Find Smoky Goodness on the Plate at these 7 Restaurants

Ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans practised smoking meat for preservation and flavour enhancement using various methods including hanging meat over fires and constructing smokehouses.

While we don’t go to those lengths these days, smoking is still a huge part of modern-day cooking, with many restaurants and venues around the country smoking their own goods to serve on the menu, or using a charcoal grill to impart delicious flavours and textures.

Here are seven where smoky goodness on the plate is guaranteed: 

Indulge in multi-regional Chinese fare with big flavour at Uncle Wang on Petrie Terrace in Brisbane. Located in the Barracks Shopping Centre, the city’s new modern Chinese restaurant exudes style with red lanterns and accents, colourful umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and vibrant artwork on the walls; chill out on a green leather banquette with a drink in hand to peruse an enticing menu.

 

Embark on a memorable culinary journey with prawn and pork dumplings, before smoky mains such as stir-fried eggplant and chilli sauce, or smoked duck noodle salad with shredded duck, egg, Chinese pork jerky, vegetables and flat noodles; seafood lovers opt for salt and pepper crispy fried prawn with crunchy shallot and garlic crumbs.

Discover the art of artisanal smokehouse cooking along with estate wines at Poachers Pantry on Nanima Road in Springrange. This restaurant, cellar door, farm shop and country wedding and event destination uses only traditional hand-crafted techniques and natural wood smoke to produce award-winning dishes in spectacular surrounds, whether taking in vineyard vistas from the alfresco deck or sampling wines while dining indoors at cosy table settings.

 

Choose from sharing options that may include snacks such as smoked turkey, cranberry, tarragon mustard and garden sage, or smoked duck breast, pickled beetroot and shaved macadamia; for a more substantial meal, opt for Wagyu beef striploin, smoked intercostal, mostarda, green peppercorn and roasted lemon.

Experience where wood-fired craftmanship, local ingredients and exquisite dishes converge to create a dining experience like no other at Flaming & Co on Racecourse Road in Ascot. Step into an earthy vibe of terracotta filed floors, banquette and intimate table settings as the ironbark-fuelled wood iron roars into life; on balmy Brisbane days, dine alfresco as you peruse a menu infused with unique smoky flavours.

Perhaps begin with smoked pork hock croquettes, bush tomato and fried curry leaves, moving onto smoked goat short ribs, native bush curry, olasagasti cream, candied garlic and seablite; or whole smoked duck with Davidson plum, candied beetroot and soy glaze with sides of fries and grilled oak salad.

Modern flair meets culinary excellence with signature dishes crafted with care at Calamari Kitchen and Bar on Hunter Street in Newcastle West. Step into a rustic and stylish vibe of exposed brick, wine racks and cane pendents, along with intimate tables and banquette seating to suit all moods and occasions; from carefully crafted cocktails to a mouth-watering selection of dishes, everything is designed to tantalise taste buds leaving you craving more.

 

Dive in to discover street food starters like Sichuan chicken lollipops, or smoky flavoured chicken tikka, baked in the tandoor oven; before classic curries like lamb shank rogan josh in a mildly spiced, rich gravy, best paired with steamed rice, garlic naan and papadums.

The Bootlegger Bar on Bathurst Road in Katoomba is a local family-friendly speakeasy that has earned a reputation as a haven for lovers of smoked culinary delights and innovative libations. Taking pride in crafting exquisite smoked meats, each bite bursting with rich, smoky flavours that leave guests craving more, Bootlegger doesn't stop at just food - its smoked drinks are a true testament to a dedication to the art of smoking.

 

Pair a Liquid Smoke cocktail with starters like smoked chicken wings and ranch dressing, before low and slow tempters such as a full rack of pork ribs, slaw, pickles and corn; perhaps beef shin on the bone, smoked in iron bark, hits the mark, with sides of slaw, fries, smoked mac and cheese and char-grilled corn with Creole butter. 

Food for the soul is what you’ll get from The Wee Kitchen on Tariff Court in Werribee. Based in a state-of-the-art unit and commercial kitchen expect elevated culinary offerings from this catering service, which has transitioned from a coffee shop to focus on catering.

 

Specialising in an array of premium offerings including canapés, entrées, main courses, packaged food and desserts, expect a wide range of cuisine from the hearty flavours of Irish and Scottish fare, the vibrant spices of Tex-Mex and Indian, to the classic comfort of Italian and Chinese dishes. Discover the robust taste of Australian BBQ and smoked meat, all meticulously prepared to order by a team of expert Chefs and professional wait staff; every meal prepared is a testament to a passion for food and dedication to clients.

For tender, juicy meat that is falling off the bone, Newstead foodies head to Smokey Moo in Gasworks Plaza on Longland Street. This specialty smoked beef restaurant is a true family business, which began with a dream of carving meat in front of guests in an open kitchen and now boasts a large dining area ideal for every occasion.

 

Everything on the extensive menu is freshly prepared, the meat is all smoked in-house and even the pastrami is cured onsite; expect entrées such as smoked chicken lollipops and ranch sauce; then share the Dirty Dozen – brisket, pastrami, short ribs and cheeks, served with Moo fries topped with caramelised onion, cheese, mustard, tomato sauce and Smokey Moo jus.