There’s comfort food — and then there’s comfort food that’s been quietly sharpened, refined and presented with the sort of polish that lingers long after the last mouthful. Across the country, a handful of venues are pushing familiar flavours into new territory, while keeping their homely heart intact. Whether it’s a shakshuka that could win awards, a goat curry that’s as elegant as it is earthy, or a pizza that’s every bit as photogenic as it is indulgent, these kitchens prove that nostalgia and finesse can share the same plate.
Here’s where to find comfort food at its most elevated.
Grandma’s on Eyre Street captures the kind of warmth that makes you want to linger. A lush scatter of potted greenery inside and out softens the airy, homestyle setting, where country-style tables and display cabinets overflowing with baked treats invite diners to stay for "just one more coffee.” The concept is simple yet inspired — a curated homage to recipes from grandmothers the world over, interpreted with freshness, authenticity and an obvious affection for the craft.
The menu celebrates wholesome, satisfying flavours without a
hint of pretension. Morning favourites include a richly spiced beef and tahini
shakshuka topped with poached eggs and pine nuts, or smashed avocado on challah
crowned with labneh, rosti and dukkah. For lunch, lamb lasagne with crisp
salad, chicken and roast vegetable quinoa salad drizzled in green tahini, or an
eggplant and goat’s cheese blintz with harissa onion sauce hit the sweet spot
between rustic and refined.
Reserve your table for a comforting feast that feels like home.
Akuna Restaurant Pizza, Bar & Café – Anglesea, VIC
Perched across from Anglesea Beach, Akuna Restaurant Pizza, Bar & Café turns the quintessential Surf Coast dining experience into something elevated. This family-run gem beckons locals and travellers alike with its mix of banquette seating, intimate tables and that ever-alluring aroma of wood-fired pizza. Whether it’s an impromptu seaside dinner or a relaxed date night, the atmosphere blends laid-back charm with a dash of coastal sophistication.
While the menu nods to classics, the toppings speak of
careful sourcing and a creative hand. The Greek — slow-roasted lamb, Napoli
sauce, mozzarella, olives, Spanish onion, feta and tzatziki — is a savoury
masterpiece, while the Roadknight’s confit garlic, parma ham, mozzarella,
rocket and balsamic glaze offers an irresistible balance of richness and
freshness. Pair either with a crisp glass of local wine and watch the sun dip
beyond the surf.
Book in to discover why pizza tastes better by the ocean.
Kolapasi Indian Kitchen – Laverton, VIC
Kolapasi — meaning "hungry” — doesn’t just feed you; it transports you straight to the spice-scented kitchens of South India. The vibrant setting, with its patterned floor tiles, warm orange walls and striking red counter, is a visual match for the menu’s bold, layered flavours. Here, each dish feels like a story told through seasoning, technique and tradition.
Standout mains include the Goat Chukka Curry — slow-cooked
until tender in a South Indian masala blend — served with steamed rice, garlic
naan and crisp papadums. Other plates, like prawn chukka biryani or Madras fish
curry, carry their spice with elegance, each bite revealing something new. It’s
the sort of fare that makes you wish you had more room, yet satisfies
completely.
Plan your visit for a deeply flavourful dining experience.
Amici Street Café – North Turramurra, NSW
Amici Street Café wears its name proudly, creating a space where the pace slows and the welcome is genuine. Outdoors, Parisian-style tables invite people-watching over a morning flat white, while inside, cabinets brim with fresh sandwiches, pastries and light lunches ready for those on the move. It’s the kind of café where regulars are greeted by name and newcomers feel instantly at home.
The kitchen balances familiarity with a hint of indulgence.
Sicilian eggs simmered in tomato sauce and finished with fresh bocconcini and
pecorino make for a memorable breakfast, while lunch might be a falafel bowl
brimming with seasonal greens and lemon dressing. For something heartier, the
linguine with sautéed prawns, cherry tomatoes, garlic and chilli is a shining
example of how simple ingredients, treated well, can sing.
Secure your spot and taste the charm of Amici for yourself.
The Funky Indian Restaurant – Crows Nest, NSW
True to its name, The Funky Indian Restaurant takes the soulful core of Indian cooking and turns the volume up. The space radiates energy, with a menu that bounces between traditional recipes and modern interpretations, each dish plated with an eye for detail. It’s Indian cuisine reframed — bold in flavour yet playful in presentation.
Begin with slow-cooked lamb cutlets marinated in
garlic-infused hung yoghurt and aromatic spices, then move to wild goat cooked
on the bone with ginger, garlic, tomato and coriander. Sides of steamed rice
and cheese naan round things out, while seafood lovers may be drawn to Kerala
prawn curry, enriched with coconut cream and mustard seeds. To finish,
pistachio kulfi and gulab jamun ensure the last course is just as memorable as
the first.
Make a booking to experience Indian dining with a vibrant twist.
These kitchens prove that comfort food doesn’t have to be predictable. By applying skill, imagination and a touch of theatre, they’ve created dishes that feel both familiar and new — the culinary equivalent of being wrapped in your favourite blanket while wearing a perfectly tailored suit.
