There’s something undeniably exciting about stepping into a restaurant where every dish feels like an event. Whether it’s the artistry of plating, the depth of flavour or the carefully curated wine pairings, some menus simply demand to be experienced. From Modern Australian masterpieces to bold Asian fusion and classic French indulgence, these five venues are serving up culinary magic that guarantees an unforgettable meal:
Effortlessly combining style with innovation, JAM continues to make its mark on Townsville’s dynamic restaurant scene. A well-loved riverfront crowd-pleaser, this versatile venue constantly buzzes with a steady hum of diners popping by to wine and dine in the elegant space, which is adorned with wide mirrors, soft lighting and intimate booths. A seasonal menu presents lunch choices like prawn and calamari salad with tomato, pickled zucchini, avocado, cashews, cos and lemon yoghurt dressing, while dinner guests might begin with salmon ceviche, pearls, aji Amarillo, mango, chives, lime, saffron eschalots and sesame seeds.
Main courses deliver showstoppers like lamb loin with ras el hanout, saffron pickled zucchini and pomegranate couscous, best enjoyed alongside a selection from the awarded wine list. It’s the massaman curry that steals the show - a deeply aromatic dish of confit duck served with wild rice, bok choy, crispy Sichuan kipfler potatoes and a charred BBQ lime for an extra hit of smokiness. It’s a perfect example of JAM’s ability to blend bold flavours with a refined touch.
Tucked into a stylish two-storey space on Beaufort Street, Lotus offers a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine, led by Head Chef Napat Chumjui. The venue exudes effortless charm, with ambient pendent lighting casting a soft glow over diners enjoying the vibrant, share-style menu. Every dish here is designed for communal indulgence, from crispy corn fritters with kimchi caramel and coriander to delicate soft-shell crab bao with pickled cucumber, peanuts and yuzu kosho mayo. Larger plates deliver big on flavour, whether it’s a fragrant red duck curry or succulent braised pork belly with karee sauce and pickled pineapple.
Among the must-try dishes, the braised beef rib stands out - slow-cooked until meltingly tender and served with an aromatic Asian herb salad, a drizzle of sweet fish sauce and a hot and sour dressing that perfectly balances richness with a sharp, citrusy punch. It’s a dish that speaks to Lotus’ commitment to bold, flavour-driven dining.
Ming Asian Fusion – Melbourne CBD, Vic
More than just a restaurant, Ming Asian Fusion is an immersive dining experience hidden in a chic basement on Queen Street. Inside, soaring ceilings, dark wood panelling and sparkling chandeliers set the mood for an evening of indulgence. The menu showcases a sophisticated interplay of classic Asian flavours with innovative twists - think braised octopus and beef tataki with yuzu shoyu ponzu, or Singapore-style pan-seared scallops. For mains, expect expertly executed dishes like Humpty Doo barramundi with classic soy, black fungus and crispy potatoes, or slow-braised pork hock rich with caramelised depth.
A true highlight is the XO butter Moreton Bay bug, a luxurious seafood creation that elevates the natural sweetness of the bug with a silky, umami-rich XO butter sauce. Paired with claws and mussels, this dish is a masterclass in seafood decadence - flavour-packed, indulgent and utterly unmissable.
Brisbane’s newest dining hotspot, Longwang, is an homage to the revered Dragon King of Chinese mythology. Nestled in a custom-built space over two storeys on Edward Street, this Asian bar and restaurant is the latest venture from seafood maestro Michael Tassis and celebrated Chef Jason Margaritis. A sleek, contemporary interior frames an elevated menu that moves effortlessly from refined small plates - such as seared scallops with macadamia and crispy chilli - to generously portioned mains. Signature dishes include tea-smoked and fried duck with fragrant soy sauce and Sichuan pepper, as well as wok-fired classics that pack serious heat and depth of flavour.
One dish not to be missed? The wok-tossed pork belly, a textural delight combining crispy-edged pork with leeks, Chinese celery, bean sprouts, garlic chives and a robust Sichuan black bean sauce. It’s the perfect harmony of spice, umami and crunch, embodying Longwang’s commitment to bold, authentic Chinese flavours.
A shimmering haven of Champagne, caviar and French indulgence, Pompette is Brisbane’s answer to Parisian revelry. Whether you’re planning an intimate rendezvous or an all-out soirée, this glamorous venue delivers sophistication in spades. Start your night with an Oscietra caviar bump paired with a frozen shot of Ariane vodka before diving into rich, buttery escargots with ham, mushroom, almond meal and garlic butter. Mains maintain the indulgent streak, with choices like toothfish in bouillabaisse sauce and duck l’orange served alongside velvety mashed potatoes, asparagus and broccolini.
For the ultimate showstopper, the Côte de Boeuf is unmissable— - ry-aged rib on the bone, perfectly cooked and served with a decadent red wine jus. Paired with classic French sides, it’s the kind of dish that lingers in your memory long after the last bite.
Each of these restaurants offers a dining experience that goes beyond the ordinary, presenting dishes that showcase skill, creativity and a deep respect for flavour. Whether you’re craving bold Asian fusion, classic French indulgence or a Modern Australian masterpiece, these must-try menus prove that great food isn’t just about eating - it’s about experiencing something unforgettable.
