Snack boards have officially transcended appetiser status. Across the country, venues are elevating charcuterie, mezze and shared platters into main-event affairs worthy of your best bottle of wine - or perhaps a cocktail crafted just for the occasion. Whether you're after artisanal cheese and cured meat or bold Middle Eastern bites, these are the venues redefining what it means to graze in style.
Ready to upgrade your nibbling game? Here’s where to find next-level snack boards that deliver serious flavour and a side of atmosphere:
The Valley Cellardoor – Moonee Ponds, Vic
Brothers duo Mark and Tony Pendreich have created a warm and rustic haven at The Valley Cellardoor, nestled in the bustling heart of Moonee Ponds. A charming picket fence encloses a lively beer garden out front, while inside, an earthy fit-out of timber shelving and cosy nooks beckons. With a wine selection so vast it climbs to the ceiling and 50 different bottles available by the glass every week, it's a sanctuary for serious sippers. Whether you're savouring a craft beer or enjoying a cider in the courtyard, the ambience is pure, unpretentious pleasure.
The signature snack boards are as decadent as the drinks menu. The Valley Cellar Door Platter is a curated spread of brie and cheddar cheese, San Daniele prosciutto, la rustica ham, hot salami and mortadella. It’s offset perfectly with olives, cornichons, quince paste, dried apricots and muscatels - served, of course, with a hearty stack of crackers. Ideal for those who appreciate a snack board that’s as considered as the wine list.
Reserve your spot and prepare to snack like a sommelier.
Mykonos Restaurant Bar – Oakleigh, Vic
A few steps into Mykonos Restaurant Bar and you might just start plotting a permanent escape to the Greek Islands. Positioned on Oakleigh’s bustling Portman Street, this reimagined taverna brings breezy Mediterranean vibes to the suburbs with ocean-toned walls, seashell lights and muraled scenery that transports you straight to the Aegean coast. Relaxed yet refined, Mykonos is the perfect spot for long lunches that stretch into sunset.
Start your experience with a mezze plate designed to evoke sun-drenched afternoons by the sea. The dip platter, combining the salty-smooth allure of white tarama, tzatziki, spicy cheese and smoky eggplant dips, is a masterclass in Mediterranean snacking; or opt for the squid tiganito - perfectly fried squid served with creamy aioli and a crisp salad - ideal for sharing with friends and pairing with a bottle of retsina.
Book your Mediterranean escape today.
The Greek Grill – Altona, VIic
For a taste of rustic Greek tradition with a sleek Melbourne twist, head straight to The Greek Grill in Altona. The rich aroma of spit-roasted meat draws you in before you even glimpse the stylish black subway tiles and blond wood interiors. It's an atmosphere made for casual feasts, where you’re just as likely to find a group of mates digging into souvlaki as you are a couple sharing grilled seafood under the moody lighting.
The Greek Grill’s snack board ethos leans into the communal heart of Greek dining. Kick things off with an assortment of traditional entrées perfect for sharing: think dolmadakia, those addictive vine leaves stuffed with herbed rice and accompanied by a creamy hit of tzatziki, or the molten magic of grilled saganaki cheese, fresh with a squeeze of lemon. Grab a few to build your own mezze-style banquet.
Gather your crew and lock in your table.
Alachati Turkish Mediterranean Cuisine – Broadbeach, Qld
Stepping into Alachati Turkish Mediterranean Cuisine feels like teleporting to a sun-dappled terrace in Turkey’s Çesme Peninsula. This Broadbeach gem dazzles with vibrant Turkish lamps, handcrafted tables and an atmosphere that begs you to linger over shared plates and bold wines. From the service to the setting, Alachati masters the art of relaxed indulgence.
Mezze is a serious affair here. Among the standouts is the Kadayif Prawns and Capsicum Mezze—giant king prawns wrapped in crunchy kadaifi pastry, seasoned with Mediterranean spices and served alongside roasted capsicum and fresh dill. It’s a vibrant, textural hit that pairs beautifully with the house Turkish wines.
Secure your table and feast like you're on a European holiday.
El Attar Middle Eastern Grill – Toowoomba, Qld
In Toowoomba, El Attar Middle Eastern Grill invites you into a lavish Egyptian-inspired escape, where intricate mosaic tiles and the scent of spices fill the air. The dining room’s crimson hues and detailed murals create an ambience that's both exotic and deeply inviting - perfect for a leisurely graze over vibrant, spice-laden dishes.
The mezze platter is a showstopper in its own right. It’s an abundant spread of falafel, sambousek, kibbeh and malfouf, all served with soft flatbread, rich sauce, za'atar spices and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Ideal for diving into with friends, this platter is a testament to the Middle Eastern tradition of generous hospitality.
Plan your visit and taste the magic of mezze.
Snack boards are no longer an afterthought; they’re the main event. Whether you’re craving a sophisticated charcuterie spread, a lively Greek mezze session or a spice-packed Middle Eastern feast, these venues prove that the art of grazing has well and truly arrived. Get your crew together, raise a glass and let the good times (and incredible bites) roll.
