Sometimes the best meals require more than just a short walk or ride - they demand a journey. These regional restaurants go beyond the expected, pairing destination dining with character, charm and seriously impressive food. From vineyard vistas to mountain hideaways, these are the spots that make the trip part of the pleasure.
Golden Chopsticks - Mount Gambier, SA
In the heart of Mount Gambier, Golden Chopsticks is proof that great Chinese
cuisine isn’t limited to the big smoke. Tucked along Commercial Street, this
restaurant delivers timeless hospitality with crisp white linens, polished
timber floors and deep red touches that conjure both warmth and tradition.
The real story unfolds on the plate. Start with sesame prawn
toast or tender satay beef skewers before diving into Chef’s specials like duck
in plum sauce - sweet, rich and perfectly balanced. Szechuan steak adds a fiery
twist, while sweet and sour chicken and black bean fish cater to classic
cravings.
Take the scenic route and arrive hungry - this one’s a standout. Make sure to review your dining experience.
SANT' ALBA Restaurant - Moss Vale, NSW
Tucked within the rolling green of Mount Ashby Estate, SANT' ALBA Restaurant in
Moss Vale is where rustic charm meets elevated dining. With a backdrop of
vineyards and countryside, this French-inspired restaurant is all slow lunches,
good wine and sweeping views - exactly the kind of escape the Southern Highlands
does so well.
Indulge in refined starters like chicken liver pâté with
sourdough or beef carpaccio with Wagyu bresaola. The main course could be
tender beef ribs on pumpkin purée or roasted baby potatoes and green beans.
Then there’s lavender pannacotta - subtle, aromatic and just the right amount of
indulgent.
Book a long lunch, take in the view and savour every bite, then review your dining experience.
Mt Bera Cellar Door, Restaurant and Winery - Gumeracha,
SA
Tucked into the Adelaide Hills, Mt Bera offers panoramic views of the Torrens
Valley paired with a menu that delivers just as much charm. Whether you're
sipping wine by the cellar door or dining inside the restaurant, this
family-owned estate brings a genuine sense of hospitality and place to the
table.
Opt for the two-course menu with standout dishes like beef
cheek paired with satay crème, or explore more widely with the tasting menu:
chicken liver with pickled apple, kangaroo backstrap with smoked beetroot and
salted dark chocolate finished with Granny Smith apple. It's smart, stylish
dining with a scenic twist.
Book a table with a view and indulge in something truly local. Show your appreciation by reviewing your meal.
The Burger Bar & Grill - Murwillumbah, NSW
For those who believe a great burger is worth travelling for, The Burger Bar
& Grill in Murwillumbah delivers in spades. Inside, exposed brick and
chalkboard menus give it that laid-back pub-meets-diner feel, while the
alfresco space is prime real estate for people-watching on a sunny afternoon.
Dig into wings with sticky BBQ sauce and blue cheese, then
turn your attention to the Old Timer - a classic beef patty piled with bacon,
egg, beetroot, cheese and the works. Perhaps go bolder with brisket-loaded nachos or
a fiery chilli dog. It's comfort food, done loud and proud.
Plan a pit stop that promises maximum flavour - Murwillumbah awaits, then mark your visit with a review.
Songbird Café & Larder - Kinglake, Vic
Perched at the edge of the Yarra Valley, Songbird Café & Larder is equal
parts charming café and rustic retreat. Inside, it's all stacked stone,
polished concrete and glass cabinets brimming with baked goods. Outside,
umbrellas shade relaxed diners as the smell of coffee and warm bread fills the
air.
Start the day with chilli scrambled eggs and grilled
chorizo, or settle in for lunch with crisp arancini and a plate of zucchini and
pea fettuccine. The chicken Zeus burger brings Mediterranean flair with
saganaki cheese and housemade salsa. It’s the kind of place where the fireplace
in Winter and the views in Summer both feel just right.
Make the drive to unwind and taste the seasons - Kinglake’s calling. Don't forget to leave a review.
Each of these destinations is a reminder that the best meals often come with a journey and in these regional gems, that journey is just as delicious as the destination.
