Food is one of the most basic and greatest pleasures in life. Some of us love to live where there is a bustling array of food joints, stalls, eateries, restaurants and fine dining options. Indeed, Australia is bursting with great restaurants, in so many great spots and lively atmospheres. Here are some of the best:
Sepia, Sydney
Not only is Sepia one the best restaurants in Australia but it was also named the 84th best restaurant in the world. The atmosphere is a quiet and moody space at the Darling end of the CBD. Sepia is the kind of place you would go to celebrate a promotion or a wedding anniversary. It’s special yet slightly forbidding in a positive way. And the food is something else. The lightness of touch and attention to detail contrasts perfectly against the austerity of the interior. Try the exploding white chocolate egg dessert for a playful and delicious experience.
Attica, Melbourne
On face value Attica seems to be a simple brick building lined in a row of shops in the modest suburb of Ripponlea. But the unassuming exterior tells nothing of the magical food creations stemming from Kiwi born chef Ben Shewry. If you can weave your way through a long waiting list and tackle a pricey bill then the food is truly sensational. Ten Flavours of St Joseph’s Wort is a somewhat hysterically delicious dish, so seemingly simple – tomatoes and ten types of basil – but the outcome is phenomenal. Some say you should commit to a full evening of dining, not just an hour or 2.
Quay, Sydney
Overlooking the Sydney Harbour with a full head-on view of the Opera house and bridge, Quay impresses before a menu item is even considered. To be clear though, restaurants that rely on great views often take the food aspect of the experience for granted, but not Quay. Incredibly complex and delicious food is served, somewhat close to perfection. Chef Peter Gilmore’s Asian take on Oz cuisine colours the menu in a daring and inventive manner.
Brae, Birregurra
130km west of Melbourne lies Brae the restaurant in the scenic and community-led town of Birregurra. Brae’s brilliance began with the architectural makeover of the farmhouse, achieved in an understated style only serious money can buy. Like all great restaurants, attention to detail is exceptional, the Italian Arper olive leather chairs impress just as much as the food. The bloated beef tendon wafers coupled with wood-baked sourdough and soft and sour butter is an example of food that relies on quality and enjoyment rather than pretentiousness. In fact, this goes for all the food, wine, drink and staff at Brae.