Sometimes the best holidays are the ones that don’t require packing a bag. Across the country, a handful of exceptional restaurants serve more than just great food - they offer an atmosphere that transports you.
From sunny coastal retreats to vibrant Latin-inspired cafes, these venues give you the taste and spirit of a holiday without the airfare. Here’s where to go when you need a getaway in the middle of your week.
Wild Thyme Dining - Murwillumbah, NSW
Tucked into the heart of Murwillumbah’s Wharf Street, Wild Thyme Dining is a
riot of colour, flavour and good vibes. Step inside and you’re immediately
greeted by playful cartoon murals, cascading greenery and booths that invite
you to linger. It’s the kind of upbeat, creative space that feels more like a
sunny day out than a routine café stop. With all-day dining and a bustling
local following, it’s where casual charm meets feel-good energy.
Start your ‘staycation’ with the standout Sri Lankan
curried scrambled eggs - rich, spicy and served with roti, mango pickle and a
refreshing herb salad. Lunch might look like a crusty roll packed with
succulent pork belly banh mi-style, or a karaage chicken burger balanced with
creamy slaw and golden chips. Bright, bold and completely transportive.
Secure your spot and let your tastebuds take a trip.
Sea & Shore Restaurant - Labrador, Qld
Just steps from the sparkling Broadwater, Sea & Shore Restaurant turns
waterfront dining into a Mediterranean daydream. Whether you’re lounging
alfresco with a cocktail or gazing at the show-stopping wine wall indoors,
this Labrador gem delivers all the breezy sophistication of a European
beachside escape. The menu shifts with the seasons but always remains rooted in
freshness and finesse.
Begin with a starter of prawns wrapped in delicate kataifi
pastry, matched with a creamy avocado and spice-laced honey dressing. Then move
on to crisp-skinned barramundi paired with King prawns, truffle mash and a
garden pea purée that sings of Summer. For those leaning landward, crumbed lamb
cutlets with velvety mash and seasonal greens deliver hearty, homey luxury.
Book your waterfront escape and let the Gold Coast breeze set the tone.
Nosso Café - West Lakes, SA
Nosso Café in West Lakes brings the soul of Brazil to Adelaide with infectious
warmth and colour. From the first sip of cafézinho to the last bite of
feijoada, this laid-back venue captures the rhythm and flavour of South
America. Inside, it’s all relaxed hospitality and tropical tones, making it
easy to lose track of time over brunch or a long afternoon graze.
Kick things off with fried chicken and waffles layered with
bacon and maple syrup - a sweet and savoury celebration on a plate. Then dive
into Brazilian favourites like beef skewers with rice, beans and cassava flour
salad, or creamy cassava filled with prawns and melted cheese. With every bite,
it’s a joyful nod to the beaches and backstreets of Brazil.
Transport yourself with every mouthful - make a date with Nosso.
The Pavilion By Slingtown - Carrington, NSW
Hidden in the heart of Carrington, The Pavilion by Slingtown is part café, part
urban sanctuary. This Newcastle outpost feels like an oasis where you can
unplug and unwind. The beer garden comes with lush greenery, ping pong and
basketball hoops, while inside blends exposed brick with communal tables for a
vibe that’s equal parts industrial and inviting.
Start with masala-spiced scrambled eggs served on warm roti,
finished with bacon and bright chutney. Lunch is a globe-trotting affair with
spiced pakora fritters or a pulled pork toastie layered with Swiss cheese and
chimichurri. Every dish delivers both comfort and surprise, in a space that’s
as playful as it is peaceful.
Escape to Carrington for a meal that hits the reset button - your table awaits.
Bronte Belo City - Surry Hills, NSW
In the buzzing streets of Surry Hills, Bronte Belo City channels the warmth and
spirit of Brazil with modern flair. This Riley Street favourite blends
traditional flavours with contemporary Australian touches, creating a dining
experience that feels like a carnival of taste and texture. It’s vibrant,
welcoming and impossible not to smile in.
Kick off your culinary journey with a Brazilian tapas plate
of cassava chips, croquettes and cheese pies, dipped in creamy aioli and zesty
vinaigrette. Then dive into a moqueca fish stew, simmered in coconut milk and
served with rice and salad; or take the fusion route with a burrito bowl of
12-hour Wagyu, beans and tangy salsa. Every dish here is a reason to celebrate.
Celebrate the spirit of Brazil - book your fiesta today.
When life feels a little too every day, these restaurants offer the perfect antidote. Each one offers an escape from the ordinary - no baggage, no boarding pass, just a passport to pleasure on a plate.
