Food has the power to transport us and these restaurants are here to take your taste buds on a journey. Whether you're craving the spice-laden curries of India, the coastal flavours of Portugal, or the rich, home-style Filipino dishes that warm the soul, these multicultural gems are bringing authentic international cuisine to the table.
Delhi Heights Indian Restaurant & Function Centre – Dural, NSW
Bringing a taste of India to Dural, Delhi Heights Indian Restaurant & Bar serves up vibrant spices, bold flavours and the warmth of true Indian hospitality. Recently renovated, this elegant space features a stylish indoor dining area with crisp white-clothed tables and eclectic wall art, while a breezy balcony invites diners to sip on cocktails under the stars. Whether you're looking for a casual midweek curry or a lavish banquet, Delhi Heights delivers an experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.
The menu is a celebration of North Indian cuisine, featuring fragrant dishes prepared with time-honoured techniques. Kick things off with crisp, golden vegetable samosas stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas or succulent tandoori chicken marinated in yoghurt, garlic, ginger and aromatic spices before being roasted in the clay oven. For mains, butter chicken is a crowd favourite, its velvety tomato-based sauce perfectly balanced with onions, garlic, green chilli and fresh coriander. Seafood lovers will delight in the garlic prawn masala, but for something truly special, the Punjabi goat curry - slow-cooked with garlic, ginger, onions and pepper - is a must-try, best enjoyed with fluffy garlic naan and steamed rice.
Drift & Wood Restaurant – Agnes Water, Qld
Nestled within the Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort, Drift & Wood Restaurant captures the laid-back beauty of coastal Queensland. Just steps from the beachfront, this inviting eatery embraces a breezy, seaside vibe with driftwood-inspired décor, comfy lounge seating and an alfresco area where you can soak up the tropical air with a cocktail in hand. Whether you’re dropping by for a casual bite after a swim or settling in for a long, leisurely dinner, this spot offers a menu brimming with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Start with crispy char siu BBQ chicken wings served with a punchy wasabi mayo, or opt for the housemade spring rolls accompanied by a fresh garden salad and tangy dipping sauce. When it comes to mains, the seafood risotto is a standout, brimming with prawns, scallops, squid, mussels and fresh fish, all tossed with leek, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and baby spinach in a luscious Napoli cream sauce, finished with shaved Parmesan. If pizza is more your style, go for the lamb Romesco, layered with mozzarella, Danish feta, green capsicum and a cooling yoghurt raita.
Casa Do Benfica – Marrickville, NSW
For a true taste of Portugal, look no further than Casa Do Benfica, a hidden gem nestled within the Marrickville Tennis Club. This warm and inviting eatery offers a casual yet lively atmosphere, where timber floors, walls adorned with sporting memorabilia and large windows overlooking the courts set the scene for a memorable dining experience. Pair your meal with a glass of Portuguese wine and settle in for a feast of traditional dishes prepared with heart and soul.
The menu is a love letter to Portugal’s rich culinary heritage, featuring time-honoured recipes passed down through generations. Start with fresh clams bathed in a zesty lemon and mustard sauce or tender grilled octopus before diving into mains like beef skewers with crispy chips and a fresh garden salad. The grilled seafood platter is a highlight, showcasing the best of Portugal’s coastal cuisine - think perfectly charred octopus, calamari, crab, clams, mussels, King prawns and flaky fish, all served with a side of potatoes and vegetables. For a true celebration of flavour, the traditional seafood and vegetable paella is a must.
Inspired by the Chinese zodiac, 12 Zodiac is a vibrant Asian street food haven in Wembley, serving up bold flavours and a playful dining experience. The restaurant’s walls are adorned with colourful animal murals, creating a lively, energetic setting that matches the excitement coming out of the kitchen. Whether you’re in the mood for Korean fried chicken, steaming laksa or fiery stir-fries, this spot delivers an explosion of flavour in every bite.
Start your meal with deep-fried pot stickers or crispy prawn twisters before diving into a steaming bowl of signature chicken laksa, a soul-warming dish brimming with vegetables, Hokkien and rice noodles in a fragrant coconut broth. The mee goreng is another must-try, with stir-fried squid, prawns and fish cake tossed with sweet soy, tomato, chilli and bok choy. If you love a bit of heat, the volcano red curry chicken is the ultimate pick - this spicy, aromatic dish is packed with garlic, chilli and spring onions, delivering a satisfying kick with every mouthful.
Step into the heart of the Philippines at Adobo Co, where rustic bamboo huts, lush greenery and a warm, welcoming atmosphere transport diners to the bustling streets of Manila. Located in Port Adelaide, this cosy eatery celebrates the diverse flavours of Filipino cuisine, showcasing dishes from different regions with a focus on fresh, home-style cooking. Whether you’re a first-timer or a devoted fan of Filipino food, you’re in for a treat.
Kick things off with smoky BBQ pork skewers or crunchy crumbed prawns served with a fresh garden salad and a drizzle of spicy sweet chilli aioli. The mains are where the magic really happens - think crispy pork hock paired with fragrant Java fried rice and a spiced soy coconut vinaigrette, or a comforting bowl of chicken adobo, simmered in a rich, tangy sauce and served with jasmine rice and bok choy. For something indulgent, the seafood kare kare is a must-try, featuring calamari, prawns, mussels, barramundi, eggplant and bok choy swimming in a luscious peanut sauce with a hint of fermented shrimp. If you’re after a classic, the Tapsilog Sinangag Itlog - a dish of marinated pan-fried beef served with garlicky fried rice and a perfectly cooked sunny side-up egg - is a Filipino favourite that delivers on both flavour and nostalgia.
From the bold spices of Indian curries to the smoky char of Portuguese seafood and the home-cooked comfort of Filipino classics, these restaurants bring the world to your plate. Whether you’re craving a fiery curry, a fresh seafood feast or a comforting bowl of noodles, these global flavours are worth the journey. So go on - book a table, grab your passport (figuratively speaking) and let your taste buds explore.
