Mediterranean cuisine thrives on the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, with olive oil, fresh herbs and a wide variety of vegetables as the stars of the show.
The flavours are lighter and brighter, allowing the natural essence of the ingredients to shine through. Here in Australia, we are blessed with many great Mediterranean restaurants that take you to the Amalfi Coast without leaving home.
As we continue on our delicious drive around the country checking out Chef Hat-awarded destinations, here are five Mediterranean venues for memorable dining:
Beach-chic Mediterranean Venue
Expect an authentic Mediterranean experience served with a smile at new restaurant on the Byron Bay block, The Hut on Friday Hut Road in Possum Creek. This beach-chic venue calls the Old O’Possum Creek Public School home, projecting a chilled-out coastal vibe with large windows offering garden glimpses, polished wood floors and whitewashed walls softened by potted greenery and an abundance of natural light.
Open for lunch four days a week, the menu celebrates the simplicity of European flavours with a particular focus on Spanish, Greek and Italian dishes; think starters like fried baby squid, aioli, parsley and lemon, or roast beef, tuna mayo and fried capers. Pasta plates like ravioli di mare with cod, potatoes, bisque, caviar and fennel pollen, always entice.
Shared Plates, Fun Wines
Sensory experiences, shared plates and fun wines await discerning foodies at Ates Blackheath on Govetts Leap Road. This Mediterranean dining destination in the beautiful Blue Mountains produces stunning dishes from a 150-year-old ironbark-fuelled oven, championing local and sustainably farmed produce, locally brewed craft beer and wine.
Settle into a rustic vibe of recycled timber, spice-coloured walls and trailing greenery, or head to the covered courtyard where well-worn brick and communal tables are ideal for family catch-ups over plates such as hiramasa kingfish sashimi, mushroom soy, ginger and finger lime.
Unforgettable Dining Experience
Culinary excellence meets the artistry of fine wine in the heart of the Gold Coast at La Bella Cellar on Deodar Drive in Burleigh Heads. Nestled away as a hidden gem, this Chef-hatted destination is a haven for discerning connoisseurs seeking a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
Step into a light, bright and stylish vibe of whitewashed walls and furniture, softened by artwork and potted plants to peruse a menu promising temptations such as a California roll with a twist – crispy nori, Fraser Island spanner crab and oyster leaf; before risotto with Warrigal greens, shaved fennel, preserved lemon and saffron oil.
Atmosphere-driven Dining
Cutting-edge style delivering atmosphere-driven dining is what you will find at Miss Moneypenny's on Surf Parade in Broadbeach. Architecturally designed by leading Australian firm Kelly Designs and taking inspiration from the original Noosa Heads venue of the same name, expect a modern Mediterranean coastal ambience with casual Gold Coast sophistication.
Stroll up from the golden sands of the nearby beach for a starter of grilled Mooloolaba King prawns, red miso garlic butter and pickled seaweed, before sharing signature duck a l’orange – honey, shio koji glazed roasted duck breast, confit legs, radicchio and blood orange.
Coastal Mediterranean Vibes
A sunny waterfront restaurant serving coastal Mediterranean Summer vibes on a private beach at Mosman’s The Spit with views of crystal-clear turquoise waters and luxury yachts…that’s what you’ll find at St Siandra on Lower Parriwi Road. Every day feels like a holiday at this bar, restaurant and events venue emulating the sun-soaked, carefree, fun-loving feeling you get from a trip away.
Be transported to the Mediterranean as you sail through a bottle of bubbles and delight in a menu of vibrant seasonal produce and seafood; dive right in with a starter of Wagyu bresaola, rocket and zuni pickle, then twirl your fork around house favourite spaghetti with King prawns, garlic and chilli oil.
