A new study has revealed Australia’s top hidden gem restaurants – can you guess which dining destination came out on top?
The study, conducted by the research team at restaurant marketing agency SEO for Restaurants, collected and analysed restaurants in Australia's top 10 most populated cities using Google Maps data. They focused on establishments with 100-300 reviews and ratings of 4.5 or higher, scoring them based on rating (70%) and number of reviews (30%) to identify the true hidden gems of Australia's culinary landscape.
Exhibition Restaurant in Brisbane tops the list with an overall score of 90.07. The restaurant has a rating of 4.9 and 277 reviews in total and also currently holds a 16 in the 2024 AGFG Chef Hat Awards. Built deep underground in the Metro Arts Theatre of Brisbane, Exhibition is an intimate 24-seat restaurant which provides guests with a rare multi-sensory dining experience.
In the truest sense of escapism, Exhibition continues the legacy of live theatrical displays, visual arts and performance that lives on forever in a 130-year-old building; while the menu takes inspiration from Japanese-style omakase dining meaning the Chef will choose what’s being served each evening to guests.
Peasants Paradice (Perth) and Hokkaiya Japanese Restaurant (Hamilton, NSW) follow closely in second and third place, scoring 89.44 and 87.82 respectively.
Embark on a journey of the diversity of African cuisine at Peasants Paradice, where a modern interpretation of African flavour influences receives a twist, while a partnership with Homeless Health Care sees the restaurant give back to the community to shed light on the socioeconomic issues affecting the homeless across Perth.
Newcastle’s Hokkaiya restaurant dishes up traditional Japanese fare such as sushi, ramen, Udon and rice from its unassuming frontage, tucked away in the hustle and bustle of Beaumont Street. With only a handful of tables inside and some modest outdoor seating, this venue feels understated and intimate, making it one of the area’s true hidden gems.
The study shows high-quality dining options across various cuisines, from Japanese and Thai to Mexican and French, demonstrating Australia's diverse and vibrant food scene beyond major dining hubs.
Andrea Abbondanza, CEO of SEO for Restaurants, says:
"Our study highlights the culinary landscape of Australia's lesser-known dining scene, offering food enthusiasts a chance to experience something truly special that most others might overlook. These restaurants embody the essence of what travellers seek when they hunt for hidden gems – a unique, authentic experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail.
"By dining at these lesser-known establishments, visitors get to appreciate Australian cities through a local's point of view. It's like having a friend in each city who knows just where to go for an unforgettable meal. This approach not only enhances the travel experience but also supports local businesses that are the backbone of Australia's diverse food scene.
"What's particularly exciting is the geographic spread of these top-rated restaurants. From Brisbane to Perth, and Adelaide to Wollongong, it's clear that authentic, high-quality dining experiences are waiting to be discovered in every corner of Australia. These hidden gems offer a taste of local culture and creativity that you simply can't find in guidebooks or popular food chains."
The full top 10 ‘hidden gem’ restaurants from the study are:
1) Exhibition Restaurant – Brisbane
2) Peasants Paradice – Perth
3) Hokkaiya Japanese Restaurant – Newcastle
4) Que Onda Wey! Adelaide – Adelaide
5) Doya’s Espresso – Wollongong
6) VALYN Thai Restaurant & Bar – Gold Coast
7) HUMBUG – Newcastle
7) Buck’s Café – Wollongong
9) Nakha chhe – Canberra
10) KOTO Japanese Restaurant – Canberra
