Sometimes the best travel experiences happen without stepping foot on a plane. Across the country, there are dining destinations designed to whisk you away - be it the neon-lit laneways of Tokyo, the sun-washed beaches of the Med, or a fragrant street corner in Mexico City. These restaurants and cafés capture the soul of distant cultures through flavour, atmosphere and detail.
Here are five standout venues where a meal doubles as a mini escape.
Tucked into Darling Street, Cantina Bar injects vibrant Latin flair into Balmain’s charming streetscape. Inspired by the sizzling spirit of Latin America - from Mexico to Cuba - the venue combines street art-style murals, exposed brick and recycled timber to evoke the buzzing ambience of a back-alley taqueria. Inside, 44-gallon drums serve as quirky bar tables while Latin beats set the rhythm for an energetic night out.
The kitchen serves up a curated selection of tacos that lean gourmet without losing their streetwise roots. One crowd favourite sees slow-cooked beef cheek folded into soft tortillas with smoky chipotle, house slaw and a punch of fresh shallot. It’s bold, messy and absolutely moreish. Say arriba to your next taco night.
Bookings recommended for groups and weekend vibes.
Step off Swan Street and into a corner of Paris at Almost French, where buttery pastry aromas and vintage flair set the mood. Created by French-born pâtissier Alex Charasse, this bakery café is a love letter to traditional French technique, with an inviting Melbourne twist. From elegant tarts to perfectly laminated croissants, every item in the cabinet is a little edible masterpiece.
Daily selections range from classic pain au chocolat to show-stopping entremets, all made with premium ingredients and finesse. Whether you’re enjoying a raspberry pistachio gateaux at a pavement table or grabbing a warm baguette to go, each bite captures a moment of French magic.
Pop in and enjoy a slice of Paris without the jet lag.
Kura Robata & Sake – Brunswick East, Vic
Kura Robata & Sake channels Tokyo’s culinary pulse into the heart of Lygon Street. Dark wood, moody lighting and the gentle hiss of charcoal grills set the tone for a dining experience that’s immersive yet unpretentious. 'Kura', meaning cellar in Japanese, reflects the restaurant's reverence for both tradition and precision - with a sake collection to match.
Signature robata dishes like miso-marinated Patagonian toothfish, delicately grilled over hibachi coals, showcase the depth of Japanese technique. Balanced with micro herbs and a bright kabosu dressing, it’s a dish that lingers on the palate long after the last bite.
Book your seat and let the sake flow - this is a night worth savouring.
No 93 BBQ House – Cairnlea, Vic
Tucked away on Kearney Drive, No 93 BBQ House brings a taste of the Philippines to Melbourne’s west with heart, heritage and a contemporary lens. Founded by Chef Joey Tababa, the space is rich with references to Filipino art and culture - from its vivid décor to the menu’s bold reinterpretations of tradition.
A must-try is the pork jowl sisig, served sizzling with caramelised onion, fresh chilli, calamansi and a perfectly runny egg that melts into every bite. It’s the kind of dish that tells a story of place, people and home.
Book in and prepare for a flavour-packed adventure - Filipino hospitality included.
Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restaurant & Bar – Coolangatta, Qld
Perched above Griffith Street with sweeping views of Coolangatta Beach, Cooly Breeze Rooftop offers a Mediterranean escape in the heart of the Gold Coast. Inside, whitewashed elegance meets breezy coastal charm - ideal for sundowners, seaside lunches or a romantic dinner with a view. The vibe is elevated but unfussy, just like the food.
For the ultimate shareable showstopper, try the Di Mare Platter for Two. Laden with Moreton Bay bugs, oysters, grilled King prawns, scallops, calamari, green salad and chips, it’s the ocean served on a silver platter - sunset optional but recommended.
Make a night of it and let the Med meet the Pacific.
Dining can be more than just a meal - it can be a passport. These venues prove that a thoughtfully crafted atmosphere and globally-inspired menu can transport you far from home, if only for a couple of hours. Ready to escape? These bookings are your ticket.
