Sharing plates in Australian restaurants is all about bringing people together in a relaxed, fun way. Instead of everyone sticking to their own dish, the table fills with a mix of flavours, textures and aromas that are made to be passed around.
You might be tearing into juicy roast chicken, scooping up smoky eggplant, or trying a bite of crispy-skinned fish you wouldn’t normally order. It feels generous, abundant and a little adventurous - like a food journey you take with friends.
The act of reaching across the table, piling up your plate and comparing favourites creates an easy, social vibe. There’s no pressure, just laughter, conversation and that happy feeling of plenty. Shared plate dining captures the best parts of eating out in Australia - laid-back, communal and focused on enjoying good food with good company.
Here are five restaurants where sharing is caring…
Perched on the water’s edge, 360Q captures the essence of Queenscliff with sweeping marina views, soft sea breezes and a lively yet intimate ambience. The light-filled restaurant radiates warmth, inviting groups to gather around generous shared plates brimming with colour, creativity and bold flavours.
Shared dining here becomes an experience of connection - laughter rippling across the table, stories unfolding between bites, dishes passed hand to hand. Every plate celebrates togetherness, from succulent seafood to hearty seasonal creations. Whether at sunset or beneath starlit skies, 360Q transforms meals into memorable occasions - soulful, social and deeply satisfying.
Mia Margarita on Seaview Road in Henley Beach is a vibrant coastal haven where flavours, laughter and connection flow freely. Sunlit interiors and ocean breezes set the stage for lively gatherings, while the menu celebrates the joy of shared dining. Colourful platters arrive at the table, inviting friends and families to taste together, pass plates and savour bold, fresh flavours.
With an atmosphere both stylish and relaxed, Mia Margarita embodies seaside charm infused with warmth and energy. Every bite, sip and moment encourages connection-making it the perfect place to share stories, food and unforgettable memories overlooking the beach.
Nestled along Newtown’s vibrant Noble Street, Two Noble is a dining destination that thrives on connection and conversation. The space is warm and inviting, blending rustic charm with contemporary flair, setting the scene for memorable shared dining. Plates arrive designed for the table, generous and abundant, encouraging guests to taste, pass and celebrate together.
Each dish is crafted with seasonal ingredients, layered flavours and an inventive touch that speaks of both comfort and creativity. Lively, soulful and stylish, Two Noble transforms every meal into a communal feast where food becomes the heart of togetherness and every bite feels celebratory.
Located along vibrant Barangaroo Avenue, Spiced by Billus offers a dining experience that is as warm as it is unforgettable. With the rich aromas of India drifting through the air, guests are invited to embrace the joy of shared dining, where every dish becomes part of a communal feast.
From fragrant curries to sizzling tandoori specialties, plates arrive designed for passing, tasting and celebrating together. The modern setting, softened by rich spices and colourful presentation, creates an atmosphere of connection and indulgence. Spiced by Billus is more than a meal - it’s a celebration of flavour, friendship and togetherness.
Tucked into the lively heart of Darby Street, MIINE invites diners into a world where flavours are designed to be savoured together. The warm, modern space hums with energy as plates arrive to the table like edible works of art - vibrant, generous and crafted for sharing.
Each dish feels like a conversation starter, encouraging connection over tastes both familiar and surprising. From fresh, inventive bites to heartier shared platters, MIINE embodies the spirit of communal dining. It’s more than a meal - it’s an experience of gathering, laughter and flavour woven seamlessly into Newcastle’s thriving food scene.
