When the occasion demands more than just a great meal - when you're out to dazzle with both flavour and flair - only the most impressive venues will do. Whether it’s a vineyard escape, a bustling inner-city icon or a hidden fusion gem, this collection of standout dining spots brings together spaces where presentation and palate come together in perfect harmony.
Here’s where to book when you’re aiming to seriously impress.
Mimosa Wines Restaurant – Bermagui, NSW
Hidden in the lush hinterland of the South Coast, Mimosa Wines is more than
just a restaurant - it’s an estate experience. Situated on a family-run vineyard
just off Bermagui Road, the space blends vineyard charm with sleek,
contemporary design. Enjoy long lunches or degustation dinners either indoors
or on the sprawling deck, where sweeping views of the mountain ranges and vines
set the tone for a truly memorable outing. With a boutique cellar door attached
and a carefully curated wine list spanning Australian and New Zealand labels,
it’s the ideal destination for lovers of food, wine and serenity.
On the plate, local produce takes centre stage. Begin with
the Tathra Place quail - rich, tender and perfectly balanced by sweet potato,
tandoori spice and the gentle heat of galangal. For the main course, the
Narooma sea bream arrives as a pristine fillet adorned with asparagus, black
sesame and a sharp touch of yuzu. Desserts are equally artful - mango meets
pistachio in an unlikely yet harmonious pairing, finished with yellow capsicum
and basil for an unforgettable twist.
Planning something special? Book a table and soak in the spectacular views, mark your visit by leaving a review.
Etsu Izakaya – Mermaid Beach, Qld
Step off the highway and through an unassuming barn door into the neon-lit
world of Etsu Izakaya - one of the Gold Coast’s best-kept secrets. The atmosphere
is moody and playful: think shadowy interiors, paper lanterns, eclectic wall
art and the buzz of conversation bouncing off concrete and wood. This is
Japanese dining with attitude, designed for those who appreciate both tradition
and contemporary cool. Whether it’s date night or a late-night catch-up with
friends, Etsu sets the scene for something unforgettable.
The menu reads like a love letter to Japanese street food,
elevated by bold, clean flavours and modern technique. Indulge in yakitori
skewers like Hokkaido scallops dressed in silky shiso buttermilk and finished
with briny ikura. Pork belly skewers arrive lacquered in ginger glaze and
paired with Nashi pear chutney for the perfect balance of sweet and umami. For
mains, the robata-grilled fish collar comes with a smoky edge, paired with
steamed rice and charred corn, while the Wagyu striploin shines with a hint of
fresh wasabi and grilled lime.
Impress your guests with a booking at Etsu’s vibrant izakaya. Don't forget to leave a review.
Tonic & Ginger – Fremantle, WA
Tucked inside the heritage-listed 1902 Fremantle Synagogue, Tonic & Ginger
is one of those rare venues where history, design and culinary creativity
collide. With soaring ceilings, glowing pendents and a palette of warm wood and soft textures, the restaurant offers an atmospheric take on Southeast Asian
dining. Head Chef Don Park leads the charge with a bold and dynamic menu
crafted for sharing - perfect for everything from intimate dates to group
gatherings.
The menu spans the Asian Continent in influence, leaning
into the punchy flavours of hot, sour, salty and sweet. Kick things off with
fried pork and prawn wontons swimming in a fragrant tom yum broth, or opt for
the salmon sashimi with blackened chilli dressing and crisp green apple. Larger
plates include slow-cooked Korean-style beef short ribs, sticky and rich,
alongside sharp kimchi and spring onion; or choose the delicate steamed ling,
paired with pickled mushrooms and a gentle shallot oil for a lighter finish.
Craving something bold and beautifully presented? Book your table now and show your appreciation by leaving a review.
Double Dose – Croydon, NSW
A local gem that punches well above its café weight, Double Dose in Croydon
offers a refined yet relaxed dining experience wrapped in urban charm. The
interior hits the sweet spot between industrial and rustic: polished concrete
floors, rich timber accents and leafy greenery combine to create a stylish yet
welcoming backdrop. Ideal for brunches with friends or casual meetings that
impress, this café brings big-city style to a suburban setting.
The food is vibrant, playful and plated with precision. The
signature smashed avo is anything but ordinary - topped with beetroot hummus,
heirloom tomatoes, creamy feta and poached eggs, then dusted with dukkah for
extra crunch. The Cajun-spiced chicken burger comes stacked with apple slaw,
cheese and a punchy mayo, while the truffle beef burger elevates a café classic
with rich truffle mayo, pickles and hand-cut chips. The coffee? Flawlessly
brewed and best enjoyed slow.
Impress with brunch done right - grab a spot at Double Dose, then review your meal.
BLOWFISH Ocean Grill + Bar – Broadbeach, Qld
Sleek, spacious and anchored in sophistication, BLOWFISH is Broadbeach’s new
seafood star. Brought to life by the powerhouse team behind Moo Moo, this
two-storey venue blends coastal glamour with inner-city elegance. Polished
interiors, expansive glass windows and a buzzing open kitchen provide the
perfect backdrop for lavish lunches or sultry dinners. Whether you're here for
the fresh seafood or the scene, BLOWFISH doesn't just meet expectations - it
surpasses them.
Start with charred King prawns - juicy and fragrant with
lemongrass, coconut and a crisp betel leaf crunch. The Moreton Bay bug roll is
a standout, nestled in a soft bun with crisp lettuce, peppery watercress and a
zingy remoulade crowned by flying fish roe. For mains, choose between a
succulent grilled WA rock lobster with garlic cultured butter and banana
blossom slaw, or a Wagyu steak paired with fries and a rich peppercorn sauce.
Make your next meal a showstopper - book your seat at BLOWFISH. Review your meal to let other diners know.
From the serenity of vineyard vistas to the intensity of robata flames, each of these restaurants offers something distinctive - yet all share a common thread: an ability to captivate, impress and delight. When you're looking to leave a lasting impression, these are the places to put on your must-visit list.
