From intimate Chef’s tables to bold expressions of global flavour, this collection of dining destinations showcases Australia’s evolving culinary landscape at its most captivating. In Healesville, a secret four-seat experience redefines exclusivity; on the Mornington Peninsula, elegance meets artistry overlooking rolling vines.
Sydney’s inner streets blend Asian precision with local flair, while Melbourne’s laneways pulse with Latin rhythm and colour. Up north, a Brisbane trattoria brings the warmth of Italy home. Each restaurant tells its own story of place, passion and creativity - inviting diners to savour the extraordinary in every sense.
Yarra Valley’s first exclusive four-seater restaurant, Emerald City on Maroondah Highway in Healesville, takes you on a gastronomic journey behind the emerald curtain with celebrated Chef, Joel Alderdice. Hidden behind the bustling ambience of Cavanagh’s Whisky and Alehouse, expect a private dining experience that transcends the ordinary featuring finely executed, unpretentious dishes blending modern cuisines.
The 10-12 course tasting menu changes daily to celebrate the season and bounty of local ingredients; sit at the 350-year-old bench beneath the glow of a custom emerald chandelier and embark on a guided exploration of colour, texture and taste.
Perched above the rolling vines of the Mornington Peninsula, Pt. Leo Restaurant in Merricks North exudes an effortless elegance that mirrors its surroundings. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping views of sculpture-dotted landscapes and the distant shimmer of Western Port Bay.
Inside, the atmosphere is refined yet grounded - natural timbers, soft tones and artful plating set the tone for a dining experience deeply connected to the region. Each dish celebrates seasonal produce with precision and restraint, allowing textures and flavours to unfold slowly, like the shifting light across the vineyards beyond the glass.
Nestled on Campbell Street in Surry Hills, Toei delivers a refined canvas of Australian-Asian fusion. The setting blends minimalist elegance with a whisper of street-style edge-soft lighting, polished surfaces and gentle hum of conversation setting the tone.
Dishes emerge as thoughtful compositions: charcoal-lavash layered with cured kingfish, sudachi ponzu and lime foam; followed by 15-day dry-aged duck paired with boysenberry jus and berries. Here, familiar ingredients traverse unexpected paths, inviting diners to linger over each discovery in a space that feels both modern and inviting.
Pincho Disco in Collingwood is a bold celebration of Latin flair and Melbourne edge. The space hums with energy - neon glows, rhythmic beats and the warm buzz of conversation fill the air. Rich aromas of smoke, spice and citrus drift from the kitchen, where dishes burst with colour and personality.
Every plate tells a story of indulgence and joy, from perfectly charred meat to bright, zesty accompaniments. The bar mirrors the mood with vibrant cocktails that sparkle as much as the décor. Pincho Disco is not just a restaurant - it’s a sensory dance of flavour, sound and style.
Ramona Trattoria in Coorparoo brings the charm of a traditional Italian dining room to Brisbane’s suburban heart. The space feels intimate and warmly lit, with rustic textures, soft chatter and the comforting aroma of slow-cooked sauces wafting from the kitchen. Handmade pastas are crafted with care and simplicity, allowing the ingredients to shine - each forkful a reminder of old-world hospitality.
There’s a rhythm to the room: laughter, clinking glasses, the gentle hum of family and friends gathered over shared plates. Ramona Trattoria captures the soul of Italy - generous, heartfelt and beautifully unhurried.
