Nothing brings people together quite like food and in a dining culture where connection is just as important as flavour, the share plate has evolved beyond trend to become a cornerstone of the contemporary restaurant experience. Whether it's wood-fired pizzas in Fremantle or lamb ribs in Fullarton, these venues elevate communal dining to something far more stylish than simply passing the potatoes.
Here are five restaurants mastering the art of share plates - each with a flair for bold flavours, warm hospitality and dishes designed to unite palates around the table.
Ruocco’s Pizzeria e Ristorante – South Fremantle, WA
Ruocco’s Pizzeria e Ristorante is a beloved South Terrace institution that’s been quietly setting the benchmark for traditional Italian dining since 1978. Step inside and you're immediately transported - arched brickwork and murals of the Italian countryside create an old-world charm that feels a world away from the bustling Fremantle Harbour just a block down. This is the kind of place where families and friends come to linger over food, bask in the nostalgic ambience and share memories over classic plates.
The wood-fired Roman-style pizzas are the heart of Ruocco’s, where blistered crusts cradle generous toppings like prosciutto, artichoke and buffalo mozzarella. For something more comforting, the housemade pasta is worth a twirl - think tagliatelle tangled with local seafood in a garlic white wine sauce. Every dish is rooted in authenticity and perfect for sharing across generations, paired with a relaxed, family-friendly setting that makes you feel instantly at home.
Noi Vietnamese Eatery – Fullarton, SA
Step into the lush atrium of Noi Vietnamese Eatery and you’ll find yourself in a space that blends modern design with the rustic charm of a bubbling pond and a thriving kitchen garden. Located along Glen Osmond Road, this light-filled venue captures the spirit of Vietnamese hospitality with thoughtful design and a menu that’s deeply personal to owners Thy and Quang Nguyen. From the moment you sit down, there’s a sense of being welcomed into someone’s home - albeit one with seriously good taste.
Sharing is second nature here. The char-grilled wood-fired chilli salt lamb ribs with mint and lime are a must-order - spicy, tender and beautifully aromatic. Pair them with wok-tossed beans and jasmine rice, or dive into coconut lemongrass pipis doused in Hanoi beer and chilli for a briny, punchy bite. It's the kind of menu that invites you to sample everything in sight, layering textures and flavours that dance across the table like a Vietnamese street feast.
Indian Chimney Restaurant – Albury, NSW
Indian Chimney Restaurant on Dean Street brings a bold burst of spice and colour to Albury’s dining scene. Inside, the warm hues of a sunset mural and traditional Indian touches create a welcoming yet refined setting perfect for slow, spice-laden evenings. This is North Indian cuisine done right - with aromatic gravies, fragrant rice and bread baked to blistered perfection in the tandoor.
The Lamb Korma Curry is a decadent standout, paying homage to the Mughal kitchens with its creamy cashew sauce and scatter of roasted almonds. This dish is designed for the table—rich enough to savour slowly and perfectly balanced when paired with raita, fluffy basmati rice and a side of crisp pappadums. Whether you're dipping, scooping or passing plates around, each dish is a conversation starter that deserves to be shared.
The Peacock Den – The Basin, Vic
Tucked away in The Basin, The Peacock Den is a dazzling ode to the majestic bird it’s named after - equal parts eccentric, elegant and entirely memorable. The venue’s signature taxidermy peacock watches over the space from above the bar, while aqua tones and ambient lighting create a moody yet inviting atmosphere. Whether you're perched at the bar or nestled into a velvet-lined nook, this is a venue that begs for long nights and clinking glasses.
The menu leans into indulgent, shareable bites with global influences. Start with the pork belly bao buns - pillowy-soft and packed with hoisin, coriander, pickles and fried shallots for that irresistible sweet-salty crunch. Then, perhaps garlic King prawns served in sizzling terracotta or lamb koftas with smoked almond Romesco. It’s a menu made for grazing, passing and pairing with craft cocktails or a robust red.
OG’s Kitchen & Bar – Cronulla, NSW
Light, airy and with a buzz that hums from morning to night, OG’s Kitchen & Bar in Cronulla is the kind of place where brunch stretches into lunch and cocktails roll into dinner. The contemporary interior, with its open glass frontage and vibrant chatter, makes the perfect backdrop for an easygoing meal built around communal enjoyment. The menu borrows from both European and Asian traditions, resulting in plates that are worldly yet wonderfully approachable.
Standouts include the braised lamb with garlic tomato ragu - slow-cooked until meltingly tender, then layered with roasted heirloom carrots, pumpkin purée and a toasted almond sprinkle that adds texture and depth. The twice-cooked crispy pork tacos and sweet corn fritters are also crowd-pleasers, offering something for every craving. Here, the philosophy is simple: good food is meant to be shared and savoured.
These venues prove that shared plates aren’t just about portioning - they’re about presence. Whether it's stories over slices of pizza, lamb ribs passed with sticky fingers or korma ladled onto fluffy rice, communal dining reminds us that the best meals are never eaten alone. If you're seeking flavour-packed dishes that bring people together, these spots deserve a place at the top of your list.
