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Modern Australian

Cottage restaurant Essen serves up to 30 guests per night.

The 10 Queensland restaurants you need to eat at this year

From Brisbane and the Gold Coast to Cairns and beyond, here’s where you need to eat in Queensland.

  • Matt Shea and Callan Boys
Cochinita pibil (pork) tacos.
14/20

Ride the vertical version of the City Circle tram to get to this Mexi-Melbourne stalwart

This sky-high saloon in the heart of the city has been in business for 11 years, but there’s something special about where it sits right now.

  • Dani Valent
Cacao & Cherry cocktail at The Waratah.

The Waratah

It’s an upstairs-downstairs affair at The Waratah, a cosy corner site infused with an Australian accent.

Han Li Khor’s pastries.
14/20

Naughty and calorific, this might be Perth’s most interesting (and delicious) brunch spot

It’s hiding in plain sight, and it’s got the goods. The baked goods, that is. Why pay for brunch? Here’s why.

  • Max Veenhuyzen
Dry-aged Dandaragan beef sirloin with green pepper and brandy sauce.
14.5/20

Indian-Mexican tacos, chips cooked in beef fat and fire for everything: This East Perth brewpub gets it right

Welcome to the grill metaverse. Just look for the neon sign.

  • Max Veenhuyzen
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Lalla Rookh understands that at its heart, so much of the ritual of hospitality is showing your guest that you care.
14.5/20

This modern CBD pub puts the mate in maitre d

As this underground tavern enters its second decade, its triple-threat blend remains as reassuring (and welcome) as ever.

  • Max Veenhuyzen
Donovans in St Kilda.
Good Food hat15/20

Birthdays, parties, anything: This beloved bayside restaurant is the definition of dependable

Dismiss Donovans as outdated at your peril. The classic food and charming service make it ideal for young and old.

  • Besha Rodell
Pre-service in the De’sendent kitchen.
15/20

It’s a hat! New venue brings big-night-out fireworks to Margaret River

The second hat has been awarded to a WA restaurant! This one has a deep focus on local ingredients, a thrilling drinks program – and one of 2024’s most extraordinary desserts.

  • Max Veenhuyzen
Fish sandwich.
14/20

This relaxed shack’s fish sandwich is worth the eight-hour drive from Sydney

The Northern Rivers has plenty of great restaurants, but delicious lunch spots where you can wear thongs are harder to find.

  • Callan Boys
Peek inside Bistra to find white-clothed tables and whitewashed walls.
14.5/20

Not too fancy, not too casual, this bistro finds the Goldilocks zone (and brings the ’90s back)

Nostalgic for those elegant bistros of the not-too-distant past? Even if you weren’t there, you’ll recognise the appeal of this Carlton newcomer.

  • Besha Rodell

Original URL: https://www.watoday.com.au/goodfood/topic/modern-australian-lcw