Smokey Horse, a Nepali restaurant and live music venue in Braidwood, has gained wider attention after actor Jack Quaid and his Australian wife, Claudia Doumit, visited on the eve of their wedding at Mona Farm. The venue, which opened in 2018 after years of serving Nepalese food locally, is known for its quirky decor and punchy flavours. Diners are advised to check opening hours and gig listings before visiting. Highlights include momos, pulled pork choila and curry thalis. The venue is open Thursday to Sunday from 3 pm until late.
High Society Cafe has opened in the Torrens Shops area of Canberra and already draws a loyal local crowd. Its outdoor dining area, sheltered by an awning and softened by potted plants, is a popular spot for friends, students and teachers. The all-day brunch menu includes creative dishes such as Nest Eggs, along with classic options like chilli folded eggs and a chicken burger. The cafe is open weekdays from 6.30 am to 3 pm and weekends from 7 am to 3 pm.
Sandoochie, the Canberra sandwich shop known for inventive fillings, is opening a second location on Brisbane Avenue in Barton, with doors expected to open in February. Owner Lucy Holm plans to offer breakfasts and drinks alongside the sandwiches, though the new venue has yet to be named. Elsewhere, Lala Hospitality Group has launched Piccolo by Amici beside Amici Wine Bar & Deli, serving St. Ali coffee and Italian breakfast treats on weekdays. Trust Café has opened inside the Blank arts hub above King O'Malleys, operating as a not-for-profit alcohol-free venue.
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A new contemporary Mexican restaurant has opened on the Hillarys waterfront, bringing bold flavours and vibrant cocktails to Perth's northern coast. VIP guests gathered to celebrate the launch, enjoying Mexican-inspired dishes, signature cocktails and live DJ entertainment overlooking the waterfront. The restaurant, Picoso Mexican Bar Y Cocina, is designed around sharing. Its menu uses Australian produce in tacos, fresh seafood, snacks and larger plates, prepared with traditional Mexican techniques and a modern twist.
Madamelle, a new Asian fusion restaurant overlooking the Murrumbidgee River, has opened in Wagga. Owner and chef Jamie Shepley says the venue is his most ambitious yet. The menu includes oysters, pork belly pancakes, lamb rump and dessert options, with gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices. Head sommelier Adam Hudson oversees the drinks list, which uses technology to serve wine by the glass. The venue is also designed to host private and corporate events.
CHAPMAN Yachting has reintroduced Evolution, a 39-metre superyacht built by Oceanfast in 2008, for charters on Sydney Harbour. The vessel can host up to 70 guests for cocktail-style events and offers an à la carte bar with drinks partners Moët Hennessy and Papa Salt. Catering comes from Elite Chefs Sydney. Summer hire starts from $3,700 an hour for up to 40 guests, with a four-hour minimum. Charters depart from five Sydney wharves, with Pittwater available for overnight trips.
Regional South Australian restaurants have been recognised in the inaugural Michelin Guide to Australia, launched in Adelaide this week. The list of 77 establishments includes Mayura Station near Millicent, Elementary Dining in Mount Gambier and The Fresh Fish Place in Port Lincoln. Elementary head chef Kirby Shearing said the honour was surreal and reflected the whole town. Premier Peter Malinauskas said the Michelin Guide gave the state's hospitality industry a platform to tell its story to the world. Owners Craig and Sandy McCathie said the recognition came after 15 years of simple, seafood-focused cooking.
Residents of Perth's northern suburbs have named their favourite places to eat, from Hillarys Boat Harbour to Burns Beach. Sorrento couple Lyn and Gary Brown recommend Mia Cucina Italian Cafe, an Italian seafood restaurant overlooking the marina. Young mothers Ella Nezich and Lola Artuso prefer Dropinz cafe and Woodfire Pizza in Mullaloo. Hossein Bahrami, who runs a souvenir business at Hillarys, says finding halal food is difficult and that a new dumpling eatery, Noor, is due to open soon. Gill and Bruce Calvart of Burns Beach pick Chapters Bistro in Currambine for dinner.
Magill Estate Restaurant in South Australia has won two Michelin Stars, the top honour at the guide's first South Australian launch. The Penfolds-owned venue is the only local restaurant to receive the distinction in the guide's first Australian edition. Ten other restaurants received one star, and 16 were given Bib Gourmand awards for high-quality food at accessible prices. Michelin said the state's dining scene showed a strong mix of European, South-East Asian and Japanese traditions alongside native ingredients.
Gluten-free restaurant Queenies in Kingston is closing after six years, with its last service on Saturday 31 October. Owner Pamela Howarth said the business had been hit by events beyond its control. Executive Chef Adrianne Davo will focus on sister venue Eve. Elsewhere, Oh My Papa is set to open a rooftop bar on Bunda Street, and Armada Collective plans a Pialligo Estate relaunch in 2027 with an Italian focus under head chef Jason Lear.
Picoso Mexican Bar Y Cocina has opened at Hillarys Boat Harbour, offering a shared-style menu of Mexican dishes. Head chef Ayush Nepal, who moved to Perth after working in Queensland, leads the kitchen. The menu includes WA oysters with a spicy granita, ceviche, corn ribs, smoked chicken wings, tacos and burritos. Diners can also choose from cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Interior designer Simone Eichler created a playful space with pink chequered walls and fun wallpaper. The restaurant is one of several recent venues to open at Sorrento Quay.
The National Gallery of Australia's new Oculus Café x Kitchen by Mike, in Canberra, offers views of the Sculpture Garden. A reviewer visited for breakfast and found it quiet, with a menu of classics and sourdough pancakes with lemon curd. A later lunch visit was busier, with a canteen-style service. The roast chicken, bacon and cheddar quiche and salads were praised. The cafe is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm on the ground floor of the gallery.
Ten South Australian restaurants have received one-star Michelin ratings, the first Michelin stars awarded in Australia. Magill Estate Restaurant has also received a two-star rating. The awards were announced at a ceremony at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Wednesday evening. Dozens of other venues and chefs were also recognised, including Shobosho chef Shakaan Abillion, who won the inaugural young chef award. The South Australian government said it paid a confidential sum under a commercial agreement with Michelin. Premier Peter Malinauskas said the recognition was worth its weight in gold.
Singapore is a modern island city that deserves a place on Australian travel lists, a writer says. The flight from Sydney takes about eight hours. The writer stayed at The Singapore EDITION, which has a garden courtyard and a 43-metre pool, and at W Singapore Sentosa Cove on Sentosa Island. Both hotels are praised for their design, restaurants and wellness offerings. The writer says the city offers far more than a quick stopover.
Five Greek Australian restaurants have been named in the Good Food Guide's 100 Essential Victorian Restaurants list. Kafeneion earned the highest score among the five, at 15 out of 20. Patris, a Brunswick restaurant that opened in February, received a score of 14 out of 20. Co-owner Stella Andrianna Michael said the recognition was significant for the small business, linking the restaurant's identity to her family's migration story.
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El Burro Cantina on Mt Tamborine has earned a 4.8 star rating from more than 1000 customers. Owners Marcus McKay and Malie say the restaurant has built its reputation on hospitality and food since opening more than eight years ago. Diners often praise the large, shareable gluten free mains, including DIY taco platters, fajitas and churros. Marcus says the restaurant encourages guests to wear sombreros and ponchos. An expansion to increase its 70 seat capacity is being considered for the future.
Several restaurants and cafes along the South Coast of New South Wales offer gluten-free dining options. Stingray’s Ocean & Grill in Batemans Bay provides gluten-free fish and chips in dedicated fryers. The Oyster Farmer’s Daughter in Narooma serves gluten-free seafood, including oysters and fish and chips. The Rivermouth in Tomakin offers gluten-free brunch items and fish and chips. Cafe Beyond in Bega is a fully gluten-free establishment with house-made bread and sausage rolls. Cafe Pambula by Toast in Pambula features gluten-free fritters and pancakes, with similar offerings at The Eddy in Merimbula and Eden Ground.
