There’s something deeply primal yet undeniably sophisticated about cooking over open flame. Char-grilling - smoky, intense and irresistibly aromatic - is more than a technique; it’s a celebration of texture, patience and the transformative magic of fire. Whether it’s American low-and-slow barbeque, Greek-style lamb over coals or Modern Australian steaks seared to perfection, these five venues champion the art of char-grilled dining in their own bold, delicious ways.
From the smoky depths of Texas-style brisket in Victoria to wood-roasted duck in the Blue Mountains, these restaurants serve up flame-kissed dishes that are as visually arresting as they are flavour-forward. Let’s take a closer look at where the fire burns brightest.
Armstrong Barbecue – Mount Duneed Vic
Texas BBQ has made itself at home in Mount Duneed and Armstrong Barbecue is leading the charge. Tucked away on Unity Drive, this relaxed yet energetic spot is all about bold smokehouse energy with family-friendly flair. Think whisky bar, beer garden and a kids' play zone - all the makings of a laid-back barbeque session. The interiors echo the heart of the American South, while the menu delivers meaty satisfaction in spades. This is a place where good times and grilled meats go hand in hand.
The real action happens on the smoker, where brisket, ribs and sausages take their time soaking up that essential oak-fired flavour. Highlights include the Texas-style Black Angus beef brisket paired with Texas chilli and a smattering of corn chips and melted cheese. Pork belly glazed with maple whisky and classic sides like mac 'n' cheese, Southern slaw and corn on the cob are crowd favourites. For a true Southern spread, opt for a platter of beef cheeks, jalapeño and cheddar sausages and potato salad - perfectly balanced between richness and heat.
Ates Blackheath – Blackheath NSW
Set among the scenic peaks of the Blue Mountains, Ates Blackheath takes the fire-and-flame ethos to a refined, Mediterranean level. Housed in a heritage building along Govetts Leap Road, the restaurant hums with rustic charm: spice-toned walls, trailing greenery and an outdoor courtyard draped in old-world atmosphere. The kitchen is anchored by a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven, a centrepiece that infuses each dish with a whisper of wood smoke and soulful warmth.
Charcoal-grilled market fish is a standout, laced with salsa rosso and served with lemon mayo and tarragon - a harmony of bold and bright. It’s the wood-roasted free-range duck that steals the show. Crisp-skinned and succulent, it’s served with grilled mango and a white balsamic glaze that dances between smoky sweetness and tang. This is fire cooking at its most elegant, perfectly matched with natural wines and a slow, mountain pace.
Little Kalymnos Taverna – Earlwood NSW
Little Kalymnos Taverna is a love letter to island life, tucked away in Sydney’s Earlwood. Named after the Dodecanese island of Kalymnos, this taverna captures both its maritime heritage and festive spirit. From the diver’s helmet and sponge nets overhead to the live music and Greek dancing on weekends, it’s an immersive experience that’s as much about culture as cuisine.
The cuisine? Rich, rustic and flame-licked to perfection. The chargrilled octopus with lemon and olive oil hits that sublime sweet spot between chew and char - tender yet firm, with just the right amount of smoke. Pair it with a traditional souvlaki of lamb, pork or chicken, or go all in on the slow-roasted lamb shoulder served with lemony potatoes and wild greens. It’s generous, hearty food with a coastal soul.
As the name suggests, Cozy Dining in Sutherland delivers warmth and intimacy in spades - but don’t let the relaxed vibe fool you. This is polished, Modern Australian dining done with finesse, served across degustation menus and elevated tapas plates. The fit-out leans into vintage elegance, with leadlight windows, glinting chandeliers and rich timber accents setting the tone.
The charcoal-grilled dry-aged Wagyu rump is a masterclass in modern grilling. Served with blistered seasonal vegetables, fermented chilli bean butter and shiitake mushroom sauce, it’s the kind of plate that brings balance to power. The flavour of the beef is front and centre, while every element - from the nutty almond garnish to the umami-laden sauce - feels considered. For those chasing a multi-course experience that still embraces the primal pleasure of the grill, this is the spot.
In Braddon, Kivotos invites diners into the sun-soaked spirit of the Aegean - without ever leaving Canberra. The interior is crisp and inviting, with pale wood, soft greenery and gentle lighting evoking the breeziness of a Mediterranean Summer. Tt’s the menu that truly transports, with Greek classics executed with thoughtful elegance and a flame-forward approach to flavour.
Kivotos’ char-grilled octopus is a thing of beauty - tender tentacles with smoky edges, nestled beside creamy fava, preserved lemon and sprigs of fresh dill. It’s a dish that feels both elemental and refined, echoing the sea-kissed simplicity of Greek coastal cooking. Pair it with the lamb chops and saffron-infused yoghurt for a feast worthy of the Gods.
Char-grilling isn’t just a method - it’s a moment. It’s the sizzle of protein hitting hot metal, the smoky exhale of hardwood and the depth of flavour that can only come from patience and fire. Whether you're craving down-home barbeque, Mediterranean seafood or steak with modern flair, these five venues prove the flame still reigns supreme. For those who appreciate the power of the grill, your next unforgettable meal might just be charred to perfection.
