AUSTRALIA
Papi Chulo – NSW
Merivale are set to extend their empire over the Spit Bridge with the opening of Papi Chulo in January. Head chefs Patrick Friesen (Ms G’s) and Christopher Hogarth (El Loco) are doing some interesting things with a smoker, a wood grill and a charcoal rotisserie. Set on the iconic Manly Wharf on the city’s northern beaches.
The Fish House – QLD
Taking its queue from southern Europe, the Fish House’s Simon Gloftis (owner of the successful Hellenika in Nobby Beach) serves up his catch understated, while the beachfront venue makes for idyllic summer dining. 50 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Peppermint Bay, TAS
Set on four acres of waterfront headland in the southern Tasmanian village of Woodbridge, Peppermint Bay has commanding views across the d’Entrecasteaux Channel and north to Mt. Wellington. Enjoy a quiet lunch amid the lush rolling hills of the Huon region. 3435 Channel Highway, Woodbridge
Flanagans Dining Room, NSW
This newly renovated restaurant in the laidback beachside suburb of Thirroul between the escarpment and the Illawarra coastline makes the most of local produce, with chef Arman Uz collecting fresh seafood daily from the Shellharbour fish markets. Thirroul Beach Promenade, The Esplanade
Cape Lodge WA
Nestled on its own secluded vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River, Cape Lodge is surrounded by a private lake and just minutes from the sparkling Indian Ocean. Old worldly hospitality will greet you in the dining room and you can stay on site at the award-winning luxury boutique hotel. 3341 Caves Rd, Yallingup
NEW ZEALAND
Fleur’s Place- Otago
A favourite of Rick Steins’s Fleur’s Place is situated on the old jetty in scenic Moeraki Bay and sees owner Fleur Sullivan serving up award-winning, honest Kiwi tucker and seafood caught fresh by Moeraki Bay’s own fishing boats. At the Old Jetty, Moeraki, Otago
Honey cafe – Takapuna
Owner Jules Glasgow (of Jam café fame) opened Honey in 2013 in Takapuna. With an emphasis on the finer details (smoothies in mason jars) and an eclectic menu featuring classics alongside more interesting dishes (like North African shakshuka), they aim to please at this seaside café. 12 Huron Street, Takapuna
Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant – Waiheke
A slice of Tuscany in Waiheke, Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant takes its name from its hand-hewn mud bricks and offers prize-winning wines and a memorable dining experience in a jaw-dropping setting. Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke
