Small in Size, Big on Flavour - 6 Restaurants for Small Plate Dining

Small plates is a type of dining that became popular in the United States after 2000 and has gone on to take the culinary world by the whisk.

When you are out with friends enjoying Friday night drinks, most of us just want to graze on several different plates that tantalise taste buds and harmonise with our cocktails.

Here are six venues that epitomise small-plate dining:

Find a dining experience with a heart deeply rooted in the Adelaide Hills and an imagination that embraces the flavours of the world at Miss Perez Kitchen & Bar on Druid Avenue in Stirling. Nestled on one of the prettiest tree-lined streets in the suburb, floor-to-ceiling windows grant stunning views of iconic oak trees, or you can sit under them on the outside deck and sip a glass of wine.

 

Delve into small plates such as chilli caramel pork belly, spiced pineapple, pickled red cabbage, spring onion and roasted peanuts, or pulled beef brisket tacos with pickled cabbage, adobo chipotle sour cream, pork crackle, coriander and fresh lime. Those with heartier appetites opt for pappardelle with slow-cooked beef and mushroom ragu, rich tomato sauce and Parmesan.

Yamas Greek & Drink on Mollison Street offers the flavours of Thessaloniki with the vibes of West End. Set on the edge of Brisbane’s vibrant West Village precinct, the combination of a share-style menu and a breezy, open-air setting makes Yamas the perfect venue to enjoy a casual meal or special celebration with friends and family.

 

Lick your lips, raise a glass and delve into mezze plates such as grilled octopus with chilli oil, oregano, lemon and fava, or lamb ribs with oregano, lemon and tyrokafteri; perhaps opt for the Zeus banquet with tzatziki, pita bread, loukaniko, calamari, mixed souvlaki, marouli salata and lemon potatoes. For a sweet finish, treat yourself to authentic baklava, or compressed watermelon and lemon sorbet.

Discover the delights of Modern Australian tapas at Jasper’s Long Jetty on The Entrance Road. A stylish vibe of blond wood table settings, a red and white mosaic-tiled counter and banquette seating strewn with colourful cushions awaits discerning diners as they sip a glass of red and ponder a selection of delicious and innovative dishes showcasing the best local produce.

 

Start with small plates such as kaffir lime prawn skewers fresh off the hibachi grill, served with chilli jam, or charcoal-grilled duck breast and wild mushroom risotto; perhaps pan-fried ricotta gnocchi hits the mark, stuffed with saltbush and macadamia pesto and served in creamy macadamia sauce.

For a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Sutherland, head down East Parade to find Cozy Dining. Modern Australian cuisine takes centre stage as you choose to indulge in either a four or eight-course degustation menu alongside tapas selections, all enjoyed in a cosy yet elevated ambience of leadlight glass windows, chandelier lighting and polished wood floors.

 

Those stopping in for a tapas bite and glass of wine may opt for beetroot cigars with scallop ceviche, apple gel, saffron aioli, sesame seed and tobiko caviar, or Wagyu beef tartare with salted egg yolk, sesame oil, soy sauce and a nori tapioca cracker.

Inspired by the rustic, cosy bars of Osaka’s nightlife, Yakitori 38 on the Row in the heart of the city brings authentic Japanese flavours to Canberra. Following the izakaya restaurant style, this dining destination is ideal for group dining or a late-night snack, paired with a beverage from the bar; enjoyed in surrounds of recycled timber, stacked stone and moody lighting.

 

Indulge with a Golden Wind whiskey cocktail and small plate offerings like unagi freshwater eel yakitori skewers with kabayaki sauce and beni shoga, or tempura prawns, with Kewpie, srirachca and teriyaki; perhaps deep-fried chicken karaage hits the mark, with Kewpie, rice and a poached egg.

Toei on Campbell Street in Surry Hills takes your favourite Australian and Asian dishes on a transformative journey, using modern techniques to unlock hidden depths of flavour. This Sydney dining destination oozes classic elegance with plush velvet banquette seating, intimate tables for two and whitewashed walls adorned with artwork, making it ideal for a romantic rendezvous or family get-together.

 

From a concise menu, opt for dishes like kingfish collar, garlic butter sauce, avruga caviar and black lime powder, seared Hokkaido scallops, blood orange kosho and micro shiso, or Wagyu rump cap skewers with galbi glaze, sambal matah and micro herbs.