NEW ZEALAND GOOD FOOD GUIDE

Small Plates, Big Flavour: Discover the Best Share Plate Restaurants


In the dynamic world of contemporary dining, the art of sharing has evolved into a delightful culinary experience. Small plates have taken centre stage, inviting friends and families to gather around the table and explore a variety of flavours. This trend transcends boundaries, offering a feast that not only satisfies your palate but also brings people together. These share plate restaurants across the country exemplify the essence of communal dining, where each dish tells a story and every bite is an adventure.

Kebabiya Bella Vista - Bella Vista, NSW

Nestled on Lexington Drive in Bella Vista, Kebabiya Bella Vista redefines Indian cuisine with a modern twist that enchants kebab enthusiasts. This inviting eatery radiates warmth, making it an ideal spot for those seeking authentic flavours paired with exceptional hospitality. The menu is a vibrant tapestry of traditional Indian recipes revitalised with innovative techniques, showcasing expertly grilled kebabs made from premium ingredients. The relaxed yet energising atmosphere, accentuated by the enticing aromas wafting from the kitchen, entices diners to embark on a flavour journey like no other.

Small Plates, Big Flavour: Discover the Best Share Plate Restaurants

A standout on their menu is the "King of the Kebabs,” a deliciously marinated Tandoori Chicken. This signature dish boasts bone-in chicken that has soaked overnight in a rich yoghurt and spice marinade, then grilled to perfection. Each bite is a burst of spice and succulence, exemplifying the depth of flavour that Kebabiya champions. Prepare your taste buds for a remarkable culinary adventure with every shared plate.

Discover the vibrant offerings at Kebabiya Bella Vista.

Lexy Restaurant and Bar - Melbourne CBD, VIC

Step into the exquisite ambiance of Lexy Restaurant and Bar, located on Flinders Lane, where the high-glam sophistication of Melbourne meets the exuberance of modern Pan-Asian cuisine. This latest gem, a sibling to the renowned Cha Ching, offers guests a sensory feast that artfully fuses bold Eastern flavours with local ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques. With meticulously crafted share-style dishes and a captivating drinks menu, every dining experience feels like a grand celebration of culture, creativity and connection.

Small Plates, Big Flavour: Discover the Best Share Plate Restaurants

Among their culinary highlights is the pan-seared scallops served with a decadent coconut bisque, zesty finger lime, Avruga caviar, and a light roe rice cracker. Following that, the clay pot tea-smoked duck pairs beautifully with aromatic rice and fresh pomelo, making each plate perfect for sharing. The standout Margaret River Wagyu flank, topped with a smoky chimichurri, is another not-to-miss dish that encapsulates the ethos of Lexy: comfort food elevated with luxe ingredients.

Indulge in the culinary creativity at Lexy Restaurant and Bar.

Toro Bar & Kitchen - Maroochydore, QLD

Bringing the jubilant spirit of Mediterranean dining to the Sunshine Coast, Toro Bar and Kitchen is a haven for food lovers seeking vibrant flavours and authentic tapas. Situated at Plaza Parade, this lively restaurant is designed for sharing, with each dish inviting diners to gather and enjoy together. The atmosphere is electric, filled with laughter and food as guests delight in generous platters crafted for the ultimate communal experience.

Small Plates, Big Flavour: Discover the Best Share Plate Restaurants

Featuring a tantalising array of tapas, Toro’s menu includes flavour-packed croquettes, crispy corn ribs, and delicious potatoes tossed with chorizo. Each small plate is a celebration of Mediterranean goodness, designed to be enjoyed leisurely with a selection of the restaurant’s finely curated wines and cocktails. A perfect spot for catching up with friends or unwinding after a long day, Toro Bar and Kitchen exemplifies the joy of sharing exceptional food.

Savour the Mediterranean at Toro Bar & Kitchen.

North Byron Hotel - Byron Bay, NSW

Situated on Bayshore Drive, the North Byron Hotel stands as a serene garden retreat, encapsulating the essence of relaxed dining in Byron Bay. Guests are welcomed into a beautifully curated space where sunshine intertwines with live music, creating an inviting atmosphere for casual gatherings. By day, patrons can enjoy a tranquil escape amidst lush gardens, while the evenings transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and social interaction under a canopy of fairy lights.

Small Plates, Big Flavour: Discover the Best Share Plate Restaurants

The menu celebrates local produce, featuring an array of nostalgic dishes with a contemporary flair. Dive into a delicious wood-fired pizza topped with locally sourced ingredients, or discover the fresh seasonal seafood that highlights the coastal bounty. Each share plate is crafted to provide a communal dining experience, allowing guests to sample an assortment of flavours while soaking in the laid-back Byron vibe.

Experience the local flavours at North Byron Hotel.

Jade Inn - Port Douglas, QLD

Jade Inn, located on Macrossan Street, is a cherished institution within Port Douglas, steeped in generations of authentic Chinese cuisine and hospitality. With a reputation built on fresh food prepared with love, this welcoming space has captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Across its menu, guests will find a delightful range of traditional dishes, each cooked to order, ensuring that every dining experience is brimming with rich flavours.

Small Plates, Big Flavour: Discover the Best Share Plate Restaurants

The signature Mongolian Lamb stands out, featuring tender lamb stir-fried with fresh vegetables drenched in a bold, aromatic sauce that embodies the essence of authentic Chinese culinary tradition. Perfect for sharing, this dish invites diners to enjoy hearty, flavourful bites surrounded by the warm ambiance of Jade Inn, making for a memorable gathering experience.

Relish the authentic flavours at Jade Inn.

Colonel Tans at Revolver Upstairs - Prahran, VIC

Situated on Chapel Street in Prahran, Colonel Tan’s at Revolver Upstairs offers a unique blend of eclectic retro style and the vibrant flavours of Thai street food. Nestled within a renowned live music venue, this eclectic dining spot is a sensory delight, adorned with quirky decor and filled with the energy of both food and tunes. The menu bursts with excitement, presenting playful interpretations of classic Thai dishes that are perfect for sharing with friends.

Small Plates, Big Flavour: Discover the Best Share Plate Restaurants

One not-to-miss item is the Charcoal Bao, featuring barbeque pork, fresh tomatoes and coral lettuce, all complemented by a homemade hoisin sauce. Each bite serves up a delightful explosion of textures and flavours, embodying the lively spirit of Colonel Tan’s. Whether you’re grabbing a bite before a gig or settling in for a fun evening, the menu ensures a deliciously memorable experience.

Join the vibrant vibe at Colonel Tan's at Revolver Upstairs.

As the trend for share plates continues to grow, these restaurants offer not just food but an engaging dining experience that champions community and connection. Each venue, steeped in its unique culinary heritage and style, showcases how the simple act of sharing a meal can bring people together, creating lasting memories through good food and conversation. So, gather your friends and family and delve into the incredible flavours that await you at these exceptional locations.

Featured Locations

Thai    $$$$$

Colonel Tans at Revolver Upstairs

Set on Chapel Street in Prahran, Colonel Tan’s at Revolver Upstairs blends eclectic retro style with bold Thai street food flavours. Housed within one of Melbourne’s most iconic live music venues, ...

Chinese    $$$$$

Jade Inn

Generations of authentic flavour, warmth and genuine Chinese hospitality have made Jade Inn on Macrossan Street in Port Douglas one of Far North Queensland's most cherished and enduring dining inst...

Indian    $$$$$

Kebabiya Bella Vista

Situated on Lexington Drive, Bella Vista, Kebabiya Bella Vista reimagines Indian cuisine with a bold, modern edge. This welcoming neighbourhood restaurant is a haven for kebab lovers, where culinar...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

North Byron Hotel

Tucked away from the bustle of Byron Bay on Bayshore Drive, the North Byron Hotel is a shimmering garden oasis where good food, great music, sunshine and salty air come together in the most beautif...

Spanish    $$$$$

Toro Bar & Kitchen

Vibrant Mediterranean flavours, authentic tapas and the generous, joyful spirit of Spanish hospitality have arrived on the Sunshine Coast - and Toro Bar and Kitchen on Plaza Parade in Maroochydore ...

Modern Australian    $$$$$

Lexy Restaurant and Bar

Tucked along Melbourne's dynamic Flinders Lane, Lexy Restaurant and Bar is a high-glamour and beautifully considered Pan-Asian dining destination where contemporary technique, bold Eastern flavours...

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