7 Restaurants to Delve into the World of Small Plate Dining

Small 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 seven venues that epitomise small-plate dining:

For innovative fare that's pushing the taste boundaries, head to Cecilia's in Toowoon Bay. This coastal venue on Toowoon Bay Road has a modern, sleek look with comfortable seating and a sit-down bar, where guests can watch Chef Adam at work in the kitchen.

 

A recycled feature wood wall, whitewashed furniture and splashes of greenery set a laid-back vibe, ideal for lingering over small plates such as pork belly with kimchi caramel and green apple; moving onto braised BBQ duck legs, parsnip and kale, with a side of fries.

Inspired by the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Rock Sugar on Malvern Road in South Yarra is all about modern Thai fare with a twist. Expect a seductive vibe of moody lighting, neon signage and intimate tables ideal for a romantic rendezvous or night out with friends, as you peruse a rocking good menu with the majority of dishes being gluten-free.

 

Jump right in with small plates like spring rolls and dipping sauce, or truffle soy scallop ceviche with spring onions, black sesame, Chinese broccoli and roe; carnivores opt for crying tiger beef carpaccio, pomelo, kaffir lime, coriander, puffed black rice and chilli.

Inspired by the vibrant tapas scene of Barcelona’s streets, come and discover why Del Punto on St Pauls Street is Randwick’s favourite cocktail bar and restaurant. Soak up the atmosphere and try delicious tapas with everything from just a bite to decadent feasting menus; perfect for date nights, big celebrations and all occasions, this venue is in the heart of The Spot and only a few minutes from Coogee Beach.

 

Start by sharing tasty chorizo and marinated prawn skewers, lightly dressed with chilli oil, then devour slow-cooked beef brisket empanadillas with caramelised onion and jalapeño feta dipping sauce, best washed down with Del Punto’s signature chilli Margarita – can you handle the heat?

Hobart tapas lovers head to The Black Footed Pig Tapas Bar & Kitchen on Hunter Street to see and be seen. Relocating to the MACq 01 waterfront hotel - part of the former bustling wharf market precinct and later giant shipping shed - Black Pig creates a fun and funky vibe to mingle with friends over a drink of choice.

 

An ever-evolving menu using fresh local and ethically sourced produce, plates up mouth-watering morsels of kingfish tiradito with smoked strawberry and pickled fennel, along with Tasmanian octopus, chickpeas, chilli, sherry and black sesame.

Drop by Clapham Junction Wine Bar on Royal Parade in Banyo, for cheese and charcuterie and ever-changing tapas plates, enjoyed in vintage surrounds. This chic wine bar, reminiscent of railway refreshment rooms, welcomes guests through the bright and cheery red door to perch at the bar on rustic stools and sip from a boutique list of international and regional wines, as well as killer cocktails.

 

Choose to graze on patatas bravas – hand-cut potatoes, melted Mexican cheese, chipotle aioli and charred corn salsa – or blue corn pork belly tacos with chilli BBQ sauce and apple slaw, best enjoyed with a signature spiced rum cocktail.

Step away from the hustle and bustle of one of Melbourne's busiest beachside suburbs and into Cali-Mex hideaway Ladygreen on New Street in Brighton. Relax in the courtyard with a cocktail in hand as ocean breezes ruffle greenery, or head indoors where an industrial-style fit-out of pale wood, white subway tiles and vivid green signage create a chilled-out vibe, ideally matched by the versatile menu.

 

Inspired by a passion for vibrant and fresh Mexican fare, expect small plates such as salt and pepper tempura prawns, Asian slaw and tamarind chilli, along with tacos like pulled jerk pork, slaw, guacamole and lime crema.

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; perhaps grab a tapas plate of chicken skewers, with rocket, pear, walnut, fig and goats’ cheese salad.