Whether you’re reconnecting with friends over wine or wooing a date with dishes designed for two, there’s something undeniably intimate about shared plates. The art of communal dining has transcended casual tapas bars, evolving into a sophisticated culinary ritual. Across the country, forward-thinking Chefs are creating small plates that pack a punch - bold, balanced and beautifully plated, designed for everything from spontaneous bites to curated tasting journeys.
Here are four standout venues where the shared plate is elevated to a fine art - bringing together exceptional ingredients, clever technique and a spirit of social dining that feels effortlessly indulgent.
Park Hyatt Melbourne – East Melbourne, Vic
Tucked within the elegant confines of Parliament Square, Park Hyatt Melbourne delivers a luxe experience where contemporary Australian cuisine meets classic refinement. The hotel’s dining room is a masterclass in sleek, architectural design - a polished backdrop for an elevated menu that shifts from delicate ocean fare to fire-kissed steaks with poise. Sip an artisan cocktail in the lounge or indulge in afternoon tea, but for those who prefer savoury delights over sweets, the kitchen’s small plates shine just as brightly.
A standout starter is the hiramasa kingfish crudo - fresh, clean and intricately layered. Accents of green nam jim bring a flash of zesty heat, softened by a crisp green apple slaw and anchored by the crunch of crispy anchovies. It’s a dish that plays with texture and acidity while letting the quality of the fish take centre stage. Whether you're easing into a meal or simply sharing a few bites over a martini, the flavours here are anything but small.
Miss Moneypenny’s – Noosa Heads, Qld
Style meets ease at Miss Moneypenny’s, perched along the lively stretch of Hastings Street in Noosa Heads. The venue walks the line between holiday casual and metropolitan chic - warm timber, soft lighting and a low stone perimeter framing a vibrant, semi-alfresco space. Here, social dining is the main event, with groups leaning into long afternoons of cocktails, chatter and plates that arrive perfectly timed for grazing.
Among the menu’s Mediterranean-leaning offerings, the slow-cooked lamb shoulder stands out as a dish designed for generous sharing. Fork-tender and rich, it’s paired with burnt lemon to lift its depth, a red wine jus that adds complexity and mustard tzatziki to cool the palate. There’s an unmistakable sense of celebration in every dish - proof that when it comes to small plates, Miss Moneypenny’s knows how to think big.
Perspective Dining – Brisbane CBD, Qld
Perspective Dining isn’t just a restaurant - it’s a culinary immersion. Tucked discreetly on Brunswick Street in Brisbane’s CBD, this 12-seat Chef’s table offers a closed-door dining experience that feels intensely personal. Guests are guided through a seasonal tasting menu spanning five to nine courses, with each plate a considered exploration of produce, texture and narrative. The intimacy of the space is matched only by the intricacy of the dishes, blurring the line between artistry and nourishment.
One of the more intriguing small plates is a composition featuring preserved emu, monkey apple, black sapote yolk, plum and spice - a dish as thought-provoking as it is flavourful. Sourced from the offsite garden and local producers, ingredients are presented with care and curiosity. It’s not about volume but vision - flavours unfolding in layers that invite conversation and contemplation.
Ms Jackson Restaurant & Bar – Doncaster East, Vic
Bringing a dose of Melbourne cool to Doncaster East, Ms Jackson Restaurant & Bar is the suburb’s latest destination for design-conscious diners with a taste for modern flair. Velvet Chesterfields, golden glows and a spacious courtyard make it ideal for everything from casual brunches to intimate dinners. With its mix of private dining and relaxed alfresco charm, the venue strikes a sweet spot between accessible and aspirational.
Among its array of small plate temptations, the lobster roll is a certified head-turner. Served with sriracha mayo, fresh chives and a squeeze of lemon, it’s a punchy little number that sings with brightness and heat. The lobster is generous, the bread pillow-soft and the mayo just spicy enough to leave you reaching for another bite - or ordering a second roll. It’s comfort food, yes, but dressed up for dinner.
The small plate may be modest in size, but at these venues it’s anything but a compromise. Each dish is a carefully curated moment - meant to be savoured, shared and remembered. Whether you're after the familiar elegance of a lobster roll or the daring intrigue of preserved emu, these restaurants prove that when it comes to flavour, less can truly be more.
