Share plates is a type of dining that became popular in the United States after 2000 and has gone on to take the culinary world by the whisk.
When you are out with friends enjoying Friday night drinks, most of us just want to graze on several different plates that tantalise taste buds and harmonise with our cocktails.
Here are six venues that epitomise share-plate dining:
Unique Blend of Classic Dishes
Offering an innovative and modern take on traditional cuisine, find a unique blend of Middle Eastern, Indian and international classics at Meze Restaurant & Bar on Springvale Road in Glen Waverley. Nestled in Novotel Melbourne Glen Waverley, this stylish restaurant exudes a moody vibe of subdued lighting, geometric pendents, green plush velvet stools to perch on at the bar and comfy chairs to chill out at intimate tables,
while perusing a menu with something to tempt all palates.
Perhaps start your adventure by sharing a meze platter with fattoush and freshly baked pita; moving onto a mixed grill of shish taouk, beef kebabs, kebab meshwi, sauces, pickles, thick-cut chips, grilled pita, rocket leaves and aromatic saffron rice.
European-inspired Kitchen
Founded to develop beers that pair best with the Queensland climate, Boiling Pot Brewing Co on Eumundi-Noosa Road in Noosaville is the ideal place to bring mates together over custom beer and gourmet pizza. Drawing inspiration from Boiling Pot headland in Noosa’s National Park, this rustic restaurant, taproom and brewery offers a great alfresco area to while away a sunny afternoon; or watch the brewers in action creating a seasonal range of beers, to go with selected wines and spirits.
From the European-inspired kitchen come share plates like crispy salt and pepper calamari and lemon aioli, along with gourmet pizza like the Brewery with tomato sauce, fior di latte, grilled eggplant, anchovies, olives, capers and cherry tomato.
Great Drinks and Good Vibes
Flavours of the Mediterranean, great drinks and good vibes await hungry Sydneysiders at Hive on Canterbury Road. Nestled inside Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL, this bright and breezy restaurant exudes a stylish vibe of polished wood, potted greenery and natural light streaming in through the large windows, ideal for lingering over a meal with family and friends.
From wood-fired pizza and gourmet pasta to salads and memorable mains, tempt tastebuds with shared plates of Italian-style pork and veal meatballs in Napoli sauce, with basil, Parmesan and sourdough, washed down with a glass of red wine.
Cosy & Intimate Cellar Door
A cosy and intimate cellar door hidden away in the industrial part of Port Melbourne awaits discerning foodies and wine buffs at Susuro Wines Urban Cellar Door on Hall Street. The brainchild of winemaker Nikki Palun, this stylish venue oozes charm from wine barrel tables to velvet chairs, neon signage and wall racks full of Susuro Wines, ideally paired with dishes from a menu of shared bites, antipasti platters and pizza.
Perhaps sip a glass of Octopus Vermentino and share mixed dips and grilled focaccia or duck rillette, cornichons and crostini, before devouring a prosciutto and mushroom pizza, with olives, grilled capsicum, fior di latte, Grana Padana, rocket and lettuce.
Chilled Far North Qld Coastal Vibe
Casual waterside dining, a chilled Cairns vibe and extraordinary views are what await at The Backyard by Shangri-La on Pierpoint Road. Nestled in The Pier Shopping Centre, this stylish destination boasts indoor and outdoor dining embracing the FNQ coastal lifestyle; ideal for lingering over a cocktail or two and a memorable bite to eat.
Pair a chilled glass of Riesling with a seafood platter of chilled prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, oysters, battered mackerel, crispy fried squid, lobster pot and chilled mayo, mixed leaf salad, rustic fries and dipping sauce.
Regional SA Produce
A produce-driven ideology tells the story of regional South Australian produce at Fino Vino on Flinders Street in the heart of Adelaide City. Exposed brick walls, banquette and booth seating, along with an eclectic mix of artwork, create a rustic charm ideal for lingering over a memorable meal with someone special.
Choose from four or five-course tasting menus with wine pairings if desired, perhaps starting with quail, chickpeas, capsicum and Romesco; before sharing larger plates of lamb shoulder, tahini yoghurt, eggplant and herbs, with a side of crispy potatoes, garlic and wakame.
