We are often asked for recommended restaurants and attractions for people travelling interstate. Here is a short list of businesses we think are exceptionally good in each area.
To view businesses in a particular area, click on one of the links below:
Located at the National Museum of Australia, Axis has beautiful views of lake Burley Griffin. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday.
The Lobby
King George Terrace
Parkes ACT Phone: (02) 6273 1563
Just across from Parliament House, the Lobby Restaurant is set in the lovely National Rose Gardens. The Modern Australian cuisine is presented with crisp white linen and professional service.
Located in the historic Magill Estate Winery Complex, the spiritual home of Grange the Magill Estate Restaurant is on of Australia's most prestigious restaurants. Inside, enjoy breathtaking views across the city and Gulf while experiencing food of world class standard.
The Lion
161 Melbourne Street
North Adelaide, SA
Phone: (08) 8367 0222
www.thelionhotel.com Superbly renovated with floor to ceiling windows and a bright, modern design, The Lion Restaurant represents a unique dining experience.
NSW
Harbourkitchenbar
(Sydney edition)
Park Hyatt Hotel, 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks, NSW
Phone: (02) 9256 1660
Situated at the Harbour Bridge end of the boardwalk on Sydney's waterfront, The Rocks, just a few minutes from Circular Quay with uninterrupted view of Sydney Harbour is harbourkitchenbar. A modern Australian menu with Mediterranean influences will ensure the perfect dining experience.
Galileo
(Sydney edition)
The Observatory Hotel, 89-113 Kent Street, Sydney NSW
Phone: (02) 9256 2215 Acclaimed chef Harunobu Inukai is at the helm of Galileo's kitchen steering it into a new era. Mr Inukai has bought with him the passion and creativity to fuse French and Japanese cuisine and the results are divine. The inspiring ten course degustatione offers an abundance of alluring flavors.
Cafe Sydney
(Sydney edition)
Customs House, 5th Floor 31 Alfred St, Circular Quay, NSW
Phone: (02) 9251 8683 www.cafesydney.com.au The only thing matching the view when you go to Cafe Sydney is the food. This is a unique venue in an amazing location offering fine cuisine, offering comfortable indoor dining or a spectacular al freso terrace. Cafe Sydney is one of Sydney's best when it comes to Sunday lunch.
Ecco Ristorante
(Sydney edition)
2 St Georges Cresent, Drummoyne, NSW
Phone: (02) 9719 9394 Authentic Italian cuisine, waterfront views and enticing decor will great you upon arrival at Ecco Ristorante. If it is fine traditional Italian cuisine that you crave you will be more than satisfied, the home made pasta is a must as is a glass or two of your favorite wine from the carefully selected and diverse list.
Tables
(Sydney North edition)
1047 Pacific Highway, Pymble, NSW
Phone: (02) 9983 1047 www.tablesrestaurant.com A definite dining institution on Sydney's North Shore. Tables offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, attentive service and a delectable menu of Mediterranean cuisine. The warmth and aroma emanating from the wood fire pizza oven sets the mood form the moment you step in the door.
Milson's
(Sydney North edition)
17 Willoughby St, Kirribilli, NSW
Phone: (02) 9955 7075 www.milsonsrestaurant.com.au Milsons is a multi award winning gem. Located in Kirribilli the stylish decor and fresh, innovative Australian cuisine ensures diners at Milson's are treated to a superb experience. Whether is be a intimate dinner for two or sophisticated celebration with family and friends you will be delighted.
Barnaby's Riverside
(Parramatta, The Hills & Surrounds edition)
66 Phillip Street
Parramatta NSW
Phone: (02) 9633 3777
Offering contemporary Australian cuisine as well as a fantastic selection of daily specials, Barnaby's has built up a loyal following of diners who desire fine food, friendly service and wonderful value for money. The view is appealing and the lush, peaceful surrounds are reason enough to visit.
Solitary
(Parramatta, The Hills & Surrounds edition)
90 Cliff Drive
Leura Falls NSW
Phone: (02) 4782 1164
Overlooking Mount Solitary, Kings Tableland and the Jamison Valley your senses will be in overdrive at Solitary. The restaurant is warm and welcoming, the menu of Italian and French cuisine is award winning and the history amazing. A must visit restaurant in the Blue Mountains.
The Cowrie Restaurant
(Central Coast, Newcastle & The Hunter edition)
109 Scenic Highway
Terrigal NSW
Phone: (02) 4384 3016
With its priceless location overlooking Terrigal, the ocean and headlands and it’s fine quality cuisine the Cowrie Restaurant is a Central Coast dining experience not to be missed.
Onda Ristorante Italiano
(Central Coast, Newcastle & The Hunter edition)
150 Terrigal Drive
Terrigal NSW
Phone: (02) 4384 5554
Terrigal’s newest fine food beachfront restaurant offers magnificent views in a relaxed dining atmosphere. The modern Italian cuisine takes advantage of the season’s freshest local produce and is sure to meet all of your expectations.
With a menu featuring seafood of superb quality and a strong emphasis on modern Asian flavours, combined with the best waterfront location in Melbourne, Livebait restaurant truly is a feast for the senses. Positioned in the heart of the Docklands, with sensational 270 degree water and city views, the delicious selection of dishes includes the spectacular saffron linguine with scallops, prawns, mussels, fish, calamari and crab and desserts such as the exquisite Passionfruit Plate. Livebait really is the quintessential Melbourne restaurant.
Jacques Reymond
(Greater Melbourne edition) 78 Williams Road Prahran VIC Phone: (03) 9525 2178 www.jacquesreymond.com.au Jacques Reymond restaurant is unsurpassed, having recently been awarded Three 'Chefs Hats' by The Age Good Food Guide and 'Best Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year' by the Restaurant and Catering Association. By combining French training and technique with the finest Australian produce and Asian influences, Jacques creates dishes of brilliance. Choose 2, 3 or 4 courses from the 'carte', allowing you to try many different flavours and sensations, or try the renowned degustation menu. Knowledgeable staff with match wines with your meal, or you can browse the vast wine list. Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner.
Interlude
(Greater Melbourne edition) 211 Brunswick Street Fitzroy VIC Phone: (03) 9415 7300 www.interlude.com.au Your dining experience is an extension of the creativity of multi-award winning chef Robin Wickens. Wickens' touch is light, but it's breathtakingly original and inspiring. He takes our perception of food and plays with it, prods it and teases it. Interlude takes its food seriously, but it's an underlying sense of playfulness that defines it. Wickens and his team merge innovative techniques with the precision of classical French training. Yet technique itself is never allowed to overshadow the food. The dishes consistently surprise, excite and occasionally challenge you.
The Brasserie by Philippe Mouchel
(Greater Melbourne edition) Riverside at Crown 8 Whiteman Street Southbank VIC Phone: (03) 9292 7808 www.thebrasserieatcrown.com.au Located on the Riverside at Crown in Melbourne, The Brasserie by Philippe Mouchel features contemporary French cuisine, Australian and French wines, exemplary service and sleek decor. With more than 30 years' experience in restaurants around the world, Philippe is one of the world's most highly regarded French chefs.
The Point is a multi-award winning restaurant located on the water's edge of Albert Park Lake. The atmosphere is vibrant, yet elegant, with the balcony overlooking the lake providing the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The menu is Modern Australian with some innovative Mediterranean influences. Ample free onsite parking is available. The Point is fully licensed and open daily for lunch and dinner.
The award winning Richmond Hill Cafe and Larder is a must for people who really love their food. The menu reflects an admiration of dishes from both the Mediterranean region and rural France. The adjoining larder features Melbourne's most impressive selection of local and international cheeses.
When you are looking for a restaurant that continues to deliver style, elegance and class, then you need to look no further than the award-winning Sails on the Bay. This restaurant is a magnificent place for business or pleasure. The ocean views are without a doubt the best Melbourne Foreshore dining has to offer. At entry level, the staff at Sails will ensure that your dining experience is one you will never forget.
2 Faces the Restaurant
(Geelong, Surf Coast & Ballarat edition)
8 Malop Street
Geelong VIC
Phone: (03) 5229 4546
Owner-operators Tim and Simon welcome you to contemporary fine dining in relaxed 1857 heritage surroundings. Evocative, sophisticated and eclectic menus provide you with choices of infused flavours, fresh ingredients and an innovative gastronomic style. Simon's menu changes often, drawing on tastes, textures and ideas from a myriad of world cuisines. These combined and interweaved sensations have no boundaries and provide guests with an adventure into culinary diversity.
Empire Grill
(Geelong, Surf Coast & Ballarat edition)
66 McKillop Street Geelong VIC 3220 Phone: (03) 5223 2132
Empire Grill is one of Geelongs top restaurants, known as a corporate favourite. The main dining room is decorated with bright original artwork that suits the Tuscan feel of the room. From the pre dinner drinks at the bar, to the coffee at the end of the night served with their delicious truffles, this restaurant is worth a visit.
The Pettavel winery restaurant offers modern dishes that match their high quality wine, with a menu that changes daily. Set on a hill overlooking the vineyards, the floor to ceiling windows makes you feel like you are amongst the vines.
QLD
Restaurant II
2 Edward Street
(Corner Alice Street)
Brisbane QLD
Phone: (07) 3210 0600
Restaurant 11 is a restaurant of outstanding style and quality featuring an innovative modern Australian menu and an exceptional wine list. Restaurant 11 is the perfect location for your next business lunch or dinner.
RPR's
Ross Street
Ashmore QLD
Phone: (07) 5597 1111
Enjoy the spectacular views of the Gold Coast skyline. RPR's at Royal Pines Resort features creative, award winning cuisine and warm friendly service. Among its many awards, RPR's has been judged the Best Prestige Restaurant in Queensland 2002, 2004 and 2005.
Siggi's at the Port Office
Stamford Plaza Brisbane
Corner Edward and Margaret Streets
Brisbane QLD
Phone: (07) 3221 1999
Located in the 19th Century Port Office Building adjacent to the Hotel, Siggi's offers a unique dining experience without equal in Brisbane. Siggi's is the 2003 Restaurant and Caterering Association Queensland Restaurant of the year. Siggi's features a classical menu accompanied by a wine list that will please even the most discerning wine connoisseur.
WA
C Restaurant
Level 33, St Martins Tower 44 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Phone: (08) 9220 8333
For complete indulgence and arguably the most spectacular views in Perth, visit C Restaurant at the top of The St Martins Tower.
The Oyster Bar - Mead's Mosman Bay
15 Johnson Parade Mosman Bay WA 6012 Phone: (08) 9383 3388
Located on the banks of the Swan River in Mosman Bay. Meads offers great views and the freshest seafood available.
The Red Herring
26 Riverside Road East Fremantle WA 6158 Phone: (08) 9339 1611
One of Perth's oldest and Majestic sites, The Red Herring is situated on the swan river in East Fremantle. Voted as Australia's Best Tourist Restaurant the Red Herring is a dining experience not to be missed when in Perth.
NEW ZEALAND
North Island
Vinnies
(Auckland edition)
166 Jervois Road Herne Bay, Auckland Phone: 09 376 5597
Vinnies is one of those iconic Auckland restaurants which for years has shaped the palates of discerning diners. This trend is set to continue with new owner, and one of Auckland's great chef's, Geoff Scott. Taking the neighbourhood eatery to new levels, the team at Vinnies provides polished service matched by world class food. Private dining room available. Open Tuesday through Saturday for dinner. Reservations recommended.
Mikano
(Auckland edition)
1 Solent Street Mechanics Bay Auckland Phone: 09 309 9514
Whether you arrive at Mikano by land, sea or air, Auckland’s premier destination restaurant won’t disappoint. Mikano; a purpose-built, stand-alone waterfront location stands on a heli-pad and offers exquisite views of the Hauraki Gulf. Whether you’re there just for a drink or to attend a sparkling celebrity event, Mikano’s forward-thinking design, unparalleled cuisine and the best waiting staff and chefs in Auckland make for a truly cutting edge experience.
Wildfire is a unique restaurant where you can experience a dining style, which originates from 18th century Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil. The cooking methods and service at Wildfire continue to honour the traditions of the old Gaucho's - the original ranchers of the region.
Francois
(Wellington edition)
10a Murphy Street Thorndon Wellington Phone: 04 499 5252
Treat yourself to a true French experience in the heart of Thorndon. Intimate, yet relaxed dining in a historic 1890’s colonial English cottage, makes for an experience to savour and remember.
Logan Brown
(Wellington edition)
Cnr Cuba Street and Vivian Street Wellington City Wellington Phone: 04 801 5114
Everything you would expect from a leading fine dining restaurant except the price tag. The style of service is warm and friendly with an emphasis on accuracy and product knowledge and understanding that service needs to be tailored to individual diner needs.
Cultural differences dissolve in an environment that illustrates the very things that make us the same - the celebration of food, ritual and romance. This is Indochine, a gallery of exotic food and cocktails created to rejoice in the very best of East and West. Here the seductive textures, colours and flavours of Asia meet the opulence and tradition of Europe. Unfold the history of both worlds in expertly crafted cocktails before walking your tastebuds through a gallery of insipired cuisine.
Rotherhams have created an award winning restaurant offering classic European and New Zealand cuisine with an innovative menu and a wine listing featuring over 400 listings of New Zealand, Australian and European wines. Elegant surroundings with a warm and cosy ambiance make Rotherhams of Riccarton a memorable dining experience. Reservations are recommended.
Sign of the Takahe offers dining in the finest tradition. The most stunning views Christchurch has to offer are only matched by the world class cuisine available. This will be a memorable dining experience. One would expect nothing less from a team that has entertained prime ministers, presidents and royalty. Reservations are highly recommended.
Please note: Your Entertainment™ Card is only valid for those businesses that appear in your current Entertainment™ Book.
If you travel frequently and would like to purchase an interstate edition of the Entertainment™ Book at a special Entertainment™ Members' price, click here.
