There’s something undeniably satisfying about a well-executed prix fixe menu. It's culinary curation at its best - tight, thoughtful and often exceptional value. Whether you're in the mood for seafood by the coast, a vineyard-view degustation or CBD indulgence, these five venues offer set menus that are anything but standard. Let’s dive into where the prix fixe experience reaches new heights.
Garfish Crows Nest – Crows Nest, NSW
Tucked into the leafy backstreets of Crows Nest, Garfish blends the ease of neighbourhood dining with the polish of a refined seafood house. The interiors are understated and elegant, pairing sleek indoor comfort with alfresco tables that spill onto Holtermann Street - a popular perch come sunny afternoons. With its European inflections and relaxed luxury, this is a venue that draws regulars and first-timers alike for long lunches and early evening escapes.
Seafood takes centre stage on Garfish’s prix fixe menu, with dishes like petuna ocean trout tataki balancing freshness with umami depth, topped with sea purslane and a hit of wasabi ponzu. For mains, expect bold hits like char-grilled Moreton Bay bugs dressed in herbaceous lemon butter or an aromatic Sri Lankan curry with King prawns and fish, served alongside a bright cucumber pickle and pea pilaf. To end, the sticky date pudding drenched in butterscotch is pure nostalgic bliss.
Malt Dining – Brisbane CBD, Qld
A true city hideaway, Malt Dining is a three-storey heritage venue offering an elevated dining experience in Brisbane’s bustling Market Street precinct. A tapestry of exposed brick, timber beams and mood lighting gives the Attic dining room a sense of vintage charm mixed with modern polish. From romantic date nights to corporate lunches that impress, Malt makes a strong case for the enduring appeal of timeless hospitality.
The prix fixe offering at Malt is a celebration of balance - flavours, textures and presentation all working in harmony. Dishes such as spanner crab with heirloom tomato and raspberry feel as light as they are complex, while mains like Brisbane Valley quail with fig and sesame show off the kitchen’s commitment to seasonal nuance. Finish on a sweet note with a brownie served with passionfruit and ginger caramel that lingers well after the last spoonful.
The Line & Label – Port Lincoln, SA
Perched above rows of vines at Peter Teakle Wines, The Line & Label is more than a restaurant - it’s an architectural marvel. Bluestone walls and timber ceilings meet a roaring fireplace and luxe furnishings to create a space that’s both grand and grounded. With halo lighting overhead and a constant view of the vineyard below, it’s easy to lose track of time here in the best possible way.
The 'Trust the Chef' five-course tasting is a love letter to Port Lincoln’s local produce. Expect standout plates like hiramasa sashimi elegantly paired with ginger, caviar and daikon, followed by rich dishes like Scotch fillet with porcini cream, or kingfish collar in karaage-style crispiness. This is Modern Australian cuisine at its most expressive - dishes that highlight the landscape, both sea and soil.
Hamilton Island Golf Clubhouse – Hamilton Island, Qld
Dining at Hamilton Island Golf Clubhouse feels like stepping into a postcard. Set atop Dent Island, with sweeping views of the Whitsundays and Passage Peak, the venue offers more than just a meal - it delivers an experience. Accessible via boat, the journey is part of the charm, making the arrival feel like a mini escape.
The $109 pp lunch package is impressively curated and includes a return ferry trip, making it an excellent option for both visitors and locals. Kick off with seared scallops and pickled fennel before diving into standout mains like slow-cooked Wagyu flank with café de Paris butter or pan-roasted chicken on truffle pavé potato. Desserts like toasted coconut panna cotta seal the deal on a menu that's luxurious but never overcomplicated.
Green Fields Bar + Restaurant – Robina, Qld
On the rooftop of The Kitchens in Robina, Green Fields Bar + Restaurant offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience framed by spectacular views of the Gold Coast Hinterland. Sleek lines, a palette of earth tones and a light-drenched dining room make this the go-to spot for locals seeking seasonal eats with a side of serenity.
The two or three-course lunch offering is a true celebration of Queensland’s produce. Start with inventive dishes like tuna tartare with crispy rice cake and sriracha Kewpie, or a hearty terrine layered with duck and shiitake. For mains, the braised barramundi in Vermouth brings a velvety richness, while pork belly with tamarind caramel offers just the right amount of crunch and tang.
Whether you're in it for the long lunch, a pre-theatre bite or simply want to savour quality dining without the decision fatigue, these venues are proving that prix fixe doesn’t have to mean predictable. Curated, clever and crafted with care - this is set menu dining done right.
