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Dining with a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants to Visit


There’s something undeniably magical about enjoying a meal while soaking in stunning surroundings. Whether it be mountains, oceans or vibrant cityscapes, the perfect view can transform a simple dinner into an unforgettable experience. In this article, we explore some of the best restaurants offering not just exceptional food but also breathtaking vistas that will linger in your memory long after the last bite. Prepare to immerse yourself in culinary delights that harmonise with the beauty of nature.

Echoes Restaurant - Katoomba, NSW

Nestled along Lilianfels Avenue in Katoomba, Echoes Restaurant boasts an enviable location at the very edge of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park. With panoramic views that stretch across majestic mountain ranges and verdant rainforest valleys, this venue is an exquisite blend of fine dining and natural beauty. The modern Australian menu showcases the richness of local produce, while the elegant setting invites guests to unwind on the terrace, making every visit a cherished memory whether for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner.

Dining with a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants to Visit

Start your culinary adventure with perfectly roasted venison loin paired with nutty purple kumara and enriched with a blackberry pepperberry jus, an entrée that sings of local flavours. As you move to the mains, savour the slow-roasted lamb backstrap accompanied by smoky eggplant, a refreshing mint oil drizzle and cumin lamb jus each bite harmonises beautifully with a glass of exceptional Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Book your table now to indulge in this scenic fine dining experience.

Parkside Bar and Kitchen - St Helens, TAS

Positioned on St Helens Point Road, Parkside Bar and Kitchen welcomes guests with its sleek modern architecture that reflects the natural beauty of Tasmania's east coast. Floor-to-ceiling windows envelop you in views of tranquil Georges Bay, inviting the outside in as you relax amidst the fresh coastal air. The venue is designed for comfort, whether you're gathered around a rustic communal table or enjoying a more intimate meal on the outdoor deck. Here, the menu is a love letter to seasonal Tasmanian produce, promising flavours that are both refined and familiar.

Dining with a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants to Visit

Start your meal with deliciously spiced corn fritters, topped with refreshing avocado and a fried chilli egg, a vibrant way to greet your taste buds. As the sun sets, enjoy a velvety creamy seafood chowder or opt for chipotle and maple-infused pork baby back ribs served with crisp chips and a side salad, creating the perfect backdrop for a windswept evening by the bay. Reserve your spot today and experience this culinary gem.

Heritage Valley Cafe - Wisemans Ferry, NSW

With outstanding pastoral views enveloping the air, Heritage Valley Café on Old Northern Road in Wisemans Ferry is a quintessential retreat embodying rustic charm. As you step inside, the warmth of a stacked stone fireplace and recycled timber invites you to unwind, surrounded by vibrant greenery that enhances the café's inviting atmosphere. This hidden gem captures the essence of relaxed dining perfect for brunch or lunch, making each visit feel like a treasured experience.

Dining with a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants to Visit

The menu features delightful offerings such as a bacon and rosti stack layered with creamy avocado and rocket—a dish that feels rustic yet refined. For dinner, the Asian crisp noodle salad, brimming with tender chicken, pickled cabbage and sesame dressing, is perfect for those craving fresh flavours while indulging in the picturesque landscape. Don’t miss out; book a table and relish the charm.

Mex & Co - Manly, NSW

At Mex & Co on South Steyne, authentic Mexican cuisine meets stunning coastal views of Manly Beach. The relaxed atmosphere invites a communal dining experience where vibrant flavours take centre stage, whether you’re craving spicy fajitas or perfectly layered nachos. The laid-back vibe is perfectly complemented by a famed selection of handcrafted Margaritas, ensuring you'll feel refreshed after a sun-filled day by the ocean.

Dining with a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants to Visit

Indulge your senses with grilled baby octopus or prawn tostadas bursting with fresh ingredients like guacamole and corn. Don’t leave without trying the braised pork belly tacos complete with zesty tomatillo salsa—every bite a new delight as you savour the vibrant flavours amidst the picturesque backdrop of beachside views. Join the fiesta; secure your reservation now!

Catseye Pool Club - Hamilton Island, QLD

Set in the enchanting Whitsundays, Catseye Pool Club on Palm Terrace Way is where island-style dining flourishes against a backdrop of the stunning Coral Sea. A seamless blend of coastal elegance and vibrant hues creates an inviting space, perfect for enjoying leisurely meals after a day of exploration. The culinary artistry of acclaimed chefs Josh and Julie Niland shines through in a menu designed for sharing and revelry, celebrating the region’s best ingredients.

Dining with a View: The Best Scenic Restaurants to Visit

Your dining experience begins with beautifully presented wild raw fish and scallops, celebrating the purity of elemental flavours. For the main event, consider their wild fish green curry, a dish that embodies the spirit of laid-back beachside living while bursting with flavour. It’s an ideal celebration of balmy afternoons spent overlooking turquoise waters and palm trees. Book your unforgettable culinary experience today!

As you wander through these stunning venues, it becomes clear that dining with a view is not just about aesthetics; it is about weaving together flavours and experiences that nourish the soul. Each restaurant offers a unique setting that transforms meals into cherished memories, inviting you to make every dining occasion a captivating celebration of nature and cuisine.

Featured Locations

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Echoes Restaurant

Echoes Restaurant on Lilianfels Avenue in Katoomba is perched at the edge of World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park with views of mountains, cliff edges and lush rainforest valleys. Ren...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Catseye Pool Club

At the heart of the Whitsundays, Catseye Pool Club on Palm Terrace Way on Hamilton Island is where island-style dining meets your kind of pace. Overlooking the Coral Sea, the restaurant and bar ble...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Parkside Bar and Kitchen

Nestled on St Helens Point Road, Parkside Bar and Kitchen occupies a prime position overlooking Georges Bay. The building’s clean lines and modern architectural touches echo the crisp coastal light...

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