Here's How To Enjoy Girl Dinner Around Australia

Whatever you think of this craze to graze, we see the concept of #girldinners as a low-maintenance easy meal. Here is the ultimate guide to girl dinners around Australia.

There are some days when the idea of cooking and cleaning is too much. Enter the #girldinner, the food trend kicking off on TikTok that celebrates a random assemblage of ingredients enjoyed as a main meal.

While some suggest the #girldinner is a low-cal ode to diet culture, others make a case for the meal being an easy fuss-free dinner that requires minimum effort. And we’re down with that.

A quick scroll through the social media platform shows how these dinners have evolved from the original viral video posted by Olivia Maher in May 2023 of a plate of bread, cheese, grapes and cornichons.

Hit fast forward on the food trend and you’ll see an anything-goes approach that runs the gamut from creamy oats to cake and croissants, one-pan pizzas and sushi bowls. There’s even a My Girl Dinner food filter that will decide what’s on your plates. We’ve made it easier to get out of doing the dishes with these 18 venues around Australia where you can get a great girl dinner.

1. Cardea, Sydney NSW

Want to get fancy with your girl dinner? Cardea is named after the Roman goddess who warded off evil spirits from crossing thresholds, so it’s good vibes only at this velvet-clad palace tucked away in Sydney’s Barangaroo.

a glass of purple cocktail at Cardea, Sydney NSW — Who says you can’t start off with a glass of cocktail?

Up the ante at the upscale intimate speakeasy bar with a carefully curated charcuterie board and a Rosy cocktail made up of rosé wine, Chambord, vanilla, hibiscus and cranberry juice.

caviar at Cardea, Sydney NSW — Pair your rosy cocktail with a spoonful of exotic caviar.

2. Bottega Coco, Sydney NSW

While the current crop of girl dinners has evolved to include everything from DIY Doritos dipped in melted cheese to pickles and popcorn and multi stacks of rice cakes slathered in avocado, we’re also about outsourcing our self-indulgent dinners.

Margherita pizza and other dishes at Bottega Coco, Sydney NSW — Order a Margherita pizza at Bottega Coco for your ultimate girl dinner.

Enter Bottego Coco, the stylish Italian restaurant and patisserie in Barangaroo considered a culinary oasis for girl dinners. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and Champagne risotto are our go-tos.

the dining interior at Bottega Coco, Sydney NSW — The dining interior of Bottega Coco looks classy and elegant.

3. Eddy’s, Sydney NSW

Go solo or grab your girl buddies and head to this Italian-style enoteca at the Edward’s Beach end of Balmoral in Sydney. Although you can sit down and indulge in a three-course meal, Eddy’s is also the perfect spot to stop by for a slice of pizza and aperitivo.

fried calamari and fries at Eddy’s, Sydney NSW — Fried calamari and fries are Eddy’s version of a girl dinner.

The dinner menu at the pop-up also includes cones of fried calamari and muffuletta sandwiches stuffed with salami, mortadella, prosciutto, provolone, olive and peppers. Go nuts and pick up a bundle of biscotti for afters.

a three-course meal at Eddy’s, Sydney NSW — Pop by Eddy’s to feast on a three-course meal.

4. Mode Kitchen and Bar, Sydney NSW

An after-work aperitivo has never looked so appealing. This new offering at Mode Kitchen and Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel is available weekdays between 4pm and 6pm for just $30 per girl (which includes an aperitivo).

food and wine at Mode Kitchen and Bar, Sydney NSW — The indulgent plating at Mode Kitchen and Bar calls for a fancy girl dinner. (Image: Anna Kucera)

Curate your own photogenic plate for the micro-community of TikTokers from the buffet of hot and cold dishes such as focaccia, cured meats, bresaola and best-quality Italian cheeses. The fresh mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes also has girl dinner written all over it.

a glass of Aperitivo at Mode Kitchen and Bar, Sydney NSW — Kick off the evening with Aperitivo as the Italians do.

5. Restaurant Hubert, Sydney NSW

La Vie Royale runs on the last Sunday of each month at Restaurant Hubert. Gather your girlfriends for dinner and a show where drinks are poured freely until the velvet curtains drop to the floor.

a T-Bone steak at Restaurant Hubert, Sydney NSW — In need of a good slab of steak? Head to Restaurant Hubert.

Although the moodily lit basement bar and restaurant offer tickets to a ‘Front Row Feast’, the ‘Admission De Luxe’ is more our jam, with canapes, theatre seats and bottomless wine. Think dining, dance and one of the most decadent girl dinners around.

the Theatre Royale at Restaurant Hubert, Sydney NSW — Prepare for a grandiose theatrical girls’ dinner at Restaurant Hubert.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

6. Rothwell’s, Brisbane Qld

The French onion dip with chives, lemon and crispbread at Rothwell’s has a cult following within the growing girl dinner community in Brisbane. As does the steak tartare, chicken liver parfait with cornichons and toasted brioche and the prawn cocktail.

the restaurant exterior of Rothwell’s, Brisbane Qld — Stop by Rothwell’s for a night filled with martini. (Image: Nikki To)

This elegant Euro-inspired restaurant is housed within a heritage-listed building on Edward Street and is one of the most stylish dining rooms in Brisbane. If you’re going solo head to the adjoining Marble Bar where you can do your girl dinner justice with a martini and a club sandwich.

two plates of food at Rothwell’s, Brisbane Qld — Rothwell’s serves the perfect girl dinner you can imagine. (Image: Nikki To)

7. Rosella’s, Gold Coast Qld

Do you want a chicken parmi slider for dinner? Who are we to judge? Rosella’s is giving Gold Coast girl dinner vibes with its menu of tasty treats such as the chicken parmi slider and BBQ prawn croquettes.

In true girl dinner style, all cheese comes with crackers and quince paste and we’re particularly partial to the Capricorn goat’s brie which is all kinds of soft and luscious. Parrot your GF’s cries for vegemite and cheese lasagne and continue the theme of gendered wining and dining with a Tell Him He’s Dreaming cocktail.

a plate of food at Rosella’s, Gold Coast Qld — Head to Rosella’s for a tasty girl dinner.

8. Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co., Scarborough Qld

The Upper Deck of the Scarborough Marina caters to all comers. In addition to its extensive drinks offering, which includes canned and tapped cocktails, there are bar bites here at the Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. that will satisfy the pickiest of eaters.

a cheeseboard served with pickles, chutney and crackers at Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co., Scarborough Qld — Enjoy a delectable cheeseboard at Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co.

We’re talking house dips. Salt and pepper squid. French cheese puffs and a bowl of prawns. There’s also the quintessential girl dinner cheeseboard served with pickles, chutney and crackers that is one of the best on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

girl dinner with cheeseboard and beer at Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co — Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. guarantees to satisfy a girl’s taste.

9. Cucina Vivo, The Star Gold Coast Qld

This popular Italian outpost serves plainspoken Italian food that is as austere as the dining room. If you are planning on enjoying your girl dinner alone, you should order the salad of rocket, parmigiana and pear which is simply dressed with salt, pepper, aged balsamic and a few drops of olive oil.

You can, as ever, order the bruschetta, a crunchy slab of ciabatta topped with heirloom tomatoes and a creamy layer of buffalo mozzarella. Expect music and loud conversations from people having a good time.

10. The Old Seven, Brisbane Qld

Any eatery that has a menu dedicated to decadent cheese jaffles unites the team here at Australian Traveller who are happy to see it as a food fixture at The Old Seven in Bris Vegas.

a plate of cheese jaffles at The Old Seven, Brisbane Qld — Drool-worthy cheese jaffles at The Old Seven.

The wine bar and fromagerie with the sultry Paris vibes claims to have the most extensive rosé list in all the land. The owners of the cafe by day and wine bar by night are self-confessed Francophiles who have brought back a slice of French life to Brissy’s burbs. Order the Hot Johnny, salumi salame inferno, mozzarella, swiss gruyere, spicy pickles and spicy tomato relish.

the front bar at The Old Seven, Brisbane Qld — The Old Seven is a cafe by day and wine bar by night.

11. The Malibu Racquet Club, Gold Coast Qld

The Malibu Racquet Club is the retro cocktail bar of our dreams. It’s housed in a former tattoo parlour in Burleigh Heads and is the synthesis between Palm Springs and the Gold Coast.

Girls on the rebound who fancy getting out and about can make their way down to the Malibu Racquet Club, order a caprese salad and a pina colada and channel Harper Spiller in The White Lotus, shaken together with Margot Robbie as Barbie and muddled into a long glass. It’s a vibe, for sure.

12. The Pancake Manor, Brisbane Qld

Have you even had a night out in Bris Vegas if you haven’t been to The Pancake Manor? We think not. This 24-hour institution has been plating up pancakes since 1979 and it’s the humble pancake that justifies its existence and qualifies as a girl dinner.

a table-top view of pancakes at The Pancake Manor, Brisbane Qld — Indulge in pancake heaven. (Image: Sunbox Studios and The Pancake Manor)

It’s no small miracle that the restaurant, housed in an old church with medieval styling, has survived. There’s nothing pedestrian about these pancakes: order a single fluffy buttermilk pancake or a long stack served with butter and maple syrup.

an old church with medieval-style dining interior at The Pancake Manor, Brisbane Qld — The Pancake Manor is housed in an old church with medieval styling.

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13. 400 Gradi, Mornington Vic

A quick scroll through TikTok identifies Italian antipasti plates as one of the food trend’s defining dishes. And who better to artfully arrange a platter than the team at 400 Gradi, which has venues across the country?

The pizzas at 400 Gradi Mornington regularly rank as some of the best in the world. But we reckon a beautifully presented simple mixed plate of sliced salumi, olives and arancini, followed by pan-toasted broccoletti are all enticing and appealing options to awaken the palate.

an aesthetic plate at 400 Gradi Mornington — 400 Gradi Mornington is renowned for serving aesthetic dinner plates.

14. Totti’s, Lorne Vic

Roll straight off the beach and into Totti’s Lorne to dig into a range of small plates such as smoked albacore tuna, snapper crudo and marinated octopus. Executive chef Matt Germanchis has designed a seafood-centric menu that celebrates the restaurant’s Surf Coast locale.

the dining interior at Totti’s, Lorne Vic — Dining at Totti’s will take you back to the ’70s. (Image: Ashley Ludkin)

Housed in the iconic Lorne Hotel, on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the eclectic eatery nods to the nostalgia of the ’70s with a distinctive Totti’s on holiday outlook: think chequered cork floors, sorbet terrazzo and terracotta.

a table-top view of food at Totti’s, Lorne Vic — Dine in true girl dinner style at Totti’s. (Image: Ashley Ludkin)

15. Bossley, Melbourne Vic

A seat at the bar at Bossley offers a front-row seat to the opening act of chefs engaged in preparing the food and plating up at the pass. Bossley is adjacent to the newly reimagined Rydges Melbourne and opposite Her Majesty’s Theatre, making it a go-to for girl dinners pre- or post-theatre.

a fine dining setup at Bossley, Melbourne Vic — Nab a front-row seat at Bossley’s to watch chefs prepare you a girl dinner. (Image: Pete Dillon)

Order like a Boss(ley) and enjoy an exquisite glass of wine or two with a creamy blob of handmade burrata, charred cauliflower on sourdough and a side of fries with confit garlic aioli. Pop back post-show for Bossley’s signature Snickers dessert. You’re welcome.

food and wine on the table at Bossley, Melbourne Vic — Indulge in exquisite dinner plates at Bossley. (Image: Pete Dillon)

16. Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra ACT

Who says a dozen freshly shucked oysters and a bump of caviar isn’t dinner? The Capitol Bar & Grill at QT Canberra is for CEOs who want a salad and a side or something simple to satiate.

food and wine at Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra ACT — Order something to indulge in at Capitol Bar & Grill.

Those who like to frame their eating adventures on social media will have access to the beautiful dining room as a backdrop when feasting on a range of small plates such as pork skin with cultured cream, garden chives and South Australian prawns. Of course, you could always steer straight toward the cheese course. The bar and grill is one of the best bars in Canberra.

a close-up photo of food at Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra ACT — An appetising dish at Capitol Bar & Grill.

17. Yo-Chi, Adelaide SA

There’s no shame in having yoghurt for your girl dinner. Whatever pumps your tyres girlfriend. The Adelaide outpost of Yo-Chi, the popular frozen yoghurt brand, is centred around a fuss-free approach to enjoying this delicious treat.

the yoghurt counter at Yo-Chi, Adelaide SA — A cup of yoghurt can make a girl happy at Yo-Chi.

Take pride in pelting the yoghurt with toppings chosen from the buffet-style dessert bar. Add crunch and colour with everything from brownies to mochi and fruit. It’s a simple and satisfying solution to dinner on the fly.

a hand picking toppings for yoghurt at Yo-Chi, Adelaide SA — You’ll get to choose what toppings you like for your yoghurt.

18. Institut Polaire, Hobart Tas

This elevated institution doubles as a cellar door and it’s one of the restaurants we always try and secure a booking at when visiting Tassie. Louise Radman and Nav Singh are the owners of the restaurant who, between the two of them, are shaking up the drinks scene in Tasmania.

Louise is charged with producing micro-batch spirits and Nav uses his experience making wines in Burgundy and Bordeaux to produce Domaine Simha Wines. Settle in at the super cool wine bar at Institut Polaire for Angasi oysters, parfait éclair, bottarga toast and Olasagasti anchovies with yuzu and crostini.

Whether you’re after the perfect family holiday or after something a little more romantic, Accor has the stay for you.

Nothing sets the tone of your holiday quite like the accommodation you’ve chosen. After all, who can imagine a wellness retreat without an on-site day spa, or a sprawling family resort without a kids’ club (or babysitting service)? The truth is there are as many ways to holiday as there are types of travellers – but happily, there’s accommodation for every type of traveller.

Fun family holidays

A successful family holiday requires plenty of space – not to mention essential amenities, like a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, a central location near plenty of activities and attractions, and those all-important beaches. The following properties all fit the bill and were designed with kids in mind.

1. Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas

inside room at Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas — Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas is perfect for a family getaway.

Will it be a day of snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, horse riding along the golden sands of Cape Tribulation, or trying your hand at watersports at Four Mile Beach? For those checked in at Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, the correct answer can only ever be ‘all of the above’ – but only if you can convince the kids to get out of the hotel’s lagoon-style swimming pool.

Featuring one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments (some with private swim-up pool decks), the hotel is also conveniently located moments from the town centre.

2. Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour

Kids’ club: the two words most parents of little ones long to hear. With Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour, however, that’s only the beginning. This eco-friendly hotel (which is famous for its spacious rooms) pulls out all the stops, serving up a 10-metre outdoor pool, tennis court and a signature restaurant, The Ternary.

Located in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant Darling Harbour precinct, the hotel is steps from WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

3. Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff

Mantra On Salt pool — The Tweed offers the best of both worlds.

When the kids are screaming ‘Gold Coast theme parks’ but your body needs a little Byron Bay downtime, the answer arrives in the form of Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff, an airy resort located in The Tweed. Some of Queensland and New South Wales’s top beaches and attractions are only a short drive away.

Featuring one- and two-bedroom suites, a tennis court and a lagoon-style pool (plus a children’s wading pool), guests also have the option to rent a bike, book a treatment at the onsite day spa, or organise child-minding for date night.

Couples getaways

Remember those candlelit dinners when you first got together? Or what about those long walks along the beach and lazy sleep-ins – complete with room service?

If you’re still searching your memory, it’s time to hit reboot on romance by booking a hotel geared around good food, good times and more than a little privacy.

1. Sofitel Melbourne On Collins

inside room at Sofitel Melbourne — Soak in the gorgeous view.

Located in the heart of Melbourne’s shopping and theatre districts, there’s every reason those checking into Sofitel Melbourne On Collins will want to head out and explore. A night in, however, can mean a champagne or signature cocktail (or two) at The Atrium Bar on 35 before an intimate feast at No35, where French gastronomy reaches new heights.

Top tip? Book the Romance Getaway Package, which includes a bottle of French champagne, breakfast in bed and a leisurely 2pm check out.

2. Mondrian Gold Coast

inside a room at The Mondrian — Enjoy classy surrounds at The Mondrian.

The Gold Coast suburb of Burleigh has all the ingredients needed for a romantic escape. And the best place to explore it all from is the stunning beachfront lifestyle precinct, Mondrian Gold Coast.

Stay in one of 208 accommodation options, including studios, suites, homes and houses. Taste your way through the levels of dining options, from authentic Italian and surf-to-plate seafood, and dive into the lively pool club. Or relax with a restorative treatment together at the spa.

City escapes

Nabbing a front-row seat to urban life (and momentarily feeling like a local) is as easy as checking into a city hotel and letting the streets around you set the pace for your next holiday.

Laidback retreats and coastal getaways will always have their place, but here you can step straight into galleries and boutique stores, roll into restaurants and tumble out of bars – all before watching the sun rise across a gleaming skyline.

A convenient location, of course, is key.

1. 25hours Hotel The Olympia

25hours Sydney Atrium — Book into Sydney’s newest boutique spot.

Hotels are all too often about retreating from the city they’re located in, but at Sydney’s newest boutique spot, 25hours Hotel Sydney The Olympia, a stay is all about immersing yourself in the area. Channelling the energy and creativity of its Oxford Street location, the hotel’s bold and playful design is a nod to the building’s arthouse beginnings as West’s Olympia Theatre. Guests can choose to stay in either a light and airy Dreamers room or the more dramatic Renegades option.

This is home to two stand-out bars (one of them on the rooftop) and a cafe serving Lune croissants, as well as The Palomar, a hot dining spot that serves as a love letter to the Mediterranean.

2. Hyde Melbourne Place

Some of Melbourne’s finest restaurants might be on Hyde Melbourne Place’s doorstep, but there’s no need for guests to venture out the front door for a bite to remember. The innovative brand’s first Australian offering is not only home to three distinctive venues (including an atmospheric rooftop restaurant), but is also the winner of a Michelin Key 2025.

Conveniently located in the east end of the city’s CBD within moments of the city’s iconic laneways, accommodation ranges from a soothing General Admission Queen to the spectacular Headliner Suite (many with balconies overlooking the city buzzing below). A high-end fitness space and Peach Pilates streamed straight to your in-room tablet are available too. Our top tip? Call ahead for a Sonna Brightening LED Face Mask and say yes to winding down with a meditative ritual designed to support skin health, clarity and calm.

Tranquil retreats

There’s no question 2026 is going to be your year, but it would be foolish to hard-launch this new and improved you without first taking some time to relax, rejuvenate and reflect on how you can find better balance in the year to come.

It’s time to treat yourself to a wellness getaway that’s designed around peace, natural beauty and more than a few spa treatments.

1. Pullman Bunker Bay Resort

Pullman Bunker Bay pool — Relax into Pullman Bunker Bay Resort.

Kangaroos at dawn, Margaret River wineries at noon and a long evening of life-affirming massage treatment come the late afternoon; there’s a lot to love about a stay at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort. And that’s without even touching on the resort’s secluded beachfront location.

Whether you check into a studio villa or a three-bedroom, three-bathroom villa, the views stretching out over the lake or garden will help you hit reset as you ponder the important questions: should you take a drive to nearby Geographe Bay to enjoy the dive of a lifetime, settle in for a long and lazy day in the resort’s heated infinity-edge pool, or make booking after booking at Vie Spa to try its extensive range of massages, facials and treatments?

The cherry on top? The resort has a complimentary – albeit seasonal – kids’ club, too.

2. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge

couple in spa at Peppers Cradle Mountain — Connect with yourself and nature at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.

Welcome to the ultimate alpine wellness experience, a luxurious lodge nestled in the lush peaks of Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where ‘forest bathing’ takes on a whole new meaning.

Offering quick and easy access to some of the region’s most iconic walking trails (not to mention a window to our most striking flora and fauna), every cabin and suite at Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge – some with their own fireplace – is designed to help you exhale.

Say yes to a wealth of included activities, such as an evening wildlife safari, a guided Crater Lake mountain walk or the Aboriginal Heritage & Bush Tucker tour. Unwind by retreating to the famous Waldheim Alpine Spa, where treatment rooms overlook rugged mountains and ancient forests.

Wellness has never looked – or felt – so luxurious.

Learn more and plan your next escape at All.com.

Get it girl: Here’s how to enjoy girl dinner around Australia