5 Chef-hatted Restaurants to Find Indulgence Done Right

Indulgent dining done right focuses on quality ingredients, innovative techniques and creating a memorable experience.

It should be more than just a meal, it should be a sensory experience that includes ambience, service and a thoughtful menu.

Here are five Chef-hatted venues from around the country that know how to put the indulgence into dining:

Treat yourself and loved ones to an elegant dining experience at Deer Duck Bistro on Milton Road, an Auchenflower venue with a touch of class. Emanating a distinguished vibe, enjoy a pre-dinner drink in the lounge area from the new bar and cocktail menu before heading to the dining room to delve into a collation of classic European dishes fashioned from premium ingredients boasting mouth-watering capabilities.

 

Order à la carte, or choose one of the degustations, perhaps begin with kangaroo fillet, poached quandong, parsnip and vanilla purée, onion jam and sorrel; followed by venison backstrap, muntries purée, chocolate soil, pepperberry and lemon myrtle jus.

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the God of food, wine and indulgence himself lounging at Bacchus Restaurant, his South Brisbane namesake. Located on the podium level of the Rydges South Bank, this lavish yet inviting venue presents a sensory feast of sparkling chandeliers, rich furnishings, eclectic music and innovative European fare.

 

Equip yourself with a cocktail, direct your gaze to the languid pool, or open kitchen and indulge in an ever-changing array of dishes; think sweet, salty and oh-so-satisfying desserts like luscious popcorn mousse, silky corn custard, rich salted caramel and popcorn crunch.

Located in the heart of Burleigh Heads, head to Jimmy Wah’s on Gold Coast Highway for traditional Vietnamese fare with contemporary style. Find a lively, buzzing vibe in keeping with the GC lifestyle as diners come together over shared-plate dining, celebrating in the joy of delicious food and company.

With a backdrop of classic tunes, chill out with a cheeky cocktail and graze on betel leaves with tempura barramundi, charred corn, peanuts and chilli; before chicken red curry with seasonal greens, crispy shallots and steamed rice. Can’t decide? Just say ‘feed me’ and the Chefs will create a special menu for your table.

Dedicated to providing exceptional dining experiences built on a foundation of the highest quality and passion for culinary excellence, head to Ekhidna Kitchen and Wines on Branson Road in McLaren Vale for a meal to remember. A contemporary Australian seasonal menu takes global inspiration, creating thoughtful yet uncomplicated dishes for all to enjoy.

 

Start small with plates such as vineyard pepper and nori salt calamari, garden leaf, pickled shallot and lime aioli, or kingfish crudo, finger lime, pickled radish, fennel and chilli oil. For the main, delve into char-grilled kangaroo fillet, potato and shallot whip and anise myrtle glaze, best paired with a glass Ekhidna Grenache Shiraz.

Bringing together award-winning beef and classic Italian flavours, The 203 on the corner of Ann and Marshall Streets delivers a steakhouse experience like no other in Fortitude Valley. As Stanbroke’s flagship restaurant, The 203 showcases the very best of paddock-to-plate ethos with all beef exclusively sourced from the Australian, family-owned beef producers, ensuring unmatched quality from farm to table.

 

Find a relaxed yet refined atmosphere with a front-row seat to the magic of the kitchen as you indulge in plates of housemade linguine with fresh lobster, the brightness of limone, the warmth of aglio e olio and a touch of pepperoncino heat – all finished with fragrant basil.