As the sun dips beneath the horizon and the urban backdrop transforms into a vibrant tapestry illuminated by city lights, the Australian dining scene beckons food lovers to a realm of modern menus and stylish settings. Savvy diners often seek more than just a meal; they crave experiences that tantalise both the palate and the senses. Join us as we explore five extraordinary venues where culinary artistry meets chic aesthetics.
Orleans Restaurant and Bar - Maroochydore, QLD
Take a well-deserved hiatus after a busy day sightseeing in Sunshine Coast’s Maroochydore and head to Orleans Restaurant and Bar on Duporth Avenue. Recycled timber, mood lighting, pressed tin and exposed bricks come together to create a relaxed and modern dining environment, with a hint of old-world charm. Drawing inspiration from the classics of New Orleans cuisine and finished with a modern French twist, a creative menu dishes up plates like Southern fried chicken, waffles, bacon, black garlic aioli and pickled jalapeño. Be tempted by blackened barramundi, pistou snow peas, Sauvignon Blanc velouté, sea herbs and caviar; or steak frites with Creole French fries, roasted green beans and chimichurri, washed down with a guava Margarita. Finish sweetly with chocolate Basque cheesecake.
The culinary team executes each dish with precision, artfully merging Southern flavours with contemporary flair. Dive into the Southern fried chicken, a perfect blend of crunchy and juicy, served alongside fluffy waffles and a zing of pickled jalapeño for that extra hit of flavour. Alternatively, the blackened barramundi impresses with its fresh herbs and velouté that brings the ocean's bounty to your plate. Don't miss the decadent chocolate Basque cheesecake that rounds off your dining experience in a sweet crescendo.
Make a reservation at Orleans Restaurant and Bar now!St Hugo Restaurant - Rowland Flat, SA
Expect an immersive sensory experience at St Hugo Restaurant on Barossa Valley Way in Rowland Flat. Nestled in the heart of the Barossa Valley in a captivating setting overlooking the vineyard, this restaurant and winery pays tribute to winemaking legend Hugo Gramp in stunning surrounds of exposed brick, arched windows and recycled timber. On balmy days, head to the courtyard, built in 1850, to while away a lazy afternoon tasting estate wine; before delving into a relaxed and flavoursome menu celebrating the best of the Barossa.
Start your meal with venison tartare, harmoniously complemented by hazelnuts, earthy mushrooms and a rich quail’s egg. The barramundi fillet dazzles, served with a comforting smoked capsicum butter and fresh Padron peppers, encapsulating the valley's love for fresh produce. The roasted chicken breast, paired with sweet corn cream and crispy shallots, epitomises the essence of the Barossa's culinary ethos, rich in flavour and nostalgia.
Reserve your table at St Hugo Restaurant today!Mode Kitchen & Bar - Sydney CBD, NSW
Great food, great drinks and great company...Sydneysiders celebrate the simple things in life at Mode Kitchen & Bar on George Street in the heart of the CBD. Delivering uncomplicated, yet memorable Modern Australian dining experiences for lunch and dinner, Mode strikes an ideal balance between a casual bistro and fine dining, with a touch of glamour from surrounds of polished wood, statement pendants and banquette seating. Take the first step towards your culinary destination with wood-roasted scallops, seasoned with herby miso cultured butter; before mains like spaghetti with rock lobster, vine tomatoes and lobster bisque, or lamb backstrap with vanilla-infused sweet potato purée, sautéed chard and jus.
Each dish reflects a deep respect for seasonal ingredients and simplicity in the presentation. The wood-roasted scallops are a highlight, their buttery richness enhanced by the umami of miso butter. For a true showcase of flavour, indulge in the spaghetti with rock lobster, a luxurious combination that delivers a seafood feast on your fork. Linger over dessert, as a warm chocolate soufflé tart with ice cream provides the sweet conclusion that every meal deserves.
Book your culinary journey at Mode Kitchen & Bar now!The Avenue Inn - Naracoorte, SA
Those looking to stay, eat and play in Naracoorte head to The Avenue Inn on Fourth Avenue. This recently refreshed motel and licensed café boasts a quiet location and comfortable rooms alongside great Melbourne-roasted coffee and delicious Mod Oz fare. Soak up the sun on the large deck for an alfresco dining experience to remember, while the onsite function room is ideal for private meetings and gatherings. Early risers may be enticed by breakfast plates of smashed avocado on sourdough with poached eggs, feta and lemon, while those grazing later devour prawn and pork dumplings with Sichuan soy and chilli oil to start.
For lunch or dinner, consider the fettuccine with pipis, tossed generously with garlic and parsley—a dish that perfectly embodies the coastal flavours of Australia, or opt for the Scotch fillet tantalisingly served with potato gratin and café de Paris butter. Each bite is a reminder of the merging of comfort and innovation that defines modern Australian dining.
Grab your spot at The Avenue Inn today!Poca Madre - South Bank, QLD
A promise of a dining experience that is as cool, bold and memorable as the streets of Mexico awaits at Poca Madre on Little Stanley Street in South Bank. Translating to ‘impressive’ or ‘awesome’, get ready for something truly poca madre – an unforgettable fusion of style, flavour and culture right in the heart of South Brisbane. Expect food that is a vibrant celebration of Mexico, offering a modern twist on traditional flavours; say gracias to starters of grilled corn, chipotle dressing and Manchego, or pan-roasted prawn cutlets with sweet chilli tamarind miso butter.
For the main event, dive into gourmet tacos filled with crispy fried pork belly, elevated with burnt pineapple and honey achiote salsa that dances on the palate. Alternatively, the marinated ribeye featuring refried beans and fresh salsa de esquite enveloped in warm tortillas is a dish not to be missed. Every bite is a testament to a culinary homage that pays respect to authentic Mexican cuisine while still pushing creative boundaries.
Experience Poca Madre – reserve your table now!
In a world where dining is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food, these venues deliver the perfect combination of style and substance. Each dish tells a story and each setting invites you to indulge in the full tapestry of Australia’s vibrant culinary landscape. Whether it's a sunny day at the coast or a cosy evening in the city, the dining experiences await to excite your senses.
