eto’s pick: Stylish restaurants across Australia
Six of our favourite Aussie eateries
We started our eto's pick series with an exclusive list of beautiful restaurants in Europe. This time we've travelled across continents to find the most stylish and exciting restaurants in Australia. From Sydney and Canberra, to Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, we have scoured the country to select our top six favourite eateries.
At eto, we think that a good meal out is about more than food. It is the coming together of multiple experiences - from the menu itself, to the décor, music, atmosphere and wine list. It is about sustainability, promoting local produce and using ethical suppliers. And it is a celebration of the connection between Head Chefs, interior design teams and front-of-house staff to create a shared vision that is reflected throughout the dining experience.
Whether you're living in Australia, planning a visit, or just curious to know more about the restaurants we've chosen, read on to find out where the eto team most love to eat down under.
Lucky Kwong, Sydney
Photo: Tom Ferguson
Australian restauranteur Kylie Kwong set up her latest venture - Lucky Kwong - in Evesleigh, a southern inner suburb of Sydney with strong industrial heritage. The food is Chinese comfort food - the dumplings are the taste equivalent of a thirteen tog feather duvet - and the design complement complements that ambition.
The space was designed by APS Design around Kylie's three pillars of simplicity, community and sustainability. The large-scale entrance way and stunning arched windows celebrate the venue's history. Its open kitchen and pared back walls create a sense of urban calm. And the mix of sustainable surfaces adds both texture and warmth to the environment. Cork features on both counters and walls - because of the cork oak tree is unique in its ability to regenerate its bark after every harvest. It's also a great sound absorber, so diners can chat away.
Reine & La Rue, Melbourne
Photo: Reine & La Rue
Reine & La Rue is a new addition to the Melbourne restaurant scene, but the venue - known as The Cathedral Room - dates back to 1891. Designed by celebrated local architect William Pitt in Gothic Revival style, the impressive building was once the main trading floor of the Melbourne stock exchange. It closed its door almost 20 years ago, but Reine & La Rue has breathed new life into the iconic space.
As well as the opulent dining room with high arches, mosaic tiled floors and rich leather booths, the restaurant boasts a 10-metre marble bar for cocktails and people watching, and a relaxed speakeasy set off from the courtyard for a more intimate gatherings. The menu is classic French with dishes like oysters, steak frites and calamari with café de Paris butter. And the wine menu is both extensive and international with some beautiful French wines and the most exclusive American wine list in Australia.
arkhé, Adelaide
Photo: Timothy Kaye
Once Head Chef at the Michelin-starred barbecue restaurant Burnt Ends in Singapore, Jake Kellie moved to Adelaide to set up the state's first open-flame restaurant. In June 2021 he opened arkhé - the name referring to the principal element of fire in Ancient Greek - where everything on the menu is cokked over open flame or on the grill.
arkhé is situated in a heritage-listed two-store Victorian building in the city. The interior architecture was designed by Studio Gram, and perfectly complements the sense of stripped back natural power that open-flame cooking evokes. There is a mix of roughly textured lime plaster in muted whites, warm local stone, and reclaimed timber. Wide glass doors open out onto a terrace for added light. The 150-bottle wine list is as eclectic as it is impressive, with full bodied South Aussie Shirazzes, Syrian reds, Corsican whites and many more.
Pilot, Canberra
Photo: Lean Timms
Pilot is an award-winning, destination diner in the Canberra suburbs. It was designed by local interior designers Capezio Copeland, who created a space that balanced fine dining with an intimate, informal atmosphere. Barn-like timber doors, classic dark wood furniture, and warm flagstone tiles are all enhanced by the clever multi-layered lighting.
At Pilot, there is one set menu - a seven-course degustation menu that's only revealed on the night. It is planned, researched and prepared meticulously by the team, with responsible farming and sustainable always front of mind. The wine list - also a secret until you arrive - is extensive and unashamedly Australian with delights such as orange Chardonnay from the Adelaide Hills to Mac Forbes favourites from the Yarra Valley.
10 William St, Sydney
Photo: 10 William St
10 William St is an archetypal hidden gem. Situated in the stylish suburb of Paddington, the intimate diner serves delicious Italian-inspired dishes, from Bluefin tuna crudo to the classic coda alla vaccinara with orecchiette pasta. It also boasts an impressive wine list, with reds, whites, skin-contact orange, and natural wines - all highlighted on a large blackboard close to the entrance.
The interior is classic urban eatery, with tables lined up tightly against one of the wall and a mix of leather-clad bench seating and simple wooden chairs. Small round tables spaced out on the herrigbone floor add a sense of Parisian style. And the well-stocked, elevated bar gives the restaurant a friendly southern European energy.
Fleur at The Royal Hotel, Perth
Photo: Thom Davidson
Fleur is tucked away inside Perth's The Royal Hotel, but that's where the restaurant's introversion ends. The interior offers a bold mix of retro and contemporary style, with stained glass windows, striking artwork, and dramatic floral installations. While the overall design has an eclectic feel, every element comes together to create a scene of relaxed indulgence and entertainment.
Created by Head Chef Logon Place, the menu is European-inspired bistro, with French dishes like shallot tarte tartin sitting alongside British classics such as slow-cooked lamb - and all made using high quality produce where possible. With a broad menu, Fleur is both for one-off special occasions, and more regular mid-week indulgences. The wine list is carefully curated with a mix of local and international wines.
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