Australia boasts an enriching spectrum of dining experiences that can whisk you from the heart of the city to the serene countryside in just a heartbeat. Whether you're in search of an urban oasis imbued with elegance or a quaint spot dripping with rural charm, this guide presents three distinctly splendid venues, each promising to dazzle your palate and entice your senses. Welcome to the diverse world of contemporary Australian cuisine, where every plate tells a story and every meal is an occasion.
Park Hyatt Melbourne - East Melbourne, VIC
Discover culinary delights at Park Hyatt Melbourne on Parliament Square in East Melbourne, where ocean fare meets woodfire-grilled steaks for a unique dining experience. Enjoy the sophisticated lounge where artisan cocktails and signature Martinis pair with gourmet small plates, or spoil someone special with a refined afternoon tea featuring premium teas and assorted delicacies. Settle into a sleek, architecturally designed dining room to peruse a menu promising tempters like beef tartare, smoked egg yolk and pommes allumette or hiramasa kingfish crudo, nam jim and olive oil to start. For the main affair, think wood-roasted market fish, caramelised butter, capers, organic sorrel, Parmesan fries and leaf salad; or dry-aged Porterhouse steak, confit shallots, parsley and Cabernet vinegar.
The heart of the Park Hyatt's culinary prowess lies within its menu, celebrating fresh, seasonal produce and expert techniques. The standout dishes highlight exquisite flavour combinations, both in taste and presentation. Imagine the rich tapestry of flavors in the hiramasa kingfish crudo, where each bite reflects the delicate balance of freshness and acidity, a dish that speaks to Melbourne's coastal roots. On the meatier side, the dry-aged Porterhouse steak is an ode to carnivorous cravings, perfectly cooked to reveal tenderness and depth, harmoniously complemented by a verrine of confit shallots that bring sweetness to every mouthful.
Your gastronomic adventure awaits; book your table now.
Worn-Out-Wares Cafe - Singleton, NSW
There’s nowhere quite like Worn-Out-Wares Café, affectionately known as an eclectic one-stop shop for lovers of fine things in the historic town of Singleton. Set in a delightful building fitted out with French doors and rustic brick archways, Worn-Out-Wares is part café, florist and homewares shop. Soak up good old-fashioned country charm as you stroll through a European-inspired courtyard surrounded by unusual treasures, old and new, before browsing a seasonal menu of fresh and tasty fare. Drop by for breakfast and enjoy roasted tomato tartine with herbed ricotta, hot honey, capers, poached egg and sourdough; while the lunch crowd devours a Reuben sandwich on grilled wholemeal with slow-cooked corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, gherkins, mustard mayo and thousand island dressing.
Highlighting the café's commitment to comfort and creativity, each dish is a reflection of local produce crafted into something special. For breakfast enthusiasts, the roasted tomato tartine is a deliciously vibrant act that combines tangy sweetness with the creamy richness of herbed ricotta. Lunchtime brings a hearty treat in the form of the Reuben sandwich—each bite reveals layers of flavour, showcasing the depth of slow-cooked corned beef paired with zesty gherkins and creamy dressing. This venue embodies a spirit of warmth and community, inviting guests to indulge and linger.
Wood and Stone Cafe - Mandurah, WA
Find six generations of family history on the plate at Mandurah café Wood and Stone on Mandurah Terrace. Located in the heart of the city along the foreshore, this fun and funky dining destination has graffiti-style artwork on the walls while twinkling lights and potted greenery add a chilled-out vibe ideal for lingering over a meal with family and friends. Stop in to refuel after an early walk and devour pulled chipotle beef brisket, Boston beans, fried egg and toasted sourdough, or potato rosti with smashed avo, eggs, beetroot hummus, tomato chutney, kale and chipotle Hollandaise. Tapas plates like scallops with chilli butter and black sea salt await later diners, or delve into crispy pork belly, warm grains, broccolini, pickled fennel, apple cider sauce and hazelnuts.
At Wood and Stone, the menu is a delightful homage to culinary heritage with a modern twist. Signature dishes such as the pulled chipotle beef brisket showcase a smoky richness that enchants the senses, while the addition of Boston beans and a perfectly fried egg brings a comforting depth to the meal. Meanwhile, the potato rosti with its vibrant toppings invites diners to embark on a sensory journey, merging traditional breakfast components with creative flair. As you graze through the tapas, the scallops crowned in chilli butter offer a perfect balance of sea-saltiness and warmth, while the crispy pork belly is a texture delight that plays beautifully off warm grains and fresh greens.
Don’t miss out on this charming venue; secure your spot now.
From the urban sophistication of Park Hyatt to the rustic charm of Worn-Out-Wares and the hip atmosphere at Wood and Stone, these remarkable venues illustrate the breadth of Australia's culinary landscape. Each destination invites you to relish in the flavours that celebrate local produce and innovative cooking, making every visit an experience to remember. So whether you're looking for a relaxed brunch or a refined dinner, take the plunge and enjoy what these extraordinary venues have to offer.
