Classic Restaurants to Dine with Your Friends

by OpenTable Team

Updated 03 August 2023

Hungry for a dining experience that's tailor-made for you? We’ve got you covered. Here are our top restaurant picks for your next outing. Bon appétit!

Credit: Silvester's Restaurant

Silvester’s Restaurant and Lounge

4.5

4.5 (17)

$A41 to $A100

Modern Australian

Circular Quay

About the restaurant

Enjoy a casual dining experience that remains true to our unique story and food philosophy that focuses on simplicity, quality and thoughtfully prepared dishes that are paired with a selection of premium Australian and New Zealand wines, craft beer and signature cocktails.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Top review

Kilzone420

Dined on 14 Feb 2024

If you go with a fixed menu, be prepare to eat what’s on the fixed list. There is no “pick one of these 3 options”. You’d better like things like oysters, caviar, and raw tuna. If so, you will probably enjoy. If not, you may be wasting your money. There was nothing wrong with the food, but the menu was just too foo foo for me.

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The Dining Room by James Viles

4.4

4.4 (866)

$A101 and over

Modern Australian

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

Located right on the edge of Sydney Harbour with the Opera House just beyond your fingertips…it doesn’t get any more Sydney than The Dining Room.

Our produce-driven menu is paired back, sustainable and unmistakably Australian, and shares center stage with unrivalled harbour views. Relaxed and elegant, enjoy the freshest of
seafood, seasonal Australian ingredients, and a selection of fine wines and locally crafted beers and spirits.

Lunch and dinner reservations are highly recommended. Our popular window tables are available at a surcharge when booking and subject to availability. Dress code is smart casual.

Top review

BigJ

Dined on 23 Feb 2024

Experience was generally quite good. Couples should be placed away from family and group tables. We were place inboard having to look over groups commanding the best view. This was despite the groups spending more time inwardly focused with conversation. Being inboard takes away from the ambience and experience. More considered and thoughtful table placement for a couple would have been appreciated. The restaurant had quite a few children in it, which took away from us as a couple having a child free moment. Decor and environment is tasteful and as you would expect for a Hyatt.

Kokumai - Barangaroo

4.2

4.2 (10)

$A41 to $A100

Sushi

Barangaroo

About the restaurant

Kokumai means “black rice” in Japanese and is a premium sushi bar operated as a new concept of Japanese restaurant operated with an omakase function.

Seating appx. 60 people and serving up premium roll, nigiri, and sashimi with a great selection of wine, sake, and beer.

*Omakase: Authentic Japanese omakase menu is implemented. Menus made with fresh seasonal ingredients are prepared by the head chef in Kokumai.
**Premium sushi bar: We are operating as a premium sushi bar by using seasonal and superior ingredients.

Top review

Ruby

Dined on 24 Feb 2024

The food was fantastic, everything we order was really delicious. It is on the expensive side but it’s really good quality stuff so it’s worth it

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Experience

Lunch Deal

Experience

Sushi & Sashimi Course

Experience

Kokumai Course

Cecconi's Flinders Lane

4.8

4.8 (1188)

$A101 and over

Italian

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

"Everything you want from a sophisticated city Italian restaurant is right here: atmosphere, admirable service, a menu long enough to allow for real choice, an expansive drinks list, flattering lighting, carpets and tablecloths to ensure that sound levels are low enough for a proper conversation."
Enjoy signature dishes - Seafood linguine, Veal Cotoletta and signature steaks from the Josper

One Hat – THE AGE GOOD FOOD GUIDE
2006 - 2023

Top review

Allen

Dined 2 days ago

Continues the long standing high level of friendly and helpful service, great food and extensive wine list. My favourite restaurant in Mewlbourne.

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Experience

3 Course Fixed Price Menu

Donovans

4.7

4.7 (1646)

$A101 and over

Modern Australian

St Kilda

About the restaurant

Welcome to Donovans - our ‘house on the beach’ and home we love to share. Donovans is located on the St.Kilda beach front offering guests a memorable dining experience in Melbourne. With a bay side view, beautiful Mediterranean inspired food and the special relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant, Donovans is where you will feel at home.

Donovans’ exciting menu has been developed our intimate knowledge of modern Mediterranean cooking. The menu is extensive with a modern mix of favourite dishes emphasising the best local produce. Donovans also offers an extensive wine list of Australian and imported wines and an eclectic mix of cocktails.

Top review

Aaron

Dined 1 day ago

Great experience once again. No complaints. Staff were exceptional.

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Popular dish

Tiny fish and chips

Popular dish

Old-fashioned chicken pie

Popular dish

Bombe Alaska for two

Warabi

4.7

4.7 (105)

$A101 and over

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

A contemporary Japanese dining experience, Warabi emphasises seasonal ingredients and elevated beverage pairings in an Omakase setting, celebrating the Kappo style of cuisine philosophy.

The Kappo dining experience at Warabi is a set menu that changes at the discretion of the head chef, whose detailed focus is on preparing courses based on the availability of the finest seasonal ingredients. A casual yet refined dining experience, Kappo directly translates to ‘cut and cook' and celebrates the chefs' craftsmanship and precise preparation techniques.

The multi-course 'Impression' menu is guided by the chef and changes daily, where the energy of dishes reflects the seasons and highest quality of ingredients available.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 28 Sept 2023

Service was excellent! Staff were both observant and knowledgeable. Food was average.

OTTO Brisbane

4.6

4.6 (127)

$A101 and over

Italian

Brisbane CBD

About the restaurant

OTTO celebrates people, place and la dolce vita. Located on the absolute riverfront at South Bank, OTTO Ristorante and OTTO Osteria bring a vibrant glamour to the Queensland dining scene. Striking river views and colourful interiors meet warm and assured service. The food at OTTO is delicious and unashamedly simple, taking inspiration from the southern regions of Italy. Head Chef Will Cowper’s menu is fresh, seasonal and produce-driven; sourcing the finest local ingredients and letting them speak for themselves. Inspired by his love for Italian varietals, Alan Hunter has written a list that will capture any wine lover’s attention, with a decisive line up of classic and esoteric Italian regions and varietals.

Top review

Sarah

Dined on 5 Oct 2024

Great location, amazing food. Came recommended from a few sources and didn't disappoint. And they were able to have us out in time for our show. Thank-you!

Rick Shores

4.8

4.8 (4697)

$A101 and over

Contemporary Asian

Burleigh Heads

About the restaurant

Pan-Asian flavours in one of the Gold Coast's most iconic locations. Focusing on fresh locally sourced produce with intention to share.

By Head Chef James Brady

Top review

Greg

Dined on 22 Nov 2024

You cannot go through life with out experiencing this restaurant. The food is outstanding, fresh with mouth watering flavours I couldn't get enough of. The wait staff are excellent, very attentive & seemed to be always there when we needed them without hovering. Wine selection is great & perfectly accompanied the food.

Steersons Steakhouse

4.5

4.5 (633)

$A101 and over

Steakhouse

Barangaroo

About the restaurant

Discover Steersons, an elegant waterfront steakhouse nestled on the upper level of King St Wharf (accessible via Lime St). Immerse yourself in a refined yet inviting ambiance. Whether you choose to unwind on the terrace or dine indoors with captivating harbour views.
Allow the friendly and experienced team at Steersons lead you through a selection of the highest quality beef cuts, all sourced from premium locations across the country, including Northern & Southern Tablelands, and the renowned Riverina region.
Elevate your dining experience by selecting a wine from the impressive 150+ wine list, or explore the extensive collection of single malt whiskies.
No matter the occasion, Steersons promises to deliver the ultimate steak experience.

Top review

Greg

Dined 5 days ago

My Angus steak was below par for the price. Others in my group seemed satisfied with their mains.

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Popular dish

Fillet Mignon YG

Kingsleys Australian Steakhouse

4.5

4.5 (451)

$A101 and over

Steakhouse

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

A traditional steakhouse experience with a modern twist, Kingsleys Australian Steakhouse has all the sophistication of an established steakhouse yet its rustic charm gives it a funky edge on the rest. A veteran but a pioneer none the less, the oldest, wisest but coolest steakhouse on the Sydney block where the best steakhouse experiences happen.

Top review

Dined 1 day ago

Nice environment and friendly restaurant staff. Highly recommend

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4.6

4.6 (316)

$A101 and over

Italian

Woolloomooloo

About the restaurant

OTTO celebrates people, place and la dolce vita. Situated in the spectacular surrounds of the Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, OTTO has an undeniable reputation as one of Sydney’s most respected dining institutions. At the heart of the restaurant is old world hospitality and long-standing relationships held with a fiercely loyal clientele. Approachable yet refined service greets modern Italian cuisine, alfresco dining and trademark waterside views. OTTO is the quintessential Sydney dining experience and has remained a local favourite for over 17 years.

Top review

Francois

Dined on 28 Nov 2024

Food very refined. Great service. Location always good. We have been customers for years, we will still come back

Vintaged Bar and Grill

4.2

4.2 (321)

$A41 to $A100

Steakhouse

Brisbane CBD

About the restaurant

Executive Chef Dario Fiorino brings you a premium range of Australian beef featuring wagyu, in-house dry-aged steaks, and sustainably sourced seafood – all cooked on our open grill and balanced with Mediterranean aromas. A native Milanese, Chef Dario’s menu features Italian, Spanish and French influences, exquisitely complimenting the grill’s naturally infused char, scent and flavour.

Top review

Errol

Dined on 11 Dec 2024

Buffet breakfast was delish. An array of foods to eat and also specially cooked to your liking if you wish. Attendees were obliging and nothing was a bother for them.

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Popular dish

Sirloin

Experience

Vintaged Signature Sharing - 2kg Tomahawk Steak

Experience

Vintaged Signature Sharing - Sharing Banquet

E'cco Bistro

4.6

4.6 (916)

$A41 to $A100

Modern European

Newstead

About the restaurant

Nationally acclaimed and award winning E'cco Bistro was founded in Brisbane in 1995 by one of Australia's most celebrated chefs, Philip Johnson. For the past 25 years, Philip and his team at his landmark bistro have taken a sure yet simple approach by serving unpretentious food to the delight of all diners alike, this has cemented E'cco's reputation in the culinary landscape.
Having relocated from its original location in Brisbane CBD to the fast growing inner-city residential mecca, Newstead, E'cco has been positioned to prosper for the next 25 years and beyond.
As Philip says "We do as little as possible with the best ingredients available."

Top review

LionelM

Dined on 28 Oct 2023

Fabulous service the steak was outstanding as was all the food. Very hard to find anything that could be improved on.

Black Hide Steak & Seafood at Queens Wharf

4.4

4.4 (1539)

$A41 to $A100

Steakhouse

Brisbane CBD

About the restaurant

Black Hide Steak and Seafood by Gambaro at Queens Wharf will enchant and entertain guests by offering world-class Queensland steak as the hero cuisine, and a selection of mouth-watering seafood dishes.

Experience and savour exceptional personalised guest service and a divinely rich atmosphere that can only be delivered by blending intricate and cutting-edge design with worldly charm and sophistication.

Overlooking the Brisbane River and within an easy stroll of the city’s arts and cultural South Bank precinct, this stunning restaurant will be perfectly positioned on level 4, on the terrace of the new extraordinary Queens Wharf

Top review

MarkH

Dined 4 days ago

Vikki always greets us with a smile and accomda

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Popular dish

Steak Tartare

Popular dish

Wagyu MB 5+ Eye Fillet 200gm

Experience

Celebrate Christmas Day at Black Hide Queens Wharf

Palette Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (278)

$A101 and over

Modern Australian

Surfers Paradise

About the restaurant

A unique fine dining experience with a fully curated wine list and locally sourced ingredients. Situated in the stunning HOTA Gallery, Palette offers a unique blend of art and food on the Gold Coast. Dayan and his team in the kitchen will extend your art experience, taking inspiration from artworks on display and major exhibitions to show just how naturally art and food blends.

Top review

Marika

Dined on 11 Dec 2024

Everything about our meal tonight made for a memorable experience. The waiters were exceptional, the food, exquisite and the ambience was very relaxed.

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Kitchens on Kent at The Langham Sydney

4.2

4.2 (660)

$A101 and over

Breakfast

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

Dear valued guests,

Kitchens on Kent will be taking some time to reimagine its future offering, and in the interim will no longer be offering buffet lunch or dinner together with afternoon tea. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause for any plans you had to dine with us.

From Monday 6th November 2023, our offering will change, serving daily breakfast for hotel guests only.
A La Carte lunch will be available on a request basis in our Harbour Room (Monday to Friday) whilst our Observatory Bar will offer A La Carte dinner seven nights per week as well as lunch on weekends.

All bookings that are affected will be fully refundable and our team are in the process of contacting all guests with more details. For any specific issues or requests, please email tlsyd.kitchensonkent@langhamhotels.com

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 1 Jan 2023

Can here for NYD with my mum as a treat to her and we very much enjoyed ourselves and the food. We are looking forward to coming back and eating once again at your lunch buffet. So much on offer and such a good variety of cuisines and drinks included within the price 10/10

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