Sometimes, the best restaurants are the ones already whispered about by those in the know - establishments where regulars return religiously and newcomers are instantly converted. Whether tucked beneath the streets of Sydney’s CBD or sitting pretty in the cool charm of the Blue Mountains, these venues are more than just crowd-pleasers - they’re destinations with serious food pedigree.
From time-honoured Italian recipes to bold Modern Australian menus inspired by native produce, these are the restaurants you should already know about. If you don’t? Consider this your cheat sheet.
Machiavelli Restaurant – Sydney CBD, NSW
Hidden beneath the bustle of Clarence Street, Machiavelli Restaurant has been a sanctuary for power lunches, long dinners and political gossip for more than three decades. Walking down its stone steps feels like stepping into another era - one of framed portraits, hanging salumi and a reverence for tradition. It’s a dining room that breathes old-world Italy, brought to life by founder Giovanna Toppi and now upheld by a legacy of quality produce and craftsmanship. The cellar is impressive, leaning on both Australian and Italian bottles, while organic greens and daily fish deliveries speak to its commitment to fresh, regionally driven fare.
The menu is a love letter to Napoli, with starters like golden-fried King prawns served with creamy tartar kicking things off. Pasta is a pillar here - try the pappardelle with duck ragu, slow-cooked in Madeira sauce and finished with thyme and cherry tomatoes. There’s also the grilled scampi in sage butter, paired with broccolini and cauliflower gratin. If there’s a house icon, it’s the steak Diane: a tender minute steak draped in butter, garlic and Worcestershire demi-glace. Served alongside mashed potatoes and seasonal veg, it’s a dish that stays timeless for a reason.
In the relaxed beachside town of Yamba, Karrikin is quietly rewriting what dining in a coastal village looks like. Named after the regenerative compound released by bushfire smoke, this elegant restaurant offers an evolving four-course set menu that changes with the tides and seasons. The space itself is a serene blend of muted tones, dark timber and softly lit pendents - calming, thoughtful and unmistakably refined. This is a place where every dish has a story, often rooted in native ingredients and regional provenance.
Expect an opening salvo of octopus paired with beetroot and cherry, then perhaps beef rump cap teamed with corn and peach, or a catch-of-the-day fish alongside fennel and citrus. A supporting act of pumpkin with garlic and herbs rounds things out. While the menu is always shifting, it’s the subtle nods to the Australian landscape - like lemon myrtle and finger lime cream pie - that tie Karrikin’s food back to its unique sense of place. A dinner here is more than a meal - it’s a sensory deep-dive into the Northern Rivers.
A staple of Enmore’s eclectic food scene since 1978, Torino Pizza is an institution that’s managed to stay fiercely relevant while holding onto its old-school charm. This family-run trattoria, now in its third generation, delivers warmth in both service and surroundings. Recycled timber, artwork-laden walls and a crackling fire during Winter give the space a casual but considered atmosphere - perfect for a slow, comforting meal.
The menu hits all the nostalgic notes with flair. Think mushroom arancini with Napolitana sauce or garlicky prawns to start, then dive into the house-favourite Torino’s Special pizza. It’s a maximalist’s dream: ham, pepperoni, cabanossi, olives, pineapple, capsicum, garlic and more, all piled onto Napoli sauce and dough that’s crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. Pasta dishes like fettuccine with chicken, basil pesto, cream and garlic keep purists happy, while the char-grilled lamb cutlets, served with veg, chips and mushroom sauce, add a bolder note to this Italian classic.
Ates Blackheath – Blackheath, NSW
In the heart of the Blue Mountains, Ates Blackheath brings Mediterranean soul and mountain charm together under one deliciously rustic roof. The star of the kitchen is a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven, which imbues every dish with a primal, fire-kissed depth. The interiors mirror the food’s earthy tones - recycled wood, spice-coloured walls and lush greenery make it feel both grounded and inviting. Whether you’re inside or out on the brick-lined courtyard, the vibe is one of community and shared experience.
The food here is built for sharing, with a focus on vibrant Mediterranean flavours. Start with hiramasa kingfish sashimi, subtly elevated with mushroom soy, ginger and finger lime - pair it with a local Riesling for maximum impact. The charcoal-grilled market fish arrives with salsa rosso and lemon mayo, bringing freshness and heat in perfect balance. Side dishes are no afterthought - cumin-roasted pumpkin and baby gem hearts round out a meal that’s equal parts rustic and refined. It’s the kind of place where every detail matters and the food tells you so.
Pinto Clare Valley – Clare, SA
Pinto Clare Valley is what happens when Thai cuisine meets Clare Valley’s wine pedigree and creative spirit. Tucked away on Old North Road, this venue mixes exposed beams, eclectic art and crisp white tablecloths to create an ambience that’s as refined as it is relaxed. It’s a modern take on Asian dining - one where high-quality local ingredients and clean plating bring a fresh energy to familiar favourites.
Small plates like prawn dumplings and red curry hit that sweet spot between spice and delicacy, while grilled chicken skewers with satay and crushed peanuts are a nod to the street markets of Bangkok with an elegant twist. For something heartier, the confit duck leg red curry is a showstopper - juicy duck paired with tomato, lychee and pineapple, served alongside fragrant jasmine rice. If you’re in a carnivorous mood, the grilled Scotch fillet in massaman curry might just be the dish of the night. Add a Clare Valley Riesling or bold local gin and you’ve got a meal that’s pure magic.
Whether you’re chasing wood-fired Mediterranean feasts, heritage-rich Italian comfort or modern dishes inspired by land and sea, these venues are already setting the standard. If they’re not on your radar yet, they should be because some places aren’t just worth knowing - they’re worth remembering.
