From vineyard views to city skylines, this collection of exceptional Chef-hatted restaurants showcases the very best of Australian dining. Each destination offers its own distinct sense of place — from the sleek precision of Japanese cuisine at Raku Dining in Canberra to the tranquil vineyard surrounds of Restaurant Botanica in the Hunter Valley.
In Melbourne’s Carlton, Regale Restaurant delivers understated sophistication, while Sandalford in Western Australia invites guests to linger among the vines. Rounding out the journey, Shaffa in Surry Hills brings Tel Aviv’s vibrant energy to Sydney. Together, these venues celebrate artistry, atmosphere and a shared passion for extraordinary food and experience.
Raku Dining in Canberra’s CBD is a sleek and modern Japanese restaurant that blends artistry with innovation. Inside, the ambience is refined yet vibrant, with warm timber, polished stone and the theatrical energy of Chefs working at the robata grill. The menu celebrates precision and balance, offering beautifully crafted sushi, sashimi and grilled dishes that highlight premium seasonal produce.
Every plate is thoughtfully presented, showcasing harmony in flavour, texture and design. With its minimalist elegance and meticulous attention to detail, Raku Dining offers a sophisticated experience that captures the essence of contemporary Japanese dining in the heart of the city.
Nestled among the rolling vineyards of Pokolbin, Restaurant Botanica offers a serene escape where nature and flavour intertwine. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of gum trees and grapevines, flooding the elegant dining space with natural light. The menu celebrates the region’s seasonal bounty, highlighting fresh produce grown in the restaurant’s own garden. Each dish is artfully composed, balancing vibrant colours, textures and aromas.
Warm, attentive service complements the tranquil atmosphere, inviting guests to savour the connection between land and table. At Restaurant Botanica, every meal feels like an expression of the Hunter Valley’s fertile landscape and relaxed sophistication.
Tucked away in the heart of Carlton, Regale Restaurant offers a refined yet inviting dining experience. Its softly lit interior blends contemporary elegance with subtle rustic touches, setting the stage for leisurely meals and lively conversation. The kitchen hums with quiet confidence as aromas of charred herbs, fresh citrus and warm spices fill the air.
Each plate arrives as a thoughtful composition - seasonal produce arranged with artistry and restraint. Conversations flow easily over carefully crafted dishes, while attentive staff move gracefully through the room. Regale captures the essence of modern dining - unpretentious, intimate and effortlessly sophisticated.
Located among the lush vines of Sandalford Estate in Caversham, Sandalford Restaurant blends rustic charm with refined sophistication. Its elegant timber and stone interiors open onto sunlit terraces overlooking the vineyards, creating a serene dining atmosphere. The menu celebrates the region’s bounty, showcasing seasonal produce paired with premium wines from the estate.
Dishes reflect a harmony of contemporary technique and local flavour, inviting guests to linger over long, leisurely meals. Whether enjoying lunch beneath the gum trees or dinner by the fire, Sandalford offers an immersive taste of the Swan Valley’s culinary and viticultural heritage.
Hidden away in a narrow Surry Hills laneway, Shaffa feels like a secret escape to Tel Aviv. The space hums with energy - an industrial canopy of glass and steel framing long communal tables and a kitchen alive with flame and spice. Aromas of charred vegetables, grilled meat and freshly baked pita drift through the air, mingling with laughter and music.
Sunlight pours in by day, giving way to candlelit warmth by night. Every element, from the rustic stoneware to the flicker of olive oil lamps, captures a sense of shared abundance and vibrant Middle Eastern hospitality reimagined for Sydney’s urban heart.
