Peek inside Bistra to find white-clothed tables and whitewashed walls.
14.5/20

Not too fancy,not too casual,this bistro finds the Goldilocks zone (and brings the ’90s back)

Nostalgic for those elegant bistros of the ’90s? Even if you weren’t there,you’ll recognise the appeal of this Carlton newcomer.

  • Besha Rodell
Go-to dish:Wood-baked halloumi with pear and Malfroy’s Gold honey (plus optional rosemary flatbread,top left).
14/20

Chiswick is a sunny Sunday lunch place. So how does it fare on a chilly school night?

The glasshouse-style garden-to-plate restaurant should deliver one of the best dining experiences in town,both on- and off-peak.

  • Callan Boys
Clarence Restaurant in Woolloongabba.
14.5/20

This elevated south-side spot may be Brisbane’s best-value restaurant

A favourite among local diners in the know,Clarence serves the kind of elevated,produce-driven comfort food you could eat all night.

  • Matt Shea
The chefs’ culinary backgrounds merge in the lamb forequarter chops with chimichurri.

High-profile brewer opens first Melbourne venue and there’s chops by the kilo and spanakopita lasagne

Two chefs with a love of fire are having fun with their first beer hall menu at South Melbourne’s new Pirate Life brewpub.

  • Emma Breheny
The hotel restaurant looks out over Hyde Park,“a giant lozenge of Victoriana greenery”.
Good Food hat15/20

Why new hotel restaurant Sydney Common is ‘uncommonly good’

Up-and-coming talent Jamie Robertson works with former Sepia chef Martin Benn to create a seasonal menu that’s wood-fired and Japanese-inflected.

  • Terry Durack
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Busselton Pavilion main picture. Pictures:Supplied
14.5/20

Busselton’s newest pub is set to get tongues wagging (and eaten)

When an ambitious publican opens a pub and kitchen run by an Avengers-style team of hospitality pros,good things happen.

  • Max Veenhuyzen
Cacao&Cherry cocktail.
14.5/20

‘Sydney,if you’re going to spend $24 on a drink,make it a memorable one like this’

To visit this Aussie bar and not order cocktails would be like eating a meat pie without the sauce,writes Callan Boys.

  • Callan Boys
Three-cheese toastie with warrigal greens,kimchi and tomato.

Clever Aussie flavours make this ‘sensationally good’ three-cheese toastie one to savour

Cult cafe BTB Kirribilli marries old-school favourites with creative use of native produce.

  • Lee Tran Lam
14/20

More than a pretty view:Why this waterfront restaurant is the triple threat of sun,sea and seafood

Under-the-radar northern beaches diner The Basin Dining Room gives the people what they want.

  • Terry Durack
A selection of California-inspired brunch dishes at the Bondi cafe.

Every day’s a vacay at Bondi’s California-cool cafe Glory Days

The restored beachfront pavilion’s new cafe is already making waves.

  • Lenny Ann Low