There’s a lot more down under than Matt and George, but how to choose? Next time you’re visiting the ex-pats, try these highlights – from American superstar chef David Chang’s outpost and a hole-in-the-wall bakery in the ’burbs, to surfside dining and inspired Asian fare. You won’t starve.
1 BILLS: for authentic Aussie flavour
As Bill Granger proclaims on his website, “bills and Bondi go together like surfers and boardshorts”. The stalwart of laid-back, stylish Australian food opened his Bondi branch in 2014, and it looks as if it’s been there forever. Granger’s signature easygoing, generous food is right at home in this iconic beachside location.
Start with breakfast before heading to the beach – try Bill’s famous ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter, or opt for the more substantial Full Aussie: scrambled eggs, sourdough toast, cumin roast tomato, bacon, miso mushrooms, and pork, chilli and fennel sausage. If you’re on a health kick, go for a bowl of crisp-fried rice with raw vegetables, arame (kelp), pickles, chilli-fried egg and sprouting seeds. Or pop in for lunch or an early dinner when you’ve had enough sun and enjoy salads with chilled tea-smoked trout, green tea noodles, cucumber and soya-mirin dressing or a prawn burger with jalapeño mayo, shaved radish salad and sesame gochujang.
The dinner menu offers similar flavours with some more substantial plates including yellow fish curry, sirloin, rib-eye and chilli miso salmon. Drinks run the gamut from coffee, fresh juices and smoothies to frappes and shakes, sodas, beer, wine, cocktails and spirits.
2 EST: for contemporary Australian fine-dining
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