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Australia Father’s Day: 7 Restaurants Dad Will Love

By Natasha Lecons
Published 22 August 2025

Father’s Day.  A day for catching up, sharing each other’s company, and talking about things that have been and things to come (yes, that's right, those back-in-my-day stories, none of us seem to be able to avoid).  

Finding the perfect Father’s Day gift isn’t always easy. Socks and mugs are fine, but why not give Dad a memory he’ll savour? This year, skip the gift wrap and treat him to a dining experience that matches his personality. Whether he’s a steak-lover, a beer guy, or a sports enthusiast, there’s a restaurant that feels made for him. Here are seven picks for seven very different Dads. 

  • For the Traditional Dad: The Meat & Wine Co Canberra

    Constitution Place, Ground level, 1 Constitution Ave, Canberra CBD
    It's perfect for splashing out on top-grade steak, fine wines and a luxe city atmosphere
    You need to try a Monte wagyu or dry-aged rib‑eye with truffle mac and cheese on the side — it’s a carnivore’s dream
    Look out for the dramatic Afro‑centric interiors and floor-to-ceiling windows on Constitution Avenue

    For the dad who appreciates life’s finer things, take him to a place that treats steaks like a form of art. The Meat & Wine Co in Canberra serves premium, aged cuts cooked to perfection, paired with a wine list that’s just as impressive. The space is warm and stylish, with amazing floor-to-ceiling windows and dramatic interiors. It's the perfect place to toast to dad over a perfectly cooked rib-eye

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    Let Dad call the shots this Father’s Day?

    Father’s Day gifting is easier than ever – buy Dad a Best Restaurants gift card and let him pick the feast he wants, when he wants and enjoy favourite child status.

  • If Dad loves his sport almost as much as he loves his family (even if he doesn’t admit it), Sportys at The Arkaba Hotel is the place to take him. This is no ordinary pub; it’s a sports fan’s dream. Fit with a massive LED screen, a unique 360° funnel display that keeps the action in view from every angle, and full TAB facilities. It's the perfect place for dad to play, relax and cheer all in one spot. 

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  • For the Adventurous Eater Dad: Hejo's

    133 Elizabeth Street, Hobart CBD
    It's perfect for Tassie seafood with Chinese flair in a smart dining room.
    You need to try sesame prawn toast and steamed garlic Tasmanian scallops.
    Look out for the soft glow of Chinese lanterns, relaxed timber interiors, and cheeky window seats perfect for people-watching.

    This is for the dad who can’t resist trying something new. Hejo’s in Hobart is the place to be. It serves traditional Chinese food cooked exactly how it should be. From sizzling hot pots to delicate dumplings and bold chilli flavours, every bite feels like a mini adventure. It’s the kind of place where Dad can try something new, discover a favourite, and tell everyone about it later. 

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  • For the Family-First Dad: Criniti's at Karrinyup

    Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Level G West Deck, 200 Karrinyup Rd, Karrinyup
    It's perfect for big Italian feasts with family or friends in a lively shopping centre setting
    You need to try the metre-long wood-fired pizza for a hearty indulgence
    Look out for the open kitchen where chefs toss dough and flame-grill meats right before your eyes

    If your dad’s the type who plans entire trips around where to eat with family, Criniti’s at Karrinyup will probably end up on his “let’s go back” list. The place is famous for its wood-fired pizzas, fresh handmade pasta, and big share platters that seem to keep coming. It’s not shy about portions either; you’ll want to turn up hungry. The atmosphere is lively, the flavours are full-on, and there’s a wine list ready to match whatever ends up on the table.  

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  • For the Relaxed Dad: Juniper & Pine

    2/450 Brighton Road, Brighton
    It's perfect for breezy weekend brunches where cocktails count as a balanced meal.
    You need to try the gin-cured salmon with potato rosti and dill crème fraîche.
    Look out for the sun-drenched alfresco courtyard framed by leafy green vines.

    If Dad’s ideal Father’s Day involves good food, no rush, and a laid-back vibe, Juniper & Pine is the place to take him. Located just a short stroll from Brighton Beach, this bright cafe serves everything from appetisers to desserts. He can sip a coffee, enjoy a local wine, or craft beer, while grazing at his own pace. It’s the kind of spot where conversation flows easily and there’s no reason to check the time. 

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  • For the Sophisticated Dad: Sammy's on the Marina

    1 Marina Pier, Holdfast Shores, Glenelg

    Some dads know their way around a fancy seafood platter, and for them, Sammy’s on the Marina is heaven. This place is all about location, offering diners two levels of spectacular views of the water before you've even ordered a meal. Sammys on The Marina brings to you some of the best South Australian seafood that you'll ever taste in your life. Pair the meal with a crisp local white wine, and you’ve got a Father’s Day feast fit for celebration. 

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  • If your dad’s happiest when the sun’s out and there’s a cold pint in front of him, Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery in Margaret River is a pretty safe bet. It’s casual, it’s family-friendly, and everything they pour is brewed right there on site.  From hop-forward IPAs to crisp apple blends, there’s something to suit every taste. Pair it with a classic pub-style meal, grab an outside table, and enjoy the afternoon without looking at the clock.

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