For those who believe that a great meal is only made better by an exceptional wine pairing, Australia is home to an array of restaurants that take their wine lists as seriously as their menus. Whether you’re sipping a glass of Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir with freshly caught seafood or indulging in a robust McLaren Vale Shiraz alongside wood-fired pizza, these venues showcase the best of Australia’s culinary and viticultural prowess. Here are five standout destinations where fine dining meets fine wine.
Noosa Beach House Restaurant – Noosa Heads, QLD
Perched in the heart of Noosa Heads on the iconic Hastings Street, Noosa Beach House Restaurant embodies breezy coastal sophistication. With its crisp whitewashed tones, lively bar space and lush greenery spilling from wicker baskets, this venue is both stylish and relaxed—a fitting reflection of its chic beachfront surroundings. Whether you’re dropping by for a casual drink and snacks or settling in for an elegant dinner, the space invites you to embrace the easygoing yet refined atmosphere that Noosa is famous for.
Start with an indulgent Wagyu beef tartare, served with anchovy cream, cured egg yolk and bone marrow toast—a dish that sings when paired with a glass of Pinot Noir. Mains continue the culinary journey with a Moreton Bay bug bisque, enriched with clams, fennel and a garlic crouton. Those craving something rich and gamey should opt for the wild venison backstrap, complemented by earthy beetroot, blackberry, juniper and cocoa. With a wine list championing local and international varietals, this is a true oenophile’s paradise.
Beach Road Winery & Restaurant – McLaren Vale, SA
Nestled in the heart of McLaren Vale, Beach Road Winery & Restaurant delivers everything a wine lover could ask for: sprawling vineyard views, rustic charm and an Italian-inspired menu designed to complement its exceptional wine selection. The open-air deck is the perfect place to sip on a crisp 2021 Fiano—an aromatic white with notes of toasted crumpets, orange blossom and honey—while taking in the rolling hills of one of Australia’s premier wine regions.
The kitchen’s wood-fired oven churns out gourmet pizzas that elevate the experience, such as the Beach Supreme—a vibrant combination of salami, sun-dried tomato, feta, olives, mozzarella and parsley on a rich tomato base. If you’re after something lighter, begin your meal with housemade arancini, served on tzatziki with rocket and Parmesan. End on a sweet note with their decadent sticky date pudding, perfectly matched with a late-harvest Viognier.
Martha’s Table – Safety Beach, VIC
At Martha’s Table, dining is more than just a meal—it’s an immersive experience. Located on the glistening marina of Safety Beach, this Mornington Peninsula gem blends rustic elegance with a Mediterranean flair. The space is adorned with recycled timber, elegant glassware and an extensive bar that ensures no glass goes empty. Whether you’re after an intimate dinner or a long, leisurely lunch, this waterfront haven delivers a menu that evolves with the seasons, celebrating the region’s rich produce.
Start with a playful yet refined spanner crab donut, topped with crème fraîche, caviar and beach natives. Then, for a truly indulgent main, the grilled rock lobster with café de Paris butter is a must-try, accompanied by wood-fired carrots, Peninsula greens and crisp French fries. Dry-aged duck breast with neck sausage, pickled kohlrabi and lavender is another standout, best paired with a local drop for a seamless balance of richness and acidity.
Taste. by Bold Cuisine – Devonport, TAS
For a culinary experience that celebrates Tasmania’s world-class produce, look no further than Taste. by Bold Cuisine (13). Situated in Devonport, this modern Australian restaurant takes a meticulous approach to dining, ensuring that each dish is perfectly paired with a thoughtful selection of wines. The sophisticated yet welcoming ambience sets the tone for an evening of indulgence, where bold flavors and precise execution take center stage.
The menu highlights Tasmania’s finest, starting with roasted scallops, served with Kilpatrick butter and crispy prosciutto, or a delicate beef carpaccio with roasted olives and pecorino. Move on to a show-stopping main of Atlantic salmon, beautifully complemented by roast carrot flan, fried potato and apple cream. The lamb cutlet with lamb tortellini, purple sweet potato and crushed peas is another must-try, offering depth and complexity that pairs beautifully with a Tasmanian cool-climate Shiraz.
The Rabbit Hole Inn at Harvest Home – Avenel, VIC
Steeped in history and brimming with charm, The Rabbit Hole Inn at Harvest Home is a destination in itself. Tucked away in the regional town of Avenel, this heritage-listed venue exudes French countryside allure, complete with flagstone floors, recycled timber and a lush outdoor garden. Whether you’re here for a long lunch or a romantic dinner, the menu offers a refined take on European flavors, all designed to be enjoyed with a well-curated selection of wines.
Start with slow-cooked pork noisettes, paired with a tangy sauce gribiche, mustard cress and a shallot salad—a dish that begs for a glass of aged Chardonnay. For the main event, indulge in a luxurious French lamb ragu, tossed through hand-rolled fettuccine and finished with parsley and Parmesan. If seafood is more your style, the poached barramundi with leeks, potato Parisian and blue swimmer crab in a delicate fish broth is an elegant and comforting choice.
Australia’s vibrant wine culture is matched only by its exceptional culinary scene, and these restaurants are the proof. Whether you’re indulging in a fine Tasmanian Pinot Noir, a bold McLaren Vale Shiraz, or a crisp Mornington Peninsula Chardonnay, these venues ensure every sip is as memorable as the meal. So next time you're in the mood to wine and dine, let these destinations lead the way—after all, life’s too short for anything less than a perfect pairing.
