When it comes to catching up with friends or family, the right restaurant can elevate the experience from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, or indulging in a long-overdue reunion, the perfect venue sets the tone for laughter, conversation, and unforgettable memories. From casual coastal hangouts to urban eateries brimming with vibrancy, here are the top spots to consider when planning your next group gathering.
Claypots Barbarossa - Melbourne CBD, VIC
Recreate traditional European style at Claypots Barbarossa on Hardware Lane in Melbourne’s CBD. A warm and welcoming vibe awaits, where friends come together over a love of music, drink and food; whether meeting for a quick and tasty lunch, sharing drinks after work, or couples looking for a romantic dinner accompanied by classic live jazz. The appetite is catered for with a creative, monthly-changing menu, featuring small plates like seared scallops with sesame and lime, or stir-fried mussels complemented by ginger and lemongrass. For larger gatherings, consider the seafood paella brimming with King prawns, salmon, calamari, and mussels, or indulge in stingray baked in sambal sauce, perfectly paired with rice. And for those who crave a taste of land, the North African-style slow-cooked lamb served with couscous and marinated grilled veggies is an absolute must-try, finishing beautifully with a classic crème brûlée citron.
Claypots Barbarossa strikes the perfect balance between casual dining and memorable moments, making it an ideal choice for groups looking to enjoy quality togetherness over delicious fare. The rich flavours and lively atmosphere enhance the experience, allowing for hearty conversations, laughter, and perhaps the soft sounds of jazz to add to your enjoyment.
Book your table now to secure your spot in this Melbourne gem.
Bellbird Dining & Bar - Casula, NSW
Find a contemporary blend of modern influences and flavours at Bellbird Dining & Bar on Powerhouse Road in Casula. Standing proud in the Liverpool Powerhouse, this dining destination boasts a trendy industrial vibe with polished concrete floors and statement pendant lights that add a touch of sophistication to your meal. The atmosphere is vibrant, designed for memorable catch-ups over delectable dishes crafted from local, seasonal produce. Start your culinary adventure with confit chicken wings served alongside a luscious mushroom pâté and crispy chicken, preparing your palate for heartier mains like the slow-cooked smoked Wagyu brisket, artfully accompanied by onions and horseradish emulsion. Finish your meal on a high note with the delightful vanilla bean crème brûlée paired with lime biscotti for a refreshing end note.
Bellbird Dining & Bar offers both charm and a creative menu, inspiring good times in group settings. Perfectly designed for gatherings, this restaurant encourages relaxation and enjoyment among friends and family over thoughtfully plated dishes. Share laughter over warm plates and crafted cocktails.
Reserve your experience today and create unforgettable memories.
Hobson Rosebud - Rosebud, VIC
Soaked in coastal charm, Hobson Rosebud on Point Nepean Road is a relaxed, stylish spot where locals and visitors gather for good food, coffee and conversation. Sunlight streams through large windows, bouncing off timber accents and greenery to create a warm, inviting space. The menu champions fresh, seasonal produce with dishes crafted to delight from morning through to afternoon – think vibrant breakfasts, hearty brunches and colourful salads. Aromatic coffee is poured with care, perfectly complementing flaky pastries or indulgent sweet treats from the cabinet. Just steps from the beach, it’s the ideal place to linger over a meal, watch the world go by and soak up Rosebud’s easy-going vibe, making Hobson a true gem along the Mornington Peninsula.
With a focus on fresh ingredients, Hobson Rosebud is a community hotspot where culinary creativity shines. Join friends or family here to savour the coastal offerings and revel in the atmosphere as you swap stories and laughter over seasonal dishes or relax with beach views. Experience the perfect combination of comfort and quality at Hobson Rosebud.
Book your catch-up now and indulge in a delightful day beneath the sun.
Bar Gusto - Bowen Hills, QLD
Bar Gusto on Gregory Terrace is a celebration of two rich and diverse cultures colliding in the heart of Bowen Hills, on the fringe of Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley. From the moment you step through the doors, the aroma of authentic Italian food mingles with the enticing frivolity of the staff that greet you, making every visit feel like home. Join a vibe buzzing with laughter, conversation, music and the clinking of glasses as friends, families and colleagues come together to create lasting memories whether after an alfresco lunch and cocktails under the fig tree, or antipasti and wine in the evening. Perhaps you’ll begin your culinary journey with crispy calamari fritti or pair a refreshing Masquerade Highball with starters before diving into mains like paccheri coated in creamy bisque with crab meat, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
Emphasizing social dining, Bar Gusto provides a warm atmosphere where every gathering is elevated through Italian hospitality and spirited enthusiasm. It’s easy to lose track of time over shared plates of antipasti and rich pastas, encouraging closeness and conversation.
Secure your booking now and revel in the unique experience that only Bar Gusto can offer.
DongSheng Restaurant - Kings Meadows, TAS
Step into a dining experience that redefines traditional Chinese cuisine at DongSheng Restaurant on Lawrence Vale Road in Kings Meadows. Discover an old and innovative menu that showcases the rich history of China while embracing a contemporary twist, served in trendy surrounds peppered with neon signage and eclectic accents. Enjoy a sip of the Sounds of Nature tequila cocktail as you delve into a vibrant array of yum cha; consider the octopus spring rolls served with wasabi sauce or dumplings filled with pork, prawn, and tobiko caviar. For the main affair, indulge in seared duck breast glazed with a sweet and savoury sauce, complemented by soft white wraps and a refreshing side salad or delight in the slow-cooked pork belly paired with passionfruit and sweet and sour sauce. The inclusivity of plant-based and gluten-free menu items ensures that everyone finds their culinary delight here.
DongSheng Restaurant crafts an enjoyable atmosphere that encourages convivial dining, allowing groups to engage in lively conversation while enjoying an array of dishes that fuse tradition with innovation. The inviting environment combined with delicious food makes each meal a reason to connect.
Plan your visit today and experience the delightful flavours of modern Chinese fare.
Great restaurants are more than just places to eat – they’re the backdrop for creating cherished memories over shared flavours and conversations. Whichever venue you choose from our selection, each promises to offer a unique and inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for your next group catch-up. With outstanding dishes and the added touch of local charm, you'll leave not just with good food in your belly, but stories that you contentedly carry on with long after you're done dining. So gather your closest friends and head out for an experience that you won’t forget.
