The Best Team’s Favourite Meals of 2024

Dining at Saint Peter feels like stepping into a culinary dream. The teppanyaki-style seating transports you straight to Japan, setting the scene for an intimate and bougie experience. The storytelling behind each dish turns the meal into an intellectually stimulating journey. Opting for the degustation menu, paired with sake and a crisp white wine, made for a flawlessly orchestrated evening. From impeccable service to the expertly crafted menu, every detail of this dinner left a lasting impression.

A visit to Melaleuca captures the laid-back, tropical charm of Port Douglas. The Thai-inspired crispy whole snapper and red-bae mussels pasta stood out with their bold, fresh flavours. Margaritas opened the evening, followed by wine as the night flowed onto the porch. The warm, relaxed setting, coupled with delightful interactions with other guests, made this Easter catch-up with a best friend a truly special memory, steeped in great food and the beauty of a balmy Port Douglas evening.

Sonny Wine Bar is an intimate eight-seater haven that feels more like a dinner party at an old friend’s home. The setup is charmingly personal, with dishes like prosciutto and bread, alongside a divine red sauce pasta, cooked right next to the communal table. The ever-changing wine selection, offering just four options per type, encourages delightful exploration. Closing out a trip at Sonny was a warm, memorable embrace—perfectly encapsulating the charm of Hobart’s hospitality scene.

Tanuki offers a sensory feast with immaculate vibes to match. The sashimi selection, spicy tuna crispy rice, and wagyu beef tartare are flavour-packed creations that redefine indulgence. Drinks like fizzy highballs, margaritas, and an elegant tea ceremony perfectly accompany the dishes. More than a meal, dining at Tanuki is an unforgettable experience that delights all the senses and leaves you longing for another visit.

Perched by the serene Koolewong Marina, Kefi combines chic, modern Greek cuisine with breathtaking waterfront views. The slow-roasted lamb shoulder, tender and falling off the bone, was a showstopper, while the lamb tartare with bone marrow offered a rich, indulgent twist. Fresh oysters, house-made dips like taramasalata and melitzanosalata, and the classic spanakopita completed a meal to remember. With attentive, passionate service and a Mediterranean Spritz in hand, dining here feels like a sun-soaked escape to the Greek islands.

Buon Ricordo embodies the sophistication of traditional Italian dining. This is the kind of venue where you’d imagine the mafia gathering over plates of the world’s finest pasta. Celebrating a partner’s birthday here was a truly unforgettable experience, with exquisite dishes that transported us straight to the heart of Italy. Paired with refined red wine and a decadent dessert wine, every detail exceeded expectations, making for an indulgent and memorable evening.

Sincero perfectly balances the sophistication of fine dining with the cosy comfort of a classic Italian eatery. Highlights included the char-grilled octopus, tuna tartare, and a risotto of the day that keeps diners coming back for more. The Sher Wagyu eye fillet paired with a creative take on mash offered a satisfying finish. The half-sized cocktails are a clever touch, allowing guests to sample the expertly crafted drinks, with the Red Velvet Daiquiri taking top honours. Combined with impeccable service, this was a dining experience to savour.

Via Napoli offers a relaxed slice of Italy in the heart of Surry Hills. With charming street-side seating perfect for people-watching, this gem feels more like a friend’s home than a restaurant. The prosciutto burrata with woodfired crust pizza makes for a dreamy start, while the gnocchi Sorrentina—pillowy dumplings in a rich tomato sauce topped with buffalo mozzarella—steals the spotlight. Warm, personal service, led by a delightful Italian host, adds a final touch of magic to an already enchanting dining experience.