Australia’s dining scene never sits still – and these are the openings, revamps and buzz-worthy venues worth knowing about right now.

From headline-grabbing new openings to beloved favourites reinventing themselves in fresh spaces, there’s always something exciting happening on the Australian food front. Whether you’re planning your next trip around a must-book table or simply want to know where everyone is eating right now, these are the standout restaurants making waves across the country.

Ela Torquay, Vic

There’s a word you’ll hear the moment you walk through the door at Torquay’s newest restaurant: ela – Greek for “welcome." And at this warmly lit esplanade spot, it isn’t just a name; it’s a philosophy. Co-owners Jason and Gino Gugliotti (the family team behind Pollo Rotisserie) set out to fill a conspicuous gap in the Surf Coast’s dining scene, bringing the kind of unhurried, generous, old-school hospitality that the area had been quietly crying out for.

In the kitchen, former Tonka chef Ricardo Galindo gives Greek cuisine a modern, seafood-forward makeover. Charcoal-grilled octopus arrives with a smoky almond skordalia, rotisserie lamb is carved tableside, and house-made pita comes loaded with tarama, bottarga crumb and spicy goat’s curd. The wine list nods to both Greek imports and Victorian producers, while cocktails draw on Mediterranean flavours: lemon, rosemary, orgeat. Inside, terracotta tones, handmade ceramics sourced from Greece and rope installations by local artist Adam Stanley make the 90-seat room feel like somewhere between a taverna and a contemporary gallery. With a Melbourne outpost reportedly in the works, get to the original while the locals still feel like they own it.

Address: 17 The Esplanade, Torquay, Vic

Sahtein, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW

A night at Sydney’s newest Lebanese restaurant, Sahtein, is not one you’ll soon forget. Flavours of Beirut are shared at the centre of the table over unhurried hours, with menus inspired by everyday Lebanese cooking. Located on Argyle Street in the heart of The Rocks, Sahtein is poised to become a standout in Sydney’s dining scene.

Charcoal-grilled meats, just-caught seafood and house-made breads are accompanied by Arak, Lebanon’s signature anise-laced spirit, poured between mezze as a ritual palate cleanser. The evening finishes, as it should, with delicate, honeyed baklava.

Address: 18b Argyle Street, The Rocks, NSW

Terrigal Pavilion, Central Coast, NSW 

Even though it’s just an hour from Sydney, The Pav (as it’s been dubbed) feels worlds away. The multi-level venue on NSW’s Central Coast includes Terrigal Pavilion, The Tropic restaurant and The General Store kiosk. And, once you nab a spot on the deck, you will want to stay put. Strut up the boardwalk for a sunrise smoothie, long lunch or boozy beachside dinner. The Pav is the latest venture from Ben May and Rob Domjen (Burleigh Pavilion, Mrs Sippy, The Joey), who have followed their ‘good times by the ocean’ template to a tee. 

Address: 2 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal, NSW

River House, Southport, Qld 

You will feel like you’re in a brochure for the Sunshine State when seated on the terrace at the all-new River House in the inner-city Gold Coast suburb of Southport. The elegant three-level restaurant perched over the broad banks of the Nerang River reflects the sort of elevated lifestyle the Goldie is now known for. Sit on the sun-splashed deck with an Aperol spritz. Settle around a table in the main dining room over an indulgent seafood platter for two. And lose track of time in the elegant lounge, which sets the mood for martinis.

Address: 2 Barney St, Southport, Qld

Alzado, Bondi, NSW 

Those looking for post-surf sustenance will find it at Alzado, the new Spanish-leaning restaurant at Hotel Ravesis in Bondi. By day, the terracotta and timber-toned space looks out over sea and sky. But when night falls, like a silvery-blue curtain, Alzado takes on a sultry mood. The joint, frequented by golden-limbed eastern suburbs A-listers, is the place to see and be seen. Head chef MJ Olguera gives the plancha a workout with dishes like grilled sardines served splashed with olive oil and lamb ribs with capers, lemon and oregano. Sam Christie (Olympus, The Apollo) has curated some lovely libations to accompany. 

Address: 118 Campbell Parade, Bondi Beach, NSW

At The Heads, The Bellarine, Vic 

A seaside getaway to the Bellarine should always include lunch At The Heads. The Victorian restaurant has reopened after a major renovation designed to celebrate the building’s heritage as a historical fisherman’s co-op. At The Heads was also made famous by the 1990s hit TV series SeaChange and boasts panoramic views of the Barwon River, jetty and river mouth opening out to the ocean. Satisfy your cravings for seafood by ordering fish and chips at the sky-blue Jetty Road Kiosk or prawn linguine in the more elevated dining room. 

Address: 1A Jetty Rd, Barwon Heads, Vic

Curtains Jazz Club, Sydney, NSW 

This dim-lit bolthole that’s just opened in Sydney’s CBD is inspired by the famous jazz bars of New York, Tokyo and London. A late-night venue by Swillhouse (Restaurant Hubert, Alberto’s Lounge), Curtains Jazz Club looks the part with moody lighting, corduroy curtains and vintage art. Each Sunday to Wednesday, jazz musicians take to the stage with a mix of soulful sounds and high-energy improv, while on other evenings, rare CDs are played through quality sound systems. The cocktail list features twists on classics, and there are more than 300 Japanese whiskies.  

Address: 10 Phillip St, Sydney, NSW

Bert’s City Beach, Perth, WA 

Bert’s pays homage to Bert’s Shop, a humble beach kiosk that was the go-to for local grommets riding their foamies on City Beach back in the 1950s. Woods Bagot completely overhauled the interiors of the venue to capture the carefree spirit of WA surf culture. And the all-day spot is, once again, poised to become the new anchor on City Beach, just 11 klicks from Perth. Go for a swim or a jog on the sand, then reward yourself with a WA prawn and lobster roll in the breezy white-on-wood space animated by the roar of the ocean. 

Address: 187 Challenger Parade, City Beach, WA

Bar Bouni, Melbourne, Vic 

Bar Bouni is in the running for top honours when it comes to hip places in Melbourne’s Arts Precinct. The new venue leans Lebo-terranean, a mash-up of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours that speaks to owner Ben Avramides’ heritage. The kitchen is led by Jessica Mantilla (ex-Añada), who fires on all cylinders over a purpose-built rotisserie. Mantilla has all the classics on rotation – think harissa-spiced chicken and crackling pork belly – which are paraded out from the kitchen for added drama. Expect more ambience after dark in the velvet-clad space over drinks curated by Federico Soligno (ex-Vue de Monde).

Address: 153 Sturt St, Southbank, Vic