7 Restaurants to Share Small Plates with Friends.

Small plates are 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:

Discover plates influenced by the peasant food of Andalusia, Southern Spain and the Muslim Mediterranean at Anada Restaurant & Bar on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy. Step into a rustic vibe of exposed brick, recycled timber and moody lighting or perch on a stool at the well-stocked bar to enjoy a pre-dinner drink while perusing a menu championing local farmers, producers and providers as often as possible.

 

Graze on tapas plates like sardines, confit tomato, mojo verde and montadito, or pan-seared scallops and caper brown butter; those finding it difficult to choose can opt for the tasting menu and let Chef serve you a selection of his favourite dishes, finishing decadently with Basque cheesecake.

Find locally grown, artisan produce on the menu at Tahbilk Estate Restaurant on O’Neils Road in Nagambie. Nestling along the picturesque backwaters of the Tahbilk billabong, with views across the water and into the wetlands beyond, seating is available on the deck or indoors.

 

Perhaps enjoy a visit to the cellar door and underground cellar, or take a walk through the wetlands before heading to the stylish dining area and peruse a thoughtfully created menu from Head Chef, Jonathon Mackeson; expect to sample small plates to start such as smoked trout rillette, croutes and grilled sourdough, or baked washed rind cheese, honey and lemon thyme.

Experience beautiful vineyard views while enjoying innovative contemporary cuisine perfectly blended with wines at Horizon at 1837 on Yaldara Drive in Lyndoch. This Barossa Valley dining destination nestles on 25 hectares with pristine views and serene beauty just a 50-minute drive from Adelaide city, showcasing a creative seasonal menu using the best locally sourced quality products – the food is adventurous without being expensive and highlights pure inspired flavours.

 

A relaxing ambience offers the opportunity to indulge all the senses with tapas plates like shrimp cooked in olive oil, garlic and white wine, or grilled octopus and chorizo with smoked paprika potatoes; while carnivores share crispy pork belly bites, with honey soy and sesame, or aged prosciutto, pickled guindilla and toasted baguette.

Discover a vibrant culinary haven inspired by the Mediterranean at Esmé Bar and Kitchen on Harbour Drive in Coffs Harbour. Nestled in the heart of the iconic jetty precinct, Esmé is more than a restaurant – it is a celebration of family, flavour and connection – all wrapped up in a coastal theme of blue and white cane chairs, whitewashed tables and cosy banquettes for chilling out with an icy wine.

 

Expect bold flavours and a seamless dining experience as you delve into an antipasto platter for two with cheese, sliced meat, roasted marinated vegetables, pickles, olives, toasted bread and crackers; or enjoy garlic chilli prawns with olive oil, parsley, chilli, lemon and Turkish bread.

A Mediterranean-inspired bar and cucina named after a ship that sailed into Fremantle in 1850, Sailing for Oranges on South Terrace recalls memories of travelling the Iberian Peninsula. The journey on the ship Sophia was long and hot, so one of the sails was filled with seawater for bathing and oranges for eating and now you are invited to enjoy this anytime bar where DJ sessions, a comedy lounge and restaurant await to take you on an adventure to remember.

 

Share delicious offerings such as grilled WA octopus, sweet corn cream, nduja dressing, salsa verde and pickled bell pepper, or Cone Bay barramundi wings, mantequilla blanca and fried capers; those more adventurous may choose baby goat, slow-roasted on the bone in Fino sherry and pimento, served with gremolata.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambience of an 180-year-old house transformed into the Homestead Restaurant on Tasman Highway in Swansea. Nestled in the Piermont Retreat, this decadent dining destination is ideal for a special celebration or casual gathering where you savour, sip and indulge in all that Tasmania has to offer; expect approachable dishes made with the freshest local produce in a relaxed yet refined setting beside the bay.

 

Working with neighbouring farmers, local fishermen and winemakers, the constantly evolving seasonal menu showcases the region’s diversity of flavours; think dishes like Boomer Bay Pacific oysters, Cape Grim Wagyu, Wild Clover lamb, along with charred octopus and crowd favourite triple-cooked potatoes.

Neighbourhood food and wine designed to be shared and enjoyed with a perfectly matched glass is what you’ll find at Bar Leo Food & Wine on Panitz Street in Bundall. Dine out in the alfresco area under the Gold Coast sun or relax inside for a more comfortable experience as you sit at one of the bars and enjoy an ice-cold tap beer or wine.

 

From the exclusively curated list of small plates opt for choices like steak tartare, chilli oil, crème fraiche, bonito, mustard and straw potato, or housemade chorizo, pickles, guindilla peppers, currants and chilli oil; perhaps duck liver pâté entices, served with pickles and focaccia.