting the day with green chilli scrambled eggs, avocado, roti, mint, nuts and bacon; while those dropping by later opt for local grilled baby octopus, lime, chilli and crispy garlic, moving on to Porterhouse steak, beetroot, shiso, black garlic, fried kipfler potatoes and seasonal sautéed greens.
Chef-hatted Waterfront Destination
Those fortunate enough to find themselves on picturesque Hamilton Island take time to experience dining at Bommie restaurant. Residing within Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie boasts a prime waterfront location, offering a contemporary space styled with geometric-shaped tables set with sparkling glassware, high ceilings and ambient lighting, setting a moody tone.
An ideal venue to celebrate a special occasion in the private dining room or simply for a decadent night out, indulge in a Modern Australian menu created by Head Chef Alice James, designed to excite the palate. Dishes may present as starters of pork, scallop, watermelon, kaffir lime, sesame and soy, along with mains like seafood risotto with Moreton Bay bug, crab, lemon, fennel and vine-ripened tomato.
Nestled on Shore of Torquay Beach
Paying homage to the rich history of the building and bringing a new dining experience to Torquay, Doc Hughes on The Esplanade delivers fresh food made with passion. Nestled on the shore of Torquay’s best family beach, this former general store is named after its original owner and exudes a bright and breezy coastal vibe of white subway tiles, light wood table settings and potted greenery.
On balmy days sit alfresco while devouring breaky plates of twice-cooked baby potatoes, charred broccoli, bravas sauce, garlic aioli and herbs; stop in later for starters of crispy pork belly, soba noodles, spring onion, soybean salad and chilli sambal, then wrap your hands around a Scotch fillet roll with caramelised onion and herb butter sauce in a toasted baguette with fries and mustard aioli.
Stunning Laguna Bay Vistas
With stunning views over Laguna Bay, Season Restaurant on Hastings Street offers the ultimate Noosa dining experience. Celebrating more than 15 years on Noosa’s Main Beach, Season is one of the area’s quintessential eateries, known for contemporary, fresh cuisine, served just moments away from the coast’s pristine blue waters.
Kick back on the deck and take in sea breezes, or enjoy a romantic meal at white-clothed tables inside and peruse a menu brimming with choices like prawn and scallop ravioli with citrus beurre blanc, roe and dill to begin; then cast your net over seafood yellow curry with bamboo shoots, snow peas, Thai basil and lemongrass rice, or BBQ spatchcock, soft polenta, taleggio, black garlic butter and grapes.
