Some of our fondest memories are long Sunday lunches, spent at the table with family, friends and flowing wine.
Let’s face it Aussies love a good roast – the Sunday tradition is all about sitting down to a big meal of veggies, gravy and roast meat with your family to reconnect after a long work week.
How did this tradition begin? The Brits' love of beef began during the reign of King Henry VII in 1485 when the Royal guard would eat fresh roasted beef every Sunday after church; resulting in them being affectionately known as the ‘Beefeaters’.
Here are five of our faves to get your Sunday roast fix:
Drawing inspiration from European memories and bountiful WA produce, head to Corvo Bar + Kitchen on St Quentin Avenue in Claremont for all-day fare, great wine and cocktails. With indoor and outdoor dining to take advantage of warm Perth days, grab a cold glass of vino and perch on a high stool at the bar, or settle into an intimate table for two for a romantic rendezvous.
Enjoy roast lunch at Corvo every Sunday, along with live jazz throughout the afternoon – think plates like hot smoked salmon to start, followed by wood-roasted leg of Spring lamb, with garlic, rosemary and lemon, smashed cucumbers, pickled red onons, yoghurt and dill dressing, crispy roasties and aioli.
A refined ambience marries with an inspired menu to stimulate and tantalise all of your senses at Saint Hotel on Fitzroy Street in St Kilda. Nestled beneath the iconic Saint Hotel atrium, the dining area exudes a moody materials palette of scorched timber, marble and buttery leather banquette seating, presenting a sophisticated vibe for memorable meals.
Sundays is roast time with offerings like slow-roasted half-chicken, accompanied by seasonal sides and a luxurious jus, available in Saint Dining and Saint Bar from 12pm-3pm; don’t forget Happy Hour where you can start with oysters and premium Champagne before heading to the dining room.
Those passing through the Dandenong Ranges find cosy neighbourhood restaurant Cognoscenti Food & Wine on Burwood Highway in Belgrave. Just 50 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD, this stylish dining destination is well worth the trip, with a rustic ambience of recycled timber floors, potted greenery and shelves stocked with wine selections.
Bring the family for Cognoscenti’s Sunday roasts with plates such as roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and jus, roasted free-range pork Scotch, roast chicken and pepper gravy, accompanied by sides such as braised red cabbage, honey mustard roast potatoes and petit pois à la Français.
Rewind to the classic days of nostalgic food memories reinvented with an elevated and modern touch at Red Steakhouse & Bar on Masthead Way in Hope Island. Nestled in Sanctuary Cove Village on the GC, soak up stunning waterfront views and glamorous super yachts as you sip a cheeky Negroni cocktail and peruse a steakhouse menu with a focus on the traditional, from steak tartare to beef bourguignon.
Just $35 for lunch and dinner on Sundays, devour roasts like Jack’s Creek rump cap, served with parsnip, broccoli, crispy sage potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and roast gravy; or premium Southern Ranges beef, rosemary roast potatoes, market vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and beef gravy.
Find an historic place to rest, stay, play and dine at The Lodge at Berrima Vault House on Old Hume Highway in Berrima. Nestled in the original Taylor’s Crown Inn hand-built by convicts in 1844 using local sandstone, this venue is now a contemporary heritage preserved, premium hospitality destination and members club in the heart of the Southern Highlands.
Stop in on Sundays for a roast of the day for just $59 per adult and devour rotating choices such as beef, lamb, porchetta, chicken and salt-baked market fish, with sides and desserts; gather your loved ones and make Sundays a special occasion as you savour the flavours and warm ambience of The Lodge for an unforgettable dining experience.
