AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Beyond the Plate: Exploring Venues Where Food Meets Experience


In today's culinary landscape, enjoying a meal has transcended mere sustenance; it's an experience to savoured. Across the nation, venues are popping up that seamlessly blend dining with captivating atmospheres, enriching interiors, and other engaging elements that elevate each visit. From historic cafés nestled in heritage buildings to contemporary wellness spaces, these establishments offer food lovers not just meals but memorable experiences that linger long after the plates have been cleared.

Camp Hill Antique Centre & Tart Café - Camp Hill, QLD

Immerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of collectibles and creative café fare at Camp Hill Antique Centre & Tart Café on Old Cleveland Road. This unique venue invites patrons to explore a cornucopia of antiques while enjoying a feast in delightful company. Expect a kaleidoscopic backdrop with vibrantly painted walls and eclectic furnishings that promise an engaging ambience for both food and conversation. Mornings here are marked with buzzy energy as guests indulge in hearty breakfast favourites alongside a side of collectable hunting.

Beyond the Plate: Exploring Venues Where Food Meets Experience

As you delve into the menu, standout dishes like the poached chicken and quinoa salad sing with a harmonious blend of fresh citrus, strawberry, and rocket, offering a refreshing reprieve during lunch. For something hearty, the braised beef and bacon goulash rounds out the dining experience with robust flavours enveloped in a rich tomato-wine sauce. Every dish reflects a commitment to quality ingredients, making your meal here not just filling, but genuinely memorable.

Experience this culinary gem for yourself: book your table now.

Diamond Island Resort, Restaurant & Bar and Penguin Show - Bicheno, TAS

Nestled along the stunning Tasman Highway, Diamond Island Resort, Restaurant & Bar and Penguin Show is more than just a dining destination; it's an experience steeped in natural beauty and wildlife wonders. Set against the backdrop of a private beach and Diamond Island, this charming 4-star resort features a restaurant that beckons with its heritage-style ambience. Warm timber tones and an art-adorned setting provide the perfect cocoon for a dining experience that feels both intimate and elevated. It’s an inviting space to enjoy expertly crafted dishes paired with an award-winning wine list.

Beyond the Plate: Exploring Venues Where Food Meets Experience

The flavours here resonate with modern Australian cuisine, epitomised by the pan-fried salmon complete with a tangy tartar sauce that highlights the freshness of local produce. As dusk descends, guests can marvel at the complimentary penguin show, where the resort showcases little penguins as they make their return from the sea—an enchanting spectacle that complements an extraordinary culinary journey.

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, secure your booking today.

Gracie's Restaurant - Strath Creek, VIC

Housed within an exquisite 1842 homestead, Gracie's Restaurant on Broadford-Flowerdale Road presents an inviting haven for food enthusiasts. This charming venue, nestled within the picturesque Flowerdale Estate, boasts an outdoor terrace that offers breathtaking views, providing the perfect backdrop for a leisurely meal. Inside, guests are welcomed into a warm, sophisticated environment where history meets culinary innovation, whether you’re indulging in a high tea celebration or a romantic dinner.

Beyond the Plate: Exploring Venues Where Food Meets Experience

Gastronomic delights await with dishes like the spiced tomato and vodka squid ragu, artfully paired with tender mussels and clams on rigatoni, elevating classic Italian influences. For a true showcase of flavour, the sous vide lamb rump served with a medley of seasonal vegetables shines as a must-try main that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Embrace this culinary gem and book your experience now.

Matraville Hotel - Matraville, NSW

Step into a piece of Sydney’s history at the Matraville Hotel on Bunnerong Road, an establishment that has been serving locals since 1928. This beloved watering hole combines tradition with modernity, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for everything from a casual drink to a hearty meal. Various spaces invite interaction, with a vibrant sports bar and a charming bistro setting. It’s a local favourite where the ambiance is buzzing with visits from the community—from families seeking comfort food to friends gathering to watch the game.

Beyond the Plate: Exploring Venues Where Food Meets Experience

The culinary offerings entice with a menu that encompasses both classic pub dishes and modern interpretations. Start your meal with tantalising garlic prawns or homemade arancini, before diving into rich pasta creations like pappardelle with lamb ragu. Craving something comforting? The hotel’s signature chicken parmigiana isn’t to be missed.

With a menu that celebrates quality and flavour, make your reservation today.

The Hemporium - Carrington, NSW

At The Hemporium on Young Street, discover an oasis of health and taste where nutrition meets creativity. This wellness centre transforms the idea of dining, showcasing vibrant, nutrient-rich meals designed to nourish both body and soul. With a contemporary yet welcoming vibe, the venue thrives on the philosophy that food should be both good for you and joyous. As patrons enter, they are greeted by a menu filled with inventive options that champion sustainability and wholesome ingredients.

Beyond the Plate: Exploring Venues Where Food Meets Experience

For breakfast, indulge in their housemade paleo banana bread, decadently topped with berry compote and coconut yoghurt for a deliciously wholesome start to your day. Later on, unwrap the delight of the Veggie hemp seed sourdough toastie loaded with roasted pumpkin and spinach. With an enticing selection of cold-pressed juices and healing cocktails, each dish and drink reflects the venue’s ethos of vibrant well-being.

Join this culinary wellness revolution by booking your table today.

These remarkable venues not only satisfy your palate but also create enriching experiences that extend beyond the table. They embody the heart of culinary culture in thoughtfully curated atmospheres, reminding us that the joy of dining lies as much in the environment as it does in the food.

Featured Locations

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Matraville Hotel

Discover a hotel with tradition and quality at the Matraville Hotel on Bunnerong Road in Matraville. Established in 1928, this well-loved Sydney watering hole boasts a relaxed laid-back atmosphere ...

Cafe    $$$$$

Camp Hill Antique Centre & Tart Cafe

Find a unique vibrant cluster of collectors and dealers along with delicious café fare with flair at Camp Hill Antique Centre & Tart Café on Old Cleveland Road in Camp Hill. Expect a unique shoppin...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Gracie's Restaurant

Located within an historic 1842 homestead, Gracie’s Restaurant on Broadford-Flowerdale Road in Strath Creek is an idyllic location for an intimate meal or family celebration. Nestled within functio...

Cafe    $$$$$

The Hemporium

Discover nourishment beyond the ordinary at The Hemporium on Young Street in Carrington. Vibrant, nutrient-dense meals, cold-pressed juices and superfood elixirs await at the Healthy Cocktail café,...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Diamond Island Resort, Restaurant & Bar and Penguin Show

Diamond Island Resort, Restaurant & Bar and Penguin Show is a charming 4-star getaway on Bicheno’s scenic Tasman Highway, nestled beside a secluded private beach and adjacent to Diamond Island. The...

Want more AGFG?
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest articles & news...