They say we eat with our eyes first and in the era of Instagram, that’s never been truer. Across the country, Chefs are plating up vibrant, hyper-stylised creations that are just as much a feast for the camera as they are for the taste buds. These venues don’t just deliver delicious food; they curate moments worth capturing. Whether it's through an artful smear of sauce, a dramatic tableside pour or a splash of native botanicals, these restaurants understand that presentation is everything.
From meticulously plated Modern Australian fare in Hobart to smoky wood-fired seafood with a coastal twist in Ettalong Beach, these are the venues taking food styling to new heights - perfect for your next scroll-stopping post.
St Albi Bar & Eatery – Moonah, Tas
Tucked away in Hobart’s gritty-cool suburb of Moonah, St Albi Bar & Eatery serves up Modern Australian fare with a visual edge. Inside, it’s all raw textures and moody ambience: exposed concrete, matte black tiles and statement pendent lighting set the scene, while the alfresco courtyard delivers a more relaxed energy perfect for golden hour snaps. The industrial aesthetic is offset by warm service and a curated cocktail list that’s as bold as the interior design.
It’s the food that truly shines under the camera lens and the palate. Think a sculptural tower of grilled pork cutlet, nduja-spiked potatoes and charred corn salsa, finished with a zesty gremolata for pop. Oysters arrive freshly shucked with the sort of salt-glint sheen that screams Summer, while a photogenic main of char-grilled chicken breast stuffed with feta and sun-dried tomato is served on a bed of hash with a slaw that practically sparkles. Even the seafood chowder - with its salmon, shellfish and creamy white wine base - is plated like an artwork.
Blending Melbourne’s love affair with brunch and minimalist design, 85 Espresso in Spotswood is a picture of suburban style. This halal-friendly café hits the mark with black-and-white murals, light timber textures and an unpretentious vibe that’s perfect for a casual but elevated catch-up. On sunny days, the outdoor tables buzz with locals sipping specialty coffee and lining up the perfect food shot under natural light.
The real stars, however, are the plates. The chilli scrambled eggs are a visual masterpiece: vibrant cherry tomatoes, curls of shaved Parmesan and a duo of red sauces draped over silky eggs, all balanced atop glossy brioche toast. It’s a symphony of spice, richness and crunch that demands a close-up. From the pulled lamb Benedict to the colourful Scotch fillet sandwich loaded with caramelised onion sauce and mustard seeds, every dish feels as carefully styled as it is cooked.
A hidden gem down a quiet lane in Carlton, Oxi Tea Room is redefining what Modern Australian High Tea can be. With a sleek, almost gallery-like interior and a focus on design-led dining, this tea house offers more than just brews - it curates immersive sensory experiences. Premium whole-leaf teas sourced from Taiwan and Kenya anchor the menu, paired with an avant-garde take on sweets and savouries that look like they belong in a museum.
Each plate is a conversation starter. The ‘Riverbank’ dish - featuring scallop, river mint, salmon roe and peppermint honey - reads like a poem and looks like edible sculpture. Desserts twist native Australian ingredients into unexpected yet elegant creations: lemon myrtle with tomato and green ants, for instance, served in arrangements that challenge expectations and ignite curiosity. Whether you're sipping oolong or biting into a handcrafted petit four, the aesthetic detail here is nothing short of extraordinary.
Criniti’s – Brighton Le Sands, NSW
Criniti’s has long been known for its generous servings and larger-than-life Italian spirit, but the Brighton Le Sands outpost takes that theatrical flair to an Instagram-worthy level. Overlooking the water, this bustling venue is where rustic meets refined - from candlelit booths and neon accents to giant wood-fired pizzas that make a statement before they even hit the table. It’s group dining with spectacle, ideal for sharing both plates and pics.
On the menu, it’s a festival of indulgence. Towering pizzas stretch up to two metres long, loaded with everything from marinated lamb and potato to garlic aioli drizzles. Cheeseburger spring rolls, served with mustard aioli and a tomato dipping sauce, are quirky crowd-pleasers with TikTok appeal and for a true ‘camera eats first’ moment, the linguine with King prawns, nduja and cherry tomatoes in Napoli sauce offers both colour and class - best captured mid-twirl.
Chica Chica – Ettalong Beach, NSW
Chica Chica brings South American swagger to Ettalong Beach, combining coastal charm with the fiery flavours of Latin America. Just five minutes from the water, this newly opened venue is as much about the vibe as the food - earthy tones, coastal-chic furnishings and a breezy indoor-outdoor dining space make it an ideal backdrop for vibrant, cocktail-laced feasts.
The plates are practically made for social media. Wood-fired Moreton Bay bugs arrive glistening under a slather of gaucho butter, flanked by Wagyu tallow potatoes and BBQ corn ribs that pop with char and spice. Scallops with pork belly and chipotle lime drizzle make for one of the prettiest small plates around, while beef cheek tacos and flamed tequila prawns dial up the drama. Add a Margarita with a salted rim and you’ve got yourself the kind of meal that deserves a carousel post.
Whether you’re chasing flavour, ambience or that elusive shot that breaks a hundred likes, these venues serve up the perfect marriage of style and substance. From native-ingredient artistry in Carlton to coastal Latin fire in Ettalong, each spot proves that in the world of food, beauty really can be more than skin deep. So, charge your phone, grab your appetite and let your next meal be as photogenic as it is unforgettable.
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