Readers’ Choice 2025 – Celebrating Australia’s Favourite Dining Destinations

Each year, the Readers’ Choice Awards honour the restaurants that capture the hearts and palates of diners across the country. From sun-kissed coastal retreats to countryside gems and vibrant city haunts, these venues reflect the diverse flavours and cultures that define Australian dining.

In 2025, our winners showcase exceptional craftsmanship, local produce and the power of genuine hospitality. Whether it’s a refined farm-to-table experience, a sizzling taqueria, or riverside elegance, each restaurant tells a story of passion and place - inviting you to discover, taste and celebrate Australia’s culinary spirit.

Here are five to add to your dining rotation:

Nestled among rolling hills and vineyards on Lambing Gully Road in Avenel, Fowles Wine Cellar Door Restaurant offers a charming blend of rustic elegance and contemporary style. Sunlight filters through wide glass windows, illuminating timber beams and stone accents that echo the landscape outside.

 

Guests can gaze across sweeping views of the Strathbogie Ranges while enjoying dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and unhurried, inviting visitors to linger over a glass of wine and savour the connection between land and table. Every detail reflects the estate’s deep respect for craftsmanship, community and the rhythm of the seasons.

Si Señor Art Taqueria in Richmond brings the vibrant energy of Mexico City to Swan Street with bold flavours and colourful flair. This lively taqueria celebrates authentic street-style Mexican food, blending traditional recipes with a modern edge. The aroma of grilled meat, zesty salsas and freshly pressed tortillas fills the air, while bright murals and upbeat tunes create a festive atmosphere. 

 

 

Guests gather around shared tables and bar stools, sipping on tequila or mezcal as plates of tacos, quesadillas and smoky delights arrive. Si Señor captures the joyful spirit of Mexican dining - casual, creative and full of life.

Nestled in the rolling slopes of the Adelaide Hills, the Oakbank Hotel exudes country charm with a modern twist. The timber-panelled front bar glows with the warmth of a crackling fireplace come Winter, inviting locals and visitors alike to linger a little longer. Outside, a leafy beer garden opens onto manicured lawns where kids can roam and adults unwind under the eucalyptus canopies. 

 

 

Inside, slow-cooked meat and seasonal produce from surrounding farms find their way onto plates, paired with South Australian wines selected with care. In this relaxed yet refined refuge, time seems to slow, conversation flows and the hills feel ever closer.

Located beneath swaying palms and overlooking the Coral Sea, Beach Almond in Palm Cove exudes relaxed coastal charm. The open-air dining space, framed by timber and tropical greenery, captures the essence of North Queensland’s beachside beauty. Aromas of grilled seafood drift through the warm breeze, while flickering lanterns cast a golden glow as the sun dips below the horizon.

 

The atmosphere is both refined and easy-going - where ocean rhythms meet the hum of quiet conversation. It’s a place that celebrates local produce, fresh Asian flavours and the art of lingering long after the plates have been cleared.

Found within the historic Hotel Renmark, Temperance Restaurant offers an elegant yet relaxed dining experience overlooking the majestic Murray River. The venue blends old-world charm with contemporary sophistication - polished timber floors, soft lighting and art deco accents create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu celebrates regional produce, showcasing fresh Riverland flavours and seasonal ingredients thoughtfully prepared to highlight their natural character.

 

Whether dining indoors or on the terrace, guests are treated to a sense of timeless hospitality and refined country comfort that perfectly captures the essence of Renmark’s vibrant food and wine culture.