When dining out, the perfect experience is about more than just flavour - it’s the atmosphere, the setting and the story behind each dish. Across Australia, a handful of standout venues deliver on both taste and vibe, blending exceptional cuisine with unforgettable surrounds.
From a moving feast aboard The Q Train on the Bellarine Peninsula to the stylish edge of Fortitude Valley’s Mr. Vain, these destinations go beyond the plate. Whether it’s poolside indulgence in Airlie Beach, wood-fired delights in Aspendale, or coastal spice in Mooloolaba, here are five dining spots worth adding to your must-visit list.
The Q Train, stationed on Drysdale’s Station Street, is more than a journey - it’s a moving feast through the Bellarine. Stepping aboard, you’re welcomed into polished carriages that hum with warmth and anticipation. As the train glides across the countryside, plates arrive that celebrate local produce in bold, seasonal expressions.
Each course is matched with a backdrop of rolling fields, coastal glimpses and rustic charm. The atmosphere blends sophistication with relaxed regional character, creating a dining experience that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s a destination on rails where flavour, scenery and rhythm converge in unforgettable harmony.
Mr. Vain Bar & Dining on Ann Street in Fortitude Valley is a striking blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair. Its moody interiors, accentuated by soft lighting and polished details, create an atmosphere perfect for both intimate evenings and lively gatherings. The menu champions bold flavours and inventive plates that pair seamlessly with expertly crafted cocktails.
Beyond the food and drink, the space hums with energy, drawing in locals and visitors seeking a destination that balances sophistication with edge. In the heart of Fortitude Valley, Mr. Vain delivers on both taste and vibe, making every visit memorable.
Expect an unforgettable poolside dining experience at Coral Sea Pavilion on Ocean View Avenue in Airlie Beach, where extraordinary ocean views set the scene. Indulge in the freshest seafood paired with boutique wines, or simply unwind with a cheeky cocktail by the sparkling azure pool. For a private escape, retreat to a cabana and graze on a pork belly bánh mì layered with pickled vegetables, cucumber, coriander, aioli and crisp chips.
Evenings call for refined plates like seared scallops with cauliflower purée, squid ink emulsion, herb oil and crisp prosciutto, or Moroccan spiced lamb rump with green pea hummus, minted white beans and lemon yoghurt. Seafood lovers will be drawn to linguine brimming with mussels, prawns and reef fish in a medley of white wine, chilli, garlic, tomato and fresh herbs.
The future of pizza is alive and thriving at Ciccio’s Woodfire Pizzeria & Bar on Nepean Highway in Aspendale – a local favourite where flavour and atmosphere go hand in hand. This Melbourne dining spot serves up authentic Italian pizza and pasta in a lively, welcoming setting, where the scent of wood-fired dough and simmering sauces fills the air.
Pizza lovers are spoilt for choice, from the hearty combination of ham, salami, pork and fennel sausage, caramelised onion and mozzarella on a rich tomato base, to a more rustic blend of mozzarella, pesto, goats’ cheese, zucchini, Spanish onion and nduja. End on a sweet note with the classic housemade tiramisu – the perfect finish to a night of bold flavours and good vibes.
Savour spice, style and sunshine at Curry Dhaba on the Mooloolaba Esplanade. This vibrant Sunshine Coast hotspot pairs traditional Indian flavours with a modern coastal vibe, making it a go-to for food lovers chasing both authenticity and atmosphere.
Start your night with bold bites like Punjabi-style chilli prawns tossed with capsicum, onion gravy and fragrant spices. From there, dive into classics reimagined - think fiery lamb vindaloo with a kick, or the ever-loved butter chicken bathed in rich, creamy tomato sauce. Mop it all up with pillowy garlic naan, crisp papadums and fluffy steamed rice.
