When it comes to elevating flavour, salt, smoke and cure are timeless tools that have found new life in some of the country's most exciting dining rooms. Whether you crave the deep, savoury richness of a dry-aged steak, the delicate balance of pepperberry-cured salmon, or the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked ribs, these five restaurants celebrate the ancient arts with modern panache.
Pull up a chair and loosen your belt - these are venues where smoke is not just an ingredient but a signature:
Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill – Broadbeach, Qld
Overlooking Victoria Park in bustling Broadbeach, Moo Moo The Wine Bar + Grill reimagines the steakhouse experience with sophisticated style. Gone are the dark wood and heavy leather of traditional chophouses, replaced by sleek natural stone finishes, soft curves and mood lighting that invite long, luxurious evenings. Renowned for its multi-award-winning steak offering and stellar wine list, Moo Moo is a Gold Coast icon where serious meat lovers and casual diners converge in equal measure.
Start your indulgence with grilled wild-caught prawns in a slick of chilli garlic butter or tempura scampi crowned with daikon and furikake. However, it is the spice-rubbed Wagyu rump cap roast, carved ceremoniously at the table, that truly sings. Paired with fried potatoes, buffalo ricotta, vincotto and a trio of bespoke sauces, it is a carnivorous masterclass in seasoning and smoke.
Book your table now to experience the true evolution of the steakhouse.
Mures Upper Deck – Hobart, Tas
Perched above Victoria Dock with uninterrupted waterfront views, Mures Upper Deck offers a quintessential Hobart experience where the sea is both the view and the main event. This family-owned institution channels generations of fishing expertise into an elegant, glass-fronted dining room perfect for sunset sessions over a glass of Tasmanian sparkling. It is a space where every element, from the bait to the plate, is treated with reverence and finesse.
Seafood lovers should begin with the house-smoked fish chowder, built on a blue eye-stock that carries whispers of the ocean across every spoonful. For something cold and complex, the pepperberry-cured salmon gravlax is a must, offering a native twist on the Nordic classic. Larger appetites will find bliss in a surf-and-turf moment: Southern rock lobster bathed in black garlic butter alongside a prime cut of steak.
Secure your waterfront seat and prepare for a journey across the seas.
CC’s Bar and Grill – Cairns, Qd
At CC’s Bar and Grill, the spirit of the Australian outback meets the polished elegance of a city brasserie. Nestled inside Crystalbrook Bailey on Abbott Street, the venue leans heavily into a rugged yet refined aesthetic, with reclaimed timbers, glowing pendent lights and deep red banquettes that nod to the rich soils of Far North Queensland. The restaurant's beating heart is its proud connection to the Atherton Tablelands, sourcing its premium beef from just down the road.
Begin with grilled scallops dressed in a zesty blend of chorizo, butternut squash emulsion and capsicum purée, offering a play of sweetness and smoke. Then, bring out the big guns with a showstopping dry-aged tomahawk steak, charred to perfection and served alongside grilled bone marrow and a fresh microgreen salad. The flavours are bold, earthy and distinctly local.
Make a reservation and discover why CC’s is Cairns’ temple of meat and smoke.
The Yankee's Restaurant & Bar – Hope Island, Qld
Injecting a lively slice of American street food culture into the Gold Coast, The Yankee's Restaurant & Bar on Santa Barbara Road delivers indulgent, bold flavours with waterfront charm. Settle onto the breezy verandah and watch boats glide by as you sip a crisp white wine and nibble on chilled prawns tossed with tomato salsa and parsley. The atmosphere is buzzy yet relaxed, perfect for weekend feasts and casual sundowners alike.
Here, salt and smoke find delicious expression in crowd favourites like the classic New Yorker burger stacked with smashed beef, maple bacon, pickles and mustard mayo, as well as char-grilled chicken skewers draped in peri-peri mayo. For a serious flavour hit, the signature BBQ pork ribs steal the show, teamed with a fresh salad and Parmesan truffle fries that elevate every mouthful.
Book your spot now and get ready to embrace the big, bold American way of dining.
Southwest Barbecue – Appin, NSW
Low and slow is the mantra at Southwest Barbecue, a rustic hideaway in Appin where the love for smoked meat runs deep. Expect the vibe to be charmingly homespun - think recycled timber walls, fairy lights twinkling overhead and the irresistible scent of slow-cooked brisket hanging in the air. It is a gathering place where the pitmaster’s craft is on full display and every plate tells a story of patience and passion.
Early risers are rewarded with breakfast plates stacked high with bacon, buffalo sauce and American cheddar, but the real magic happens later with smoked meat done right. Pulled pork burgers, crispy pork belly, juicy brisket and smoked chicken wings come piled high with slaw, pickles and a rainbow of tangy sauces.
Ready to dive into smoky goodness? Lock in your table and come hungry.
Art of Seafood – East Perth, WA
Set against the shimmering waters of the Swan River, Art of Seafood is Perth’s answer to luxury seafood dining with a smoky twist. With an award-winning interior that balances coastal charm and urban chic, this venue invites diners to relax with a crisp glass of wine on the deck before heading inside for a feast worthy of the view. It is the kind of place where sunsets, shellfish and smoky accents combine for an unforgettable evening.
Start strong with the scallop and baby spinach mousse, a soft herb emulsion and smoked mussels setting a tone of subtle complexity. Then, for something heartier, the snapper and scallops dish with lemongrass and coconut cream delivers a symphony of textures and flavours - delicately smoky, lush and aromatic.
Craving something special? Reserve your table now and taste the art of smoke and sea.
Salt, smoke and cure are far more than cooking techniques - they are acts of transformation, turning the simple into the sublime. Whether it is the primal satisfaction of a perfectly-charred steak, the melt-in-your-mouth delicacy of cured seafood, or the bold depth of slow-cooked meats, these venues honour tradition while pushing the boundaries of contemporary dining. For those seeking meals layered with history, skill and soul, these are the places to savour.
