Australia’s hottest new restaurants

Decadent food and wine experiences are an integral part of the luxury travel experience.

This week Noma Australia – the 10 week sell out sensation pop-up restaurant (brought to Sydney’s new Barangaroo development by the world renowned Danish chef Rene Redzepi) – closed its doors, having delighted around 5500 diners in its short life.

We are sad to see them go .. but, whilst we wait for the new Barangaroo Sydney food hub to open (the new waterfront precinct will be home to more than 50 eateries – from laneway bars to grand harbourside fine dining – due to open before the end of the year) here are five new dining hot spots to try across Australia:

Long Chim – Perth

Located in the vaulted cellar beneath the State Buildings newcomer, Long Chim, specialises in the innovative Thai street food that has earned head chef David Thomson multiple awards (including a Michelin star) at his various restaurants around the globe from Sydney to London, Bangkok and Singapore. Fresh and fragrant thai food, deliciously fresh local produce and a hip urban buzz combine in the busy dining room or the outdoor courtyard  at Long Chim.

Ides – Melbourne

The sell out pop-up restaurant, Ides has opened at a permanent location in in Melbourne’s foodie hub of Collingwood under head chef Peter Gunn, formerly of the world renowned Attica restaurant. Each evening from Wednesday to Sunday just 36 lucky diners have the opportunity to savour Ides’ 6 course degustation meals delivered to the table by the chefs who have created them.

Blackwood – Adelaide

Jock Zonfrillo of Adelaide’s award-winning Orana restaurant has launched a ‘bistro version’ of his flagship fine dining venue. Blackwood presents diners with a more casual a la carte offering with the same signature emphasis on Australian native ingredients presented with a European twist.

Aloft – Hobart

On the top floor of Brooke Street Pier – a floating four storey pontoon overlooking Hobart’s harbour and waterfront – Aloft is passionate about local produce. From spanner crab to pig’s ear, pork belly to prawns, the menu focuses on seasonal, locally caught and free range ingredients combined with the flavours of the Pacific. There is also a separate vegetarian menu and tasting menus to share. Aloft is open for dinner Tuesday to Saturday.

Bennelong – Sydney

Under the white sails of the Sydney Opera House, overlooking the sparkling harbour, Bennelong offers one of Sydney’s most iconic dining experiences. The menu celebrates Australian wine and produce under the direction of one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs, Peter Gilmore. Diners can enjoy a fine dining experience in the Restaurant, more casual pre- and post-theatre dining at the Cured & Cultured counter watching the kitchen busy at work or a drink and supper at the Bar. Exclusive Masterclasses with Peter Gilmore, the Head Chef – Rob Cockerill or the very knowledgeable sommelier offer an exclusive ‘backstage‘ experience for luxury travellers.

Reservations are essential at all venues, with the exception of the Bar.