Whether you're perched seaside on the Gold Coast or nestled into a country pub in the Highlands, Australia's dining scene proves that big flavour often comes in small, shareable packages. From delicate Japanese skewers to tapas with European soul, these five venues deliver compact culinary artistry designed for grazing, sharing and savouring.
Each bite-size creation tells a global story - one of tradition, refinement and the sheer joy of eating with friends. Here are the must-visit spots to indulge in small plates done exceptionally well.
Birdcage Dining Room & Garden Bar – Main Beach, Qld
Birdcage Dining Room & Garden Bar brings international flair to Tedder
Avenue, combining moody luxe interiors with the vibrant energy of a worldly
neighbourhood haunt. With jewel-toned seating, ornate filigree and a colour
palette that dances between crimson and cobalt, the venue feels like an opulent
passport to far-off flavours. Whether you're lounging with a Blackbird cocktail
in hand or exploring the garden bar, this is a place designed for lingering
conversation and culinary exploration.
On the plate, bite-sized dishes sing with influences from
the Mediterranean to East Asia. A standout is the pan-fried prawns - plump,
seared and swimming in garlicky lemon olive oil, brightened by gremolata and
served on crunchy sourdough. For those with an appetite for variety, skewers of
salmon yakitori drizzled with teriyaki and sprinkled with sesame make a
compelling case for seconds.
Ready to taste the world? Make a reservation and let your palate travel, then record your journey with a review.
The Kwinana Local – Kwinana Town Centre, WA
With its broad patio, live music and family-friendly atmosphere, The Kwinana
Local is more than just a bistro - it’s a hub of community spirit and comfort
dining. The spacious venue on Chisham Avenue blends pub charm with modern
polish, complete with a roaring fireplace for cooler nights and sunlit alfresco
seating for balmy afternoons. It’s the kind of place where you walk in a
stranger and leave having shared stories over shared plates.
Those plates are designed to bring people together.
The tasting platter is a celebration of finger-licking fare: spicy meatballs,
golden arancini, sticky spare ribs and drumettes soaked in house marinades.
It’s the ultimate mix of rich, punchy and satisfying morsels perfect for
grazing over drinks.
Curious to try the full spread? Book your table now and dive into the local
flavour, making sure to review your experience.
Mittagong Hotel – Mittagong, NSW
Steeped in history dating back to 1890, the Mittagong Hotel fuses old-world
charm with contemporary dining in the heart of the Southern Highlands. The
venue’s storied past - once a silent film location and a local institution for
generations - now frames a warm, family-friendly dining experience. With cosy
nooks, a lively bar and an outdoor courtyard, the hotel invites guests to slow
down and savour.
The approach to small plates leans modern with a European
edge. The tuna crudo is a delicate yet punchy start - silky slices dressed in
citrusy lime, punctuated with briny capers and pickled shallots. Elsewhere on
the menu, spicy nduja mussels and sourdough make a strong case for second
rounds. This is bite-size sophistication with a country soul.
Don’t miss your chance to experience it - reserve your spot today. Show your appreciation by leaving a review.
Woodend Cellar and Bar – Woodend, Vic
Set on Anslow Street, Woodend Cellar and Bar doubles as a cellar door and local
hangout, inviting guests to discover the wines of the Macedon Ranges with a
glass in hand and a shared plate on the table. The space is intimate and
eclectic - part wine bar, part cosy retreat - offering everything from post-work
drinks to full evenings of slow dining and warm company.
The menu champions European-style tapas and the pulled pork
rillettes are a rustic standout. Served with crunchy sourdough and a luscious
housemade jam, they’re indulgent yet understated - exactly the kind of dish that
pairs perfectly with a sharp white or a mellow Pinot. Round it out with
charcuterie or spicy meatballs and you’ve got an evening well spent.
Secure your next outing now - bookings are open. Don't forget to review your dining experience.
One Eighty Japanese Restaurant – Labrador, Qld
Nestled on Marine Parade with sweeping Broadwater views, One Eighty Japanese
Restaurant presents a refined yet approachable Japanese dining experience. The
clean, modern design, laced with warm timber and ambient lighting, offers a
peaceful backdrop for everything from date nights to omakase adventures. It’s
minimalist in aesthetic but maximalist in taste.
For lovers of bite-size precision, the yakitori omakase is
essential. These skewers - especially the chicken selections - are grilled over
binchotan charcoal, offering a smoky depth that’s both traditional and
elevated. Each piece is a lesson in balance: savoury, crisp, juicy and
masterfully seasoned.
Feeling inspired? Book a seat at the counter and let the Chef lead your
journey. Let others know about your experience by leaving a review.
From sizzling tapas and refined crudo to expertly grilled yakitori, these venues prove that small plates can pack monumental flavour. Whether you’re grazing through a long lunch or plotting an evening of shared indulgence, this is your guide to the best bite-size dishes worth seeking out.
