Some restaurants chase elegance while others perfect the laid-back vibe but a rare few walk the line between the two with effortless precision. These are the venues where polished plates meet unpretentious hospitality, where you can sink into a leather banquette or a timber bench and feel just as at home ordering a Wagyu steak as you would a spiced sandwich.
Whether you’re post-surf, pre-show or simply chasing something that doesn’t compromise quality for comfort, this list delivers. From Brisbane’s inner suburbs to the coast of Victoria and the heart of Perth, here are five restaurants that strike the perfect harmony between casual and refined.
Six Acres Restaurant - Bowen Hills, QLD
Tucked beside the Brisbane Showgrounds, Six Acres Restaurant nods to its pastoral roots with a space that feels quietly luxurious. Think dark leather seating, soft ambient lighting and a curated mix of rustic and refined décor—china-lined walls speak to its historical ties, while moody hues set the tone for slow, elegant meals. The restaurant’s dedication to locally-sourced meat and seasonal produce is clear from the moment you sit down, and its proximity to the city makes it a go-to for both weekday indulgences and weekend occasions.
This is a steakhouse that doesn’t cut corners. Rib eye on the bone is grilled to order and delivered with sides that complement without overshadowing—char-grilled pumpkin, smoky BBQ broccolini and golden fries. Each element is designed to highlight the richness of the beef while offering textural balance and flavour depth. For wine lovers, the list is smartly selected with pairing in mind.
Secure your table at Six Acres and discover a steak experience steeped in heritage.
Just a short stroll from Torquay Beach, Pond Café greets diners with bursts of colour from its cheerful flower boxes and a relaxed beach-town charm. Inside, sunlight streams through wide windows, bouncing off recycled timber furnishings and lush green foliage. The vibe is effortlessly coastal—bright, welcoming and unpretentious. Whether you're fresh from the surf or lingering over your second coffee of the morning, this café encourages you to stay a little longer.
The all-day menu walks the tightrope between wholesome and indulgent. Highlights include Turkish eggs atop grilled peppers, drizzled with spiced tomato oil and served with pita and lime-splashed garlic labneh. It's the sort of dish that hits every note—rich, fresh and perfectly portioned. Prefer something heartier? Their lamb shoulder with mint labneh and jewelled rice brings Middle Eastern flair to a menu that's as satisfying as it is versatile.
Make your brunch plans now—Pond Café is ready when you are.
Chapters Bistro - Currambine, WA
Chapters Bistro brings contemporary European flair to Currambine, offering a thoughtful contrast between industrial finishes and warm, eclectic touches. Inside this chic bistro at Currambine Central, red chairs pop against exposed brick walls, while hanging plants soften the modern lines. It’s a space that’s both stylish and grounded—perfect for lunch dates that roll into dinner or celebratory evenings that don’t require a special occasion.
The kitchen elevates comfort food into artful plates. Smoky
bacon mac and cheese croquettes, crisp and golden, arrive paired with a tangy
dried tomato aioli and a shower of Parmigiano Reggiano. For mains, think robust
European dishes reimagined with finesse—like roasted lamb rump plated with
minted pea purée and salsa verde or prawns tossed through linguine with
fermented chilli. Everything is done with care, detail and just enough drama.
Reserve your seat at Chapters Bistro and explore a menu where rustic meets refined.
Industrial-chic with a moody twist, Nonda is the kind of restaurant where modern Japanese sensibilities unfold in every detail—from the stylish interior to the menu's subtle seasonal shifts. Situated in the heart of Gasworks Plaza, it blends polished service with a buzzing atmosphere perfect for intimate dinners or group celebrations. The décor leans minimal, yet layered: steel, soft lighting and raw textures build a space that feels sophisticated but never stiff.
Nonda’s menu encourages sharing and conversation. One
standout is the crispy pork belly, its crackling wafer-thin and served with a
tangle of potato floss and a chilli bean sauce that walks the fine line between
heat and umami. With broccolini on the side dressed in yuzu goma and a bowl of
perfectly steamed rice, it's a lesson in balance. Every dish pays homage to
traditional Japanese techniques while embracing contemporary flair.
Book a seat at Nonda and taste Japanese
dining with a bold, modern edge.
Fox and Hounds - Wahroonga, NSW
Step into Fox and Hounds on Ingram Road and you’ll feel as though you’ve been welcomed into a 1960s-inspired retreat where nostalgia meets culinary finesse. The venue is brimming with character—rustic timber features, retro touches and an inviting energy that makes you want to linger. A lively drinks list featuring everything from boutique wines to frozen slushies adds to the laid-back, yet elevated charm of the place.
Starters set the tone for a meal full of flavour surprises.
Scallop medallions arrive delicately cooked, swimming in a mix of ginger,
garlic, chilli and coriander that makes each bite pop. Then there’s the pork
belly—a generous serve, matched with pistachio macadamia purée and fresh mixed
greens. Whether you opt for a Wagyu Scotch fillet or slow-roasted lamb
shoulder, expect thoughtful plating and bold flavours.
Gather the crew and book your table at Fox and Hounds for a meal to remember.
In a dining landscape often defined by extremes, these five restaurants stand out for their ability to blend relaxed atmospheres with considered cuisine. They serve as a reminder that you don’t need white tablecloths or excessive ceremony to enjoy a truly memorable meal—just the right balance of charm, quality and character.
