2026 Just Dropped: Hottest Restaurant Openings in Australia

Light, breezy and vibrant, Aambra is a gorgeous oasis of colour, flavour and tradition. Mediterranean fare served among stunning finishes or in the open air, everything is treated with love, from the locally and handmade ceramics to the recipes passed on from generations passed. Begin with a starter like Aambraolives or rock oysters, followed with woodfired lamb saddle or the raw tuna kibbeh nayeh for mains to truly experience the authentic flavours of Aambra.

Showcasing the very best of Australian nostalgia through flavour, technique and experience, Marlowe is housed in a 1930’s Art Deco apartment block. This unique and memorable experience is enhanced by the meals on offer; with favourites including the coral trout wellington, duck pie and rhubarb and custard trifle. Guests also rave about the selection of wine on offer, the very best of Australian vineyards picked to complement their menu perfectly.

Whether you’ve followed along with his television adventures or visited another one of his establishments, Rick Stein’s at Coogee is a must-visit for seafood lovers. With stunning seaside views, this restaurant is laidback yet elegant, bringing local produce to life alongside friendly service and carefully-curated wines. Try such offerings as the Abrolhos grilled scallops, Singapore blue swimmer crab or the steamed honey sponge to taste exactly why Rick Stein keeps diners returning again and again.  

What began as a unique and intriguing pop-up dining experience that toured the country is putting down roots in Adelaide. Esmay, Alanna Sapwell’s brainchild, is moving into the 1880-built Hackney Hotel to bring fresh produce and fantastic flavour to life. This 40-seat fine dining establishment is set to showcasereimagined old-school favourites using modern techniques and practiced culinary expertise.

Cleo is a new rooftop Mediterranean restaurant that is open from breakfast, lunch and dinner, hosting sunset sessions and live entertainment in the heart of Melbourne. Enjoy such dishes as house-baked pita, Westholme wagyu tartare and barbecued spatchcock. Authentic flavours, fresh produce and vibrant atmosphere combine to deliver an outdoor dining experience that is both exciting and comforting. 

A tribute to both Lebanese and Armenian culture, Zareh utilises their open kitchen (equipped with wood-fired oven and charcoal barbeque) to produce locally sourced, authentic and exciting flavours and love-infused food. Highlights here include their hummus, king prawns and spanner crab, lamb khorovats and chicken kebab, as well as their unique and fresh-made cocktails. 

A season-driven restaurant committed to fresh produce and Indian-inspired flavours, Saadi is a sensory-driven experience nestled in downtown Melbourne. The establishment is celebrated for their rock oysters and pumpkin hot sauce, pork indad and vegan and vegetarian options. They’re also passionate about the world of flavour preservation, incorporating ferments and preserves, while even offering fermentation workshops.  

A season-driven restaurant committed to fresh produce and Indian-inspired flavours, Saadi is a sensory-driven experience nestled in downtown Melbourne. The establishment is celebrated for their rock oysters and pumpkin hot sauce, pork indad and vegan and vegetarian options. They’re also passionate about the world of flavour preservation, incorporating ferments and preserves, while even offering fermentation workshops.  

The epitome of fine dining and warm hospitality, Bird in Hand is bringing their amazing food and wine experiences to The Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens. Introducing the new Tasting Room, Restaurant, fine dining restaurant and Kiosk, there will be no shortage of places to enjoy the world-class food and sustainable, cool-climate wines on offer here. Whether you pop in for a wine tasting, morning tea or romantic dinner, Bird in Hand at The Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens has something for everyone. 

The epitome of fine dining and warm hospitality, Bird in Hand is bringing their amazing food and wine experiences to The Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens. Introducing the new Tasting Room, Restaurant, fine dining restaurant and Kiosk, there will be no shortage of places to enjoy the world-class food and sustainable, cool-climate wines on offer here. Whether you pop in for a wine tasting, morning tea or romantic dinner, Bird in Hand at The Royal Tasmania Botanical Gardens has something for everyone.