Long lunches are more than just meals - they’re an invitation to slow down, connect and savour good food in beautiful surrounds. Across Australia, there are venues that embrace this unhurried style of dining, offering relaxed atmospheres, thoughtful menus and settings that encourage conversation to linger well into the afternoon.http://www.agfg.com.au/restaurant/rst-seafood-restaurant-30218
From coastal gems serving the freshest seafood, to vineyard restaurants with sweeping views and creative city cafés tucked into leafy corners, these destinations each celebrate the art of dining at leisure.
Here are four standout spots where long lunching is not only welcomed but truly celebrated.
RST Seafood Restaurant on Rae Street in Fitzroy North is a bright, inviting space where the sea’s freshest offerings take centre stage. Housed in softly lit interiors, crisp tablecloths and coastal accents set a relaxed yet refined ambiance. The kitchen focuses on letting high-quality seafood shine: succulent Moreton Bay bugs, pan-fried scallops, and market fish are treated simply, often with just a grill or light batter, so each dish tastes of ocean air.
There’s warmth in the service and a casual elegance that suits both special evenings and easier, unhurried lunch gatherings. Fresh flavours, clean presentation and genuine hospitality prevail.
Nestled along Lambing Gully Road in Avenel, Fowles Wine Cellar Door Restaurant offers a welcoming blend of rustic charm and contemporary style. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and pastoral views, it’s a place where the countryside atmosphere sets the stage for leisurely dining. The restaurant is bathed in natural light, with warm timber accents and an inviting ambience that reflects the land’s heritage.
Guests can relax indoors by the fireplace or step onto the terrace to enjoy sweeping vistas. With its focus on seasonality and a sense of place, it’s an experience that captures the essence of regional Victoria.
Seasalt Café & Restaurant on Park Street in Port Macquarie offers a relaxed coastal dining experience with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Nestled near the waterfront, it pairs laid-back charm with stylish, modern interiors, making it an inviting spot for any time of day. Large windows let in natural light and coastal breezes, creating a bright, airy space that complements its fresh, seasonal offerings.
The café captures the essence of its seaside location, encouraging guests to linger over leisurely meals while enjoying views of the town’s vibrant foreshore. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike gather to unwind and connect.
Tucked into Hurtle Square, A Prayer for the Wild at Heart brings a touch of bohemian charm to Adelaide’s CBD. Its leafy, sun-dappled corner setting invites a moment of pause, with rustic timber finishes and vintage furnishings adding warmth to the space. The café exudes a laid-back elegance, blending urban creativity with a homely spirit.
Large windows frame the surrounding greenery, softening the city’s edges and offering a tranquil retreat. The atmosphere feels both intimate and expansive, encouraging quiet conversation, reflective moments, or simple enjoyment of the Square’s serene rhythm amidst the city’s everyday hum.
