AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Savour the Spirit: Dining Experiences That Embody Our City


As food lovers, we know that dining is not merely about sustenance; it is about capturing the spirit of a region through its culinary expressions. The venues that stand out in any city often do so not just because of their innovative dishes, but due to the stories they tell through their ambiance, the meticulous sourcing of local ingredients, and their unique cultural influences. This journey takes us through a selection of dining rooms in Sydney and Canberra, each creating an immersive experience that embodies the essence of its location.

Water’s Edge - Parkes, ACT

Perched gracefully on the banks of Lake Burley Griffin, Water's Edge restaurant offers a breathtaking backdrop that elevates its dining experience. The venue's elegant design features plush seating and vaulted ceilings, creating a tranquil oasis ideal for both afternoon luncheons and romantic dinners. The restaurant is nestled within the vibrant international flag area, inviting diners to revel in its scenic beauty as they indulge in a menu that is a tribute to Modern Australian cuisine.

Savour the Spirit: Dining Experiences That Embody Our City

Begin your culinary adventure with the fresh blue swimmer crab ensemble, showcasing an imaginative harmony of pepperberry, pickled apple and grapes, buttermilk, and seaweed. Perhaps move on to the lamb backstrap, presented with potato galette, mashed peas, black garlic, and saltbush—a dish that encapsulates the essence of contemporary Australian dining. Water's Edge seamlessly merges stunning aesthetics with culinary prowess for an unforgettable experience.

Book your table now.

ABODE - Darling Harbour, NSW

ABODE on Day Street is a culinary sanctuary that invites you to reconnect with the simple joys of eating well. This stylish establishment brims with modern flair, featuring pockets of banquette seating and airy alfresco spaces that blend seamlessly with the Darling Harbour vibes. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming, making it a perfect locale for both casual get-togethers and special celebrations, while the restaurant showcases Australian cuisine reinvented with a creative twist.

Savour the Spirit: Dining Experiences That Embody Our City

Start your meal with the exquisite Ora King salmon, presented alongside parsnip purée, dukkah, and vibrant purple congo potatoes. For the main act, the aged sirloin, accompanied by roasted field mushrooms and rainbow chard, promises an experience that lingers on the palate. ABODE excels in crafting deliciously tempting dishes that reflect the essence of its bustling surroundings.

Secure your reservation today.

Pialligo Estate by Create Catering - Pialligo, ACT

Situated gracefully along the banks of the Molonglo River, Pialligo Estate by Create Catering offers more than just fine dining; it provides an immersive experience enveloped in nature. The estate captures the imaginations of diners with its picturesque gardens, vineyards, and olive groves, creating an idyllic retreat just outside the Canberra CBD. The Pavilion Restaurant prides itself on showcasing produce from its estate, leading to a uniquely local dining experience.

Savour the Spirit: Dining Experiences That Embody Our City

Enjoy small plates like Fremantle octopus, rich with capers and black garlic, designed to share and savour within the lush surroundings. For a larger serving, the pan-roasted spatchcock, seasoned with lemon and rosemary and complemented by roasted sweet potatoes, captures the heart of Modern Australian cuisine. Dining here is not just about the meal; it's about experiencing a harmony of flavours in an enchanting setting.

Reserve your spot now.

Shaffa - Surry Hills, NSW

For a culinary voyage steeped in the vibrant flavours of the Middle East, Shaffa beckons from a charming corner in Surry Hills. This hidden gem merges contemporary sophistication with traditional rustic charm through its atmospheric design, featuring exposed bricks and plush banquettes. As you step inside, the menu reveals itself as a treasure trove of share-style plates, perfect for indulging in a feast with friends and family.

Savour the Spirit: Dining Experiences That Embody Our City

Begin your meal with seared scallops complemented by a medley of herbs and rich capsicum coulis, transporting your taste buds to sun-kissed markets. The grilled beef sirloin, enveloped in a Panko crust and served alongside a fresh tomato and shallot salad, is a must-try for those seeking a true burst of flavour. Finally, don’t miss the chocolate mousse adorned with hazelnut praline—an indulgent finale to your Middle Eastern escapade.

Make your booking today.

Jamison Views Restaurant - Katoomba, NSW

At the historic Mountain Heritage Hotel, Jamison Views Restaurant commands not only a stunning view but also a sublime atmosphere for a remarkable dining experience. With unforgettable vistas of Katoomba and the World Heritage-listed Jamison Valley, this elegant restaurant offers a slice of serenity combined with an exquisite menu. The refined décor, complemented by live piano music on weekends, promises an enchanting dining experience for guests both new and familiar.

Savour the Spirit: Dining Experiences That Embody Our City

Start your meal with their enticing lamb saddle rolled with mushrooms, its rich flavours harmonising beautifully with port wine jus. Alternatively, indulge in the lobster agnolotti for a sophisticated take on pasta. The service is legendary for its warmth and attentiveness—ensuring each guest feels special. Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or an elegant dinner, Jamison Views promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Join us for a memorable meal—you won’t regret it.

Each of these dining establishments not only showcases exceptional Australian cuisine, but they encapsulate the spirit of their environments, creating a resonance with the city and its culinary heartbeat. From the lakeside tranquillity of Canberra to the vibrant pulse of Sydney’s dining scene, these restaurants invite you to explore, savour, and connect with the essence of place through your dining experiences. Whether you are seeking a romantic dinner or a casual catch-up with friends, these venues deliver unforgettable flavours and atmospheres that reflect the character of their surroundings.

Featured Locations

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Jamison Views Restaurant

Jamison Views Restaurant, nestled within the historic Mountain Heritage Hotel on the corner of Apex and Lovel Streets, offers a memorable dining experience with sweeping panoramas of Katoomba, Leur...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Pialligo Estate by Create Catering

Nestled along the Molonglo River on Kallaroo Road, Pialligo Estate by Create Catering is a premier destination for dining and events in Canberra. Just ten minutes from the CBD, the estate offers a ...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

ABODE

A place to connect, relish and relax, ABODE on Day Street brings innovative dining to Darling Harbour. This stylish venue includes a lounge, alfresco deck and restaurant; alongside a menu revolving...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Water’s Edge Canberra

Take in scenic views of Lake Burley Griffin while dining at Waters Edge restaurant on Parkes Place in Canberra. Located in the middle of the international flag presentation on the lakeshore, this t...

Middle Eastern    $$$$$

Shaffa

A feast for the senses awaits at the end of a narrow laneway, tucked in between two heritage-listed sandstone buildings, at Shaffa on Albion Street in Surry Hills. This inviting Middle Eastern rest...

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