When it comes to unforgettable dining experiences, it’s not just about what’s on the plate - it’s where you’re seated that often leaves the most lasting impression. Across some of the country’s most scenic landscapes, a select few restaurants elevate their culinary offerings with wild and wonderful backdrops.
Think vineyard vistas, coastal calm and mountainous majesty. Whether you’re clinking glasses among the vines or indulging in seafood by the sea, these venues promise more than a meal—they deliver a moment.
Here are four standout restaurants where nature is not just a view but part of the menu.
Hunters Quarter – Pokolbin, NSW
Tucked within the lush landscape of Pooles Rock Vineyard, Hunters Quarter offers refined dining amid the rolling green hills of the Hunter Valley. With an elegant interior marked by soaring ceilings and sophisticated design, this Pokolbin gem transitions effortlessly into its outdoor setting, where a private terrace overlooks the vineyard’s vines. There’s a quiet luxury here - a place where you can savour the serenity as much as the cuisine. Whether it’s a long lunch or sunset dinner, the surrounding valley serves as a cinematic backdrop to every bite.
The menu is as picturesque as the setting. Begin with a delicately assembled entrée of kangaroo tartare with a chicken egg yolk, baby arugula and potato wafer - each bite elevated by the punch of chimichurri. Mains are equally compelling, like the richly marbled Wagyu beef Lyonnaise with Paris mash, cipollini onions and tarragon mustard, or a Mediterranean-inspired fish bouillabaisse served with fondant potato, fennel and Sicilian olive tapenade. For a truly standout dish, the hickory smoked duck breast served with cauliflower cream, radicchio and Pedro Ximénez offers a luxurious blend of smoky depth and velvety sweetness.
Perched along the Mooloolaba Esplanade, Quarterdeck captures the very essence of coastal indulgence. With front-row seats to the Pacific Ocean and a bright, breezy atmosphere, this stylish space is where sunrise coffees, languid brunches and wine-soaked dinners feel entirely at home. Whether you're perched at a table bathed in golden morning light or soaking up the salty breeze at sunset, Quarterdeck transforms a simple meal into a sensory seaside escape.
Start with coconut prawns that crunch perfectly before giving way to creamy remoulade, or opt for crab cakes paired with chilli cucumber jam and wild rocket - a dish that tastes like Summer on a plate. For mains, the crispy skin salmon served with avocado, lemon butter sauce and a garden salad is a textbook example of coastal elegance. Prefer something heartier? The slow-cooked lamb shank risotto with earthy mushrooms and a splash of port wine delivers comfort with finesse.
Roast Beef and The Frog at The Overflow Estate 1895 – Wyaralong, Qld
Where English charm meets French flair, Roast Beef and The Frog is nestled within the stately grounds of The Overflow Estate 1895. This Wyaralong destination feels like something plucked from a countryside dream - its enclosed deck offers sweeping views across manicured vineyards and tranquil water vistas. The venue is refined yet relaxed, marrying polished service with a genuine warmth that makes you want to linger long past the last course.
The food reflects this same elegant duality. Entrées like Burgundy snail vol-au-vents deliver a nod to classic French technique, while dishes like the rabbit terrine with horseradish and tomato coulis balance rustic heartiness with sophisticated edge. The confit duck leg with pommes boulangère, beetroot purée and truffle jus is a masterclass in flavour layering. For those seeking an indulgent start to their day, the Champagne and Caviar breakfast sets an opulent tone, paired beautifully with one of the estate’s award-winning wines.
Glasshouse Tavern – Glasshouse Mountains, Qld
Once a humble local spot, Glasshouse Tavern has undergone a sleek transformation into a go-to dining destination for those exploring the dramatic peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains. It strikes a careful balance between rustic charm and modern comfort, with plush interiors, hanging greenery and a welcoming country pub atmosphere. The location makes it a perfect stop for travellers and locals alike, especially those drawn to the laidback rhythm of Hinterland life.
Breakfasts here might start with smoked salmon tostadas crowned with smashed avocado and poached egg, while lunch and dinner roll out more robust flavours. Think apple smoked pulled pork sliders topped with slaw and hickory BBQ sauce, or Memphis-style beef short ribs with a smoky BBQ chipotle glaze, crispy onion rings and charred corn. Everything is made to be washed down with an ice-cold beer or local wine and each dish pays tribute to the tavern’s commitment to showcasing the region’s finest produce.
Dining in nature offers something no city skyline can replicate - a connection to the land, the rhythm of the seasons and the pure pleasure of slowing down. These restaurants don’t just serve food; they offer a feast for the senses, where every plate is complemented by the view and every moment enhanced by the wild beauty that surrounds it. Whether you're toasting to a special occasion or simply chasing the next great meal, these venues prove that the best dining experiences are those rooted in place.
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