When the sky becomes part of the dining experience, meals transform into something unforgettable. From Broome’s legendary sunsets to the twinkling lights of Sydney’s skyline, these five venues prove that atmosphere is just as important as what’s on the plate.
Whether it’s sipping cocktails with toes almost touching the sand, watching yachts drift by under a tropical glow, or savouring fine dining in the city’s heart, each destination pairs exceptional food with vistas that set the mood.
Here are five spectacular spots where the horizon is as much a star as the dishes served beneath it.
Discover where every bite comes with a side of sea breeze at Cable Beach House on Cable Beach Road West in Broome. Expect to find cultured food matched with premium service and ever-changing exquisite views of Cable Beach at this restaurant where spectacular sunsets await as the perfect backdrop for a cocktail and bite to eat from an all-day menu.
Sip a Kimberley-inspired cocktail to go with share plates such as char-grilled octopus with spiced capsicum and tomato purée and pico de gallo, or chicken liver pâté, brioche toast, spiced apricot jam and cornichons. Perhaps salivate over pizza slices topped with Napoli, fior di latte, squid, mussels, prawns, anchovies, capers and mozzarella; or devour a beef burger, with caramelised onion, mushroom, pickles, lettuce, cheese, BBQ sauce and chips.
Located in the heart of Geelong, Tempo Kitchen & Bar on Eastern Beach Road focuses on providing a unique dining experience celebrating the local produce and flavours of Victoria. Found in the Novotel Geelong and exuding a stylish vibe of glass panels, cane furniture, potted greenery and a well-stocked bar, this restaurant is the ideal spot to catch up with friends over breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Begin with seared scallops, sweet potato and chorizo purée and fried parsley; before memorable mains like linguine with mussels, rockling and prawns in fresh tomato sauce, with sweet garlic, chilli and grilled sourdough. Perhaps choose options from the grill like rib steak tomahawk with a signature espresso-ancho chilli rub and sides of roasted chats, sautéed broccolini and slow-roasted pumpkin.
Nestled in the heart of Lennox Head, William Street is a relaxed and welcoming eatery where coastal charm meets refined dining. A light-filled, beachy interior with warm timber accents and leafy surrounds sets the tone for laid-back sophistication. Guests are invited to unwind over a menu driven by fresh, seasonal produce and contemporary flair.
Dishes burst with flavour – think breaky plates like a Portobello mushroom omelette with feta, caramelised onion, sesame seeds and basil – while later diners opt for a karaage chicken burger with slaw, pickles, wasabi mayo and pickled ginger. The focus on quality ingredients and creative presentation elevates every plate, while the breezy atmosphere and friendly service make William Street a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.
Perched on Cairns’ vibrant waterfront with sweeping vistas across the Esplanade and out to Marina Point, Salt House on Pier Point Road embodies the essence of Tropical North Queensland. Step onto the breezy over-water deck and watch yachts, catamarans and fishing vessels slip across the harbour, or retreat indoors where the open kitchen showcases a striking custom-built Argentinian wood-fired grill, balanced by an emphasis on freshly caught local seafood.
Begin your feast with reef fish ceviche, brightened by passionfruit leche de tigre, pickled chilli, red onion, coriander, lime and a kick of yuzu kosho; then move to mains such as African-spiced lamb cutlets with chermoula, sumac labneh, leafy greens, malt and pickled shallots. Perhaps indulge in the decadent seafood lasagne, layered with prawns, reef fish, mussels and calamari, enriched with tomato sugo, basil and pecorino bechamel.
The Grill at The International, nestled on Martin Place in the vibrant heart of Sydney’s CBD, reimagines timeless dining traditions with a global standard of sophistication. Here, dishes are kissed by live fire and carried to the table with polished warmth, attentive generosity and consummate skill. Expect a dazzling celebration of seasonal colour and an almost reverential approach to provenance, all crafted to redefine metropolitan fine dining in a room where crisp white linens and quiet elegance beckon the discerning palate.
Conceived as both a stage for life’s grand milestones and a sanctuary for the everyday indulgence of superb food and wine, its expansive indoor-outdoor dining room moves to the pulse of the city. Begin with delicate potted crab atop soft pikelets crowned with lemon-whipped cream, then journey into mains such as richly marbled Wagyu rump cap with peppercorn sauce, flanked by silky Parish mash and wood-roasted carrots that speak of elemental fire and earthy sweetness.
