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Ember and Essence: Savoring Australia’s Best Fire and Smoke-Crafted Menus


The charred nuances of expertly grilled meats and smoked delicacies bring forth an elemental connection to dining—a style that speaks to the heart of cooking itself. In a world that increasingly prioritises innovation in restaurants, a focus on fire and smoke remains a timeless, primal urge that captures the essence of flavour. Join us as we explore a selection of venues that not only embrace this culinary trend but elevate it to dizzying heights.

Tony Roma's Perth - Perth CBD, WA

Nestled along the vibrant Hay Street in Perth’s CBD, Tony Roma’s exudes warmth inviting diners into a sanctuary where the lively energy of the city fuses with the comforting aura of a traditional barbecue joint. The moment you cross the threshold, an embrace of smoky allure envelops you, revealing an atmosphere that marries casual refinement with an invigorating buzz—ideal for hearty gatherings among friends or family. With a contemporary décor that features cozy booths and dashes of local flair, each corner beckons you to sink back and savour the experience.

Ember and Essence: Savoring Australia’s Best Fire and Smoke-Crafted Menus

At the heart of Tony Roma’s menu lie tantalising specialities that celebrate the joy of flame-grilled goodness. Begin your culinary journey with crispy prawns drizzled in an exciting spicy sauce, or the iconic onion loaf paired with their signature BBQ sauce—a duo that never fails to appease. When it comes to the mains, the tender beef back ribs, kissed by a smoky BBQ glaze and served with crispy fries and coleslaw, are simply unmissable. Alternatively, delight in a luscious linguine dish that features prawns, garlic, cherry tomatoes, basil and a sprinkling of Parmesan, whisking your palate away on an ocean-inspired adventure.

Book a table today and indulge in mouthwatering delights.

Downtown Istanbul - Hawthorne, QLD

Discover a slice of Turkey amid the leafy surroundings of Hawthorne at Downtown Istanbul, where authentic Turkish culinary experiences await. Located opposite the bustling Hawthorne Cinema Complex, this venue mesmerises guests with its exposed brickwork, vibrant greenery and rustic accents that evoke the spirit of a traditional bazaar. The alfresco dining option offers the perfect backdrop to enjoy balmy Brisbane evenings while savouring a selection of dishes that transport you across continents.

Ember and Essence: Savoring Australia’s Best Fire and Smoke-Crafted Menus

Begin your feast with a mixed mezze platter brimming with mouthwatering delights like falafels, sigara borek and creamy olives—a delightful introduction to Turkish flavours. The menu entices with main entries featuring an array of culinary treasures, including groumet burgers, gozleme, and piquant char-grilled meats. The char-grilled chicken breast served elegantly with creamy mushroom sauce and rice pilaf is a standout that exemplifies the technique of open-flame cooking. Equally alluring is the tender lamb, simmered to perfection in aromatic tomato sauce, accompanied by fresh Turkish bread or fluffy rice pilaf, and finalise your feast with sumptuous hazelnut baklava coupled with rich ice cream.

Reserve your dining experience now and let your taste buds travel.

Caminito La Boca - Footscray, VIC

Venture to Caminito La Boca on Nicholson Street in Footscray for an unforgettable foray into Argentina’s lively culinary soul. This venue captures the convivial spirit of a traditional Argentine bodegon, inviting diners into an atmosphere thick with the aromas of expertly grilled meats and spices. The eclectic décor complements the rich flavours, whisking you away to the spirited streets of Buenos Aires with every bite you take.

Ember and Essence: Savoring Australia’s Best Fire and Smoke-Crafted Menus

Delight your senses by starting with an antipasto platter featuring marinated ox tongue, calamari, and a selection of artfully crafted charcuterie. As you transition to the mains, the osso buco served atop creamy arborio rice shines as a meaty masterpiece, while the grilled salmon complemented by garlic prawns and coconut cream offers a sophisticated twist. Carnivores will rejoice with the succulent rump steak, expertly cooked and served alongside crisp chips and a garden salad, filling each bite with the essence of an open grill.

Book your table and prepare for a culinary adventure.

OZIN - Adelaide CBD, SA

Located in the vibrant precinct of East Terrace, OZIN presents a striking fusion of local ingredients and global influences within the heart of Adelaide. The venue inhabits a heritage-rich property, blending modern eclecticism with treasured historic details—an inviting setting for those seeking both nostalgia and novelty. With a menu dedicated to the artistry of charcoal cooking, every dish resonates with deep, smoky notes that redefine what fine dining can entail.

Ember and Essence: Savoring Australia’s Best Fire and Smoke-Crafted Menus

Begin your culinary journey with hero dishes such as char-grilled King prawns, married with a piquant mustard mayo, or opt for their delicate steamed chicken dumplings. The experience unfolds beautifully with a slow-braised lamb shank resting on a bed of creamy mash—each mouthful a celebration of rich flavours. To tantalise your senses further, consider indulging in seasonal vegetables, their char-grilled edges providing an exquisite balance to each plate.

Secure your booking and enjoy a night of exquisite dining.

Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse - Toowong, QLD

In the heart of Toowong, Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse brings vibrant Texas-inspired BBQ to life on Sherwood Road, creating a paradise for meat enthusiasts in Brisbane. The air is thick with aromatic smoke, inviting you to dive into a menu defined by slow-cooked, tender, and mouth-watering smoked meats crafted to perfection. Guests can sit back and socialise in a relaxed ambience, where every bite promises to be a joyous celebration of flavour and friendship.

Ember and Essence: Savoring Australia’s Best Fire and Smoke-Crafted Menus

The ultimate smoking experience comes alive with their legendary smoked platter showcasing brisket, pulled pork, and a tantalising assortment of ribs and sausages—pair this with coleslaw, house-made pickles, chips, and more for a truly hearty meal. For those seeking a twist, their signature burger studded with pulled pork, tangy coleslaw, and white Alabama sauce is not to be missed, particularly when complemented by their loaded chips topped with BBQ sauce, cheese, and fresh toppings.

Book your experience now and revel in the authentic BBQ journey.

From the smoky depths of Tony Roma’s to the fiery grills at Bullrush Bistro, the marriage of fire and flavour delivers culinary delights that ignite the senses. Join in this celebration of charred perfection where each venue brings its own unique interpretation to the age-old practice of cooking with flame. Indulge in these experiences and remind yourself why the art of fire and smoke remains timelessly captivating in Australia’s culinary landscape.

Featured Locations

Turkish    $$$$$

Downtown Istanbul

Discerning foodies head to Downtown Istanbul on Hawthorne Road to tantalise taste buds at Hawthorne's authentic Turkish food bazaar. Located in the precinct opposite Hawthorne Cinema Complex, step ...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

OZIN

A unique fine dining experience blending the best local ingredients with international flavours, OZIN on East Terrace is taking the heart of Adelaide by storm. Located in a heritage property, the v...

American    $$$$$

Tony Roma's Perth

Located along bustling Hay Street in Perth’s CBD, Tony Roma’s invites diners into a warm and lively haven where the city’s pace melts away. The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the comfort...

American    $$$$$

Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse

Located in Toowong, Bullrush Bistro Smokehouse on Sherwood Road brings the bold flavours of Texas-style American BBQ to the table. Specialising in slow-cooked, succulent smoked meat, this is Brisba...

Argentinian    $$$$$

Caminito La Boca

Showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Argentina in true bodegon-style, head to Caminito La Boca on Nicholson Street in Footscray to appease barbeque cravings. From the moment you step inside, yo...

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