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Dine With a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants Across Australia


Few experiences in life can rival the pleasure of dining with a view, where every bite is complemented by a picturesque backdrop. Across Australia, venues are serving up culinary delights while nestling guests within the embrace of striking landscapes, whether by the ocean, amidst lush vineyards or beside tranquil lakes. In this edition, we invite you to explore some of the most breathtaking dining spots that seamlessly blend stunning views with gourmet experiences.

Bettenays Lakeside Bistro - Cowaramup, WA

Located along Tom Cullity Drive, Bettenays Lakeside Bistro offers a serene dining retreat in the Margaret River wine region. This charming establishment, part of the family-owned Bettenays estate, is beautifully positioned beside tranquil waters, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a connection with nature while enjoying delectable food. The bistro encapsulates the essence of country hospitality, with an inviting ambience that encourages guests to unwind and savour each moment. The design embraces regional aesthetics, creating a warm atmosphere that mirrors its scenic vineyard surroundings.

Dine With a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants Across Australia

The menu celebrates local flavours, with standout dishes like the panfried chicken breast accompanied by velvety mashed potato, tender asparagus and broccolini, all finished with a fragrant curry sauce and a touch of sweet mango chutney. This meal is a true reflection of the estate's commitment to using fresh, regional ingredients that enhance the overall dining experience.

Book your table at Bettenays Lakeside Bistro now!

The Hill Bar and Kitchen - Gerringong, NSW

Nestled on Fern Street, The Hill Bar and Kitchen promises a relaxed coastal vibe complemented by panoramic views of Werri Beach and the lush farmlands beyond. This inviting venue exudes a laid-back charm, open from midday to allow guests to indulge in a menu crafted from the finest local produce while sipping from an impressive selection of drinks. The ethos here embraces sustainability, ensuring that every dish not only tastes amazing but also respects the environment.

Dine With a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants Across Australia

A highlight of the offerings is the prawn linguine, where perfectly cooked pasta is enveloped in a rich tomato bisque with a kick of chilli and garlic. This dish perfectly encapsulates the seaside ambiance, providing a taste sensation that mirrors the fresh ingredients sourced from nearby waters. Enjoy this culinary delight while basking in the breathtaking views that make dining at The Hill an unforgettable experience.

Secure your spot at The Hill Bar and Kitchen today!

Water’s Edge Canberra - Parkes, ACT

Perched elegantly on Parkes Place East, Water’s Edge Canberra offers a sophisticated waterfront dining experience that overlooks the serene waters of Lake Burley Griffin. This restaurant is the embodiment of refined dining, seamlessly marrying seasonal Australian produce with modern culinary techniques infused with French and Mediterranean influences. The ambience strikes a perfect balance between elegance and warmth, ensuring a memorable dining occasion just moments from the bustling CBD.

Dine With a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants Across Australia

Among the culinary highlights is the honey-spiced duck breast, artfully plated with creamy macadamia purée, succulent stone fruit, and a rich coffee jus that ties the dish together. Each bite is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to quality and flavour, making every visit a celebration of taste and visual pleasure against a stunning lakeside backdrop.

Reserve your experience at Water’s Edge Canberra!

Mar E Sol Cafe Bistro - Carnarvon, WA

Along Harbour Road in Carnarvon, Mar E Sol Cafe Bistro captures the spirit of coastal living with its inviting atmosphere and spectacular waterfront views. The restaurant is a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern aesthetics, inviting guests to relax as they take in the soothing sounds of the ocean. Inside, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air, ensuring a warm welcome at any time of day.

Dine With a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants Across Australia

Popular dishes include the sticky beef ribs served alongside crispy chips and a refreshing salad, offering a taste that conveys the heart of casual Australian dining. The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to various palates, making it difficult to leave without indulging in the hearty flavours that define the coastal cuisine.

Join us for a delightful meal at Mar E Sol Cafe Bistro!

Cotton Tree Beach Bar - Maroochydore, QLD

On The Esplanade in Maroochydore, Cotton Tree Beach Bar brings beachside dining to life, featuring stunning ocean views and the gentle sound of waves crashing nearby. This lively venue offers a menu bursting with flavour, perfect for any time of day from dawn until dusk. The atmosphere is vibrant yet relaxed, making it an ideal spot to catch up with friends or unwind with a good book after a sun-soaked day.

Dine With a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants Across Australia

One must-try dish is the satay chicken, artfully presented with fragrant rice, fresh cucumber, a rich peanut sauce, and a sprinkle of candied nuts and Thai herbs, embodying the essence of coastal cuisine while balancing freshness with hearty flavours. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy while soaking in the uninterrupted views of Maroochy Beach.

Plan your visit to Cotton Tree Beach Bar today!

Each of these venues not only showcases exceptional culinary delights but also the stunning surroundings that make dining a feast for the senses. With breathtaking views and thoughtfully prepared dishes, these restaurants are perfect destinations for those looking to enjoy the simple pleasure of a meal with an exceptional backdrop. So whether you're perched on a lakeside, embracing coastal breezes, or overlooking serene waters, these dining experiences are bound to leave a lasting impression.

Featured Locations

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Cotton Tree Beach Bar

Situated on The Esplanade in Maroochydore, Cotton Tree Beach Bar delivers relaxed beachside dining from sunrise to sunset. With sweeping ocean views and the soothing soundtrack of rolling waves, th...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Mar E Sol Cafe Bistro

Nestled along Harbour Road in Carnarvon, Mar E Sol Cafe Bistro captures the essence of coastal charm with its warm, welcoming atmosphere and sunlit setting. Overlooking the waterfront, this relaxed...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Water’s Edge Canberra

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Burley Griffin on Parkes Place East in Parkes, Water’s Edge Canberra sets the scene for refined waterfront dining. This elegant restaurant celebrates seasona...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

The Hill Bar and Kitchen

Situated on Fern Street in Gerringong, The Hill Bar and Kitchen is a relaxed coastal dining spot with sweeping views across Werri Beach and the surrounding farmlands. Open daily from midday, the ve...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Bettenays Lakeside Bistro

On Tom Cullity Drive in Cowaramup, Bettenays Lakeside Bistro offers a relaxed dining escape in the heart of the Margaret River wine region. Set beside tranquil waters, this welcoming bistro is part...

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