When it comes to long lunches, Australians know how to do it right - slow, indulgent and always with a touch of flair. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, catching up with mates or just treating yourself to an afternoon escape, a long lunch is less about the time and more about the experience.
From coastal views to vineyard marquees and elegant city settings, here are five standout venues perfect for long, lingering lunches that effortlessly blend great food with unforgettable atmosphere.
Palm Court – Surfers Paradise Qld
There’s an unmistakable elegance that wafts through Palm Court, nestled within The Langham on Old Burleigh Road. Facing the serene lagoon pool and dripping in coastal grandeur, this venue is the Gold Coast’s ode to afternoon indulgence. Inspired by its legendary London namesake, this is where refined leisure meets Queensland charm - complete with plush surrounds, gold accents and that irresistible hum of glasses clinking softly over conversations that stretch well into the afternoon.
Afternoon tea here isn’t just an experience, it’s a ritual. Think fluffy scones still warm from the oven, delicate finger sandwiches filled with hot smoked salmon rillette or Wagyu pastrami with honey mustard. There’s flair in every bite, especially the almond brownie with salted caramel that finishes the sequence with a whisper of decadence. Whether paired with Champagne or a crisp sparkling, this is a masterclass in relaxed luxury done right.
Tucked into Brisbane’s eclectic West Village precinct, Rich & Rare is all about premium without the pomp. The vibe is effortlessly cool - leather accents, low lighting and a touch of whisky-soaked swagger. It’s the kind of place where you can let the afternoon unfurl slowly, collar open and glass in hand, while watching the plates roll in with precision and punch.
The food doesn’t mess around. Start with the steak tartare laced with horseradish, or dive into raw kingfish bathed in tomato water and zinged with finger lime. Mains range from a perfectly charred rib eye on the bone with kipfler potatoes to lamb rump resting on smoky eggplant purée and sumac. If you're leaning into the long lunch ethos, the live whole lobster with lemon butter dressing, salmon roe and two indulgent sides is the showstopper that commands attention and rewards the unhurried.
The Rowing Pavilion – Mount Pleasant WA
Riverside serenity meets contemporary dining at The Rowing Pavilion, affectionately known as The Pav. Located alongside Canning Bridge, this three-storey venue channels the easy-going sophistication of Perth’s waterfront lifestyle. Whether you're basking in the breeze from the alfresco deck or enjoying the natural light pouring through floor-to-ceiling windows inside, The Pav sets the scene for a sun-drenched lunch with flair.
The menu leans into bold flavours and shareable comfort. Sticky lamb ribs with chilli and scallions invite communal dining, while charred chipotle chicken with coconut yoghurt and lemon pepper brings a fiery depth. For a solo moment of indulgence, the roast pork belly is the hero - crisp-skinned and tender, paired with salsa verde, rosemary and a delicate balance of fennel and apple. It’s long lunch gold, served with river views and a relaxed pace that’s hard to leave.
Palm Beach has a new darling and Madame V is dressed to impress. Behind its vibrant front door lies a moody, modern Asian space decked in geometric lighting, hanging florals and a strong sense of personality. It’s intimate yet bold - the kind of venue where flavours sing, cocktails flow and long lunches stretch into late evenings.
The menu is both playful and elevated. Begin with Wagyu beef dumplings dressed in chilli black vinegar and lime leaf for a punch of heat and umami. Larger plates like miso-glazed salmon with pickled cucumber offer a mellow sweetness, but it’s the sticky pork ribs that truly steal the show. Glazed in black vinegar caramel, they’re a masterstroke of balance - rich, smoky and finger-licking good. Pair with something crisp from the wine list or a sharp cocktail and you're set for a flavour-packed afternoon worth revisiting.
Flora’s Restaurant – Cranbrook Tas
Set within a marquee amongst the vines at Craigie Knowe Vineyard, Flora’s Restaurant offers an idyllic escape along Tasmania’s east coast. There’s a rustic charm to dining here, where the pace is slow, the ingredients are local and the wine flows freely. Overlooking rows of vines, Flora’s is the long lunch destination you didn’t know you needed - perfect for both celebrations and quiet indulgence alike.
On the plate, it’s all about estate-grown produce and thoughtful execution. Slow-cooked beef cheeks melt under sticky yakitori sauce, balanced by the earthy lift of oyster mushrooms and a velvety cauliflower cream. The standout is the dry-aged duck breast - rosy pink, resting on sweet potato purée with a Cabernet Merlot reduction that binds the dish in rich, aromatic harmony. With a glass of red in hand and the scent of the vines in the air, this is vineyard dining at its finest.
A long lunch is more than a meal - it’s an experience. It’s where time slows, conversations deepen and each dish becomes part of a narrative that lingers long after the final course. Whether you're drawn to the breezy charm of riverside venues, the elegance of heritage-inspired afternoon teas or the flavour-forward creativity of modern kitchens, these five venues offer the perfect setting to savour life’s slower moments.
