Some meals are worth the mileage. Whether it's a lamb shoulder savoured beside a vineyard, or a seafood sensation overlooking the ocean, certain restaurants aren't just places to eat - they're places to arrive.
These are the venues that redefine dining as an experience, set in breathtaking surrounds and driven by passionate Chefs crafting menus that warrant the journey. From the rugged coastlines of Bermagui to the rolling vines of the Clare Valley, here’s your definitive guide to destination dining that delivers far more than just a full stomach.
Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door – Moorooduc, Vic
Only a short detour off the Moorooduc Highway, Barmah Park Restaurant & Cellar Door is a welcome retreat from the bustle of Mornington. With sweeping vineyard views and a light-filled dining room that strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and refined comfort, it’s easy to lose track of time here. Whether you're in for a relaxed midweek lunch or a candlelit dinner, the venue’s quiet sophistication and tranquil outlook make it ideal for lingering afternoons or romantic evenings with a bottle of the estate Pinot Noir.
The kitchen delivers a seasonal Modern Australian menu that leans heavily into the region’s world-class produce. Dishes like baked scallops with tarragon, preserved mandarin and roast almond reveal an inventive edge, while a standout main of pork tenderloin accompanied by plum, lemon and crimson grapes shows a deft touch with balancing sweetness and acidity. It's the slow-roasted Roaring Forties lamb shoulder that anchors the experience - melt-in-your-mouth meat paired with basil cream, Spring peas, feta and mint for a bold, herbaceous finish that captures the season in every bite.
Mimosa Wines Restaurant – Bermagui, NSW
Tucked away on Bermagui Road and framed by vine-striped hills and rugged escarpments, Mimosa Wines Restaurant is coastal fine dining at its most picturesque. The family-owned vineyard and restaurant offers a refined yet approachable experience, whether you're soaking up the sun on the expansive outdoor deck or enjoying the ambient glow of the elegant interior. With estate wines flowing and views stretching out across the South Coast, this is the kind of place that encourages a slow, indulgent pace.
Chef-driven and terroir-inspired, the menu is a vibrant celebration of local produce and Asian-inflected flavours. Begin with Tathra Place quail elevated by sweet potato, tandoori spice and galangal, a combination that sings with warmth and complexity. For mains, the Narooma sea bream is a standout - perfectly cooked with crisp skin and delicate flesh, bolstered by asparagus, black sesame and yuzu for a briny citrus kick. For something richer still, the Jervis Bay venison with parsnip, Savoy cabbage and horseradish delivers earthy, gamey depth with just the right hit of pungent heat.
Reillys Wines Restaurant – Mintaro, SA
A scenic meander through Clare Valley wine country leads you to Reillys Wines Restaurant, where heritage and hospitality collide in the most delicious way. Housed in a historic 1856 slate cottage built by Irish shoemaker Hugh Reilly, this rustic gem invites guests to slow down and settle in for an unhurried long lunch. With sandstone walls, wooden beams and a tranquil outdoor garden, the setting is as charmingly old-world as the food is contemporary.
The seasonal menu is a loving ode to local farmers and winemakers, best experienced through the Long Lunch Indulgence - five thoughtfully crafted courses with expertly matched estate wines. A dish of wine barrel-smoked char siu pork belly bites sets the tone with smoky-sweet complexity, while the chicken and pork ballotine served over crushed potatoes and a bush tomato velouté strikes a rich, comforting chord. For meat lovers, the medium-rare Porterhouse with bone marrow foam and red wine jus is everything you want in a Winter warmer: deeply savoury, perfectly seared and decadently sauced.
Vines Restaurant at Hollydene Estate – Jerrys Plains, NSW
Nestled at the foot of the Hunter Valley, Vines Restaurant at Hollydene Estate melds heritage charm with relaxed elegance. Set on the grounds of the historic Arrowfield Winery, the venue pays homage to its past through stunning architectural details like reclaimed timbers from Bowman’s Crossing Bridge, while delivering a fresh, modern menu in a warm and open setting. The views over manicured vineyards and the relaxed pace of Jerrys Plains make it a serene stop on any road trip through the region.
The food here is bold without being fussy, with a focus on familiar favourites elevated by technique and produce. The beer-battered fish tacos, layered with avocado, coriander, chipotle mayo and lemon, are a breezy way to start. The heartier offerings, like chicken supreme wrapped in prosciutto with sweet potato purée and creamy mushroom sauce, showcase a richness and balance that matches the estate’s signature reds. The pappardelle with Hollydene lamb ragu, finished with Parmesan and gremolata, is a rustic masterclass in comfort and flavour.
St Hugo Restaurant – Rowland Flat, SA
A destination in every sense, St Hugo Restaurant sits at the intersection of luxury, legacy and landscape. Located on the storied Barossa Valley Way and surrounded by vineyards, this high-end experience blends architectural grandeur - arched windows, exposed brick and recycled timber - with heartfelt culinary craftsmanship. The courtyard, originally built in 1850, is a spectacular spot to sip a signature Cabernet and take in the vines under the Barossa sun.
Chef-driven yet rooted in regional tradition, the menu delivers on both presentation and palate. Venison tartare with hazelnuts and quail’s egg makes for a daring entrée, while prawns with pommes mousseline and garlic offer silky indulgence. The barramundi fillet, paired with Padron peppers and smoked capsicum butter, is a lesson in finesse. However the star dish for many is the lamb fillet - succulent and tender, enhanced by an unexpectedly rich Kalamata olive caramel and brightened with cucumber and fresh herbs. It’s fine dining that doesn’t forget its roots.
Whether you're winding through wine country or chasing sea views, each of these restaurants makes the journey part of the joy. With exceptional food, evocative settings and a sense of place that lingers long after the final bite, these venues aren’t just worth the drive - they’re the reason for it.
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