Gone are the days when drinks were just an afterthought and bar snacks meant nothing more than peanuts in a bowl. Across the country, a new wave of venues is elevating casual dining into a full-blown affair - where well-crafted cocktails, fresh local pours and ingenious small plates steal the spotlight.
Whether it’s a lazy long lunch, a weekend tasting with mates or a romantic dusk session, these five spots serve unforgettable food with equally memorable drinks. No need for a full degustation - the menu is made to share, sip and savour at your own pace.
Honeysuckle Restaurant – Buderim, Qld
On the breezy edge of Buderim, Honeysuckle Restaurant is a coastal hideaway
channelling modern Asian energy with a distinctly Sunshine Coast soul. Set
within a crisp white building and framed by tropical greens, the space is
bright and unfussy - featuring aqua tiles, cane pendent lights and a tranquil
alfresco perfect for afternoon grazing. It’s the kind of place where you can
lean back, cocktail in hand and let the afternoon melt away.
The kitchen delivers a balanced medley of East Asian influence and local produce, with a menu that plays beautifully into the hands of those who love to share. Think fish dumplings dressed in coconut vinaigrette with a spark of chilli oil, or seared scallops paired with pineapple, dashi and a luxurious burst of caviar. The smoked duck breast, served over cashew satay and orange-glazed vegetables, is rich and unexpected, while the beef cheek Penang curry simmers with the kind of warmth that lingers.
Ready to savour the Sunshine Coast’s best modern yum cha? Reserve your table at Honeysuckle today.
King Tide Brewing – Coffs Harbour, NSW
Coffs Harbour’s King Tide Brewing isn’t just a craft beer haven - it’s the social
heartbeat of Studio Lane. Designed with laid-back sophistication, this brewpub
pairs industrial-chic interiors with an inclusive, vibrant energy that welcomes
everyone from seasoned beer lovers to casual foodies. With local brews on tap
and live music often filling the air, it’s easy to settle in for the long haul.
The food? Way beyond your average pub fare. Szechuan
calamari with fermented cherry-racha sauce brings a zippy kick, layered over
crunchy noodles and lime-laced greens. Share plates like slow-cooked lamb
shoulder are crafted with care, arriving with roasted chats, braised cabbage
and a fragrant fennel and sumac salad. It’s the kind of spread best shared with
a few cold pints and good conversation.
Keen to catch the buzz? Book your spot at King Tide and experience Coffs'
tastiest pour.
Grünthal Brew – Verdun, SA
Tucked into the picturesque Adelaide Hills, Grünthal Brew is a one-stop shop
for artisan indulgence. Equal parts brewery, distillery and cheese bar, this
multi-sensory venue delivers on every front - from its small-batch beer and gin
to its beloved Udder Delights cheese and a food menu designed for long,
indulgent sessions. The rustic-luxe décor and rolling vineyard views seal the
deal.
The menu is tailor-made for relaxed feasting, starting with
dishes like duck tacos with hoisin, pickled cucumber and sesame mayo that hit
all the right notes. Korean fried chicken gets the hero treatment here - coated
in gochujang sauce, sprinkled with sesame and topped with spring onion. Pizza
lovers will be tempted by the lamb-topped slice with mint and tzatziki, while
dessert devotees won’t want to miss the Biscoff parfait.
Plan your tasting day at Grünthal Brew now.
Comestibles – East Perth, WA
More than a catering company, Comestibles is a West Perth institution that’s
been setting the gold standard for event dining since 1986. Whether it's an
elegant wedding or a sharp corporate function, this team of culinary stylists
knows how to craft a bespoke food and drink experience that feels intimate,
precise and quietly luxurious. It’s not just catering - it’s storytelling on a
plate.
While it may not be a sit-down restaurant, the genius of
Comestibles lies in how it tailors every detail. From delicate canapés to
elegant multi-course dinners, each menu is thoughtfully composed and paired
with a drinks selection that reflects both the occasion and the personality of
the host. Think citrus-cured kingfish with native herbs followed by lamb
shoulder and Pinot from WA’s finest.
Let Comestibles craft your perfect culinary moment - get in touch today.
Criniti’s Parramatta – Parramatta, NSW
Criniti’s Parramatta isn’t just about Italian food - it’s about family, flair and
a feast that hits every sense. This Church Street icon combines rustic warmth
with urban swagger, delivering wood-fired pizza, oversized pasta plates and
curated cocktails in a venue buzzing with life and laughter. It’s comfort food
dialled up with Criniti’s signature theatricality.
Start with crowd-pleasers like baked portobello mushrooms or
tempura zucchini flowers filled with mascarpone cream. Then dive into pasta
favourites like the penne Colombo, packed with chicken, prawns and avocado in a
creamy pink sauce, or go coastal with a seafood marinara pizza. Whether you’re
sipping an Aperol Spritz or sharing a tiramisu, everything here feels like a
celebration.
Gather your crew and get booking - Criniti’s is always ready to welcome you like
famiglia.
These aren’t just places to eat - they’re venues where flavour and conversation flow together effortlessly. Whether you’re unwinding over a beer flight, picking at small plates with a cocktail in hand or letting a tailored tasting menu steal the show, these spots prove that when it’s done right, drinks and nibbles are all you really need.
