The Best Restaurants and Bars in Australia 2025
The Best Restaurants and Bars in Australia 2025
Australia has become a culinary paradise, offering vibrant dining experiences and world-class bars that delight locals and visitors alike. From sophisticated restaurants highlighting native ingredients to cozy wine bars with expertly crafted drinks, the Australian food scene has it all.
Get ready to discover the must-visit restaurants and bars of 2025, curated to satisfy every foodie and travel enthusiast’s wanderlust.
How We Selected the Best
To create this list, we considered key factors that elevate a dining or bar experience from good to unforgettable. These criteria include:
- Food Quality: Exceptional dishes made with fresh, thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
- Ambiance: The environment adds charm—be it elegant or laid-back.
- Service: Attentive, knowledgeable staff who enhance your experience.
- Innovation: Creativity in cooking, drink curation, or presentation.
- Cultural Relevance: How the establishment represents local or global food cultures.
Whether you’re looking for an iconic fine-dining experience or a hidden cocktail gem, we’ve broken our list into regional highlights just for you.
Best Restaurants and Bars by Region
Sydney
1. Bennelong
Location: Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW
Stunning harbor views combined with modern Australian dishes make Bennelong unforgettable. Their signature dishes often celebrate native ingredients, such as Kangaroo Carpaccio. It’s a perfect spot for a romantic evening or an upscale celebration.
2. Quay
Located near Circular Quay, this elegant fine-dining destination serves meticulously designed dishes. Quay offers a unique tasting menu paired with an incredible wine list.
Discover more culinary gems in Sydney here: Gourmet Traveller – Best Sydney Restaurants
Melbourne
3. Attica
Location: Ripponlea, VIC
Known for its innovative approach to native Australian ingredients, Attica is a dining adventure. From dishes inspired by Aboriginal culture to rare flavor combinations, it repeatedly ranks among Australia’s top restaurants.
4. Vue de Monde
Sitting on the 55th floor of the Rialto building, Vue de Monde offers sweeping city views and refined French-inspired cuisine with an Australian twist. Perfect for food enthusiasts seeking intricate and thoughtful menus.
Check out more Victoria dining experiences here: Gourmet Traveller – Best Melbourne Restaurants
Brisbane
5. 1889 Enoteca
Location: Woolloongabba, QLD
This wine bar and Italian restaurant is a true gem for lovers of authentic Roman cuisine. Pair their handmade pasta dishes with selections from their extensive wine collection for an unforgettable meal.
Discover more Queensland dining hot spots here: Gourmet Traveller – Best Brisbane Restaurants
Adelaide
6. Maybe Mae
Location: Peel Street, Adelaide, SA
A stylish underground bar with a speakeasy vibe, Maybe Mae is famous for its creative cocktails and unique drinks menu using seasonal ingredients. The ambiance makes it ideal for a date or catching up with friends in style.
Dandenong – Pardesi Vaishno Dhaba
Location: 363 Lonsdale St, Dandenong, VIC
Website: Pardesi Vaishno Dhaba
Looking for authentic Indian flavors? Pardesi Vaishno Dhaba is the place to go. Specializing in vegetarian and vegan North Indian cuisine, this Indian restaurant in Dandenong delivers rich, traditional flavors like Pav Bhaji, Amritsari Kulcha, and Chole Bhature—all served in a welcoming, Dhaba-style setting.
With its exceptional service and affordable catering options, it’s no wonder locals love this hidden gem. Whether you’re hosting an event or just craving authentic Indian dishes, Pardesi Vaishno Dhaba has you covered.
National Highlights
Explore incredible restaurants in other locations like Tasmania, Western Australia, and even Canberra by heading over to Gourmet Traveller’s Restaurant Guide.
Emerging Food Trends in 2025
The Australian food and drink scene is continuously evolving. Expect these trends to dominate in 2025 and shape your next meal or cocktail experience.
- Native Ingredients Revival: Restaurants like Attica and Quay are redefining modern cuisine by incorporating native ingredients like finger limes, wattleseed, and quandong.
- Sustainable Practices: Eco-conscious dining is at the forefront, with restaurants minimizing waste and supporting ethical sourcing.
- Cocktail Craftsmanship: Bars such as Maybe Mae are raising the bar (pun intended) with cocktails featuring local, seasonal, and artisanal ingredients.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Focus: Establishments like Pardesi Vaishno Dhaba showcase how plant-based dining experiences can be both rich and satisfying.
Plan Your Next Culinary Adventure
From the bustling streets of Sydney to the Dhaba-style eateries in Dandenong, Australia’s food and drink scene offers something unique for every palate. Make it your mission to explore these fantastic destinations, support local businesses, and indulge in the rich diversity of flavors that 2025 has to offer.
Hungry for Authentic Indian Cuisine?
If you’re craving bold, authentic flavors, visit Pardesi Vaishno Dhaba in Dandenong today. Enjoy their signature dishes like Chole Bhature or Pav Bhaji, and experience true Indian hospitality.
