Fire, smoke and sizzling flavour take centre stage in this mouth-watering roundup of Australia’s best BBQ-inspired dining. From the bold, flame-kissed meat of Pyrmont’s Smoak to the refined yakitori artistry of Ippin Japanese Dining in Brisbane’s West End, these restaurants celebrate the primal joy of cooking over open flame.
Expect smoky aromas, perfectly charred textures and vibrant atmospheres that bring people together around the grill. Whether you crave Korean BBQ heat, Japanese precision, or the deep soul of a smokehouse feast, each venue promises a unique experience where fire meets flavour in unforgettable style.
At HORANG on Hyde Street in Adelaide’s CBD, bold Korean BBQ flavours meet vibrant design. The space hums with energy - blond-wood tables, a striking tiger-print counter and neon accents set a playful but stylish mood. Guests gather around sizzling grills and bubbling hotpots, aromas of garlic-soy fried chicken and marinated brisket rising in the air.
Generous side dishes of kimchi and pickles add vibrant colour to each plate. Whether for a lively evening out with friends or a casual dinner of bulgogi and seafood pancake, the atmosphere feels modern, spirited and deeply rooted in Korean hospitality.
Ippin Japanese Dining in West Village brings the soul of Tokyo’s smoky laneways to West End. This sleek yet intimate eatery celebrates the artistry of yakitori BBQ, where skewers of chicken, seafood and seasonal vegetables are expertly grilled over glowing binchotan charcoal.
The gentle crackle of the coals mingles with the aroma of caramelised tare glaze, inviting guests into a sensory ritual of fire and flavour. Each bite captures a perfect balance of texture and umami - from tender morsels to crisp charred edges. With minimalist design and a focus on craftsmanship, Ippin offers a refined yet comforting yakitori experience.
Smoak on Harris Street in Pyrmont is a temple to the art of barbeque - smoky, rich and unapologetically bold. The scent of wood and flame fills the air as Chefs work the grill, coaxing deep char and tenderness from premium cuts. Flames lick at ribs, brisket and sausages, creating that perfect marriage of crisp bark and melt-in-the-mouth meat.
The atmosphere hums with energy - part smokehouse, part neighbourhood gathering spot - where the warmth of the fire draws people in. Every plate celebrates the craft of slow cooking, turning simple ingredients into soulful, smoke-infused perfection.
Tucked away on Ingram Road in Wahroonga, Fox and Hounds radiates the warmth and aroma of authentic steakhouse dining. The air hums with the smoky scent of slow-cooked meat — ribs that fall off the bone, eye fillet served medium rare and tender lamb cutlets. Rustic wooden tables and a relaxed, country-inspired setting make it the perfect spot for hearty gatherings.
Each plate celebrates the craft of BBQ: tender textures, charred edges and bold, tangy sauces that linger just right. Whether it’s a weekend feast or a casual afternoon bite, Fox and Hounds captures the essence of fire, flavour and friendship.
Bollywood Bar Indian Fusion on Discovery Drive in Helensvale brings the heat of India’s vibrant flavours to the Gold Coast, with a contemporary twist. The smoky aroma of char-grilled meat fills the air, inviting diners to indulge in a feast of spice and fire. Tender tandoori chicken, marinated in yoghurt and aromatic spices, is cooked to perfection over open flames, while sizzling kebabs and BBQ platters showcase the rich art of Indian grilling.
The lively décor, rhythmic music and open kitchen create an atmosphere as bold as the food itself - a celebration of fusion, flame and flavour in every bite.
