Australia’s dining scene has never been more in tune with its surroundings. Across the country, Chefs are taking cues from the landscape - letting soil, sea and seasons shape the stories they tell on the plate. These venues aren’t just sourcing local - they're weaving the terrain into their menus, offering dishes that embody the regions they call home.
Whether you’re high above Terrigal, nestled in Riverina vineyards or sipping estate wines in Margaret River, these are the restaurants where the landscape is more than a backdrop - it’s the main ingredient.
The Cowrie Restaurant – Terrigal, NSW
Perched on the cliffs of Terrigal with sweeping views of the ocean and bay, The Cowrie Restaurant is a destination where elegance meets elemental beauty. The elevated dining room, all clean lines and crisp linens, is matched only by the views stretching out across the Central Coast. It’s the kind of place where every detail - service, setting and the menu - feels purposefully refined.
The culinary philosophy here is grounded in seasonal produce sourced from nearby growers, resulting in plates that taste like they belong exactly where you are. The roast duck is a standout - served with slow-cooked leg, muscatels, parsnip and bitter leaves, it captures richness without losing balance. Local oysters, trout tartare and desserts like sticky rice pudding with mandarin ice cream round out a meal that’s rooted in place and elevated in execution.
Book ahead to dine above the sea and savour the flavours of the coast.
Magpie’s Nest – Wagga Wagga, NSW
Set within a beautifully restored 1860s stone stable surrounded by vineyards, Magpie’s Nest is Wagga Wagga’s answer to relaxed luxury with a strong sense of place. With sweeping rural views and a kitchen driven by local, seasonal ingredients, this venue marries rustic charm with Modern Australian creativity. There’s no rush here - just good food, warm hospitality and time to enjoy it.
The Aquna Murray cod dish exemplifies the ethos. Pan-seared and paired with roasted parsnip, foraged greens and a rich salted black bean and tarragon mousse, it's an elegant nod to Riverina produce. Add in house-baked bread, char siu duck and vibrant desserts like spiced pear sorbet with ginger pudding and you’ll find a menu that walks the line between comfort and craft.
Make time for a long lunch where vineyard views meet deeply local fare.
Voyager Estate Restaurant – Margaret River, WA
Dining at Voyager Estate feels like stepping into a curated experience - one that begins with the land, flows through the vines and finishes on your plate. Housed in an architecturally striking estate with high timber beams and heritage detailing, the restaurant offers a seasonal five-course tasting menu designed to complement the cellar of iconic wines.
Each dish is a moment in the Margaret River calendar. From cucumber and sheep’s cheese with Sauvignon Blanc to mushroom and potato paired with a rich Cabernet Sauvignon, the menu moves with the rhythms of the vineyard. The result is more than just wine pairing - it’s storytelling. A culinary map of the region told in textures, flavours and exceptional precision.
Reserve your table and explore a menu that tastes like Margaret River in every bite.
Tuileries at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate – Rutherglen, Vic
Located in the heart of wine country, Tuileries at De Bortoli Rutherglen Estate is a serene escape where pastel interiors and blooming gardens create a tranquil backdrop for meals rich in local colour. The focus here is on regional ingredients, transformed into dishes that feel as natural as the vineyard breeze drifting across the deck.
The salmon tartare captures this ethos perfectly - topped with macadamia cream, avocado, wattleseed crisps and saltbush, it’s as much a reflection of the Victorian High Country as it is a celebration of clean, modern plating. Mains like roasted barramundi with potato pavé or pork cutlet with caramelised pineapple show how local flavours can shine with restraint and elegance.
Plan a visit to this wine-and-dine sanctuary for a meal that tastes like homegrown indulgence.
The UPPside European Restaurant and Wine Bar – Penwortham, SA
In the Clare Valley wine region, The UPPside brings European heart to South Australian soil. With a rustic verandah dotted with colourful chairs and an interior made for long conversations and full glasses, this charming spot captures the essence of regional hospitality with a continental twist.
Among the most beloved items is the signature pierogi - Polish dumplings handmade with potato and cheese, glazed with butter and onions and served with the kind of soul-soothing simplicity that speaks of heritage. Follow with lemon-and-garlic seared lamb cutlets, pomegranate glaze and house pickles for a dish that feels both familiar and adventurous.
Book in for a regional escape that fuses European tradition with Clare Valley freshness.
In every dish from these inspired venues, you can taste the connection between landscape and plate. It’s a quiet yet powerful approach to dining - one that respects the source, honours the season and offers a genuine sense of place. Whether you're surrounded by vineyards, coastline or mountain air, these menus are a reflection of the land itself.
