Some dining destinations make an impact before you’ve even looked at the menu. They’re the places where the building tells its own story—whether that’s through heritage limestone walls, lofty timber beams, stained-glass windows or a balcony framed by ocean views. These are the restaurants where architecture shapes the mood, the menu and the entire experience.
Here’s where to find five venues that blend design and dining into a seamless, unforgettable encounter.
Hotel Sorrento Restaurant – Sorrento, VIC
Perched high above Port Phillip Bay, Hotel Sorrento Restaurant is a fixture of the Mornington Peninsula dining scene. The historic clifftop location delivers uninterrupted water views and a backdrop of weathered limestone that radiates coastal sophistication. Just steps from the heart of Sorrento’s village, the venue’s timeless façade and polished interiors create a sense of occasion before the first course even arrives.
The menu strikes a balance between comfort and refinement,
celebrating local produce with a global accent. You might start with tender
grilled octopus paired with macerated peach, radish, capers and oregano, before
moving on to golden beer-battered fish with slaw, tartar and fresh lemon. If
you’re in the mood for something heartier, the Parmesan-crumbed pork cutlet
with rocket, fennel and apple salad is an instant classic.
Reserve your table to enjoy a front-row seat to Sorrento’s best views.
Osprey’s Restaurant – Port Douglas, QLD
Suspended among the treetops at Thala Beach Nature Reserve, Osprey’s Restaurant offers a dining experience that feels both secluded and spectacular. Glass-panelled walls open onto panoramic views of the Coral Sea and lush mountain ranges, while the elevated deck makes the rainforest canopy part of the scenery. It’s the kind of setting that turns breakfast, lunch or dinner into an event worth lingering over.
The kitchen takes full advantage of the region’s bounty,
from Moreton Bay bugs served with vanilla butter to crab on brioche with crisp
iceberg lettuce, avocado and aioli. Mains like spicy duck leg in red curry with
rice noodles, greens, lychee and mango salsa offer a burst of tropical flavour,
while rosemary and thyme lamb cutlets with kumara ribbons and red wine jus
speak to more traditional cravings.
Book in now and dine with one of the most extraordinary views in the tropics.
Housed in a lovingly restored former church, Dine Divine blends historic character with modern elegance in the Dandenong Ranges. Soaring arched stained-glass windows bathe the dark polished timber floors in warm light, while multiple seating areas—from a refined lounge bar to a breezy alfresco space—offer a setting to match every mood.
The menu caters to every part of the day. For brunch, the
slow-cooked beef and Guinness pot pie with crisp chips and tangy tomato relish
is a local favourite. Evening diners might start with prawn and pork paella
croquettes served alongside creamy garlic aioli, followed by crispy-skin
barramundi with broccolini, shrimp and lemon sauce. And if you have room, the
sticky date pudding with butterscotch and vanilla ice cream is pure comfort on
a plate.
Secure your spot for a meal in one of the Yarra Valley’s most unique dining spaces.
Lotus on Beaufort Street brings a contemporary Southeast Asian dining experience to a striking two-level space. Pendant lighting casts a warm glow over dark timber and modern finishes, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and vibrant. Every detail, from the layout to the plating, is designed for sharing—both the food and the moment.
The share-style menu celebrates seasonal inspiration with
bold, intricate flavours. Begin with crispy corn fritters drizzled in kimchi
caramel, or a soft-shell crab bao layered with coriander, pickled cucumber,
peanuts and a hint of yuzu kosho mayo. Larger plates like braised pork belly in
karee sauce with pickled pineapple and green mustard bring richness and depth,
while the red duck curry with longan, Thai basil and eggplant is a study in
balance.
Gather your friends and experience Southeast Asian flavours at their finest.
Ouest France Bistro – Mornington, VIC
Ouest France Bistro brings a slice of the French Atlantic coast to Mornington’s bustling Main Street. The interiors are warm and inviting, with rustic textures, soft lighting and a terrace that captures the golden light of late afternoon. Whether inside among the vintage accents or outdoors under the open sky, the mood is effortlessly relaxed yet refined.
The concise menu is a love letter to French classics. Start
with plump scallops in a delicate cream sauce, or marinated sardines with
capers, spring onion and lemon. For mains, the grass-fed eye fillet topped with
blue cheese sauce is a rich indulgence, served alongside crisp French fries and
tender green beans. Those seeking comfort will gravitate to the veal stew with
onion, carrot, mushroom and a velvety sauce.
Plan your visit and savour the flavours of France without leaving the coast.
Some restaurants make their mark through flavour alone—but the true gems engage every sense. In these five venues, the architecture is as integral to the experience as the food, creating moments you’ll remember long after the last course is cleared.
