While capital cities often hog the limelight in the culinary world, it’s time to shift our focus and explore the hidden treasures in our own backyard. Over the past three years, we have come to realise that regional Australia is a treasure trove of homegrown delights, gastronomic gems, and uncharted adventures. What better way to savour this abundance than by indulging in farm-to-table dining experiences?
Whether it’s slurping the briny freshness of oysters by the coast, digging into the succulent meats from the hinterlands, or discovering the intriguing flavours of bush tucker, dining at these top regional restaurants promises an unforgettable culinary experience.
The Best Regional Restaurants In NSW
Muse
Hunter Valley
Muse is the epitome of modern dining. Having secured many accolades, this restaurant, nestled within the grounds of wine country, offers a memorable six-course tasting menu with a pairing of local drops. The menu changes seasonally, but expect local produce to shine, including little Hill Farm Chicken, blue cheese, and Angus tri-tip. Grab a seat by a window for sweeping vista views, or settle in by the open fire for a cosy winter experience.
Paste
Mittagong
People are curious why a big-name chef decided to set up shop in a rather sleepy town. But for the renowned chef Bee Satongun, Mittagong is home. Known for its exceptional dining experience in Bangkok, Paste is worth the 1hr 30-minute drive. Nothing bad can be said about this place, and every dish is executed with flavour and finesse. Make this your priority on a visit to the Southern Highlands.
Fleet
Brunswick Heads
Tucked away in Brunswick Heads on NSW’s Far North Coast, the intimate Fleet restaurant boasts 14 seats but has made an indelible mark, shining brighter than its attention-hogging neighbour, Byron Bay. Since its inception in 2015, Chef Josh Lewis and the brilliant Astrid McCormack have transformed this “bar in disguise” into a dining destination that is perpetually fully booked. While the veal sweetbread schnitty sanga has become the restaurant’s hallmark, the ever-evolving menu showcases the region’s finest produce, celebrating this aquatic paradise’s pristine seafood.
Note: At the time of writing, Fleet is undergoing renovations.
Paper Daisy
Cabarita Beach
Nestled within the stunning Halcyon House in Cabarita Beach, Paper Daisy emerges as a culinary gem, proudly boasting two prestigious chef’s hats. Led by the visionary Executive Chef Jason Barratt, the menu celebrates the bounties of the surrounding region. With a strong commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and sustainable seafood, Chef Barratt crafts dishes that truly reflect the coastal landscape. Each plate is a work of art, bursting with vibrant flavours that pay homage to the pristine beauty of Cabarita Beach.
The Best Regional Restaurants In VIC
Provenance
Beechworth
Retaining the charm of its 19th-century glory from the gold rush era, Beechworth provides a mesmerizing backdrop for culinary treasures. Amidst this historic ambience, Provenance stands as a shining star. Chef Michael Ryan’s culinary creations at Provenance are a testament to his commitment to freshness and innovation. From his meticulously crafted in-house silken tofu, adorned with cucumber, ginger, and simmered dried daikon, to the brined and grilled radicchio, each dish is a symphony of flavours executed with finesse.
Brae
Birregurra
Venture to Victoria’s Otways hinterland, and you’ll come across the tiny town of Birregurra, where one of Victoria’s best-kept dining secrets is. Brae takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency. The restaurant’s own organic farm supplies a significant portion of the ingredients used in its dishes, resulting in a menu that is not only incredibly fresh but also deeply connected to the land. Did we mention it holds a place on prestigious restaurant lists and has received numerous culinary awards?
Lake House Restaurants
Daylesford
Lake House is not just a restaurant. It’s an experience. The enchanting location, combined with its culinary expertise and warm hospitality, creates a memorable journey for every guest. The menu showcases the farm’s fruits, heirloom vegetables, and herbs, creating a true reflection of Daylesford’s seasons and essence. Complementing the culinary experience is an impressive wine cellar boasting approximately 12,000 bottles.
Igni
Geelong
Igni, derived from the Latin word for “fire,” embraces its namesake with a wood-burning grill at its core. This 28-seat restaurant in Geelong offers a tasting-menu-only experience where almost every dish receives the transformative touch of flame or fire-infused ingredients. While you have some input in your order preferences, the kitchen holds sway, presenting around 30 ever-changing dishes. Each visit brings a unique culinary adventure, with snacks like crispy saltbush, cured meats, and grilled zucchini flowers.
The Best Regional Restaurants In SA
Magill Estate
Magill
Magill Estate Restaurant, located in Adelaide’s green suburbs, is steeped in nearly two centuries of winemaking heritage. Set amidst the renowned Penfolds winery, the modern dining space exudes refined elegance without unnecessary extravagance. The menu follows a three or seven-course tasting menu, with optional wine pairing, and boasts an abundance of local produce from vegetables to meats and, of course, local wines.
Appellation
Barossa Valley
Situated in the esteemed Barossa Valley, Appellation at The Louise celebrates the region’s reputation for exceptional wine and premium produce. With a deep appreciation for local ingredients, the kitchen team at Appellation diligently sources their ingredients from nearby farms. Embracing the farm-to-table philosophy, they tend to their own kitchen garden, cultivating a bounty of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Every element of the culinary experience is carefully crafted in-house, from their artisanal bread to expertly butchered and cured meats.
Adelaide Hills
The Lane Vineyard embodies the essence of rural Australia. This is despite being conveniently close to Adelaide. Tucked away in the Adelaide Hills, a mere 3km from the historic village of Hahndorf and a scenic 25-minute drive from Adelaide CBD, visitors are transported to a world of tranquillity. The elevated modern restaurant, situated in the heart of the vineyard, offers breathtaking views of the picturesque Adelaide Hills. It serves as an ideal setting for a relaxing getaway or a business lunch.
The Best Regional Restaurants In TAS
Van Bone
Bream Creek
At the end of a 45-minute drive from Hobart is Marion Bay, a small patch of countryside hiding one of the state’s greatest culinary destinations. Van Bone is nestled on the slope of a cattle paddock. You’d miss it if you didn’t know what you were looking for. Behind the timber door is a dimly lit restaurant overlooking rolling hills and filled with only a handful of black tables and chairs.
The menu follows a 14-course format that changes regularly. Diners are unaware of what’s in store until the waiter hands them a menu. While the complete dish remains a mystery, we can disclose the components are all locally sourced, including produce from the garden a few metres from the table.
The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery & Store
New Norfolk
Sitting on the landscape of Hobart in New Norfolk, just a 20-minute drive away, is The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery and Store in Hobart, a farm-to-table haven celebrating the beauty and bounty of Tasmania’s rich agricultural landscape. With a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable and ethical practices, this farm-to-table establishment has become a beacon of culinary excellence.
The menu reflects the changing seasons and showcases the best of Tasmania’s local produce. Each dish tells a story, from vibrant heirloom vegetables to tender meats and perfectly foraged ingredients. Reclaimed timber, earthy tones, and a cozy fireplace all contribute to the inviting charm that permeates the space. Adjacent to the eatery, The Agrarian Kitchen Store is a treasure trove of culinary delights. From locally sourced pantry staples to handcrafted ceramics and specialty products, take a piece of Tasmania’s culinary heritage home with you.
The Best Regional Restaurants In QLD
Osprey’s Restaurant
Port Douglas
At Osprey’s Restaurant, hidden within the breathtaking Thala Beach Nature Reserve, dining becomes an enchanting experience filled with captivating wildlife encounters. As you enjoy your lunch or dinner, vibrant parrots grace frolic in a hidden bird bath amidst the lush foliage. The restaurant offers a delightful blend of Modern Australian cuisine with a local twist, featuring dishes like kangaroo loin rubbed with porcini mushrooms, accompanied by macadamia nut puree, parsnip chips, and beetroot jam.
Nu Nu
Palm Cove
Nu Nu Restaurant, renowned since its establishment in 2004, offers a culinary experience that perfectly complements its tropical setting. The restaurant has received numerous accolades, including being named Gourmet Traveller Regional Restaurant of the Year. Guests are treated to breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, enhancing the already exceptional dining experience. The menu showcases carefully crafted dishes that reflect the restaurant’s Queensland location, such as the tantalizing pork, pineapple, and turmeric curry served with paw paw and jasmine rice.
The Best Regional Restaurants In WA
Liberte
Albany
There are very few restaurants we would drive four hours for, but every bite at Liberte is worth the back pain. This Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant combines Southeast Asia’s vibrant flavours with French culinary techniques. From delicate Vietnamese spring rolls to rich and aromatic French stews, every dish at Liberte is a harmonious blend of cultures. With its stylish ambience and inventive menu, Liberte promises a memorable and adventurous dining journey for food enthusiasts in Albany.
Arimia
Wilyabrup
This organically certified, off-grid farm embraces spaciousness, positioning itself as a farm with a restaurant rather than the other way around. Drawing inspiration from Australia’s southwest, Arimia crafts kaiseki-esque menus using their own pork, trout, and vegetables. From line-caught samson fish with lime and precision-cut cucumber to tagliatelle in wild herb sauce, each dish celebrates the region’s flavours.
Millbrook
Jarrahdale
Embark on an Instagram-worthy day trip to this cellar-door restaurant nestled in the Perth Hills, offering one of Western Australia’s finest lunch experiences. The beauty lies in its inclusivity, attracting a diverse crowd of all ages and dietary preferences. Instead of avant-garde cuisine, the focus here is on showcasing high-quality estate fruit and vegetables through comforting, predominantly European-style dishes.
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