There’s something uniquely satisfying about indulging in international cuisine made right - with the best local ingredients. These standout venues take flavours from around the world and pair them with fresh Australian produce to craft menus that are equal parts familiar and thrillingly new.
Whether you’re after refined beachside dining or a sizzling plate of sisig in suburban Brisbane, these restaurants show just how delicious it is when global meets local.
Public Dining Room – Balmoral Beach, NSW
Set along one of Sydney’s most iconic stretches of sand, Public Dining Room at Balmoral Beach captures coastal elegance in every sense. With sweeping views across the harbour to Manly and North Head, the space curated by the minds at Hecker & Guthrie blends architectural finesse with breezy charm. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows and blond timber accents create a relaxed yet sophisticated backdrop for long lunches and golden hour dinners. This Chef Hat-awarded venue strikes the perfect balance between fine dining and barefoot luxury.
Chef’s creations channel global inspiration through a local lens. Think gin and dill-cured salmon layered with smoked yuzu crème fraiche and fennel for a delicate, zesty beginning. The star of the mains? A robust char-grilled Black Angus rib eye, elevated by chimichurri and paired with heirloom zucchini salad. Seasonal signatures like Alaskan King chilli crab spaghettini and Abrolhos Island scallops on the shell underscore the venue’s dedication to premium local sourcing. Don’t skip the pavlova, its burnt Swiss meringue and cherry Kirsch Chantilly are a dreamy finish.
Secure your table early to soak up the views and seasonal flavours.
Old Durbar Restaurant & Lounge – Brunswick, Vic
Brunswick’s Old Durbar Restaurant & Lounge brings the richness of Nepalese and Indian culinary traditions to life on Sydney Road. Inside, rustic timber tables and mural-lined walls transport diners straight to Kathmandu, while ambient lighting and occasional live music set a warm, inviting tone. Whether you're seated on a floor cushion or tucked into an intimate corner booth, there’s an undeniable sense of community and cultural pride infused throughout.
The kitchen’s commitment to authenticity shines through in every dish, from spicy marinated chicken lollipops to the deeply flavoured goat vindaloo, simmered in vinegar and hot peppers until melt-in-the-mouth tender. The butter prawns are a house favourite, tandoor-roasted and tossed through a buttery, spice-laden sauce that clings to each bite. If you’re in the mood for seafood, the Nepalese-style fish curry offers a deeply satisfying balance of tang and heat.
Book ahead for a night of soulful spice and hearty fare.
Rex's Cuisine – Acacia Ridge, Qld
Hidden in the suburban streets of Acacia Ridge, Rex’s Cuisine is a humble yet heart-filled haven for Filipino food lovers. The restaurant's warm, timber-clad interiors and subtle lighting create an atmosphere that’s both inviting and nostalgic. Designed with comfort in mind, it feels like stepping into someone’s home complete with the welcoming aromas of garlic, soy and slow-cooked meats wafting from the kitchen.
Rex’s pays homage to the Philippines through a menu that celebrates both tradition and texture. Start with the tang of vinegar and crunch of pig’s ear, followed by the signature sisig sizzling diced pork head topped with a golden fried egg, fresh shallots and a kiss of citrus. Equally compelling is the braised pork in pineapple sauce, its sweetness balanced by savoury undertones, especially when paired with fluffy steamed rice. Dessert? Go for the five-layer pandan mud cake - rich, creamy and unapologetically indulgent.
Make a reservation for a taste of Manila in Brisbane’s backyard.
Tucked beneath the historical facade of South Perth’s 1908 Police Station, Ludo is part speakeasy, part culinary sanctuary. Dimly lit and steeped in old-world charm, the subterranean space is home to one of Perth’s most refined dining experiences. Ludovic Mulot, the Chef-owner, brings his European heritage and modern techniques to the table, crafting seasonal dishes that are designed to be shared and savoured in good company.
Each plate is an ode to quality produce, be it a delicate lobster éclair with celery and tarragon, or the crowd-favourite beef fillet tartare crowned with a quail yolk and flecked with capers and anchovies. The Chateaubriand arrives perfectly seared with a cognac cream sauce and sides of gratin and asparagus. Even the Sunday-to-Thursday piano accompaniment enhances the sense of intimacy.
For a refined night out, reserve your seat underground at Ludo.
IGNIS Palm Cove – Palm Cove, Qld
IGNIS brings coastal charm and European sophistication to the heart of Palm Cove. Located along the breezy Williams Esplanade, this venue feels like a private Mediterranean retreat with its intimate marble tables, soft lighting and the gentle rustle of palms just beyond. It's the kind of place where a sunset glass of wine naturally turns into a three-course evening affair.
The menu showcases Italian classics reinterpreted with Australian ingredients - beef tartare with cured egg yolk and crisp lavash sets the stage, while mains like gnocchi with pulled lamb, roasted hazelnuts and ricotta salata deliver layered comfort. For those with an appetite for indulgence, the Wagyu eye fillet is a standout, complemented by millefoglie potatoes and seasonal greens. Handcrafted pasta changes daily and is finished with a sage butter so fragrant it demands a second glass of wine.
Plan your evening now - this coastal gem fills quickly.
From the Modern Australian finesse of Public Dining Room to the subterranean elegance of Ludo, these restaurants prove that international flair and local ingredients aren’t mutually exclusive - they’re a match made in culinary heaven. So, next time you’re craving a global dining adventure, let local produce lead the way.
