Big flavour, bold servings and just enough swagger to tempt you to finish it solo. This is not a guide for the faint-hearted diner. It’s for those who see a menu and say, "Yeah, I’ll take that for the table” - and then proceed to demolish the entire thing themselves.
Whether you're gathering with mates or testing your own limits, these venues serve up epic portions without compromising on taste or creativity. From low-and-slow barbeque to wood-fired pizzas and luxe Mediterranean spreads, this is your hit list of venues where sharing is optional but flavour is mandatory.
Cha Chi’s Mexican Cantina - Glenunga, SA
Glenunga gets a bold dose of Mexican spirit at Cha Chi’s Mexican Cantina on Portrush Road. Bursting with colour and character, the vibrant aqua and orange interiors immediately set the tone for a fiesta-style feast. Potted greenery and a rustic water feature contrast with playful sombreros and chandelier lighting, giving the space a distinctively eclectic vibe. This isn’t your average cantina - it’s an ode to traditional flavours with a playful twist that locals can’t get enough of, especially on all-you-can-eat Tuesdays.
The menu is a carnival of comfort. Kick things off with chilli cheesy curly fries or the indulgently loaded nachos supreme, piled high with frijoles, molten cheese, guac and all the fixings. From there, lean into house specials like smoky, slow-cooked pork ribs slathered in BBQ salsa and served with Mexican rice, crema and a vibrant red cabbage slaw. For the truly ravenous, the chilli beef potato skins, paired with rice and salad, are a sleeper hit. Planning a night out with the crew? Get a table booked and dive into Cha Chi’s Mexi-sized magic.
Book a table now and bring your appetite – or your bravest dining partner.
Tomato Brothers – Wilston, Qld
A cornerstone of the Wilston dining scene for more than two decades, Tomato Brothers on Kedron Brook Road delivers hearty Italian eats with a laid-back local charm. With its relaxed atmosphere and family-friendly vibe, it’s the kind of spot that effortlessly blends date nighs, group dinners and casual catch-ups. Think warm service, cold drinks and a wood-fired oven that works overtime – particularly on all-you-can-eat pasta Wednesdays, when carb-loading becomes an art form.
The menu doesn’t hold back. Parmesan and mozzarella-stuffed arancini balls make a worthy opening act, followed by a creamy penne chicken bosciaola swimming in bacon, mushrooms and garlic-spiked cream sauce. Pizza lovers should make a beeline for The Porkies – a tomato-based stunner layered with fennel sausage, pork belly, Spanish red onion and wild rocket, finished with a sharp balsamic glaze. Wrap things up with churros, salted caramel and ice cream and consider yourself gloriously defeated.
Gather the crew and book your midweek pasta feast now – no judgment on seconds (or thirds).
The Bootlegger Bar – Katoomba, NSW
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Mountains, The Bootlegger Bar in Katoomba is where smoky Southern charm meets small-town cool. A speakeasy-style haunt with a distinctly family-friendly twist, Bootlegger is known for its rich, slow-cooked meats and cleverly crafted smoked cocktails. The dark timber, vintage touches and moody lighting lend it an atmospheric edge – perfect for settling in with a group and letting the good times roll.
The hero here is the ultimate share plate – a carnivore’s dream featuring brisket, wings, fried chicken, smoked sausages, slaw, charred corn, pickles and fries. It’s a festival of flavour that nods to American barbeque traditions with an Aussie edge. For smaller bites, dive into cheeseburger spring rolls or a fried chicken starter with chipotle mayo before moving onto a house burger loaded with bacon, cheese and house BBQ sauce. Wash it all down with a Liquid Smoke cocktail and try not to fall in love.
Craving smoke and soul? Book in for a meatlovers’ gathering to remember.
Sea & Shore Restaurant – Labrador, Qld
If you're after a long, leisurely lunch with a water view and plates made to impress, Sea & Shore Restaurant on Marine Parade delivers in spades. Right across from the Broadwater, this chic Mediterranean eatery combines coastal charm with elevated fare, all underpinned by a commitment to fresh, market-driven produce. Alfresco or inside by the dazzling wine wall, the setting is as memorable as the menu.
The seafood share platter is a centrepiece worthy of applause – think oysters two ways, Hervey Bay scallops, grilled King prawns, crumbed whiting and calamari, served with garden salad. For those looking to stay on the seafood trail, the crispy skin barramundi with truffle mash and pea purée is a work of art. Prefer something heartier? Crumbed lamb cutlets with seasonal greens and silky mash have you sorted. It’s the kind of place where sharing feels like an indulgence, not an obligation.
Hook a table and feast by the water – perfect for your next group celebration.
The Birdhouse – Minchinbury, NSW
Western Sydney’s best-kept secret, The Birdhouse on Barossa Drive in Minchinbury brings a warm rustic energy and a menu that punches well above its postcode. With its corrugated iron finishes, exposed timber and abundance of greenery, the space feels like a countryside escape with a modern edge. Whether you're here for brunch or dinner, the Mediterranean-meets-woodfire theme is strong, soulful and deeply satisfying.
The Wagyu sirloin is the ultimate indulgence – generously portioned and dressed in a baharat and veal jus sauce that offers a smoky, spiced richness without overwhelming the palate. For those sharing across the table, pizzas like the Prawn Star (bianca sauce, prawns, garlic and bottarga) or the BBQ brisket-laden Hold On Cowboy provide bold, layered flavour profiles. Starters like Wagyu beef skewers with honey-glazed tahini set the tone for a flavour-forward feast that’s perfect for splitting.
Ready to share the love and the calories? Whether you're in the mood for messy ribs, coastal platters or pasta by the plateful, these venues serve size and style in equal measure. Just bring your appetite – and maybe your stretchiest jeans.
