As the chill sets in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a thoughtfully curated Winter tasting menu. Across the country, Chefs are leaning into the season - sourcing local produce, embracing richer flavours and creating immersive dining journeys that celebrate comfort and creativity.
Whether you’re sipping wine by a vineyard terrace or enjoying foie gras in a gallery setting, these venues are delivering Winter menus worth planning a night around. Here are three standout restaurants offering exceptional value and unforgettable flavour this season.
Hunters Quarter – Pokolbin, NSW
Set within the scenic Pooles Rock Vineyard in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Hunters Quarter offers elevated European dining with a distinctly regional soul. Perched on a private terrace overlooking rolling vineyards, this elegant yet relaxed venue is the perfect Winter retreat for lovers of fine wine and full-flavoured cuisine.
The Winter degustation is a true highlight - five courses that
showcase both innovation and integrity. Dishes like scallop sashimi with wasabi
labneh and mandarin ponzu deliver bright, cold-weather freshness, while the
beef entrecôte with miso carrot and smoked soy teriyaki brings satisfying
depth. Whether you’re wrapped in a scarf or nursing a glass of Shiraz, this
menu warms from within.
Ready to dine fireside among the vines? Book your Winter table now.
Palette – Surfers Paradise, Qld
Housed inside the Gold Coast’s HOTA Gallery, Palette blurs the line between
culinary artistry and visual inspiration. The dining room feels like a
continuation of the gallery itself - elegant, dramatic and designed to be
savoured slowly. It’s the kind of space where every detail counts, from the
composition of your plate to the view outside the window.
This season’s standout? The line-caught fish, brushed with native ginger oil and steamed in paperbark, captures the
fragrant, earthy essence of melaleuca. Winter-friendly starters like lobster
soufflé with beurre blanc and finger lime set the tone for a menu that feels
both indulgent and delicately balanced.
If you’re searching for a cultural and culinary experience in one, make a
reservation at Palette and immerse yourself.
The Lex – Brisbane CBD, Qld
Bringing New York attitude to the Brisbane riverside, The Lex at W Brisbane is
where classic comfort meets sleek city dining. The vibe here is elevated yet
approachable - think skyline views, polished interiors and a menu that pairs bold
proteins with seasonal produce and clever technique.
Winter calls for something hearty and the fire-grilled
Wagyu striploin delivers in spades - served with red wine jus, roasted potatoes
and charred broccolini. Prefer seafood? The fish of the day arrives with
braised fennel, saffron emulsion and native succulents, offering richness
without heaviness. Whether you’re catching up with friends or escaping the
chill with a date night, The Lex is your warm city hideaway.
Book your table and settle in for a Winter feast.
