Modern dining may be all about innovation, but there’s something undeniably charming about a restaurant steeped in history. Whether it’s a century-old church repurposed into a fine dining haven or a Queenslander serving up hearty café classics, heritage venues offer a unique fusion of past and present. These five restaurants not only honour their storied pasts but also serve up some of the most indulgent dishes you’ll find.
Tucked away in the lush Illawarra escarpment, Ruby’s is a hidden gem housed in a historic miner’s cottage on Harry Graham Drive. This beautifully restored venue, complete with original floorboards, open fireplaces and memorabilia, transports diners to a time when meals were savoured and stories were shared by candlelight. Whether you choose an intimate dining room, a grand marquee with bushland views or the cosy main space, Ruby’s is all about celebrating history with heart.
The menu is an ever-evolving celebration of Modern Australian flavours through seasonal degustation experiences. Start with confit ocean trout, onion soubise and pickled fennel, paired with a crisp Spy Valley Pinot Gris. Then, dive into tender pork tenderloin with smoked hock, carrot purée and Dutch carrots. For dessert, a decadent white chocolate ricotta cheesecake rounds out the experience. Or, for those wanting the full journey, the five or seven-course degustation features delights like roast duck breast with braised leg, baby leeks, silverbeet, chestnut and pine mushroom soil - a true feast of finesse.
Hope & Anchor – Paddington, Qld
Set inside a heritage-listed 19th-Century bakery, Hope & Anchor is Paddington’s answer to the traditional English pub, infused with Queensland charm. The exposed sandstone walls, warm timber panelling and golden lighting create a welcoming atmosphere where history lingers in every corner. Whether you settle into a leather booth upstairs or sip a pint in the courtyard, this is a place where old-world character meets contemporary hospitality.
Expect classic pub fare, elevated. Begin with smoked Wagyu tataki, dressed in ponzu with a punchy parsley emulsion, radish and sesame. Then, opt for the sous vide lamb rump, plated with snow peas, fresh mint, milk mayo and a hint of native pepper. If you're craving a heartier bite, the pulled chipotle brisket sandwich - stacked with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato and jalapeño mayo on sourdough - delivers on all fronts. For those leaning into refined British-inspired dining, duck breast with radicchio, orange, radish and a tapioca cracker is a must-try.
Housed in a breathtakingly restored church, St Marks in Bridport combines heritage charm with an elevated dining experience. The gabled wooden ceilings, leadlight windows and inviting booths make this a stunning setting for a long lunch or an indulgent dinner. A covered alfresco area offers a perfect spot to soak up the seaside town’s relaxed vibe while sipping on a locally crafted cocktail.
The menu is a masterclass in refined comfort food. Brunch-goers can start their day with a luxurious pulled pork eggs Benedict, complete with a golden potato rosti and braised cabbage. Sun-dried tomato arancini with tomato and walnut pesto offer a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess. As the evening sets in, the perfectly cooked eye fillet takes centre stage - served with silky pumpkin purée, roasted garlic potatoes and a rich red wine reduction. For those after a taste of Italy, the Tuscan chicken with Paris mash, a luscious creamy sauce and sides of roasted pumpkin and fries make for a hearty yet elegant choice.
The Heritage House – Kenthurst, NSW
A visit to The Heritage House feels like stepping into a bygone era of refined dining. This sandstone cottage, nestled on Kenthurst Road, is all about rustic elegance. Manicured gardens and meticulously restored original features set the stage for a sensory experience where every dish delivers on both flavour and nostalgia.
Start with the rich, velvety Angus beef carpaccio, complemented by truffle mayo, potato crisp, arugula, pecorino, eschalots and capers. Or opt for the house favourite - tempura zucchini blossoms, delicately stuffed with King prawns and served with saffron mayo and soft herbs. Pasta lovers can indulge in the arogosta mafalda - silky ribbons of pasta tangled with lobster, chilli, garlic, capers, tomato, Chardonnay and a luscious lobster bisque. For the ultimate sharing experience, the slow-roasted lamb shoulder, glazed with wholegrain veal jus and paired with salsa verde, roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, is a true showstopper.
Perched at the entrance to Maleny, inside a beautifully preserved early 20th-Century Queenslander, Maple 3 Café exudes small-town charm with a sophisticated edge. The timber-clad space, flooded with natural light through bi-fold windows, makes for an inviting spot to linger over a coffee. Whether seated on the deck, soaking up the quaint town vibes, or in the alfresco courtyard surrounded by greenery, this café captures the essence of heritage dining in a relaxed setting.
The menu is as comforting as the venue itself, offering all-day favourites crafted with fresh, local produce. Begin your morning with a hearty bacon, mushroom, cheese, capsicum and avocado omelette or opt for something lighter like the smoked salmon salad - mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, lemon, sour cream and a red wine vinegar dressing. Toasted focaccias and paninis shine at lunch, with options like smoked chicken breast with baby cos, bacon and avocado, delivering a perfect balance of smoky, salty and creamy goodness.
Dining in a heritage venue is about more than just great food - it’s about the experience, the atmosphere and the stories ingrained in the walls. Whether you’re indulging in a fine dining degustation in a miner’s cottage, tucking into a pub meal inside a 19th-Century bakery or sipping coffee in a Queenslander, these heritage dining spots bring the past to life in the most delicious way possible.
