Gold Coast 【Wagyū-ya on Chevron】 Beef Restaurant
Ordered the signature Wagyu platter, and it was truly delicious—so tender! The salmon sashimi was also fatty and sweet. Definitely no regrets about the recommendation. Spent $140, and it was more than enough to fill up! Super happy with the amazing barbecue!
𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐤𝐨𝐭𝐬𝐮 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧
This ramen shop is in the Runcorn area of Brisbane. The place is small but has a very authentic Japanese decor, run by actual Japanese people. When we arrived, it was already packed, so we had to wait a bit to get a table. They only accept card payments for bills over $20; anything under $20 has to be paid in cash. After paying, you get a number and find a seat while you wait for your food. We ordered both soy sauce and miso ramen, and they were truly delicious! The tofu and fried chicken were also amazing—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside!
PS: Ramen refills are unlimited, so it’s a great deal for big eaters!
𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐄𝐝𝐨
Westfield Garden City, Cnr Logan & Kessels Rd Upper Mt Gravatt QLD 4122
This Sushi Edo, a conveyor belt sushi chain in Brisbane, has many locations! We went to the one at Westfield Garden City. Each sushi plate is $3.80 (except for rice and sashimi), and the ingredients are really fresh. You get a 3% discount for cash payments, so it’s great value! Ordering is super easy with self-ordering iPads at each table.
Sezar is an Armenian restaurant. It was a recommended spot I found while researching, and the writer called it the “most beautiful light” they encountered in Australia. When I showed the recommended menu to the owner, she praised those dishes as being excellent.
Hommus, or chickpea dip, is best enjoyed with pita bread. Chickpeas are a super low-calorie food, great for weight loss. This dish is made by blending chickpeas into a puree, topped with tahini, drizzled with olive oil, and mixed with special Eastern spices. As for the taste, I can only say it’s hard to describe—mainly salty with the flavor of olive oil. I might not be used to such low-fat, mild-tasting dishes, so I ate it more out of stubbornness and a desire to try something new. The accompanying pita is quite tough and hard to cut with a knife. Eating the hommus with the pita balances out the oiliness with the pita’s baked flavor, making it a bit more enjoyable than eating the dip alone.
Oysters are also a signature dish here. After trying raw beef rolls in Vietnam, this was my second challenge of eating something I usually avoid. For first-timers, the experience is quite unique. The cool, jelly-like texture, complemented by the fresh acidity of lemon juice, makes the seafood’s briny sweetness just right. Chewing slowly, it felt like a small piece of the ocean spreading in my mouth, much milder than I expected.
Kataifi looks like a sweet dessert, like a taro roll, but the chef changed the filling to meat, making it savory. This dish didn’t leave a strong impression on me—it was just an average dish with no standout qualities.
Here are the top ten restaurants in Australia officially recommended by Tourism Australia. Although I haven’t personally tried many of them, I believe that if you have the chance, you should experience them yourself.
Quay Restaurant
Known for its carefully crafted dishes using precious local ingredients, Quay Restaurant is highly regarded across Australia. Helmed by renowned chef Peter Gilmore, the restaurant’s menu is meticulously designed, with a focus on achieving perfect balance in flavor and texture.
Located on the waterfront of Sydney Harbour, Quay offers diners breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Guests can indulge in world-class cuisine while taking in the stunning scenery, making for a truly unique Australian dining experience that combines exceptional food with iconic vistas.
Sounds of Silence Dinner
Known for its blend of gourmet dining and stunning desert scenery, the Sounds of Silence dinner offers an unforgettable experience in Australia’s Northern Territory. Far from the bustle of city life, this unique dinner takes place in the heart of the outback, where guests can watch the golden sunset spread across the vast desert landscape.
As the soulful notes of the didgeridoo echo through the air over Uluru, the atmosphere takes on a magical quality. Guests are then treated to a feast inspired by native Australian ingredients, creating a culinary journey that reflects the land’s rich heritage. The evening concludes with a guided stargazing session under the expansive outback sky, providing a perfect end to a truly enchanting night.
FARO Restaurant
Known for its creative menu and surprising entertainment, FARO is a vibrant bar and restaurant located within the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Hobart. Perched above the River Derwent, the space is bright and filled with natural light, offering a welcoming and dynamic atmosphere.
FARO breaks away from traditional dining by combining exquisite food, music, and live performances into a seamless experience. Mirroring the innovative spirit of the museum it calls home, the restaurant introduces a new theme every three months, ensuring that each visit offers something fresh and exciting.
Restaurant Botanic
Renowned for offering an exceptional dining experience amidst stunning natural surroundings, Restaurant Botanic is a true culinary haven nestled within the Adelaide Botanic Garden. The experience begins with a walk through the garden, where you can explore the very ingredients—such as bunya pine and finger limes—that will later take center stage on your plate.
The chef encourages diners to engage all their senses, including using their hands, to fully immerse themselves in the meal. This connection between nature and cuisine makes for a unique dining experience, where the beauty of the garden seamlessly complements the artistry on the plate.
Rick Shores
Famous for its succulent seafood and stunning ocean views, Rick Shores on the Gold Coast captures the essence of Australian dining. With a focus on pan-Asian flavors, the restaurant offers a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking seaside vistas.
The menu is packed with delicious options, from exceptional dim sum and fresh seafood to perfectly cooked steaks and flavorful curries, ensuring every bite is a delight. At Rick Shores, you’ll not only indulge in fantastic food but also enjoy an unforgettable feast for the eyes.
Attica
Known for its playful take on native ingredients, Attica is a must-visit restaurant in Melbourne, where acclaimed chef Ben Shewry brings his creative vision to life. Attica’s menu is both refined and innovative, offering a deep dive into the latest trends in Australian cuisine.
Diners can expect to encounter unique local ingredients rarely found outside Australia, such as emu liver, quandong, and finger lime. Each dish reflects Shewry’s passion for storytelling through food, creating an experience that celebrates the country’s rich biodiversity and culinary heritage.
OTTO Restaurant
Famed for its irresistible blend of Australian and Italian cuisine, OTTO in Brisbane offers more than just scenic riverside views, sparkling glassware, and attentive service. This modern Italian restaurant overlooks the Brisbane River and the iconic Story Bridge, providing a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience.
OTTO’s menu masterfully combines contemporary Italian flavors with the best of Australian produce. Guests can also explore an impressive selection of wines, featuring top-tier options from both Australia and Italy—whether sampling a variety or indulging in a full glass.
Wildflower Restaurant
Known for its seasonal dishes inspired by Indigenous traditions, Wildflower sits atop the luxurious COMO The Treasury hotel in Perth. The menu draws from the Noongar people’s “Six Seasons,” a unique way of marking the passage of time through nature’s cycles.
Each dish reflects the essence of the current season, with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients carefully selected to showcase the distinct flavors of Western Australia. Throughout the year, Wildflower offers an ever-changing dining experience that celebrates the deep connection between food, culture, and the land.
Brae Restaurant
Renowned for its farm-to-table philosophy, Brae is located in the Great Ocean Road region, with ingredients sourced directly from its own organic garden and nearby Victorian farms. Guests are invited to stroll through the garden, offering a fresh perspective on where their food comes from.
The restaurant’s award-winning dishes highlight the bounty of its garden, earning Brae a well-deserved spot on the culinary map. Its dedication to seasonal, locally-sourced produce has not only elevated the dining experience but also put the small town of Birregurra firmly on the radar of food enthusiasts.
Laura Restaurant
Named after a renowned sculpture by Jaume Plensa, Laura is an intimate and elegant dining venue within Pt. Leo Estate. Nestled amidst the estate’s picturesque vineyards, the restaurant offers a refined culinary experience just an hour’s drive from Melbourne.
The set menus at Laura capture the essence of the Mornington Peninsula, featuring locally-sourced ingredients that reflect the region’s seasonal character. Guests can choose between four, five, or six-course menus, each thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines, making for a dining experience that celebrates both the flavors of Victoria and the artistry of fine wine.
