Australia’s Hottest New Restaurants in March
Akash Arora serves up Australia’s hottest new restaurants.
Sydney
The food: Turkish chef Somer Sivrioglu (best known for his Efendy Restaurant in Balmain) is behind Anason,the first permanent restaurant to open on Barangaroo’s waterfront Wulugul Walk.
The drinks: Turkish whites, reds and rosés as well as spiked ice teas – ideal matches for the Middle Eastern-inspired food menu.
The atmosphere: Unmistakable Turkish vibe, thanks to woven-cane seats, deep-blue tiles and ceiling lanterns.
The location: A stone’s throw from Darling Harbour’s Bungalow 8 bar.
5/23 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo
Hobart
The food: Colourful Spanish- and South American-style dishes – such as grilled whole baby trout and lamb-and-raisin meatballs – are the order of the day at this new eatery from chef Kif Weber (ex-Frank restaurant).
The drinks: Spanish sherries and cavas, Tasmanian rieslings, chardonnays and pinot noirs, plus a range of beers and ciders.
The atmosphere: Relaxed and colourful décor with vibrant feature walls and plenty of natural light.
The location: Corner of Hill and Pine streets, about a five-minute drive from the city centre.
107 – 109 Hill Street, West Hobart
SEE ALSO: Australia's 10 best burgers
Melbourne
Bird’s Basement
The food: A sister club of New York’s iconic jazz joint Birdland, Bird’s Basement is primarily a live-music venue but has a gutsy Italian menu by Luigi Buono to match. The entrée of smoked mozzarella and eggplant croquette is not to be missed.
The drinks: European wines from Italy (Barolo and Soave regions) and France (Bordeaux and Burgundy) dominate the extensive wine list.
The atmosphere: Dark, moody and uproarious – just like a live-music den in Upper Manhattan.
The location: Downtown Melbourne, not far from Flagstaff Gardens.
11 Singers Lane, Melbourne
Canberra
The food: Chef Kevin Yu gives traditional Chinese a modern twist as seen in dishes such as crisp honeyed eggplant, lamb cutlets infused with Asian sauces and the special duck roll, served in a delicate cone-shaped pastry.
The drinks: About 30 wines, largely from Australia and New Zealand.
The atmosphere: Opulent, with translucent curtains, gleaming feature walls and black marble-top tables
The location: The new section of the Kingston Foreshore, with Lake Burley Griffin views.
156/45 Eastlake Parade, Kingston Foreshore
SEE ALSO: 7 under the radar foodie experiences
