Whether it’s a slow afternoon by the beach or a refined meal in a stylish city venue, the long lunch is an Australian tradition that marries culinary indulgence with leisure. From fusion fare in Maleny to Mediterranean-inspired creations in Melbourne, these five venues are redefining the long lunch experience.
Frank Food and Wine – Maleny, QLD
Nestled in the heart of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Frank Food and Wine on Main Street in Maleny has become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. This quaint venue greets guests with its charming green façade, potted greenery, and inviting verandah, perfect for sipping coffee or wine while soaking in the relaxed, small-town vibe.
Inside, the space transforms into a warm and welcoming dining area, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Start your long lunch with Korean BBQ chicken wings or King prawns slathered in green chilli butter. For the main event, dishes like pan-fried market fish with green peppercorn and dried fig café de Paris butter are sure to delight. Their slow-cooked lamb ragu served with pappardelle is another standout, offering rich, hearty flavours that pair perfectly with a robust red wine.
On the idyllic Mornington Peninsula, Tulum Store on Balnarring-Beach Road is a beacon for beachgoers looking to indulge in an all-day dining experience. With blond wood interiors, modern furnishings and a lush landscaped courtyard, this café and restaurant provides the ideal setting for a leisurely long lunch.
The menu is driven by a commitment to fresh, local produce, with a focus on housemade dishes that highlight the region’s best ingredients. Early diners can enjoy a croque Monsieur with gooey béchamel sauce, or a beer-battered fish burger with tangy slaw and dill pickles. For those staying into the afternoon, the slow-cooked lamb shoulder burger with roast garlic yoghurt, beetroot relish and chips is a must-try. Finish your visit with one of their housemade pastries or a perfectly brewed specialty coffee.
No 92 Wine Bar and Restaurant – Glebe, NSW
Nestled within a beautifully renovated Victorian Georgian terrace, No 92 Wine Bar and Restaurant on Glebe Point Road combines historic charm with a vibrant modern dining experience. Once a private investigator’s office, the space has been transformed into a sophisticated yet inviting venue, featuring whitewashed walls, open fireplaces, and eclectic design elements.
The long lunch menu is inspired by Mexican flavours and traditions, presenting a creative twist on classic dishes. Start with duck tacos served on handmade tortillas with morita sauce, or scallops with taki kombu and cascabel butter. Mains like pork belly with mole rojo, sesame seeds, and a herb mix showcase bold flavours, while the rigatoni with ox tail ragu is a hearty, comforting option. Can’t decide? Opt for the Chef’s three-course set menu for a curated dining experience.
Albert Park’s Omen is the creation of three seasoned hospitality veterans who’ve brought their passion for food and sustainability to this wood-fired bistro. Located on Victoria Avenue, the venue is equal parts stylish and inviting, with Tasmanian oak finishes, an expansive bar, and a menu that embraces sustainable, head-to-tail cooking.
Start your long lunch with inventive small plates like chicken liver parfait served with a brioche doughnut or charred octopus with capers. For mains, dishes like butter-poached coral trout with new potatoes and tartare highlight the Chefs’ focus on refined simplicity. Their slow-cooked honey pig cheeks, paired with seasonal vegetables and creamy mash, are a standout for meat lovers. Don’t skip dessert – the rhubarb cake with custard cream is the perfect way to end your meal.
Yona’s Kitchen – Brunswick, VIC
For a completely personalised long lunch experience, Yona’s Kitchen is the answer. This Melbourne-based catering service brings the restaurant experience to your home or event venue, crafting bespoke menus that celebrate Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist.
Chef Yonatan’s creations are designed to wow your guests, starting with elegant dishes like snapper tartare with crème fraiche, melon, cucumber, basil, and ponzu. Mains like duck breast with celeriac purée, quince, spring greens, and marsala are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate affair, Yona’s Kitchen ensures every detail is tailored to your preferences, turning any lunch into a memorable celebration.
From the rustic charm of Frank Food and Wine to the bespoke elegance of Yona’s Kitchen, these venues highlight the best of Australia’s long lunch culture. Whether you’re in the hinterland, by the beach, or nestled in the city, these destinations invite you to savour the art of dining, one bite and sip at a time.
