From smoky South African-inspired dishes to Mediterranean indulgences and Japanese precision, these four restaurants deliver exceptional dining experiences designed to be shared. Perfect for gatherings with friends or intimate evenings, their menus showcase creative share plates bursting with flavour.
Old Palm Liquor – Brunswick East, VIC
Located on trendy Lygon Street, Old Palm Liquor is a moody wine bar with an eclectic vibe, offering dishes with a South African twist and a touch of smokiness. The warm timber interiors and vintage accents make it a perfect spot for a relaxed yet memorable evening.
Start with coconut creamed lentils with curry leaves, or pickled mussels and chorizo. From the fire, standout dishes like the Otway pork chop with Cape Malay spices and green tomatoes bring bold, smoky flavours to the table. Pair your meal with a glass of wine from their carefully curated list and settle in for a night to remember.
La Bella Cellar – Burleigh Heads, QLD
Tucked away in Burleigh Heads, La Bella Cellar is a hidden gem on the Gold Coast, blending culinary excellence with fine wine artistry. The light and airy Mediterranean-inspired interior sets the tone for a Chef-hatted experience that’s all about indulgence.
Dive into shareable delights like lobster bisque with snow crab, Moreton Bay bugs, and micro greens. Larger plates like lamb tagine with confit chats and pickled grapes, or eye fillet with café de Paris butter and leek purée, elevate the dining experience further. Pair your meal with a glass of Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon for the perfect finish.
Set on the 10th floor of the Crowne Plaza hotel, Koomo offers sweeping views of the Adelaide city skyline alongside a modern Japanese menu designed for sharing. With warm wooden interiors and glowing cylindrical pendants, the space exudes understated elegance.
Share plates take centre stage, with highlights like char-grilled pork cutlet served with yam yam jam, plum jus, Japanese rice, and grilled broccolini. Don’t miss the Wagyu sirloin with mushrooms and miso yakiniku, or the pan-fried barramundi with creamed corn shoyu and garlic chips—a true testament to Koomo’s culinary expertise.
Abhi’s – North Strathfield, NSW
For over three decades, Abhi’s has been delighting Sydneysiders with refined Indian dining. With white-clothed tables, authentic Indian accents, and softly glowing lighting, it’s the perfect setting for sharing bold, aromatic dishes with friends and family.
Start with chilli prawns served with garlic naan or salt and pepper squid with tamarind and ginger dipping sauce. For mains, the tandoor-roasted lamb cutlets marinated in green masala shine, alongside Goan fish curry with freshly ground coconut and basmati rice. At Abhi’s, every dish is crafted to celebrate the joy of sharing.
Whether you’re craving smoky South African flavours, Mediterranean elegance, Japanese precision, or bold Indian spices, these restaurants bring people together over share plates that are made to be savoured. Grab your friends or family and experience the joy of communal dining at its finest.
