A great meal can be elevated by a spectacular view. Whether it’s an endless ocean horizon, a glittering cityscape, or a serene coastal bay, the right setting can transform an ordinary dining experience into something truly memorable. From the Bellarine Peninsula to Sydney Harbour, these restaurants serve up exceptional cuisine with equally impressive scenery.
Safe from the rough waters of Bass Strait, sitting restfully just inside the entrance to Port Phillip Bay on the Bellarine Peninsula, is 360Q restaurant on Wharf Street East. It’s an apt name, as moving through this airy restaurant space surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and a quiet yet busy vibe brings guests to a 360-degree viewing area. Crystal-blue ocean flanks sleepy Queenscliff, creating a scene reminiscent of a Greek island. Whether you’re after a long lunch or a romantic dinner, the views here set the perfect stage for Modern Australian dining.
The menu caters to every time of day, offering two- or three-course selections that highlight fresh, local ingredients. Start with a delicate cured salmon crudo served with crystal cracker, avocado, chives and crème fraîche, before moving on to a Moroccan lamb rump, plated with spiced chickpeas, Middle Eastern salad and a cooling yoghurt sauce. For an indulgent choice, the duck breast with roast pumpkin, grilled asparagus, split pea purée and a honey-soy-ginger glaze is a must-try.
Kings Beach Bar – Kings Beach, Qld
Few places capture the essence of beachfront dining quite like Kings Beach Bar on Levuka Avenue in Caloundra. Nestled within the Rolling Surf Resort, this Sunshine Coast gem delivers a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, with alfresco tables under market umbrellas and a chic, white-and-aqua-tiled bar serving up refreshing cocktails. As you sip a cold beer or a perfectly mixed espresso martini, you’ll be mesmerised by the sweeping ocean views and the sound of waves rolling onto the sand.
From breakfast through to dinner, the menu is as inviting as the scenery. Early risers can indulge in a Reuben sandwich on rye, stacked with pastrami, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing and pickles. For lunch and dinner, opt for the famous satay chicken bowl with coconut rice, peanut sauce, candied peanuts, an Asian salad and roti. Perhaps dive into the confit pork belly bowl, a fusion of textures and flavours with coconut rice, Szechuan caramel, remoulade, candied peanuts and a zing of fresh lime.
Ardo Rooftop – Townsville, Qld
Perched atop the Ardo Hotel on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Ardo Rooftop offers panoramic views of Townsville that stretch endlessly to the horizon. It’s a place where the sky meets the sea, where the rhythm of the sun sets the mood and where handcrafted cocktails are best enjoyed under a sunset-painted sky. Whether lounging by the pool or settling in for a long evening of shared plates and fine wine, this rooftop oasis promises an unforgettable experience.
The food is as sophisticated as the setting, with a menu that leans into bold, international flavours. Graze on a smoked salmon flatbread pizzette, adorned with crème fraîche, dill, capers and salmon roe. The tapas selection is equally enticing, featuring sticky lamb ribs glazed with pomegranate molasses and Moroccan chicken kofta drizzled with spiced tahini. For those with a sweet tooth, the chocolate chip cookie sandwich with peanut butter ice cream and sour cherries delivers the perfect combination of indulgence and nostalgia.
City Extra 24 Hour Restaurant – Circular Quay, NSW
For breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour at any hour of the day or night, City Extra 24 Hour Restaurant Circular Quay is the go-to spot. Since 1984, this East Podium staple has been keeping the city’s night owls, shift workers and late-night revellers well-fed with an extensive Modern Australian menu that’s available around the clock. Whether it’s a sunrise breakfast, a late-night feast, or a casual lunch while watching the ferries glide across the water, this Sydney institution never closes its doors - or its kitchen.
The all-day breakfast menu features classics like eggs Benedict with smoked salmon, poached eggs and silky Hollandaise on toast. Later in the day, diners can enjoy a char-grilled Wagyu rump steak with chips, salad and mushroom sauce, or sink their teeth into a Texan BBQ pulled pork burger with coleslaw and golden fries. Finish your meal with a classic Australian pavlova, topped with fresh cream and seasonal fruits. With fresh food baked daily on the premises and a 24-hour liquor licence, there’s never a bad time to drop by.
Great food deserves a great view and these restaurants deliver both in spades. Whether you’re gazing out over an endless ocean, soaking up a city skyline or enjoying a rooftop sunset, these venues prove that a stunning backdrop is the perfect complement to an exceptional meal. So next time you’re planning a dining experience to remember, make sure the scenery is as good as what’s on your plate.
