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Dining Guide
Fancy an oyster with your pearls, eating reef fish and chips in your bathers on a beach, join the locals for a beer and pub grub, or being serenaded by the serendipitous tastes of food that dances on your tongue and is matched perfectly with local wines? You've found mecca - Queensland-style.
The freshest premium quality ingredients harvested from the sea and local pastures are combined to create clever and distinctly modern fare with overtones of Mediterranean and Asian flavours. Dishes are synonymous of the location, often simply prepared so the flavours speak for themselves, classic interpretations are cutting-edge city chic, and always, there's something to write home about.
Other Brisbane award winners are veteran restaurateur and chef Thierry Galichet and his classic Lyonnaise bistro Montrachet; Simon Hill's innovative and elegant Isis Brasseri; and Lure which has taken centre stage with yesteryear classics plus modern Asian dishes, created by ex-Rockpool chef Marc Maric. Alistair Roberts' Tukka is one of the country's leading native Australian cuisine specialty restaurants; and at Mondo Organics, everything, including the wines is organic.
Gianni's is a sophisticated spot to celebrate and be wowed by Javier Codina's classic repertoire; while The Gun Shop, in a heritage building in the West End, is a legendry breakfast spot. Dedicated foodies should hot foot it to New Farm to Anise and Café Dell'ugo; to Teneriffe's Beccofino; and to the Domenech family's Bretts Wharf in Hamilton and Baguette in Ascot.
Martin Duncan has his acclaimed Freestyle Tout dessert bistros in the Valley and at Rosalie, while Jade Buddha is the favourite watering hole on the site of the old City Rowers on Eagle Street Pier. Continually picking up awards is a trio of Eagle Street Pier maestros. John Kilroy's Cha Cha Char serves simply the best red meat; Pier Nine with Matthew Hill Smith is heaven for seafood; and Italiophiles flock to Andy and Marcia Georges' Il Centro.
Escape to the seaside city of Recliffe which is 35 minutes north of Brisbane. There are a smorgasbord of dining options including foreshore alfresco eateries overlooking scenic Moreton Bay, cosmopolitan cafes, attractive hotels and award-winning restaurants.
Vanitas at Palazzo Versace is glitz, glam and sheer indulgence. From the Versace china to Steve Szabo's decadent fare, it's the total package of excellent taste. Oskars on Burleigh, combines sensational views with a truly inspirational menu; Bluefire Cruises serves an exciting dinner with a difference on board the largest and most luxurious vessel on the Gold Coast; Ristorante Fellini is fine dining and fastidious service in the classic Italian-style; Alto at Tedder Avenue at Main Beach, which is another of the Gold Coast's famous dining precincts, has been awarded best breakfast; Cav's Steakhouse serves only premium quality steaks and is a family favourite; and at Bonnie Rodwell's hinterland Songbirds, be entertained by the local fauna and impressed by superb food and setting. At Absynthe, the signature restaurant in Q1, the tallest residential building in the world, chef extraordinaire Meyjitte Boughenout, who has worked in Michelin-star restaurants in his home country of France, has foodies in a trance with his five-star cuisine, including Bundy and Coke sorbet and mustard ice cream in a tomato and cucumber soup.
In the South East Queensland Country, visit the Garden City Toowomba and the Darling Downs. Step into a set of four seasons, romance, flowers, wineries, stylish coffee shops and award-winning restaurants, which feature the produce of the region, including the finest steaks from the region, complemented by a robust shiraz. The menu at Fire and Ice is modern Australian with great steaks, warm salads and sparkling oysters presented in various ways; the Karingal Café which is tucked in a heritage building has a wonderful ambience and offers an exciting Mod Oz menu; and at The Spotted Cow, one of Toowoomba's favourite pubs, the beer menu is almost as extensive as the food. The jewel in the crown of Kingaroy is Bell Tower, with its Modern Australian menu and a loyal following from locals and visitors.
Make a date at The Wine Bar and Ebb on the waterfront at Maroochydore for al fresco dining par excellence; Maleny's Terrace Seafood Restaurant where the hot and cold seafood platter towers above the diners; at Mooloolaba, The 4th Floor, Hot Pipis and Fish on Parkyn serve just-caught, cooked-at-the-moment seafood and Sake's sushi and sashimi is first rate take-out. Harry's on Buderim is an institution; tuck into tangy barbecued swordfish at The Boatshed in Cotton Tree; and at Montego's on the Bay at Kawana Island, dine alfresco on the deck.
Australian Gourmet Traveller's accolade for the best regional restaurant in Australia in 2005 went to Berardo's Restaurant and Bar in Noosa. French-born Bruno Loubet, who established Bruno's Table in Brisbane several years ago after achieving two Michelin stars in London, is the executive chef. Cato's at the Sheraton Noosa Resort has a seafood buffet for the heartiest of eaters; at Noosaville ingredients don't get much fresher than the Riverhouse and Gusto; and Leonie Palmer's Ricky Ricardo's, which is perched on the wharf at Quamby Place is Noosa's quintessential dining experience. A towel length away from the sand of Noosa's Main Beach are the famous Berardo's on the Beach Bistro, Bistro C, Season and Sails. At Sunshine Beach Alegria has tempting tapas and Wasabi has premium quality Japanese fare. Languish over lunch at Picnic at the Rocks on the banks of the Maroochy River.
The modern Australian menu at Seabelle Restaurant at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, features native meats including kangaroo, emu and crocodile and adding pizzazz to dishes is bush food such as aniseed berries, midjim berries and lilly pillies.
With the inland being home to thousands of hectares of beef cattle, pubs are not only a chance to catch up with the locals to hear tales tall and true but to savour some of the best pub grub in Australia. At Lee Kernaghan's Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton, which is also the Beef Capital of Australia, enjoy a beer in the front or back bar, superlative steaks and as a bonus there's live entertainment. Yes, a real McCoy rodeo.
Relax at the Reef House and let Phil Mitchell take you on a world wind culinary journey. Further along Williams Esplanade, Jason Rowbotham and Nick Holloway's city-chic Nu Nu is the new kid on the block. Tongues are wagging with an adoring public keep returning for seriously spectacular fare. In Port Douglas, Zinc adds zing with a Mod Oz collection of bistro-style food and Bill Conway's Salsa pumps with exuberance and continues to delight diners after 10 years on the main drag. Bill Clinton and Sean Penn are among the celebrities who have pulled up a chair.
If you're heading towards the Daintree, one of the best breakfasts in Queensland in one of the greatest locations is the Cooks Landing Café and further on at the Bloomfield Track in Helenvale, is the rustic and quirky Lions Den Hotel which has enjoyed a rich history since 1875. Stay awhile for fabulous food and a laidback experience that's second-to-none.
Queensland: Great food, even better location.
The freshest premium quality ingredients harvested from the sea and local pastures are combined to create clever and distinctly modern fare with overtones of Mediterranean and Asian flavours. Dishes are synonymous of the location, often simply prepared so the flavours speak for themselves, classic interpretations are cutting-edge city chic, and always, there's something to write home about.
Brisbane
The secret to celebrity and executive chef Andrew Mirosch's stand-out fare at Restaurant Lurleens at Sirromet Wines is due in part to the relentless search for the best produce including seafood from Moreton Bay and Mooloolaba, plus using organically grown ingredients from the estate.
Brisbane in recent decades has come of age; the city offers a melting pot of places plus a bevy of world class chefs to indulge our passions for the finer things in life. The talented chef and author Philip Johnson is to be applauded for elevating Queensland's cuisine, when his e'cco bistro in Brisbane was named best restaurant in Australia, by the foodie's bible Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine. Philip's consistency for clever innovative food remains steadfastly today.Other Brisbane award winners are veteran restaurateur and chef Thierry Galichet and his classic Lyonnaise bistro Montrachet; Simon Hill's innovative and elegant Isis Brasseri; and Lure which has taken centre stage with yesteryear classics plus modern Asian dishes, created by ex-Rockpool chef Marc Maric. Alistair Roberts' Tukka is one of the country's leading native Australian cuisine specialty restaurants; and at Mondo Organics, everything, including the wines is organic.
Gianni's is a sophisticated spot to celebrate and be wowed by Javier Codina's classic repertoire; while The Gun Shop, in a heritage building in the West End, is a legendry breakfast spot. Dedicated foodies should hot foot it to New Farm to Anise and Café Dell'ugo; to Teneriffe's Beccofino; and to the Domenech family's Bretts Wharf in Hamilton and Baguette in Ascot.
Martin Duncan has his acclaimed Freestyle Tout dessert bistros in the Valley and at Rosalie, while Jade Buddha is the favourite watering hole on the site of the old City Rowers on Eagle Street Pier. Continually picking up awards is a trio of Eagle Street Pier maestros. John Kilroy's Cha Cha Char serves simply the best red meat; Pier Nine with Matthew Hill Smith is heaven for seafood; and Italiophiles flock to Andy and Marcia Georges' Il Centro.
Escape to the seaside city of Recliffe which is 35 minutes north of Brisbane. There are a smorgasbord of dining options including foreshore alfresco eateries overlooking scenic Moreton Bay, cosmopolitan cafes, attractive hotels and award-winning restaurants.
Gold Coast
It's worth queuing at Charis Seafoods on the Gold Coast's Broadwater at Labrador for fish and chips. Don't miss the pelican feeding frenzy.
The eclectic nature of the famously unique Gold Coast has brought about a deliciously successful food and wine industry. Don't be surprised to see soft-shell crabs, goat cheeses, locally bred Wagyu beef and locally-made wine on the menu.Vanitas at Palazzo Versace is glitz, glam and sheer indulgence. From the Versace china to Steve Szabo's decadent fare, it's the total package of excellent taste. Oskars on Burleigh, combines sensational views with a truly inspirational menu; Bluefire Cruises serves an exciting dinner with a difference on board the largest and most luxurious vessel on the Gold Coast; Ristorante Fellini is fine dining and fastidious service in the classic Italian-style; Alto at Tedder Avenue at Main Beach, which is another of the Gold Coast's famous dining precincts, has been awarded best breakfast; Cav's Steakhouse serves only premium quality steaks and is a family favourite; and at Bonnie Rodwell's hinterland Songbirds, be entertained by the local fauna and impressed by superb food and setting. At Absynthe, the signature restaurant in Q1, the tallest residential building in the world, chef extraordinaire Meyjitte Boughenout, who has worked in Michelin-star restaurants in his home country of France, has foodies in a trance with his five-star cuisine, including Bundy and Coke sorbet and mustard ice cream in a tomato and cucumber soup.
South East Queensland Country
In the South East Queensland Country, visit the Garden City Toowomba and the Darling Downs. Step into a set of four seasons, romance, flowers, wineries, stylish coffee shops and award-winning restaurants, which feature the produce of the region, including the finest steaks from the region, complemented by a robust shiraz. The menu at Fire and Ice is modern Australian with great steaks, warm salads and sparkling oysters presented in various ways; the Karingal Café which is tucked in a heritage building has a wonderful ambience and offers an exciting Mod Oz menu; and at The Spotted Cow, one of Toowoomba's favourite pubs, the beer menu is almost as extensive as the food. The jewel in the crown of Kingaroy is Bell Tower, with its Modern Australian menu and a loyal following from locals and visitors.
Sunshine Coast
In Noosaville the Riverhouse's David Rayner has an obsession with changing the menu daily and not overworking the ingredients to enhance the natural flavours.
Hot spots are numerous on the sensational Sunshine Coast. From coastal alfresco to the cool Blackall range. From Caloundra to Noosa and Cooloola, there's something for all tastes.Make a date at The Wine Bar and Ebb on the waterfront at Maroochydore for al fresco dining par excellence; Maleny's Terrace Seafood Restaurant where the hot and cold seafood platter towers above the diners; at Mooloolaba, The 4th Floor, Hot Pipis and Fish on Parkyn serve just-caught, cooked-at-the-moment seafood and Sake's sushi and sashimi is first rate take-out. Harry's on Buderim is an institution; tuck into tangy barbecued swordfish at The Boatshed in Cotton Tree; and at Montego's on the Bay at Kawana Island, dine alfresco on the deck.
Australian Gourmet Traveller's accolade for the best regional restaurant in Australia in 2005 went to Berardo's Restaurant and Bar in Noosa. French-born Bruno Loubet, who established Bruno's Table in Brisbane several years ago after achieving two Michelin stars in London, is the executive chef. Cato's at the Sheraton Noosa Resort has a seafood buffet for the heartiest of eaters; at Noosaville ingredients don't get much fresher than the Riverhouse and Gusto; and Leonie Palmer's Ricky Ricardo's, which is perched on the wharf at Quamby Place is Noosa's quintessential dining experience. A towel length away from the sand of Noosa's Main Beach are the famous Berardo's on the Beach Bistro, Bistro C, Season and Sails. At Sunshine Beach Alegria has tempting tapas and Wasabi has premium quality Japanese fare. Languish over lunch at Picnic at the Rocks on the banks of the Maroochy River.
Heading North
The modern Australian menu at Seabelle Restaurant at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, features native meats including kangaroo, emu and crocodile and adding pizzazz to dishes is bush food such as aniseed berries, midjim berries and lilly pillies.
With the inland being home to thousands of hectares of beef cattle, pubs are not only a chance to catch up with the locals to hear tales tall and true but to savour some of the best pub grub in Australia. At Lee Kernaghan's Great Western Hotel in Rockhampton, which is also the Beef Capital of Australia, enjoy a beer in the front or back bar, superlative steaks and as a bonus there's live entertainment. Yes, a real McCoy rodeo.
Tropical North Queensland
Port Douglas' On the Inlet, surrounded by fishing boats and prawn trawlers, is blessed with unrivalled sunsets. The local tradition from 3.30pm for two hours is a bucket of prawns or a plate of oysters with a wine, beer or bubbles.
From Cairns to Mossman in the Tropical North palate pleasers are aplenty - from classic Italian and exotic Asian to world famous seafood. Craig Squire and James Fielke spoil everyone with bugs on lemongrass and other dishes featuring 'native cuisine' at their multi award-winning Red Ochre Grill in Cairns. Mediterranean-influenced 2 Fish in Port Douglas and Cairns matches cooking styles of daily catches with different sauces and accompaniments; the Treehouse at Silky Oaks at Mossman features Asian and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes with an emphasis on local produce; at the Spice Market in Palm Cove, chef Khalil Smith impresses diners with rice paper rolls with Moreton Bay bugs, cashews and red wine caramel.Relax at the Reef House and let Phil Mitchell take you on a world wind culinary journey. Further along Williams Esplanade, Jason Rowbotham and Nick Holloway's city-chic Nu Nu is the new kid on the block. Tongues are wagging with an adoring public keep returning for seriously spectacular fare. In Port Douglas, Zinc adds zing with a Mod Oz collection of bistro-style food and Bill Conway's Salsa pumps with exuberance and continues to delight diners after 10 years on the main drag. Bill Clinton and Sean Penn are among the celebrities who have pulled up a chair.
If you're heading towards the Daintree, one of the best breakfasts in Queensland in one of the greatest locations is the Cooks Landing Café and further on at the Bloomfield Track in Helenvale, is the rustic and quirky Lions Den Hotel which has enjoyed a rich history since 1875. Stay awhile for fabulous food and a laidback experience that's second-to-none.
Queensland: Great food, even better location.