Hotel Centennial, Woollahra

Modern Australian

I imagine that if the atmosphere of the Hamptons - that luxe US vacation destination - was to be channeled into a restaurant, then it would resemble Hotel Centennial. Now I could be wrong (I've never actually been to the Hamptons), but it exudes that same beach-side elegance that is so frequented in popular culture.

Sushi bonanza at Sushi Train, Cremorne

Cremorne
There's something just so theatrical about sitting at a sushi train and watching all those plates of delicate, artfully crafted sushi trundle past your wondrous eyes. The sushi trains I remember when I was younger were more about the experience rather than the ambience, but it looks like they've undergone a contemporary makeover of late.

Delisse Market Cafe, Sydney CBD

Cafe

French marketplaces are scenes of wonder and awe for many food lovers. There's an abundance of fresh produce and luscious baked goods everywhere you look, and a lively atmosphere of hustle and bustle unlike no other. In my opinion, it's market food that I most look forward to when visiting any market. Delisse is a little taste of the French marketplace in the form of a cafe in Sydney's CBD.

An easy recipe for Portuguese Custard Tarts

Baking

There is nothing quite like the scorched top of a freshly baked Portuguese Tart. The contrast of the irregular, blackened spots which stand out against the golden, gleaming baked custard is so alluring, as is the shattering crunch that sounds upon biting into the crispy, multi-layered pastry. 

Tim Ho Wan, Burwood

Asian

When Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan opened it’s very first Sydney restaurant in Chatswood early last year, dim sum fans came from far and wide to get a taste of those revered dumplings and that famous bbq pork bun.

Izakaya Samurai, Neutral Bay

Asian

It used to seem to me that Japanese restaurants fell into either the higher-priced, contemporary dining category (Sokyo and Sake come to mind) or were fast, cheap eateries which offered sushi trains and bento boxes.

Hopetoun Tea Rooms, Melbourne

afternoon tea

Melbourne is infamous for its coffee culture and hipster laneways, where one can spend hours wandering and eating away to their hearts content. It’s no wonder so many Sydneysiders travel over when they’re in need of a short getaway without leaving the comfort of suburbia.

While the debate of whether Sydney or Melbourne has the better coffee remains at large, it may seem as if the traditional cup of tea has lost its humble appeal. That’s most certainly not the case at Hopetoun Tea Rooms.