7 Hidden Gem Dining Destinations to Put on Your Radar

There are those hidden gems of restaurants that only the locals know about dotted all around the country, where good food, vibes and times are guaranteed.

Next time you’re on the lookout for a new dining or drinking destination, try one of these seven venues:

Head to Olivette on Fitzmaurice Street in Wagga Wagga to discover an intimate, underground whisky cocktail bar that whisks you away to a sophisticated era of refined revelry. Inspired by the mystique of a speakeasy, Olivette has crafted an exclusive experience where guests can indulge in a carefully curated selection of rare and expertly crafted cocktails, fine whisky and tapas-style bites, all wrapped in a sense of secrecy and exclusivity.

 

Pair a signature Mary Jane cocktail – Aperol, Vodka, marmalade, egg white, orange and lime – with kingfish ceviche, butter emulsion and clarified tomato water, before sharing slow-cooked short rib with chimichurri and sides of smashed potatoes, roasted pumpkin and grilled zucchini.

With a contemporary, Modern Australian menu highlighting the finest locally sourced ingredients, complemented by impeccable service, Lyrebird Restaurant is the perfect place to start your evening at QPAC in Brisbane’s South Bank Cultural Precinct. Nestled alongside vibrant Cascade Court, relax and enjoy the surroundings while taking in a curated collection of contemporary indigenous artwork and perusing a menu delivered by Italian Michelin-trained Head Chef, Salvatore Rizzato.

 

To get your evening started, opt for spanner crab potato crostini, finger lime, caviar and lemon myrtle, then delve into pasta plates such as mafaldine with Moreton Bay bug, bottarga and zucchini ribbons; carnivores opt for prime Black Angus Scotch fillet, Lebanese eggplant, caramelised balsamic baby onions and crispy shallots.

Breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the vineyard and surrounds ensure Black Swan Winery & Restaurant on West Swan Road remains an impressive destination in the iconic Swan Valley region. Spacious and grandly appointed, this award-winning establishment exudes rustic elegance ideal for savouring all hours of the day as sunlight beams down onto the undulating hills of nearby, flourishing vineyards.

 

Eclectic flavours excite a contemporary menu, showcasing fresh, organic produce from an on-site garden; start with Wagyu beef tartare, fried potato Anna, cured egg yolk and truffle oil, moving onto memorable mains such as rabbit cigars with potato Lyonnaise, creamed baby spinach and blistered tomatoes, or grilled prawns, herb risotto, garlic cream and fresh chilli.

Inspired by the rich heritage of Italy and named after a prized Moonacres Farm heirloom chilli, Jimmy Nardello on Hoddle Street in Robertson celebrates regional Italian food where embracing the seasons and using locally sourced produce is the only way to cook. Nestled in this quaint Southern Highlands village, Jimmy’s serves dinner on Friday and Saturday nights with family-friendly and set menus dishing up starters like whipped salt cod, radish and charred sourdough.

 

Pick up a slice of pizza topped with salami, anchovy, chicory, chilli and mozzarella or devour slow-roasted sirloin with bagna cauda, black pesto, white beans and red chicory; pasta lovers enjoy Sardinian-style ravioli filled with potatoes, served with prawns, chilli, chicory and zucchini. 

For a classic dining experience in the heart of Hobart, take to Astor Grill on Macquarie Street. Retaining ageless Art Deco style with a modern touch, this refined establishment combines white-clothed tables and dark timber fittings to create a setting that is both warm and welcoming.

 

Sourcing most ingredients from local wholesalers and distributors, Astor’s focus on fresh sustainable produce is showcased in a Modern Australian menu, partnered with an impressive wine list. Try soft organic pork belly to start, with brioche, cucumber, bok choy, caramel sauce and beetroot chips, then delve into pan-seared white fish fillet, braised leeks, potato confit, two-cheese polenta chips, caramelised beet purée and lemon butter cream sauce.

Dine from a fabulous selection of ethically sourced local seafood at Tidal Restaurant and Wine Bar on Beach Street in Merimbula. This new restaurant pairs great food and drinks with friendly, detailed service in comfortable and relaxing surrounds; unwind in the lounge where comfy chairs and informal dining spaces await, or if you prefer a more formal setting, head to the restaurant area where beautifully set tables beckon.

 

From a menu celebrating the ‘merroir’ of the Sapphire Coast, Executive Chef Gavin Swalwell produces stunning dishes showcasing local and regional farmers and producers; from small sharing plates to 7-course tasting menus, sample plates such as chicken and tarragon wontons, before classic mains of lobster thermidor, or lamb backstrap, fire-roasted capsicum, baby spinach, sweetbreads and artichoke cream.

Contemporary sushi fusion steeped in Japanese tradition and infused with Brazilian inspiration is on the plate at Oshan Contemporary Sushi on Toorak Road in South Yarra. Slow down, it’s Oshan time at this unpretentious fine diner where connection and conversation abound in a stunning setting of distressed timber tables, a tiled bar and statement pendent lighting.

 

Expect artisan sushi created from seasonal and sustainable ingredients, such as hiramasa kingfish and Ora King salmon sashimi tiradito with ikura and Chef’s dressing, or a selection of deluxe nigiri; each omakase course is meaningful and a carefully curated sake selection offers the ideal accompaniment to every mouthful of your meal, along with cocktails and an impressive collection of organic and biodynamic wines.