Some restaurants are simply venues. Others are an extension of the Chef themselves — every dish a signature, every flavour a quiet autobiography. The following five destinations are where the person behind the pass shapes the dining experience just as much as the ingredients on the plate. From the spice-driven streets of Lane Cove to the breezy coastline of Lennox Head, these kitchens tell stories you can taste.
Tucked into the leafy elegance of Riversdale Road, Choi’s presents a refined expression of Chinese dining without losing its welcoming warmth. Behind an understated exterior lies a space of polished timber, artful lighting and an atmosphere that feels both intimate and celebratory. The Chef’s commitment to timeless culinary craft ensures every banquet or casual meal feels like a special occasion, whether you’re marking a milestone or just a Monday.
The menu is a love letter to both tradition and innovation.
Open with the gentle bite of spicy salted scallops or the delicate perfume of
steamed Shanghai crab meat dumplings brightened with red vinegar and fresh
ginger. Mains may feature live mud crab tangled in a fragrant chilli sauce or
lamb cloaked in glossy Mongolian hoisin, sizzling on the plate alongside
steamed rice and greens.
Secure your table and let Choi’s take you on a journey of flavour.
Boss Pizzeria - Camberwell, VIC
In the back streets of Camberwell, Boss Pizzeria radiates the kind of charm that blends old-world pizza mastery with Melbourne cool. Just steps from the train station on Cookson Street, its rustic brick walls and cheeky red neon glow signal that you’re in for more than just a slice — you’re here for an attitude, a vibe and a wood-fired embrace. Street-side seating on warm evenings pairs perfectly with an icy beer and the hum of passing locals.
The Boss pizza is the signature, layering San Marzano
tomato, creamy mascarpone, Parmigiano, prosciutto di Parma and fresh rocket on
a blistered base. Traditionalists can find comfort in the Napoletana, where
fior di latte meets the briny pop of anchovies, olives and capers, rounded with
oregano and extra virgin olive oil. For dessert, the wood-fired oven makes a
second appearance with Nutella-filled pastry served alongside strawberry
compote and ice cream.
On the sun-washed shores of Lennox Head, Shelter is the epitome of relaxed coastal elegance. Positioned on Pacific Parade, its bifold windows welcome ocean breezes while tables dressed in crisp linen encourage long, leisurely meals. Whether you’re starting the day after a beach walk or settling in for dinner as the sky fades to pink, this is a space designed for comfort, conversation and lingering.
The kitchen works almost exclusively with local, sustainable
produce, translating the seasons into dishes with understated precision.
Breakfast might bring avocado toast brightened with chilli crunch, pickled
onion, herb salad and perfectly poached eggs. Later, plates like grilled
octopus with lime, chilli and crispy garlic make way for beef enriched with
massaman glaze, crisp shoestring potatoes, pumpkin seeds and a side of seasonal
greens.
Reserve your spot and make Shelter your coastal dining retreat.
NOVA Balinese Kitchen - Newtown, VIC
Along Pakington Street in Newtown, NOVA Balinese Kitchen captures the soul of Bali with a modern, minimalist sensibility. The warm lighting and curated décor speak to a deep respect for the island’s dining culture, while the menu delivers traditional flavours through a contemporary lens. It’s a place where every detail — from the ceramics to the pacing of service — works to transport you somewhere else entirely.
Highlights include the sate ayam, charcoal-grilled chicken
skewers crowned with velvety peanut sauce, and the kari kambing, where lamb is
slow-cooked until meltingly tender in a sauce layered with aromatic spices. For
something distinctly celebratory, the ayam betutu — chicken Maryland with
lemongrass, ginger, roasted peanuts and Balinese greens — offers a festival of
texture and aroma. Finish with bubur hitam, pandan black rice pudding topped
with coconut ice cream, for a final taste of the tropics.
Plan your visit and discover the flavours of Bali without leaving Geelong.
Seven Spices on Burns Bay Road reimagines Indian cuisine with a flair that’s as modern as it is soulful. Its warmly lit interior and inviting ambience make it equally suited to a family gathering or an intimate dinner for two. The Chef’s approach is part preservation, part reinvention — respecting the roots of traditional recipes while daring to fold in unexpected elements.
The tandoor plays a starring role here, yielding dishes like
lamb kebabs paired with kochumber and edamame salad, mint chutney, lemon wrap
and a vivid saffron chilli foam. For mains, the mint and coriander baby goat
curry is a masterclass in balanced heat and aromatic depth, served with steamed
basmati rice and indulgent garlic and cheese naan. End on a sweet note with
carrot halwa, kulfi and pistachio for a dessert that feels both decadent and
comforting.
Book a table and let Seven Spices spice up your evening.
Some Chefs hide quietly in the kitchen. The ones in these five venues don’t just cook — they converse, express and leave their signature in every mouthful. You walk away having dined not just on food, but on a piece of the Chef’s story.
