By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
There’s no shortage of fine-dining restaurants serving up fancy fare around the world, but we love these innovative Aussie restaurants - which have pushed the boundaries of traditional multi-course meals to dish up some of the most delicious and interesting degustations we’ve ever seen.
The One in the Rainforest: Flames of the Forest, Port Douglas
You won’t have access to wi-fi or mobile phone reception at Flames of the Forest - nestled in the lush rainforests of Port Douglas. However, the trade-off is a worthwhile one, with the ethereal-inspired eatery dishing up what might well be the most exclusive degustation in the world.
A unique experience that combines gourmet cuisine with an enchanting natural backdrop (including a canopy of lush greenery and an amazing Swarovski crystal chandelier), Flames’ multi-course menu is meticulously curated to showcase the vibrant flavours and indigenous ingredients of the region. The result elevates the dining experience to a celebration of Far North Queensland’s rich culinary heritage and creates an unforgettable evening under the stars.
The One That’s Vegan: Yellow, Sydney
While a plant-based degustation might raise some red flags, Yellow in Sydney has gained acclaim not only for its innovative approach to vegetarian and vegan dining but also for its impressive degustation menu. Led by Chef Brent Savage, Yellow’s tasting menu showcases the versatility and creativity of plant-based cuisine.
Dishes such as Queensland blue pumpkin with black barley and ginger; confit artichoke with chestnut mushroom and almond and blood orange with yuzu and tarragon for dessert are all crafted with precision and flair, ensuring a dining experience that challenges perceptions and delights the palate.
The One Featuring a Fast Food Collaboration: KFC x Nelly Robinson, Sydney
Fried chicken and fine dining may ruffle some feathers. However, Nelly Robinson of Sydney’s Nel Restaurant managed to execute it excellently when he teamed up with KFC back in 2022 to create a degustation menu that reimagined fast food in a fancy setting. This collaboration showcased the culinary skill of blending unexpected ingredients with familiar flavours, proving that even ‘guilty pleasures’ can be elevated into a gourmet experience.
The One Where Ice Cream is Served at Every Course: Gelato Messina Creative Department, Sydney
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Fortunately for foodies, Sydney’s famed gelato gurus, Gelato Messina Creative Department have heard our cries and determined that ice cream isn’t just for dessert.
The proof is in their daring degustation - which challenges conventional dining norms by infusing each dish with the rich, creamy goodness of artisanal gelato. From savoury entrées to sweet desserts, every bite on the multi-course menu is a delightful exploration of tastes and textures that spotlight one of the most popular sweet treats in the world.
The One That Won’t Blow the Budget: Poly, Surry Hills
Fine dining but make it wallet-friendly. For those looking to experience a memorable degustation without breaking the bank, Poly in Surry Hills offers an affordable option (four courses under $100) that doesn’t compromise on quality. Helmed by the team behind the renowned Ester restaurant, Poly’s menu highlights seasonal produce and inventive techniques, to deliver a sophisticated dining experience at a surprisingly accessible price point.
The One that Elevates Comfort Food: Allta
Korean cuisine is typically associated with homestyle fare. However, newly opened Sydney eatery Allta is on a mission to prove that there is more to the country that gave us K-pop than kimchi and carby rice (although both classics do feature on the menu). Instead, this 15-course meal takes inspiration from Korean traditions and techniques and transports them to a modern gastronomic landscape for a sophisticated spin on ‘Seoul’ food.
