AUSTRALIAN GOOD FOOD GUIDE - Home of the Chef Hat Awards

Where Grill & Flame Take Centre Stage


When the flame is right, flavour follows. Across the country, a wave of fire-focused kitchens is turning smoke, heat and char into pure culinary art. From wood-fired Argentinian asadors to slow-smoked American ribs, sizzling Vietnamese specials and Greek saganaki perfection, these restaurants celebrate the primal joy of cooking over fire.

Whether you’re in the city or coastal regions, these five venues prove one thing: flame-grilled food isn't just a style - it’s a full sensory experience.

La Boca Bar and Grill – Adelaide CBD, SA

Set beneath the Stamford Plaza on North Terrace, La Boca Bar and Grill delivers an immersive slice of Argentina in the heart of Adelaide. This vibrant, mural-filled space centres around two showstopping features - the parrilla and traditional wood-fired asador - where flames kiss premium cuts of meat in a theatrical dance of smoke and sizzle. From the moment you step inside, the aroma of charred spices and slow-cooked meat signals that you’re in for something special.

Where Grill & Flame Take Centre Stage

The true heart of the menu lies in its dedication to Argentinian barbeque and the Great Asador Plate for Two is a carnivorous delight. Juicy pork belly, lamb and beef asado arrive with grilled pita, zingy pickled salad and a trio of housemade sauces including chimichurri, mojo and mole. It’s a feast of texture, fire and flavour, ideal for sharing over a glass of Malbec.

Reserve your grill-side experience today then make sure to review your meal.

Armstrong Barbecue – Mount Duneed, Vic

Armstrong Barbecue brings the unmistakable soul of Central Texas to Mount Duneed. This laid-back barbeque joint blends authenticity with a family-friendly atmosphere, offering everything from a whisky bar to a beer garden and a kids’ area. It’s the kind of place where smoke lingers in the air, brisket is King and diners gather with beers in hand and sauce on their sleeves.

Where Grill & Flame Take Centre Stage

On the plate, it’s all about big, smoky hits and bold Southern accompaniments. The standout? The Texas-style pork spare ribs - slow-cooked to tender perfection - are served with creamy mac ‘n’ cheese and crunchy Southern slaw, balancing heat with heart. Each bite is a transportive moment to an Austin smokehouse.

Bring your appetite and book in for a low-and-slow feast, show your appreciation by leaving a review.

d'Viet House – Airlie Beach, Qld

A lantern-lit escape on Shute Harbour Road, d’Viet House offers a vibrant fusion of Vietnamese tradition and Korean BBQ flair. With colourful interiors and an easy-going buzz, it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike looking for dishes that steam, sizzle and satisfy. The space invites relaxed dining, with the kind of atmosphere where pho is slurped and grills crackle all evening long.

Where Grill & Flame Take Centre Stage

Among the stars of the menu is the Chef’s special: shaking beef. Premium striploin is quickly seared and tossed with a sweet-savoury glaze of peanut and soy, then served with rice and a fresh salad for crunch. Rich, comforting and packed with umami, it’s a plate that highlights the magic of high-heat wok cooking.

Lock in a table and let the flames fly, fuel the fire by leaving a review.

Lyra – Maroochydore, Qld

Drawing from both heritage and innovation, Lyra serves up coastal Greek hospitality with a flourish. Set along Ocean Street, this Maroochydore venue channels island vibes with blue-and-white décor, glowing globe lights and tables dressed in crisp glassware. Whether you're toasting with ouzo or soaking up sunset with a Greek Spritz, Lyra is a breezy yet elegant spot to indulge.

Where Grill & Flame Take Centre Stage

The kitchen blends bold tradition with modern finesse. The cheese saganaki is a showstopper - served sizzling hot, it’s golden, crisp and utterly indulgent. Pair it with the King prawn saganaki or fall-apart lamb shoulder accompanied by tzatziki, lemon rice and flame-licked vegetables.

Make your reservation now and discover Greek grilling at its finest. Let others know of your experience by reviewing your meal.

Regale Restaurant – Carlton, Vic

On Swanston Street, Regale Restaurant melds Modern Australian technique with Asian fusion flair, crafting dishes that are both fire-kissed and flavour-forward. The ambience leans refined yet relaxed, welcoming diners for long lunches and celebratory dinners in equal measure. Here, flame meets finesse in a menu that doesn’t hold back on bold combinations or intricate presentation.

Where Grill & Flame Take Centre Stage

The grill game is strong at Regale, with standout dishes like premium dry-aged duck served with tamarind honey jus and crisp witlof. For rice lovers, the Crying Tiger claypot brings aromatic Asian herbs and black olives to the table in a smoky, soulful offering. It wouldn’t be Regale without the velvet genmaicha tiramisu to end.

Want to see fire meet finesse? Book your table and taste the fusion, then review your dining experience.

From the fiery depths of an asador to the sweet sizzle of saganaki, these restaurants put the grill centre stage - reminding us that when heat and quality ingredients come together, the results are unforgettable. Ready to feel the flame? This is your guide to fire-driven dining done right.

Featured Locations

Argentinian    $$$$$

La Boca Bar and Grill

La Boca Bar & Grill on North Terrace is Adelaide’s premier Argentinian dining destination, nestled beneath the Stamford Plaza. Housed in a stylish, vibrant space adorned with colourful murals, the ...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Regale Restaurant

East meets West for a fusion feast at Regale Restaurant on Swanston Street in Carlton. Expect a casual fine dining experience, blending Modern Australian and Asian fusion cuisine in an inviting yet...

American    $$$$$

Armstrong Barbecue

Texas BBQ has arrived in Armstrong Creek with the opening of Armstrong Barbecue on Unity Drive in Mount Duneed. With a whiskey bar, beer garden and outdoor space for the kids, this family-friendly ...

Asian    $$$$$

d'Viet House

Find the authentic taste of Vietnamese pho at d’Viet House on Shute Harbour Road in Airlie Beach. A colourful vibe of paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling and walls adorned with images of an Asi...

Greek    $$$$$

Lyra

Drawing inspiration from traditional and contemporary Greek cuisine, history and dining culture, find sumptuous dining in the heart of the Sunshine Coast at Lyra on Ocean Street in Maroochydore. Th...

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