There’s something quintessentially comforting about a good pub meal but today’s culinary landscape is shifting. The familiar schnitty and chips still holds a special place in our hearts, yet savvy diners are seeking more - something refined, reimagined and plated with purpose. Elevated pub classics are on the rise and they’re redefining the public house as more than just a local watering hole.
Across the country, venues are embracing this movement by upgrading the classics without losing their soul. From sumptuous surf and turf in Tasmania to smoky beef ribs in the Adelaide Hills, these five standout spots are blending old-world comfort with Modern Australian elegance. Here's where to pull up a chair and discover the elevated pub experience.
The Windsor Hotel – South Perth, WA
Affectionately dubbed South Perth’s 'grand old lady', The Windsor Hotel exudes stately charm with a modern twist. Nestled along Mill Point Road, this heritage-listed icon now boasts an on-site micro-brewery - Ogden's Brewery - pouring pints straight from the source. Inside, it’s a warm blend of old and new: white tablecloths meet exposed brick, while a stone fireplace crackles on cooler nights. Whether you’re perched at the bar or settled into the dining room, there’s a sense that this isn’t just any pub - it’s a destination.
The menu is a masterclass in Modern Australian pub dining. Take the beef Wellington: eye fillet encased in a delicate layer of chicken liver pâté, earthy mushroom duxelles and prosciutto, paired with duck fat roast potatoes and asparagus. It’s a dish that whispers tradition but shouts refinement. Other standouts include Shark Bay crab cakes with Kewpie wasabi and char-grilled lamb rack crowned with confit cherry tomatoes.
The Moorings @ Lady Franklin – Franklin, Tas
With sweeping views of the Huon River and a rustic aesthetic that channels old-world Tasmania, The Moorings @ Lady Franklin is a tranquil yet flavour-packed retreat. This charming venue pairs historic ambience with a strong commitment to local produce, making it the perfect riverside escape whether you’re chasing a long lunch or a romantic dinner by the fire. Exposed timber, warm lighting and a sense of intimacy bring the space to life.
Signature dishes here are steeped in heartiness with a coastal twist. The surf and turf Scotch fillet arrives crowned with Tasmanian scallops, calamari and prawns bathed in lemon butter, all anchored by a bed of garlic cream cheese mash and tender broccolini. For seafood lovers, this is indulgence with a local pedigree. Pair it with the house chowder or finish with a chocolate brownie and you’ll understand why diners keep coming back.
An iconic staple of Newcastle’s coastal scene, The Prince is back and better than ever. Freshly renovated and under savvy new management, this Merewether gem has been transformed into a two-level celebration of pub culture with polish. Think balcony bars with ocean breezes, chic dining rooms and a reinvigorated menu that balances bold flavours with visual finesse. It’s the kind of place where locals and out-of-towners mingle over craft beers and boutique wines in equal measure.
On the plate, the menu delivers with precision. The rib eye on the bone is a standout - char-grilled over lava rock for deep, smoky character, then served with triple-cooked roast potatoes, crisp green beans and a generous slab of café de Paris butter that slowly melts into the meat. It's old-school steakhouse drama with a Modern Australian soul, made for those who take their red meat seriously.
Tucked into the picturesque Adelaide Hills, the Oakbank Hotel offers a leafy, relaxed antidote to city bustle. This is a venue that makes you want to stay awhile - sun-soaked beer garden in the day, cosy indoor dining by night. The fit-out blends blond timber, potted plants and airy interiors, creating a breezy yet refined space where families and friends settle in over generous plates and local drops.
The food leans into traditional comfort but with an unmistakable finesse. The braised lamb shanks - cooked low and slow in a rich tomato gravy - rest on a cloud of creamy mashed potato, every bite steeped in nostalgia and technique. Add starters like steamed pork and prawn dumplings or house-smoked hickory BBQ beef ribs and you’ve got a pub menu that’s punching well above its weight.
Manning River Hotel – Taree, NSW
Known affectionately as ‘The Manno’, this Taree favourite is more than just a country pub - it’s a community hub, a live music venue and a culinary surprise all in one. With its expansive alfresco area under market umbrellas, playground for the kids and screens for every major game, it’s the kind of place that hums with energy no matter the day.
The kitchen takes a bold approach to the classics. The BBQ seafood plate is a celebration of ocean bounty: King prawns, calamari, salmon and scallops grilled and glazed in rich barbeque flavours, nestled next to wedges, salad and tartar sauce. It’s a surfside feast that’s big on flavour and even bigger on generosity. Perfect with an ice-cold beer and a live set on a Saturday night.
Elevated pub classics aren’t about rewriting the book - they’re about refining what we love. These venues respect the heritage of the humble pub meal while infusing it with seasonal produce, technique and a sense of place. Whether it’s a perfectly seared rib eye or a seafood platter with coastal provenance, the new wave of pub dining is here to stay. Pull up a stool or book a table - just make sure you arrive hungry.
