Australia’s trendiest dining establishments at summertime involves adding waterfront lunches, outdoor evening beverages, rooftop gatherings and laid-back pub encounters to your daily routine. We’ve compiled the latest and trendiest locations in addition to reliable classics where you can enjoy all these activities and more.
Kiosk of Pipi located in Melbourne, Victoria.
Located on the Albert Park foreshore, overlooking a beach adorned with pipi shells lies what could possibly be Melbourne’s most fashionable waterfront eatery. Pipi’s Kiosk is renowned for its Goolwa pipi pasta dish and equally impressive wine selection. If you’re in a hurry, you can grab some fish and chips or ice cream from their takeaway window too!
Bobby’s located in Cronulla, NSW.
What could be more authentically Australian than relishing seafood with sandy toes? Bobby’s, an eatery and bar situated on the shores of Cronulla that features a Mediterranean touch (and even incorporates a beach club component), is where you’ll want to spend your summer sampling their calamari while sipping on Spritz by the sea.
Qld, Stanley in Brisbane
At the Cantonese dining spot Stanley by the water, you can indulge in a sunny treat with their baby pineapple dessert. Piña colada vibes abound as it features juicy bits of tropical fruit combined with creamy vanilla gelato, tangy lime sago and frosted ice chips. Meanwhile, for those looking to satisfy their savory cravings any time of year, don’t miss out on their irresistible Peking duck coated generously in caviar topping!
Beachcraft Froth, Perth in Western Australia
Froth Craft Brewery has mastered the art of creating an enjoyable beer-centric experience, evident by their successful establishments in Exmouth and Bunbury. The brewery recently opened its first location in Perth’s northern suburbs serving 16 distinct house brews complemented with rotating options from guest brewers to appease all palates. When it comes to food, they keep things uncomplicated but delicious – pizzas are a must-try! Guests should also anticipate live music performances while enjoying spectacular sunsets that capture Western Australia’s beauty during their visit.
Bunkers Beach House located in Margaret River, Western Australia.
It is often said by West Australians that their country has the most stunning beaches. To be fair, Bunker Bay in Margaret River with its white sands and Curaçao-blue waters only adds more weight to their claim. Situated just a few meters from this breathtaking natural wonder lies Bunkers Beach House which takes full advantage of its coastal surroundings through its “dune-to-table” menu approach. All things considered, the $80 set-menu accompanied by these spectacular views definitely qualifies as an excellent deal!
The Gold Coast’s Kirra Beach House in Queensland.
One magnificent beachfront location, the recently built Kirra Beach House encompasses all your favorite aspects of summer. Their innovative spin on a Golden Gaytime dessert has piqued our curiosity. Plus, did we mention it’s enormous?
NSW, Terrigal’s Meribella
Meribella, located on the first floor of Terrigal’s Crowne Plaza, boasts stunning beach views similar to big-spender Mimi’s restaurant in Sydney. If you fancy the elegant and pine tree-dappled ambiance of Mimi’s, Meribella is sure to win your heart with its near-identical outlook. The old-school glamour atmosphere resonates closely with that at Mimi’s as well – highlighted by luxuries like caviar and gold-leaf tart along with an extensive wine list carefully curated for a fine dining experience.
Toxteth in NSW, Sydney.
When you picture a “rooftop bar,” Glebe in Sydney’s inner west may not be the top spot that comes to mind. However, The Toxteth pub is debunking this notion as they unveil their latest addition: the Miami-inspired Tocky Terrace on their upper level. This transformation of an outdated sports bar offers iconic pub favorites such as schnitzels and burgers while providing stunning views all the way up to Harbor Bridge. Despite being one of its oldest pubs, The Toxteth has stepped up to bring something new and exciting for patrons seeking more than just your average drink experience!
SA, Adelaide, Sora
The mastermind behind one of Adelaide’s top restaurants, Shobosho, is Chef Adam Liston. He has now taken the reins to curate the pan-Asian menu at Sora on Pirie Street – a chic rooftop locale that boasts multiple levels for revelers seeking great views and nightlife thrills in South Australia’s capital city.
Kefi Koolewong, Central Coast, NSW
Located in Koolewong Marina, Kefi is an authentic Greek restaurant that offers a variety of classic dishes. Guests can savor the mouthwatering octopus souvlaki and grilled fish while relishing refreshing cocktails amidst the Mediterranean-inspired blue-and-white ambiance with blonde wood decor. Besides enjoying delicious eats, diners seated by a window might catch glimpses of pelicans gliding past who could potentially be intrigued by their delectable plates!
The Oyster Bar located in Darwin, NT.
At Darwin’s Oyster Bar, Coffin Bay oysters sourced from South Australia are the star of the show. These delectable mollusks can be savored in various forms – as is, with added toppings or even grilled to perfection. However, if you’re not a fan of briny shellfish fret not; there’s an extensive “not oysters” menu featuring crowd favorites like their much-loved salt and pepper squid alongside other options such as katsu chicken burger and crispy kangaroo spring rolls.
The Surf Lifesaving Club in Glenelg, located in Adelaide, SA.
The status of surf clubs as a quintessential Australian establishment is so high that they may warrant an appearance on currency. Among these institutions, the Glenelg Surf Lifesaving Club stands out as one of the finest examples due to its magnificent location right by the water and attractive 1930s design.
Aloft, Hobart, Tas
The Brooke Street Pier accommodation boasts stunning harbour views, complemented by a large pitched window that offers an unobstructed view. Aloft’s menu cannot be easily classified but is best described as “local” and “delicious”. If you are looking for something highlighting local abalone, then it should definitely be on your list of choices. Additionally, this restaurant serves vegetable dishes that can entice even the most ardent meat-eater to go green!
Morks, Canberra, ACT
Perhaps it is the presence of palm trees encircling the outdoor dining area or perhaps it’s the zesty aroma emanating from Morks’ kitchen, but this restaurant on Lake Burley Griffin exudes a lively and vibrant aura reminiscent of Bangkok. Sample their duck larb seasoned with smoked chilli powder followed by a refreshing White Lotus cocktail that evokes tropical flavors unique to Canberra.