In the vibrant tapestry of Australian dining culture, the long lunch stands as a cherished tradition—a celebration of good food, fine wine, and convivial company. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to pause, indulge, and connect with friends and family over an extended afternoon. Whether nestled in the picturesque countryside or located in bustling urban centres, the following venues offer distinct atmospheres and menus that are a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Prepare to unwind as we explore these culinary gems that epitomise the art of the long lunch.
Reillys Wines Restaurant - Mintaro, SA
Indulge in a gourmet long lunch featuring the freshest local produce and estate wine at Reillys Wines Restaurant on the corner of Leasingham Road and Hill Street in Mintaro. This Clare Valley dining destination nestles in a cottage made from local slate which was built by Irish shoemaker Hugh Reilly in 1856 and now serves as a cellar door and restaurant to sample Reillys wines. Start your journey with wine barrel-smoked char siu pork belly bites and apple cucumber gel, or kingfish beetroot gravlax, herb yoghurt, and fennel salad; before main dishes like chicken and pork ballotine, crushed potatoes and bush tomato velouté. Perhaps slice a knife into medium-rare Porterhouse steak with bone marrow foam, red wine jus and sides of salt and pepper fried potatoes and roasted heirloom tomato salad.
As you contemplate the stunning Clare Valley landscape, consider starting your meal with the enticing wine barrel-smoked char siu pork belly bites, contrasted beautifully by the refreshing apple cucumber gel. The highlights continue with the enticing kingfish beetroot gravlax, where the delicate flavours merge seamlessly, paving the way for a generous main course. A standout allows you to experience the rich textures of the chicken and pork ballotine, accompanied by wholesome crushed potatoes, or if you crave a heartier bite, the Porterhouse steak will surely impress with its accompaniments, ensuring a lavish long lunch experience.
Book your table at Reillys Wines Restaurant now.The Vault, WA - Kalamunda, WA
Embark on a culinary journey through Italy at The Vault WA restaurant on Haynes Street in Kalamunda. Nestled in the beautiful Perth hills, this dining destination projects a warm and welcoming vibe suitable for any occasion with a spacious dining room and a stunning outdoor terrace overlooking the street, ideal for lingering over a wine or beer. The Treetop Bar provides another space for those who wish to savour a drink with family and friends while enjoying live music sessions, while the upstairs function room and Sunset Terrace can be booked for private events and gatherings.
The menu invites you to start with garlic chilli mussels in a tangy Napolitana sauce, perfect for sharing with friends, or opt for crispy fried whitebait paired with zesty lemon aioli. For your main course, consider tucking into the gnocchi adorned with succulent slow-cooked pork belly ragu and a generous dusting of pecorino cheese. Each dish eloquently conveys the essence of seasonal Italian cooking, further enhanced by the inviting atmosphere that beckons you to linger just a little longer over espresso or dessert.
Reserve your spot at The Vault WA today.Warrior Restaurant & Bar - Beerwah, QLD
Warrior Restaurant & Bar on Irwin Road in Beerwah welcomes you to dine with a difference. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, restaurant guests will enjoy a unique experience overlooking native wildlife while indulging in the best of Modern Australian cuisine. Menus are derived from classical techniques of the world, influenced by the unique produce from the Sunshine Coast region, and pay homage to the First Nation people and the plant life they have been utilising for thousands of years.
Begin your culinary journey with the tantalising Tiger prawn bites, elegantly plated with a prawn cracker and fragrant native pepperberry aioli. For a hearty delight, indulge in the confit pork belly dish, beautifully complemented by sweet kumara mash and roasted apple butter sauce that ties the flavours together seamlessly. Each plate created here is not just a meal but a tribute to Australia’s diverse culinary landscape, encouraging you to relax as you soak in the serenity around you.
Secure your table at Warrior Restaurant & Bar now.Italia Lane - Fortitude Valley, QLD
Embrace a modern twist on Italian cuisine at Italia Lane on Ann Street in Fortitude Valley. While staying true to the essence of authentic Italian flavours, this dining destination prides itself on elevating traditional dishes with contemporary culinary techniques and sophisticated plating to deliver some of the best Italian fare in Brisbane. Immerse yourself in the inviting atmosphere where the warmth of Italian hospitality meets modern European cooking and share special moments while savouring starters of beef carpaccio, black garlic mayo, cured yolk, and sprouts.
The main course offerings dazzle with rigatoni tossed in cured pork cheek, yolks, and pecorino, brought together with a heady sprinkle of black pepper. Alternatively, their gourmet pizza slices, adorned with spicy salami, prawns, fior di latte, and mini burrata, each bite celebrates Italy’s culinary heritage. Make sure to finish your meal with a rich chocolate brûlée tart that completes this opulent long lunch experience, melding tradition with a contemporary flair.
Book your long lunch experience at Italia Lane today.Nikkita - Manly, NSW
Discover vibrant South American bar and restaurant, Nikkita on N Steyne in Manly, for a fusion of Latin and Japanese influences. A lively beachfront vibe awaits with cosy spaces, including a charming backyard, making this the perfect spot to enjoy creative cocktails and cuisine near stunning Manly Beach. Take a seat at the bar to sip a cheeky Cony’s Margarita or Pretty Woman gin cocktail as you peruse a menu created by Chefs Masahiko Yomoda and David Mckin, boasting dishes such as the signature ceviche rojo with snapper, aji panca, and citrus dressing.
Venture into the heart of the menu, where the beef tartare picante provides a tantalising kick complemented by crunchy puffed rice crackers. The mains are an exploration of flavour and texture; the Angus beef rump cap with roast bone marrow served alongside a yuzu kosho jus will spoil you for choice. Perhaps the crispy skin spatchcock, paired with aji Amarillo salsa and blackened onion pickle, offers a delightful contrast that encourages you to share and savour each moment with friends during your long lunch.
Join the fun at Nikkita and book your table now.
As you embark on your own long lunch adventure, consider each of these venues to provide more than just sumptuous food; they promise experiences steeped in warmth, culture, and the joy of dining. Whether you choose the rustic charm of a winery, the lively spirit of a beachfront bar, or the fulfilling embrace of modern cuisine, let the leisurely pace invite connection and enjoyment around the table.
