In the melting pot: Australia’s best new restaurants, pop-ups, parties & palatable experiences

THERE’S NO DENYING Australia has some of the greatest — and most diverse — food, wine and restaurants in the world. One only needs to spend some time travelling abroad to realise we’re consistently savvy in le kitchen with some of the freshest produce around. Given we’re spoilt for choice, our premium foodie culture means it’s a pretty competitive industry to enter … unless you’ve got an established epicurean background.

From Masterchef favourite Poh Ling Yeow’s first bricks-and-mortar pop-up experience at QT Melbourne — which is fantastically fashioned as a sushi train set-up — to Serai’s flavourful collaboration with Diana Chan as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival, BAZAAR rounds up the top dining destinations spearheaded by the nation’s bon vivants.

Related: 11 of our favourite bars in and around Sydney’s CBD

Tasting Australia

Locations across South Australia

It’s no secret that South Australia does food and wine extremely well. But if there’s ever a time to celebrate the state’s delicacies, it’s during Tasting Australia — the country’s longest running eating and drinking festival. Epicureans will take delight in a foodie paradise with 150 events held across 10 delicious days, spanning all 12 regions in South Australia from Friday 28th of April to Sunday 7th of May.

Festival highlights include the Town Square Kitchen, the free festival hub located at Victoria Square in Adelaide. It’s there that foodies can meal mix and mingle amongst the city’s food vendors and bartenders and enjoy the invigorating sounds of local music. Anticipate an opening-night celebration like no other. The Legends Dinner series also returns this year but in a stimulating new form — enter the Storytellers Series. The intimate Q+A experience offers visitors the chance to learn about the personal food journeys of some of the world’s best chefs and tastemakers, including Karen Martini, Heidi Bjerkan, Rebecca Sullivan, Rose Adams, Paul Carmichael & Kylie Javier Ashton and more. More Tasting Chef legends will be also honoured as the beloved Chef’s Table experience returns to the festival, with just 20 guests invited to observe the connoisseurs craft some of their cutting-edge culinary delights.

Other notable festival mentions include Chin Chin‘s takeover at the Barossa Valley’s historica Yalumba winery; Oysters in the Hills, where guests will make their own G&T’s (by Ambleside Distillers) and learn to shuck oysters (from Coffin’s Bay); as well as ‘Uni Days’ which’ll see Adam Liaw host an all-day foodie party at Adelaide University, featuring Asian-inspired dishes and live music by Yolngu surf rock band King Stingray. Who said Melbourne was the cultural capital of Australia?

Tasting Australia spans across SA and runs from April 28 — May 7. For further information, see Tasting Australia’s website.

Guy Grossi’s new Brisbane restaurant

Settimo at The Westin, Brisbane

Nestled in the centre of Brisbane city in the luxurious Westin Hotel, you’ll find the newest restaurant by celebrated Australian chef, Guy Grossi. Settimo — (“seventh” in Italian, referring to the number of restaurants the chef has now opened) — is a vibrant celebration of the Amalfi Coast that blends family-style values with intuitive service and an inventive spirit. The deceptively large venue seats 150 diners, who get to experience a delightful blend of Italian and Australian food culture, heroing local ingredients with a distinctly Italian flair.

Little nods to the Amalfi are dotted across the menu, most obviously in the notes of lemon that sing throughout. Menu highlights include Pasta al Limone, Scialatielli all’ amalfitana, Mozzarella di Bufala, Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Spaghetti alla N’erano, Amalfi Lemon Chicken, Guy’s Papa’s Lamb and classic sweet finishes such as Settimo Gelato and Delizie Al Limone and Grossi’s Tiramisù. Having been lucky enough to sample most of these dishes, I can confirm that the entrées threaten to steal the show (try the caponata), the pasta is perfectly al dente, and the tiramisù (a recipe from Grossi’s grandmother that is satisfyingly ladled from a brimming dish) will have you loosening your belt to make room to finish it off. Excitingly, Settimo is also open for breakfast, offering the Mediterranean style buffet you wish every hotel could live up to (if you spot the cavolo nero and parmesan pie with its burnished olive oil crust, be sure to serve yourself at least one slice).

The venue itself also tips its hat to its Italian coastline inspiration, featuring tactile furnishings with split face stone, custom-designed terracotta and ceramic tile accents, and a colour palette featuring soothing muted tones offset by pops of pastel blue and lemon yellow. Altogether, the venue and the dishes make for an unpretentious dining experience that has details perfected to a tee (what could be more Italian?)

“We have created a journey for diners that is inspired by one of the world’s most aspirational destinations, the Amalfi Coast, coupled with the urban energy and sunny coastal atmosphere of the city. We’ve assembled a team of passionate and highly skilled experts who are ready and waiting to welcome diners to the venue,” said Grossi ahead of Settimo’s opening on February 23. The experienced team features Alessandro Pizzolato as head chef, Anthony Folio managing the floor, and Deniz Hardman offering perfect local and international wine pairings as sommelier.

For further information, menus and bookings, visit the Settimo website here.

Poh Ling Yeow’s salivating sushi-train experience

QT Melbourne, CBD

She’s a firm fixture on Australian television with the most infectious laugh, but Poh Ling Yeow’s food is no laughing matter. Although, her first bricks-and-mortar experience hosted at QT Melbourne is indisputably fun and flavourful. Fun-dining, to be exact. A sexier version of the classic sushi-train experience, Yeow has created an exotic menu in collaboration with Singleton whisky, titled ‘The Singleton’s Delicious Discoveries.’ While you won’t find sashimi on the conveyor belt, gourmet “snacks” include fried-chicken bao with kimchi and Kewpies, pandan-coconut sago shots and my personal favourite, the silken Szechuanese eggplant. Honestly, it’s heaven in a morsel.

Yeow explained to Harper’s BAZAAR Australia/New Zealand the unique menu is not only reflective of her wanderlust, but stems from a desire to entice the less adventurous.

“I’m unabashedly eclectic and love borrowing from cultures I’ve experienced travelling. I’m also a very textural cook. I love giving the less adventurous eaters a nudge into the unexpected, so in the dishes I’m serving you’ll find plays of hot & cold.”

While whisky may not be one’s first choice to pair with punchy Asian-infused flavours, Yeow implores diners to reconsider the liquor’s gentlemen club origins.

“If you’ve been hesitant about whisky in the past this makes for a superb introduction. You’ll realise it’s not always austere and serious but fun and versatile and something that can elevate a dining experience,” Yeow began. “It’s the approachable nature of The Singleton with its rich, fruity characteristics & subtle bitter notes — when mixed with something a little sweet and a little fizz, just makes such a great companion for robust Asian seasonings.

Nestled on the ground level of Melbourne’s eminent boutique hotel, the stylish and moody interiors of QT lend itself to Yeow’s intimate and sumptuous affair. ‘The Singleton’s Delicious Discoveries’ is perfect for date night, girls eve in the town or that shameless Sunday self-care.

“Although the dishes I’ve designed have some exotic elements, my priority was to capture the brevity of eating off a sushi train so “yum” was the main priority and small plates mean you have room to try 1 of everything!

The Singleton’s Delicious Discoveries at QT Melbourne runs from Thurs — Sun, 2pm-6pm from February 2 until May. For booking and more information, see QT’s website.

Get a taste of Tokyo … House

Surry Hills, Sydney

Dreaming of Japan? Sydneysiders need only to travel to Surry Hills for an electrifying pop-up, offering the essence of Tokyo life. Suntory BOSS Coffee, the ready-to-drink coffee company founded in Japan back in 1992, has launched the über cool TOKYO HOUSE on Crown Street for a limited time. Rather than a cafe hangout, the space plays host to a number of unforgettable events featuring exclusive cocktails, curated menus and noteworthy Japanese tastemakers in design, music and, of course, mixology. Maya Hirasedo, a Japanese RnB soul artist raised in Australia who’s performed on the runway and in New York City, is part of the edgy lineup.

Open day and night, TOKYO HOUSE is set to amplify its signature Japanese flash brew process — which has seen it earn the title of number one coffee can in Japan and Australia — with its experiential pairings, performances and services. Nomads, freelancers or those with a penchant for cafe-style working can also book a co-working space in the minimalist Tokyo coffee house inspired location, complete with workspaces, charging stations, and super-fast WIFI.

“The Japanese are celebrated for their craftsmanship and endless pursuit of quality. This heritage, care and unique approach to hospitality is how we have approached mastering Suntory BOSS Coffee over the past 30 years. It is the ethos that has inspired and built the foundation for the TOKYO HOUSE,” Josh Wheeler, Head of Energy & Transformation, Frucor Suntory – Oceania said.

TOKYO HOUSE runs from Friday, Feb 17 till Sat, March 4. For booking and more information, see TOKYO HOUSE’s website.

AALIA’s esteemed chef series

AALIA, Sydney CBD

One of Sydney’s top Middle Eastern restaurants is continuing its acclaimed kitchen takeover series this year. AALIA, which earned two hats within months of opening in early 2022, is sharing the food love with a rotation of celebrated chefs starting with Ben Williamson, co-owner of the Brisbane-based, wood-fired restaurant Agnes. The one-night-only experience will offer Sydney diners the tasting opportunity for bespoke Middle Eastern and North African dishes made in creative collaboration with AALIA and the chosen chef.

AALIA’s Executive Chef, Paul Farag will team up with Williamson on Monday, February 27 with a menu bound to bring the heat. Lovingly showcasing their aptitude for ancient traditions, spices and fire techniques, guests can expect Williamson’s signature dishes such as his harissa quail, as well as Paul’s Khorasan pita and Eggplant mes ‘a’ aha, alongside a selection of delicious Middle Eastern dishes for $110pp.

Then on March 20, AALIA will welcome Coskun Uysal from Melbourne Turkish restaurant, Tulum to their Martin Place hub for a charitable homage to Turkey. Tulum, which has been named the “Best Turkish Restaurant” by some of Melbourne’s top food critics, will donate all profits from their AALIA event to Ahbap — a platform raising funds for the devastating Turkey earthquake.

And if you’re unable to make either sitting, anticipate more local and international chefs to helm the AALIA hot plate throughout the year.

“After collaborating with some of my industry friends back in 2022, I’m looking forward to bringing the chef dinner series into the new year as AALIA continues to grow. AALIA is all about trying new things to find the best flavour combinations possible, so I think this is not one to be missed,” AALIA Executive Chef, Paul Farag said.

For booking and more information, see AALIA’s website.

Diana Chan X Serai Kitchen

Serai Kitchen, Melbourne CBD

Serai has been around for less than a year, but already it’s gaining a stellar reputation. Even when I’ve casually asked Melburnian tastemakers for new foodie recommendations, they always cite Serai as a must-visit destination. The modern-Filipino restaurant, spearheaded by chef and co-owner Ross Magnaye, is tucked down a classic Melbourne laneway and aims to introduce Aussies to a largely underrepresented cuisine down under. Last November, Serai was even named Best New Restaurant of the Year at The Age Good Food Guide Awards 2023.

With its glowing reviews from industry insiders and diners alike, it was only a matter of time before Serai made its major festival debut. Launching onto the tantalising 2023 Melbourne Food & Wine festival lineup, Serai is joining forces with Masterchef alum Diana Chan for a vibrant dinner of Filipino and Malaysian cuisine on Sunday, March 26. The pair — whom are close friends — will be collaborating on dishes reflective of their cultures, and unifying it through flavours and fire. If you’re after a quiet, moody fine-dining experience — this isn’t for you. Diana Chan X Serai Kitchen will be loud, fun and full of colour and naturally, flavour.

“Ross and I met five years ago at HWKR and instantly hit it off,” Chan of her first meeting with Serai Kitchen chef and co-owner Ross Magnaye. “I’m excited to work with Ross because we get along as friends and always have a great time cooking together and as a result, the food that comes out of the kitchen is always full of love and cohesive.”

For booking and more information, go on the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival website.