There’s a quiet revolution happening behind the facades of Australia's hotels. No longer content with being the dining equivalent of a complimentary toothbrush, hotel restaurants are throwing down the gauntlet - plating up bold flavours, design-driven spaces and dishes that rival the best standalone eateries
From tropical rooftops to refined city boltholes, these venues are where surprise meets sophistication. Here’s your guide to five of the most unexpected hotel restaurants, where checking in is just the beginning.
Lagoon House Restaurant – Port Douglas, Qld
There’s something irresistibly languid about Lagoon House Restaurant, tucked inside the Sheraton Mirage Resort on Avenue of Palms. Designed to channel the easy charm of Port Douglas, this alfresco haven offers swaying palms, sea breezes from Four Mile Beach and a gentle hum of resort life. Morning visits might mean artisan coffee and freshly baked pastries, but the real magic unfolds at dusk when the glow of lanterns and the scent of spice fill the air.
Southeast Asian BBQ plates are the stars here - infused with tropical flair and Far North Queensland soul. Think grilled Tiger prawns with green masala and lime, served alongside market greens and perfectly steamed rice. Don’t skip the pork ribs, lacquered in a sticky Davidson plum sauce, then dusted with five-spice salt and teamed with sautéed pak choy. It’s a dish that captures the region’s balance of sweet, sour and heat in every bite.
Secure your seat under the palms before the sun dips below the reef.
Uma Restaurant – Perth CBD, WA
Step into Uma Restaurant, located within Pan Pacific Perth, and be transported - not just to another city but an entirely different continent. This chic Peruvian eatery is a collaboration between the hotel and Chef Xerxes Bodhanwala, blending the vibrancy of Lima’s streets with the polish of Western Australia’s capital. Matte grey walls, terracotta floors and warm wood tones form the backdrop to a dining experience that is both intimate and exhilarating.
Here, the menu is a homage to Peru’s diverse geography, from coastal ceviches to mountain-sourced meats. Dive into kaffir lime-poached scallops elevated by coconut, tiger’s milk and jamon, or opt for the slow seduction of paddock favourites. The standout? A confit duck leg and sous vide breast duo, plated with roasted butternut, kumara purée and a punchy huacatay chimichurri. It’s South American tradition with fine-dining finesse.
Don’t miss the Pisco Sours - book your Peruvian feast now.
Garçon Bleu – Adelaide CBD, SA
In a city known for its wine and artistic leanings, Garçon Bleu inside Sofitel Adelaide is the culinary equivalent of an haute couture runway show. This is new-school French dining done with attitude - complete with velvet banquettes, polished wood and an urbane glow that’s more Paris than Paris Creek. It’s the kind of place where conversations stretch into the evening over bottle service and subtle saxophone tones.
The menu leans into opulence without tipping into cliché. Yes, there’s Chateaubriand with pommes Anna and béarnaise, but it’s the Southern rock lobster thermidor that steals the scene. Served with frites au fromage and a tumble of dressed greens, it’s a buttery, briny celebration of both sea and sauce. Garçon Bleu isn’t just a meal - it’s a masterclass in mood.
Reserve your table and raise a glass to indulgence done right.
Just off the beaten track in the town of Meredith lies a pub with more than just character - it has culinary ambition. The Meredith Hotel on Staughton Street is a welcoming fusion of country charm and metropolitan polish. Step inside and you’re greeted by the crackle of a fireplace, the buzz of local chatter and a dining room where everyone from backpackers to old-timers is happily at home.
The kitchen turns out pub classics with a twist, but it’s the dedication to ingredients that sets this place apart. Crumbed lamb cutlets are golden-crisp on the outside, meltingly tender within, plated with creamy mash, seasonal veg and a rich gravy that tastes like it’s been simmering since breakfast. Whether you’re in it for a parma or deep-fried ice cream with salted caramel, the Meredith is a detour worth making.
Make a pit stop and experience country cooking done properly.
The Roundabout Inn – Gloucester, NSW
Gloucester’s Roundabout Inn is exactly the sort of surprise you want when you’ve been on the road too long. Centrally located on Church Street, the newly refurbished space is equal parts homely and fresh. A proper pub atmosphere with hotel conveniences, it caters to families, locals and wanderers alike with the same warm hospitality and a sharp eye on flavour.
The kitchen doesn’t skimp on substance. A prime Scotch fillet is char-grilled to your liking, then paired with golden fries, crisp garden salad and your choice of sauce - from creamy mushroom to rich peppercorn. It’s a steak done the old-fashioned way and it lands every time. There’s also wood-fired pizzas, King prawn risottos and a rotating roster of specials that keep locals coming back for more.
Grab a table, grab a beer and settle in - you’ve earned this one.
Whether you're chasing coastal breezes, inner-city elegance or countryside charm, these hotel restaurants prove you don't need to venture far from your room for an extraordinary meal. Next time you check in, be sure to check the menu - you might just find your new favourite spot hiding in plain sight.
