The 11 best restaurants in Australia
The gastronomic panorama of Australia arises from a combination of high-quality local produce, a curious gastronomic outlook, and diverse cultural influences brought in by waves of immigrants. It is a playground for culinary artists, where boundary-pushing chefs coexist with affordable eateries that offer dishes with robust, audacious flavours. Although Melbourne and Sydney often come to blows as culinary heavyweights, the laid-back tropical allure of Brisbane is not to be missed. Our curation of the 11 premier dining establishments on the East Coast of Australia is the fruit of a three-month gastronomic journey across the country, aiming to uncover the ideal spots for a marvelous midday meal.
Best restaurants in Sydney
WHERE TO EAT IN SYDNEY
Mr Wong
This place is vast, with two massive floors of tables and endless perches at the bar. But the queues are still huge. And what a restaurant. It's beautiful, with a touch of a Thirties Shanghai teahouse, a modern open kitchen, huge wooden columns and rattan-back chairs. The smiley staff are sleek and well-dressed. Dishes are Cantonese-style, with forays into the provinces of Sichuan and Hunan. Dim sum is delicate and divine, and the meats are as good as you'll find anywhere in the city. Roast duck comes on the bone with shiny lacquered skin, while the barbecued char siu pork is pure porcine crack. Then there's the mud crab, a contender for greatest crustacean in the world, whose sweet, delicate white meat is available different ways. Go for the peppery Singapore-style and prepare to get mucky. Stir-fried clams are light and fresh and unencumbered by corn flour. And the poached chicken-and-jellyfish salad thrills with both its texture and clean taste. Mr Wong might be relatively new, but he's swiftly established himself very much as the man in the know.
Address: Mr Wong, 3 Bridge Lane, Sydney
Telephone: +61 29240 3000
Website: merivale.com.au/mrwong
Price: About £60 for two
House
There's a small area, halfway between the CBD and Surry Hills, which chef and restaurateur Sujet Saenkham has made pretty much his own. Spice I Am is perhaps the most famous of his numerous - and very high quality - Thai joints, but it's House that is my favourite. It's laid-back, unpretentious and comprises a tiny room, with plenty of tables outside under an awning. You can bring your own booze or get it from the bar next door, then get stuck into some of the best Isaan tucker outside Thailand. The food in the north-east of the country is salty, sour and bracingly hot. No coconut-milk relief here. This is the real thing - with all those wonderfully pongy, fishy tangs still intact. The nam priks (spicy relish) are excellent, and despite being an integral part of all Thai food, rarely seen in Western restaurants. Jaew bong (fermented-fish sauce) is perfect for eating with fresh herbs and vegetables, while the larb ped made with duck could hold its head up high back in its home country. Gang gai naw mai dong, or fermented bamboo-shoot curry, might smell a little odd, but the flavour is both intense and thrilling. Those in search of more visceral delights will find much to gorge on; soups with egg embryo or beef guts are firm favourites, and surprisingly delicate too. On a balmy night in Sydney, there's nowhere else I'd rather be than here, sweating gently from an excess of chilli and slugging ice-cold Singha beer.
Address: House, 202 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, Sydney
Telephone: +61 29280 0364
Website: spiceiam.com
Price: About £25 for two
The Apollo
I'm rather ashamed to admit that Greek food had never got me too hot and bothered. A spanking-fresh fish grilled over vines and served on a remote beach, with sand between one's toes, is pretty civilised. And I'm a sucker for decent taramasalata. But moussaka is little more than a lasagne with an identity crisis. And as for stuffed vine leaves, get thee away, Satan. Then I went to The Apollo and changed my mind within a few bites. The room is cavernous but warm, and the menu a quiet revelation. Taramasalata is rich, majestic and salty, miles removed from the usual lurid pink goo. Piles of steaming-hot pittas are served with everything, and the spinach-and-cheese pie is softly splendid. The grilled dishes are every bit as fine: plump, slightly sour sausages gleaming with fat; sumac-and-chilli sardines blistered from the charcoal; slow-cooked lamb shoulder with lemon yogurt to share, although I wanted every luscious last scrap to myself. A noble end for any young sheep and one of the best dishes I ate in Australia. The Greek wines are interesting too, such as the light, lithe Gaia Thalassitis Assyrtiko.
Address: The Apollo, 44 Macleay Street, Potts Point, Sydney
Telephone: +61 28354 0888
Website: theapollo.com.au
Price: About £30 for two
Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta: Sydney's Hidden Treasure
In the heart of Bondi, my family and I discovered an authentic gastronomical paradise, North Bondi Fish, during our three-month stay. However, we fell head over heels for a quaint gem tucked away amidst the golden sparkle of Bondi - Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta. The rustic charm of the sea, sand, and the vibrant urbanscape found an edible echo in the interactive and intimate setting of Da Orazio.
The authentic Neapolitan pizzas here are a treat, with perfectly charred crusts lavished with a touch of San Marzano tomato sauce and a generous helping of original toppings. Here's a fun fact: the dough is fermented for 48 hours to give it a delightful and unique chewiness you are unlikely to forget. There is an exclusive pizza option for the younger patrons too, featuring a pair of adorable dough-fashioned rabbit ears.
But what truly sets Da Orazio's menu apart is their special-of-the-day - a whole-roasted porchetta seasoned with herbs. They serve it until stocks last and it's a huge hit amongst the regulars. The porchetta-focaccia and Abruzzo-style lamb skewers are some other must-try options. Steeped in class and casual flair, Da Orazio is the kind of spot where you can comfortably walk in right after a day out at the beach.
Location: Da Orazio Pizza + Porchetta, Shop LG09, The Hub 75-79, Hall Street, Bondi, Sydney< | Contact: + 61 28090 6969 | Website: daorazio.com
Estimated Cost: Around £35 for a meal for two
Best restaurants in Melbourne
WHERE TO EAT IN MELBOURNE
Chin Chin
Positioned smack in the center of Melbourne's bustling business district is Chin Chin, a restaurant that's not only vibrant but extremely lively. Its extensive menu and lively vibe might be overwhelming to some, and large groups only may reserve. However, this downtown gem provides a heartfelt and soulful culinary experience that you won't want to miss. The main star here is Asian cuisine, primarily Thai, that's skillfully crafted to take your taste buds on an exciting journey. Each dish is a testament to Executive chef Benjamin Cooper's expertise, who honed his skills under the renowned chef, David Thompson. Relish in the exquisite Thai specialties such as the fiery pork jungle curry and som tam (green-papaya salad), which are so authentically prepared that nothing's lost in translation.
The menu here is all about balance and harmony between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy tastes. Enjoy the tangy kick of a citrus-and-chili-infused larb gai (minced-chicken salad), which then makes way for a serving of the rich pad see ew (stir-fried rice noodles) accompanied by a hearty serving of slow-braised wagyu beef and rolled noodles. Some dishes like the massaman curry are comforting, while others like the DIY spring rolls are crisp and refreshing. For those seeking an extra kick, you can customize their dishes with different varieties of chili - fresh, dried, or even in jam form. What sets Chin Chin apart is its combination of swift, efficient service and the warmth it extends to its patrons. Remember, the experience might involve a queue during peak hours, but it's a small price to pay for tasting a slice of Melbourne's culinary excellence.
Location: Chin Chin, 125 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Contact: +61 38663 2000
Visit: chinchinrestaurant.com.au
Cost: Approximately £55 for two
Evoking the spirit of a contemporary Phileas Fogg, the restaurant's kitchen delves into cuisines from around the world with a modern twist and a dash of adventurousness.
Mamak
Don't be deterred by the unassuming exterior of Mamak, where bustling activity and the distinct aroma of cooking hint at what's to come. Expectedly, the establishment is always buzzing, with patrons lining the sidewalks, eagerly watching chefs cloaked in black masterfully stretching dough into gossamer-thin sheets. Mamak, with its heart rooted in roti-making, is the brainchild of three Malaysian natives who yearned to bring the vibrant street food culture of Kuala Lumpur to Australia. What started as a humble food stall has now branched into two stationary locations in Sydney and another in Melbourne.
Their versatile roti offerings play with both sweet and savoury palates, from coconut and banana infusions to spice-laden meat and cabbages. These tender, buttery flatbreads come accompanied by a subtly sweet lentil curry, a gravy enriched with fish, and the bold sambal sauce - a fiery condiment that truly intensifies the eating experience. The repeated ritual of tearing the roti, dipping into the sauce, and indulging in its flavours, is what Mamak's charm is all about.
The eatery's ethos lies in simplicity and efficiency, reflected in their limited menu, swift service and predominantly shared seating. However, beyond the acclaimed roti, patrons can enjoy succulent, perfectly charred satays and a selection of well-crafted fish curries. There's also an authentic rendition of nasi lemak, complete with creamy coconut-milk rice and the crunch of long beans fried with sambal and prawn paste. But make no mistake, the soul of Mamak remains unabashedly within its magnificent bread creation.
Address: Mamak, 366 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Telephone: +61 39670 3137
Website: mamak.com.au
Price: A tasty yet affordable experience, with an approximate cost of £35 for a duo.
Bistro Guillaume
OK, so it may be tucked away in the Crown casino complex. And in the UK, we're not used to much more than turgid dim sum when sitting at a roulette table, but things are rather different in Australia. The Fat Duck popped up here for six months, one floor above. And Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is settling in permanently. There's also Nobu and Neil Perry's Spice Temple, so Bistro Guillaume is in esteemed company. And Guillaume Brahimi is one hell of a chef. His main restaurant in Sydney is adored by critics and punters alike. At his Melbourne outpost, he concentrates on the classics: wonderful crisp-skinned chicken with a serious flavour punch, cooked on a rotisserie, or a pert watercress salad with pear, Roquefort and walnut vinaigrette - as good as I've eaten anywhere in France. As are the moules marinières, which reminded me how delicious this easy dish can be. Plus, home-smoked salmon; soft, seductive rillettes and a damn good wine list too. For pudding, the lemon tart has blissfully crumbling pastry. Simple, yet spot on - it's the sort of French food we all crave, but find all too rarely.
Address: Bistro Guillaume, Crown Entertainment Complex, Southbank, Melbourne
Telephone: +61 39292 4751
Website: bistroguillaumemelbourne.com.au
Price: About £65 for two
Estelle Bistro
Scott Pickett, esteemed chef and owner of Estelle Bistro, located on Melbourne's north side, is not just a friend but a culinary mastermind. We experienced a unique bonding during our time shooting the standout Australian TV series, The Hotplate, an experience I cherish till date. Pickett's exceptional ability to blend varied flavours and create dishes that excite the palate is truly praiseworthy. His culinary journey began under the guidance of Phil Howard at The Square in London before he returned to Australia and opened Estelle. The bistro exhibits a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance, boasting concrete and brick walls, a warm wooden bar, a lush decorative green wall, and an open kitchen.
Estelle is characterized by a gastronomy that focuses on fresh ingredients cooked to perfection, promising an unpretentious yet tantalizing menu. From the delightful jamón-and-Manchego croquettes to the Cantabrian anchovies presented with romesco sauce, every single dish is a feast for the senses. Their beef cheek, slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection and served with creamy, buttery mash, is an absolute must-try. And if you are a vegetarian, their cauliflower-and-Taleggio risotto is an umami-packed delight that will surely bring you back for more.
Fun fact, Estelle Bistro was a finalist in the Best Service category of the 2018 Restaurant & Catering Awards. And answered the growing customer demand for sustainable dining, in 2020, Estelle Bistro was awarded a Green Table certificate for their significant contribution to sustainable practices in the restaurant industry.
Address: Estelle Bistro, 243 High Street, Northcote, Melbourne
Telephone: +61 39489 4609
Website: estellebistro.com
Price estimate: Approximately £80 for a meal for two
Best restaurants in Brisbane
WHERE TO EAT IN BRISBANE
Bird's Nest
Just beside the great, brown Brisbane River is Bird's Nest, which specialises in yakitori (grilled-chicken skewers). In fact, the two owners, best friends Emi Kamada and Marie Yokoyama, are so obsessed they went to Japan for six months to learn from a master. The pair also import all their own Japanese wood and serve up every bit of the chicken, from skin and cartilage to heart and arteries. Don't worry about the odd bits, they're all wonderful, in both texture and flavour. Heck, these girls are good cooks - they were also the winners on the TV show The Hotplate. Tori chazuke is rice and seaweed with hot chicken broth poured on top. But that broth is the very essence of the chook. Dashimaki tamago, another staple, is a perfect version of the Japanese omelette, served with another impeccable dashi broth. The room is small but well formed. And there's now outside seating, an ideal spot for chicken on sticks and a few cold Sapporos.
Address: Bird's Nest, Shop 5, 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
Telephone: +61 73844 4306
Website: birdsnestrestaurant.com.au
Price: About £25 for two
Public
Public sits in a non-descript CBD tower block, and the only way in is up an escalator. The design - Ikea meets Manhattan loft via the local butcher - has the requisite tiled walls and concrete floors, but somehow rises above cliché. It helps that the service is truly lovely, and that Public likes to take risks. The menu skips across the globe like a modern-day Phileas Fogg, albeit an explorer armed with a Pacojet, smoke gun and a taste for insects. There are shades of Ferran Adrià and René Redzepi in its takes on dude-food classics. With foams chucked in. My idea of hell normally, but not here. Ants sit atop some delicious hot-smoked salmon and give it a welcome citric tang; it's a clever dish and one that works too. Then the brisket arrives on a great chunk of wood with hot sauce in a mini milk bottle. The meat is slow-cooked but lacks the smoke I expect from true Texas barbecue. KFD (Kentucky Fried Duck) sees a return to form: beautifully fried into nuggets and seasoned with a lavish hand. Fossilised carrots, cooked in ash, come draped in lardo. Chef Damon Amos has real talent, and Public, a place entirely without pomp or attitude, is a blast. For visitors wishing to explore more of Australia's vibrant dining scene beyond Public, a strategic base is required.
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Address: Public, A: Upper Level 1, 400 George Street, Brisbanehttps://lovepublic.com.au/#contact
Telephone: +61 73210 2288
Website: lovepublic.com.au
Price: About £45 for two
Taro's Ramen
Just as Bird's Nest is a master of yakitori, Taro really knows its ramen. It serves two styles of the noodle soup: tonkotsu - rich, creamy and deeply savoury - and the more subtle, unprepossessing shoyu, a soy-sauce-based broth. I'm obsessed with its Fire tonkotsu ramen, with dried and fresh chillies as well as chilli oil. The burn is subtle, though, and never detracts from the broth or the springy, hand-pulled noodles. Most of the soups come with slices of pork neck, seasoned egg, nori and smoked bamboo shoots, so you can pimp and pamper to your heart's desire. There's also golden karaage (Japanese fried chicken). And very good gyoza too. If you're planning a food pilgrimage to taste all this authentic Japanese cuisine, don't forget to book top rated hotels in Australia on tophotels.com to make your experience undeniably wonderful.
Address: Taro's Ramen, L2 480 Queen Street, Brisbane
Telephone: +61 73839 4840
Website: taros.com.au
Price: About £30 for two
