Retro dining isn’t about kitsch - it’s about comfort, heritage and a deep respect for time-honoured flavours. Across Australia, a new wave of restaurants is breathing fresh life into old-school classics, blending vintage inspiration with modern culinary techniques. Whether it’s pork and duck rillettes served in a historic wine bar or kangaroo Bolognese in a Northbridge pasta joint, these venues embrace nostalgia without ever feeling dated.
Here are five standout spots that celebrate the flavours of yesteryear - with just the right touch of now.
Parlour Wine Room – Acton, ACT
Housed in the storied walls of the former Hotel Acton, Parlour Wine Room is a heritage-meets-hip oasis in Canberra’s capital. With moody interiors, plush seating and a wine list that deserves serious exploration, it’s the kind of place where history and hospitality flow in equal measure. Drop in for a quick bite or linger with a glass of Pinot by the fire - the setting is effortlessly chic with a soft nod to old-world charm.
The rillettes here are textbook French bistro and utterly divine. A blend of pork and duck, slow-cooked and spreadable, served with tangy cornichons, toasted brioche and warm pepper chutney. It’s rich, rustic and exactly what you'd expect to find on a menu in 1920s Paris - only now, it’s plated with poise and paired with Canberra’s best drops. For mains, spatchcock with corn and rosti offers an elegant twist on hearty home-cooked fare, while desserts like vanilla bean crème brûlée bring the nostalgic theme full circle.
The Bay Café – Toowoon Bay, NSW
Just a short stroll from the shoreline, The Bay Café in Toowoon Bay is a seafood lover’s haven with a splash of retro romance. Inside, you’ll find black and white photography, red feature walls and classic leather chairs setting a tone that’s equal parts nostalgic and contemporary. It’s a favourite for special occasions, where locals gather to indulge in classic Mod Oz fare that nods to both surf and turf traditions.
Image credit: Alexandra Massengale.
One dish that truly captures the spirit of retro revival? The lobster thermidor. A glorious half-lobster baked in a velvety cheese sauce, laced with mushrooms, French mustard and a splash of brandy. Served with potatoes and salad, it’s an indulgent throwback that feels as celebratory now as it did in the golden era of fine dining. For dessert, sticky date pudding with butterscotch sauce will send you back to a simpler, sweeter time.
Francoforte Spaghetti Bar – Northbridge, WA
A beloved local gem in Perth’s Northbridge, Francoforte Spaghetti Bar channels the spirit of Nonna’s kitchen - complete with rustic charm, polished concrete, exposed timber and walls brimming with character. There’s an endearing sense of familiarity here, where meals are best enjoyed communally and pasta is always the answer.
For a true blast from the past with an Aussie twist, order the kangaroo Bolognese. This unexpected combo of kangaroo rump and pork belly, slow-cooked with tomato and tossed through spaghetti, strikes a nostalgic chord while staying firmly grounded in the now. Start with a share platter of Italian antipasti and finish with Nutella tiramisu for a meal that’s as comforting as it is clever.
Nonna and I – Adelaide CBD, SA
There’s a reason why 'Nonna' is the ultimate symbol of home-style Italian cooking. At Nonna and I on Pulteney Street, that legacy is honoured and elevated with dishes that feel like family favourites - only sharper, more refined and absolutely restaurant-worthy. The space is welcoming and elegant, with warm lighting, pale wood and an unmistakable scent of garlic and basil drifting through the air.
Among the many highlights, the vongole agli olio is a standout: linguine tossed with fresh clams sautéed in olive oil, white wine, garlic and basil. It’s simple, honest and full of soul - a dish that’s been cooked in Italian homes for generations. Prawns alla Nonna, served in a creamy brandy rosé sauce, is another indulgent option that bridges the old and the new with effortless style.
In an era where food trends change faster than you can say 'foam' there’s something deeply reassuring about a menu that harks back to the past. These retro revival restaurants tap into nostalgia not just for novelty, but for meaning - reviving dishes that have stood the test of time and giving them a fresh twist for the modern palate. From rillettes to thermidor, every dish is a delicious reminder that some classics never go out of style.
