Top 50 restaurants in Australia

by As rated by verified OpenTable diners

Updated November 19, 2019

Creative dishes, unparalelled hospitality and one-of-a-kind dining experiences, OpenTable's 50 best resataurants in Australia 2018 consistently serve up all this and more, time and again. This year's top 50 were determined by analysing more than 126,000 reviews from more than 1,600 restaurants across Australia - all submitted by verified diners.

A Touch of Salt

4.8

4.8 (2683)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Townsville CBD

About the restaurant

Enjoy the breathtaking waterfront views, sparkling starry night skies, and refreshing breezes of our outdoor balcony, or opt for indoor air-conditioned seating to beat the heat (which can be a must in North Queensland!).

Our restaurant's name, A Touch of Salt, is a play on our family name, Brine. In 2005, we started as a family business, and our family-style approach of offering genuine hospitality and meals designed for conversation has always been the heart of A Touch of Salt. Over the years, we have perfected our restaurant to become one of the best casual fine-dining restaurants in the North.

We take pride in being appreciated by the locals of Townsville as well as travellers from all over Australia.

Top review

Brenton

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic restaurant, great food, wine list. Service was excellent and staff very attentive.

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Experience

Erin Eyes Wine Lunch

Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.8

4.8 (1200)

$101 and over

Italian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

"Everything you want from a sophisticated city Italian restaurant is right here: atmosphere, admirable service, a menu long enough to allow for real choice, an expansive drinks list, flattering lighting, carpets and tablecloths to ensure that sound levels are low enough for a proper conversation."
Enjoy signature dishes - Seafood linguine, Veal Cotoletta and signature steaks from the Josper

One Hat – THE AGE GOOD FOOD GUIDE
2006 - 2023

Top review

Eden

Dined 4 days ago

Best dining experience I have ever had. Amazing food, service, and environment with friendly and welcoming staff. Would recommend.

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Experience

3 Course Fixed Price Menu

Chocolate Buddha

4.7

4.7 (2860)

$41 to $100

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Chocolate Buddha undertook an AMAZING renovation in 2019 by Maddison Architects. We have a 22 seater SUSHI TRAIN open Wednesday to Sunday lunches 12 - 3pm and Wednesday to Saturday Dinners 5 - 8pm it includes an EXPRESS train which delivers hot food ordered via a tablet. We offer QR menus at each table for ease of ordering, splitting bills and menu with pictures and descriptions. This type of ordering is optional so always let us know if you prefer to order with us. See you soon @ Chocolate Buddha

Top review

LeonieVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Perfect as always. Thank you chocolate Buddha for producing consistently fabulous food.

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4.8

4.8 (1707)

$101 and over

Modern Australian

St Kilda

About the restaurant

Welcome to Donovans - our ‘house on the beach’ and home we love to share. Donovans is located on the St.Kilda beach front offering guests a memorable dining experience in Melbourne. With a bay side view, beautiful Mediterranean inspired food and the special relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant, Donovans is where you will feel at home.

Donovans’ exciting menu has been developed our intimate knowledge of modern Mediterranean cooking. The menu is extensive with a modern mix of favourite dishes emphasising the best local produce. Donovans also offers an extensive wine list of Australian and imported wines and an eclectic mix of cocktails.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

The food was delicious. Service was great. Staff are friendly and professional.

Elio's Osteria

4.8

4.8 (1659)

$40 and under

Italian

Carindale

About the restaurant

Candle lit tables, chianti by the glass, crooners and generous old fashioned house made pizza, calzone, gelati, huge pastas and antipasto. Perfect for a family dinner, an intimate night for two, or a work get together. A south side institution since 1984.

Top review

Kathy

Dined 2 days ago

Baked risotto was amazing. Serves were very generous. Service was great.

French Saloon

4.8

4.8 (360)

$41 to $100

French

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

Climb the narrow flight of stairs up from the red brick lane to enter the saloon. A table in the bustling dining room? Or a seat at the fluted zinc bar? Whether it’s a lunch, dinner or well crafted cocktails with a snack, bookings are essential.

Top review

Matthew

Dined on Feb 11, 2025

Overall lovely experience at French Saloon. The front of house staff were lovely and very accommodating on the night! The food was also wonderful with the tartare and kingfish being standout dishes. Thanks for a wonderful experience team!

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Experience

Chef's Menu

Experience

French Saloon X St John Takeover

Glasshouse

4.7

4.7 (1645)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Timbumburi

About the restaurant

Led by Head Chef Jarrod Smith, Glasshouse is proud to serve a variety of expertly prepared, locally sourced dishes, in a phenomenal venue.
Goonoo Goonoo Station is undoubtedly the New England regions finest destination for accommodation, dining, and events.

Please note:
At Glasshouse, we have seatings options for groups from 2 - 50 people.
If your desired time is does not show, unfortunately that time is not available.

Top review

Jade

Dined on Feb 19, 2025

Sensational food and views We attended breakfast and ordered three dishes because we couldn’t decide

Kneading Ruby

4.7

4.7 (1909)

$40 and under

Italian

Wollongong

About the restaurant

Kneading Ruby is a modern Italian restaurant in the heart of Wollongong, offering a vibrant atmosphere with high ceilings and exposed brick walls. Enjoy a breezy café feel during the day, and an intimate setting for evening dining. Our menu celebrates rustic Italian flavors with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Savor our wood-fired pizzas with crispy, thin crusts and delectable toppings. Indulge in melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, succulent lamb shoulder, and seasonal vegetable sides bursting with flavor. Whether you're having a casual lunch with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or a lively gathering, Kneading Ruby caters to all. Our set menus allow you to sample a variety of dishes, perfect for sharing and creating memories. Experience the warmth and charm of Kneading Ruby, where our friendly staff will guide you through an extensive wine and cocktail list to complement your meal. Come and enjoy a taste of Italy right here in Wollongong!

Top review

MariaL

Dined on Aug 5, 2023

Excellent food and service, the staff were very friendly and helpful

Mamasan Kitchen and Bar

4.7

4.7 (2422)

$41 to $100

Asian

Broadbeach

About the restaurant

Welcome to Mamasan Kitchen & Bar, a modern Asian share-style dining restaurant located in the heart of Broadbeach. Our culinary team is dedicated to bringing you a unique and unforgettable dining experience that fuses the bold flavours of Asia with a modern twist.

We believe that food is meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family, with our menu being curated around this concept. The menu features a diverse array of dishes bursting with full flavors, using the best quality ingredients meticulously sourced from the finest producers.

We take pride in our extensive and award-winning wine and sake selection complementing our vibrant modern Asian menu. Our beverage experts have carefully selected each bottle to enhance your dining experience and elevate your taste buds to new heights. Our Drinks List also features a large selection of premium spirits including a selection of rare Japanese Whiskies and Asian inspired cocktails.

Top review

Fiona

Dined 2 days ago

Great experience, service amazing, great atmosphere and both husband and I loved every dish. Will definitely go again:)

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Osteria di Russo & Russo

4.8

4.8 (1205)

$41 to $100

Contemporary Italian

Enmore

About the restaurant

Enmore's Osteria di Russo & Russo is a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its modern take on classic Italian flavours, served in its warm and charming restaurant. As snacks to start, the fiore di zucchini fried zucchini flower with goat's milk ricotta and lemon aspen and the cannolo filled with a duck liver parfait, date and hazelnuts are sensational selections.

Some of Osteria di Russo & Russo's specialty dishes include the saltbush gnocchi with pork sausage ragu and pecorino, the chargrilled beef flank with green garlic, nasturtium and smoked eggplant and the slow cooked freemantle octopus with chickpea, salsa rossa and native bush tomato, as well as vegetarian dishes.

Osteria di Russo & Russo's strawberry sorbet, davidson plum meringue and limoncello custard is the perfect dessert with which to finish your meal.

Top review

Justin

Dined 2 days ago

One of the most ideal dining experiences we've had in recent years. The food, service and ambience were all spot on.

Park Street Pasta & Wine

4.5

4.5 (819)

$41 to $100

Italian

South Melbourne

About the restaurant

Located in a historic corner building at 268 Park Street, Park Street Pasta & Wine is South Melbourne’s friendly neighbourhood pasta and wine bar from Italian Restaurateurs Luca Balbo, Lino Torre & Matteo Balbo combining their passion for food and experience in the hospitality industry.

Head chef Tommaso Bartoli whips up a creative menu that heavily draws on his Tuscan roots. Starting his career in the kitchens of Florence, he brings to Australia all the knowledge and passion for food that define with his personal style.

All our pasta is handmade in-house in the traditional ‘fatta a mano’ style. Our menu features inventive sharing plates, classic pasta dishes that nod to various parts of Italy, plus a few modern iterations, all reflective of seasonal quality produce. with a tidy selection of Italian, international and local wines to match.

We are located at 268 Park Street on the Corner of Park Street and Perrins St, just down from the iconic South Melbourne Town Hall.

Top review

Tania

Dined on Feb 15, 2025

Outstanding, as usual, have been a few times when my son lived in Melbourne. Never disappoints

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Rickys River Bar and Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3271)

$41 to $100

Seafood

Noosaville / Noosa Heads

About the restaurant

Set on the banks of the beautiful Noosa River, Rickys River Bar & Restaurant delivers a dining experience that encapsulates the Noosa lifestyle. Rickys offers a delicious menu featuring a wonderful selection of fresh seafood and the very best local produce. With sweeping views of the Noosa River, Rickys is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch, a sunset dinner or a relaxing cocktail in their River Bar.

Top review

Malcolm

Dined 5 days ago

Just a great night, many thanks particularly to the guy who looked after us

Ruki Robatayaki Grill & Bar

4.7

4.7 (713)

$41 to $100

Creative Japanese

Wollongong

About the restaurant

Fire, smoke, and umami - RUKI is all about the good stuff.

From the team that brought you Débutant Dining comes a new experience inspired by the late-night izakayas of Japan, right in the heart of Wollongong.

Enjoy charred skewers straight off the grill, fresh seafood and cold beer.

Take a seat at the bar and let us take care of you. You deserve it.

Top review

Elle

Dined on Jan 31, 2025

Amazing! My favourite restaurant in the Illawarra. exceptional

Sails Noosa

4.8

4.8 (3388)

$101 and over

Modern Australian

Noosaville / Noosa Heads

About the restaurant

Located overlooking Noosa Main Beach, Sails Restaurant offers sophisticated yet relaxed dining.

Executive Chef, Paul Leete, presents a creative fusion of modern Australian cuisine, while keeping a strong focus on fresh, seasonal produce.

Paul combines ingredients, sourced with integrity, to create clean, thoughtful and uncomplicated menus.

Sails Restaurant also features a multi award winning wine list showcasing more than 500 wines, with a focus on great Australian, New Zealand and French winemakers.

Open from 12pm daily for lunch and dinner.

Sails Restaurant is open for all Public Holidays through the Christmas and Easter periods.

When placing your reservation, please understand that requests for specific tables cannot be guaranteed. We appreciated that everyone who books with us wants to sit close to the beach front, therefore we allocate these tables according to how far in advance you book.

Top review

Louise

Dined 7 days ago

The chocolate pavlova dessert is mouthwateringly amazing!

The Peacock Den

4.6

4.6 (645)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

The Basin

About the restaurant

THE PEACOCK SYMBOLISES POWER, ROYALTY, INSIGHT & WISDOM.

The concept behind The Peacock Den is simply to offer a more unique wine and dining experience in the outer east. Brought to life from a vision and passion for the Hospitality industry, we have created this stunning establishment.

With a strong focus on fine wines, the mission at The Peacock Den is simply to share excellent and expertly selected wines matched with simple yet delicious food in a relaxed sharing environment.

Top review

Carly

Dined on Feb 20, 2025

Exception food as usual and great cocktail recommendation. 10/10

The Woodhouse Bar & Grill

4.8

4.8 (2710)

$41 to $100

Steakhouse

Bendigo

About the restaurant

Take it slow… Have a drink to start. Enjoy a cocktail, local wine or craft beer, Share a snack or two in our dedicated Bar.
Smell the delicious smokiness of Bendigo’s only dedicated steakhouse & grill, where we use local redgum on the grill; there’s nothing quite like the flavour of meat cooked over redgum. The natural smoky flavours and aromas created by this unique timber are something truly special. In the finest tradition of steakhouses, we use locally sourced meat and the very best in fresh, regional produce.

Showcasing 350 wines, including 28 by the glass, including some seriously interesting wines curated by our inhouse Sommelier. With local wines taking pride of place, including some intriguing European offerings, plus a supporting cast of spirits, beers and other beverages, including a decent alcohol-free selection. Cocktail drinkers will be impressed with our seasonally curated list.

Our menu is updated seasonally and available on our website.

Top review

Jeremy

Dined 3 days ago

I had the steak to die for 400grm wague porterhouse enjoyed every bit the steak tartar was beautiful my partner had the zucchini flowers and a beautiful 200grm eye fillet and has not stopped talking about it. Great meal great night highly recommend 👌

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Popular dish

Sher Wagyu scotch fillet 9

Popular dish

OConnor Beef scotch fillet 3

Popular dish

Vanilla bean crème brûlée

Tinamba Hotel

4.7

4.7 (1217)

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Tinamba

About the restaurant

Simon and Tania Johnson have owned Tinamba Hotel since October 2020 and feel honoured to be the custodians of the hotel’s proud heritage as they build upon a vision from previous owners, Brad Neilson, Damien Gannon, the Schoenmaeker and Whelan families.

Using the finest, locally grown fresh produce from local suppliers and working with the most talented chefs in the region is what the Johnsons believe sets Tinamba Hotel apart. The signature dishes deliver a truly memorable experience, served in a setting famously known as Gippsland’s favourite destination dining venue.

From the first-class dining experience within the dining room, lounge and conservatory, to the relaxed atmosphere in the Amba Bar and on the outdoor veranda, Simon, Tania and the Tinamba Hotel team provide the finest example of country hospitality for local and visiting customers alike.

Welcome to your Gippsland local. The award-winning Tinamba Hotel.

Top review

Phil

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent service from Simon and friendly helpful staff the moment you arrive. Options on the menu include degustation and A La Carte. Enjoyed the kangaroo rump cooked to perfection. Nice list of wines by the glass to accompany your meal.

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Experience

BANCROFT BAY GIN TASTING BOARD EXPERIENCE

Experience

Chefs 6 Course Tasting Menu

Experience

Feast Menu 2 course