The best Australian restaurants that will make you feel like you’re on vacation
Escape winter with our guide to the top dining spots that will make you feel like you’re on a summer vacation.
In the midst of the European summer season, it seems that almost everyone we know — and their dog — is sojourning across the Continent at the moment, while those of us who remain behind in Australia are braving the cold and dreary winter.
But there’s a way to get a taste of Euro vacation right here at home. And it all lies in our thriving hospitality scene.
From the sun-kissed shores of Sydney and the Northern Rivers, to the balmy vibes of Brisbane and the Gold Coast – and even cosy cities like Melbourne and Hobart – Australia has top-notch dining destinations that transport diners to far-flung European locales.
Whether it’s the Mediterranean flavours on the menu of a coastal eatery, or the authentic decor of a Parisian-inspired snack bar, this restaurant guide offers a taste of what it feels like to be dining in Europe, without even leaving home.
From Sydney to Perth, here are the best restaurants around Australia that will make you feel like you’re on vacation.
Sydney
Sean’s, North Bondi
The combination of the eclectic and colourful Mediterranean interiors with the fresh market-driven tasting menus that gives Sean’s its undeniably European feel. The ocean-front views of North Bondi Beach help too. Perfect for long weekend lunches, this Sydney institution has a rotating menu of local seafood, meat and produce. Add in an aperitif or wine and you’ll find yourself believing you’re in Athens or the Amalfi. seansbondi.com
Mimi’s and Una Más, Coogee
Mimi’s has long been considered a slice of luxurious Europe in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. The seaside venue is a go-to spot for its elevated coastal dining experience, and Mediterranean-inspired menu. Within the Coogee Pavilion Precinct where Mimi’s resides, you’ll also find its more casual but no less stylish sister venue, Una Más. Located on ground level, this tapas bar will have you mistaking Coogee for spot along the Mediterranean Sea or Iberian Peninsula. merivale.com/venues
Bert’s Bar & Brasserie, Newport
Dreaming of dining along the water in the South of France? Bert’s Bar & Brasserie at Newport offers that experience, without you needing to set foot on a plane. Overlooking Pittwater, Bert’s has an extensive wine list, and coastal European menu that includes snacks from the Oyster Bar or more substantial meals from the Basque grill. There’s a very Provence-inspired Champagne bar inside for the perfect pre or post-dinner stop, too. Looking for a more low-key dining experience without compromising on the views? The more casual pub, The Newport, sits just below the grounds of Bert’s. merivale.com/venues
Ursula’s, Paddington
If you thought you couldn’t get an unmistakably European summer dining experience in the heart of Sydney, think again. While it may not look it from the outside, Ursula’s Paddington — the first solo restaurant of acclaimed chef Phil Wood, who began his career at Sydney’s iconic Tetsuya’s — is inspired by the neighbourhood bistros of Paris. This feeling is reflected in the warm and whimsical trattoria decor, and fresh a la carte menu which combines French, Italian and Asian influences. ursulas.com.au
Byron Bay
Raes Dining Room, Byron Bay
Raes on Wategos is a Byron Bay institution for a reason. Along with its renowned accommodation offering, its restaurant – Raes Dining Room – has an equally stellar reputation. Boasting beachfront views, this venue serves contemporary Australian cuisine with a distinctly Mediterranean and seafood-led influence. If you don’t feel like heading to the formal dining room on your beach holiday, Raes Cellar Bar offers up more casual alfresco snacks and cocktails on its Spanish-inspired terrace. raes.com.au/dining
Pixie, Byron Bay
Pixie may not be located directly on the coastal strip of Byron Bay, but the elevated decor and Italian menu are enough to transport you from the Northern Rivers to the north of Italy. With interiors by Flack Studio, this space draws on inspiration from a nostalgic, 1970s-feeling Italian summer. As for the food and drinks, expect contemporary takes on Italian classics including fresh pasta and dry-aged bistecca. pixiebyronbay.com.au
Melbourne
Siglo, Melbourne
Staring up at the facade of Melbourne’s Parliament House while sitting on a classic bistro chair sipping a Bordeaux or martini, you wouldn’t be amiss in mistaking Siglo for a Parisian cafe. Siglo is a classy cocktail bar in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD that sits just above The Melbourne Supper Club. With a distinctly Parisian ambience and extensive beverage list of wines, beers and cocktails – with a light snack menu of olives, chips, and (cheekily) cigars – prepare to be transported straight to the City of Light. Best of all, it’s walk ins only. instagram.com/siglobar
France-Soir, South Yarra
Everyone who’s dined in Paris knows that it’s the small, local bistros that serve up the most memorable food you’ll find in all of Europe. France-Soir in Melbourne’s South Yarra has captured that very essence since 1986, offering up authentic French cuisine and fine wines with all the Parisian theatrics included. From snails to steak tartare and other traditional means, this cosy and convivial venue is truly taken straight out of Rue Cler. france-soir.com.au
Brisbane
Hellenika at The Calile, Fortitude Valley
Located on the pool deck of Fortitude Valley’s luxurious The Calile Hotel, Hellenika proves a resort-like Grecian escape with its sunny location, coastal decor, and seafood-led menu. From classic Greek staples to contemporary takes on traditional recipes, look out for fresh feta-filled salads, dolmades, spanakopita, and plenty of European wine to wash everything down. Whether you sit indoors surrounded by the sandy white design, or out on the terrace alfresco-style with the pool just in reach, Santorini has never felt so close. st-albans.com.au/venues/hellenika
Gold Coast
Tommy’s, Currumbin
If you’re looking for a European lunch or dinner spot on the Gold Coast, Tommy’s Italian is definitely bringing a touch of Capri to stunning Currumbin Beach. Situated along the Pacific Parade, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, elevated antipasti, and flowing cocktails means all your favourite Italian classics are offered up with some exceptionally pristine water views. The perfect dining location for the whole family. tommysitalian.com.au
Hobart
Ogee, North Hobart
Though Tasmania might not be the first place you’d think of for a Euro-summer dinner experience, Ogee gets you close. A small and cosy wine bar in North Hobart that will transport you to a romantic European city at night, its menu contains a curated selection of French and Italian-inspired share plates, and extensive Australian and global wine list. ogeehobart.com.au
Adelaide
Osteria Oggi, Adelaide
In the heart of Adelaide’s CBD, you’ll find an Italian piazza known as Osteria Oggi. Enter through the classic arches along the cobblestoned floor, past the meat room and private cellar, to enjoy the Italian-centric menu that changes with the local produce seasons. Freshly made pasta and a carefully chosen wine list are the standouts at this Roman dining room. Look out for the rotation of fish, salumi, and modern appetisers too. osteriaoggi.com.au
Perth
Il Lido, Cottesloe
Il Lido Italian canteen and espresso bar sits along the coastal Cottesloe Beach strip, making it a go-to for relaxed Italian fare. The art deco styling and wall-to-wall wine racks will bring the Amalfi to you. Along with handmade pastas for lunch and dinner, Il Lido opens for breakfast too so you can enjoy a Perth Euro summer from morning to noon and night. Enjoy the in-house Lido espresso blend and house-made pastries. illido.com.au
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