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 sic venues won’t disappoint on or off the plate:
Mediterranean Seaside Setting
8 at Trinity on Trinity Point Drive in Morisset transports you to a setting inspired by luxurious Mediterranean seaside destinations while exceptionally matching sophisticated food and drinks with a buzzing resort atmosphere. Savour the beauty of Lake Macquarie in the spacious restaurant, or from the sprawling lawn and terrace area overlooking the marina, showcasing a comfortable and relaxed waterfront setting alongside family meal favourites, cocktails and wine.
Dive right in with kingfish ceviche, avocado mousse, yuzu, green apple, finger lime and Avruga caviar, or tempura-battered zucchini flowers, filled with spinach, cheese, garlic and tomato confit; for a memorable main, throw your net over whole lobster Hong Kong-style, with garlic, ginger, shallot and butter sauce, served with egg noodles.
Soak Up South Coast Views
There’s no better place to soak up a South Coast view with great food, drinks and the people you love than The Hill Bar and Kitchen on Fern Street in Gerringong. Expect casual dining over lunch and dinner, with coastal views as you watch the sun go down in the evening with a glass of wine or cocktail.
Peruse a Mod Oz menu of favourites like locally sourced seafood, hamburgers, gourmet pizzas and hearty salads; salt and pepper squid appeals to start, served with chilli, coriander, crispy shallots and sesame, before twirling your fork around linguine with prawns, cream bisque, tomato sugo, chilli, garlic and Parmesan. Carnivores opt for braised lamb shoulder, baba ganoush, mashed potato, pangrattato and almond gremolata.
See and Be Seen by the Sea
Head to the place to see and be seen by the sea on the Gold Coast at Hyde Paradiso on The Esplanade. Overlooking the iconic sands of Surfers Paradise Beach from level one of Peppers Soul hotel, this dining destination is the perfect Hyde away for all your cocktail and tapas needs; sit back and take in ocean views while indulging from a selection of cocktails and delicious Mediterranean plates.
From early until late, there is something to tempt all tastes – think brunch choices like eggs Benny hash with truffle honey Hollandaise and bacon relish - later diners may start with a Moreton Bay bug roll on a brioche bun with avocado, harissa and jalapeño salsa. Then delve into mustard herb-crumbed Paradiso pork, with Parmesan, snow peas, lemon and capers, washed down with a Gold Coast Dry Martini.
Stunning Countryside Vistas
Amazing food meets breathtaking views at Three Birdies on The Bucketts Way in Stroud. Nestled in Stroud District Country Club, take in stunning countryside views from floor-to-ceiling glass windows, while a wood fire warms the dining space during chilly months setting the scene for inspired dining with family and friends.
Get things started with Pork You loaded fries, with slow-cooked pulled pork, gooey liquid cheese, mixed cheese and hickory smoked BBQ sauce; then devour pizza slices topped with char-grilled chicken, red onion, garlic aioli, crumbled feta and mixed cheese on a fresh pesto base. Burgerholics opt for the Birdie – beef patty, American cheese, caramelised onion, bacon, tomato, lettuce and burger sauce, in a housemade burger bun.
Overlook Ancient Basalt Rocks
Located in a stunning position overlooking ancient basalt rocks, Bunbury’s Basalt by the Sea on Marlston Drive offers breathtaking 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean, Leschenault Inlet and the city. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, catching up with friends or spoiling your partner, sit back and relax in Mantra Bunbury’s premium restaurant to peruse a menu inspired by earth, fire and water.
Think entrées like seared scallops, rice cake, finger lime cream sauce and lemon myrtle oil, or Korean popcorn chicken sprinkled with peanuts and sesame seeds; don’t go past jerk seasoned pork belly for the main, served with beans, rice, pineapple and chilli relish, or native basil and rosemary kangaroo fillet, with potato rosti, wilted greens, Port and chocolate reduction.
Celebrate the Margaret River Lifestyle
KYST on Foreshore Parade in Busselton is more than just a dining destination – it is a celebration of the Margaret River lifestyle. Discover why this corner of Australia has captured the hearts of food and wine enthusiasts from around the world as you embark on a culinary journey starting at the magnificent Busselton foreshore and continuing through lush vineyards, rolling hills and pristine coastline of this enchanting part of WA.
Stop in early and break your fast with plates of garlic and herb mushrooms, on sourdough toast with wilted spinach, confit garlic, tomato relish and feta; later diners begin with grilled Fremantle octopus, green tomato and gin-soaked chipotle chilli salsa, before sharing Moroccan chicken, with roast potatoes, sweet red onion pickle, grilled capsicum, rocket and fresh herbs.