An insider’s guide to Australia’s best dining events, food festivals and things to do in 2026
Your 2026 calendar for food, wine and harvest events around Australia.
The best new restaurants around Australia to know about in 2026
The best new restaurants around Australia to have on your radar.
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Roma
Con Christopoulos's latest is a fitting tribute to Rome.
Melbourne’s best new bars to add to your list in 2026
From funky sherry bars to New York cocktail lounges, discover the latest watering holes in Melbourne.
The best new restaurants in Sydney
The most exciting restaurants in Sydney right now.
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On the Pass: An interview with Bathers’ Pavilion’s head chef Aaron Ward
He’s brought his farm-to-table ethos from Inner-West Sydney kitchens to Bathers’ Pavilion’s beachfront tables, we chat to the chef who wastes nothing and flavours everything.
Brought to you by PorkStar
Introducing the finalists in the 2026 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards
In their 46th year, the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards are Australia's longest-running national restaurant awards program.
The best new cafés and bakeries to bookmark for your next morning out
The latest cafés and bakeries across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to have on your radar.
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Agnes
A menu overhaul at this Brisbane stalwart has it back to its scorching best.
The best happy hours in Sydney for a post-work drink
How to sample Sydney's best menus for less.
Curtis Stone will open his first restaurant and bar in Australia at the Waldorf Astoria Sydney
The Melbourne-born, Los Angeles-based chef is leading the culinary vision at Australia’s first Waldorf Astoria hotel.
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Join us at Sushi Room for our first Brisbane reader event in more than five years
We welcome Gourmet Traveller readers to an exclusive five-course dinner.
Three Blue Ducks at Burradoo Park Farm
Part restaurant, part farm, part community hub, this Southern Highlands opening is a bold new vision of Australian dining.
Elevated Melbourne restaurant Atria has launched a new take on the chef’s table on level 80
Table Nineteen at Atria brings the chefs to you.
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Michelin has awarded 16 stars to New Zealand restaurants in its first-ever ceremony in Oceania
The tyre brand’s 126-year-old dining guide acknowledged over 100 restaurants in the country.
Il Santo
When the crew behind two beloved Perth Italian eateries opens an osteria, diners and drinkers expect – and get – good things.
The best private dining rooms in Sydney for celebrations, parties and work lunches in 2026
From intimate eight-person tables to towering glass rooms, these are the best private dining rooms to book for that big event.
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Miracle Meals and Martinis, the two-day event that took over Gran Torino
The collaborative event designed as an ode to the sea.
Brought to you by La Mer
Sydney’s best new bars (and what to drink there)
Basement bars and chic wine rooms for your next drink in Sydney.
Restaurant Aptos
Native ingredients, theatrical presentation and a sense of wonder define this Adelaide Hills destination.
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Sushi Oe
Impeccable fish and perfectly judged rice do all the talking.
Clayton Wells has been named the executive chef of Merivale’s relaunched Narooma hotel
The revamp of the South Coast boutique hotel marks a new era for the group's accommodation offering.
Magma by Dany Karam is the world-class restaurant Western Sydney was waiting for
For years, a meal at this level meant a trip into the city. Dany Karam decided Western Sydney had waited long enough.
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Join us for Miracle Meals and Martinis at our La Mer pop-up in Sydney this week
Neil Perry has been inspired by the sea.
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Florentino Dining Room
A Melbourne institution’s new era is off to a strong start.
4 Victorian restaurants Melissa Leong thinks are worth a repeat visit
Places I’ll keep going back to, near and far – from Melbourne CBD favourites to destination dining in Daylesford.
Brought to you by Lexus
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Why beef is making a comeback on Australian plates
After a dalliance with alternative sources of protein, Australia is rekindling its passion for the butcher’s counter.
This boutique hotel’s poolside precinct will bring a new era of hospitality to Darwin
The Leea hotel will welcome a refreshed pool bar and more later this year.
What to eat at the James St Food + Wine Trail: The complete Gourmet Traveller guide
26 venues. 160+ dishes. One unmissable Sunday at Brisbane’s biggest table
Brought To You By James St
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Never Enough
Laid-back and fun, this is what happens when two live-music enthusiasts open a restaurant.
Dan Hong on how the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy supports the next generation of chefs
The Pacific Regional Jury for the prestigious culinary program has been announced for 2026.
Vote in our Readers’ Choice Enduring Excellence Award for your chance to win
We're giving away a two-night Mornington Peninsula getaway.
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Vitelli’s Upstairs
Parmies bubble, vodka sauce flows and restraint is nowhere invited.
The best new restaurants in Melbourne for exciting dining in 2026
All of Melbourne's latest restaurant openings to have on your radar.
Tokyo, poured differently: A sake-lover’s guide to the city’s hidden breweries
Beyond temples and omakase, Tokyo's breweries offer something rarer — a direct line to the city's soul.
Brought to you by Tokyo Tourism
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Angry Penguin
Euro-style pre-theatre dining in a sexy Art Deco Festival Centre setting.
Melbourne’s best private dining rooms for celebrations, parties and work lunches in 2026
From intimate rooms for birthday celebrations to spots that will be sure to impress clients.
The best new restaurants in Perth
West coast, best coast?
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Bar Local Drop
An excellent team underpins a relaxed, sophisticated backstreet wine bar.
Melbourne’s best lunch specials for when you want a bit of luxe for less
Your guide to experiencing the best of Melbourne for less in 2026.
The best new restaurants in Adelaide
From experimental elegance to hearty classics.
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Justin James’s Restaurant Aptos has finally opened in the Adelaide Hills
The 14-seat restaurant unfolds across several spaces in an 1860s church in Stirling.
Our expert food reviewers’ guide to the best Melbourne restaurants
We've reviewed old favourites and new trailblazers to determine the best Melbourne restaurants right now.
The best new restaurants in Brisbane
The Queensland capital's restaurant scene is booming.
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Farra Dining
From an unexpected address to the direction of its kitchen, this new Perth restaurant is full of surprises. And in the best possible ways.
Our expert reviewers’ picks for the best Sydney restaurants right now
The best restaurants in Sydney, as reviewed for our annual Restaurant Guide.
Rosheen Kaul’s French-Chinese pop-up, Little Rose, opens tomorrow in Fitzroy
Expect bistro favourites with an Asian bent and reworked classic cocktails from renowned mixologist, Joe Jones.
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Hong Kong restaurant Mott 32 will open in Melbourne next year
It's the first Australian location of the celebrated Chinese restaurant.
The best private dining rooms in Brisbane for celebrations and work lunches in 2026
From long tables in refurbished apartments to riverside tavernas, these are the best private dining rooms to book for your next big event.
Tigerfish
Beachside dining with energy, theatre and modern Asian flavours.
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Luxe for less: Sydney’s best lunch specials
Feeling the pinch? Experience the best of Sydney's fine-dining scene for less with these lunch specials.
Sydney CBD’s most enduring night out
The Establishment Precinct has anchored Sydney’s CBD for decades – a recent return reminded us exactly why it endures
Venner
A restrained, seasonal take on neo-Nordic dining.
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Five Sydney Royal Easter Show winners you can cook with at home
Gold-medal ingredients you can keep in the pantry or fridge.
Bar Carnation
An exciting reinvention of a storied neighbourhood favourite.
The best happy hours in Melbourne to tide you over until dinner
Raise your glass to value-packed sips and snacks.
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A new home for Vivid Fire Kitchen, Ottolenghi returns and more: what’s on the 2026 Vivid Food program
Fire cooking, big-name chefs and glamorous events are on the cards for Vivid Food 2026.
The best restaurants in Tasmania right now
Intimate dégustations and inventive menus abound.
Tread Lightly
An underground dining space in one of South Australia’s oldest rural towns.
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The best restaurants in Adelaide right now
From long-standing favourites to exciting new hot spots.
Omada
A punchy Greek bistro where smoky feasts, bold cocktails and warm chaos collide.
What top pastry chef Andy Bowden is making this Easter
In the spirit of the season of indulgence, we asked Andy about how he’ll be enjoying Easter, and what he’ll be baking.
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What’s open this Easter long weekend
A round-up of some of the top restaurants and bars open across Australia for the upcoming Easter holiday long weekend.
Hamsi Taverna
Somer Sivrioğlu’s harbourside seafood haven finds its stride at Sydney’s fish market.
Saint Peter is celebrating 10 years by collaborating on dinners with the world’s top chefs
Our 2025 Restaurant of the Year is marking a milestone with a series of one-off dinner parties — and you’re invited.
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Cibaria Noosa
Alessandro Pavoni’s casual Italian concept already feels at home on Hastings Street.
Editors’ picks: The cookbooks to gift, cook with and cherish this autumn
Whether you’re giving something special or treating yourself, these cookbooks promise to inspire and delight.
The 8 Noosa restaurants you cannot miss in 2026
From beloved institutions to flash new openings, there’s never been a better time to dine in the coastal town.
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Coupette Corner Bistro & Bar
An all-day hotel diner is equal opportunity fun for guests and locals alike.
The world’s number-one restaurant, SingleThread, is coming to Australia
The California restaurant will operate in Sydney for four weeks this winter.
Melbourne’s four-storey flagship uniting the worlds of food and fashion
First floor, menswear.
Brought to you by Rodd & Gunn
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+81 Sushi Kappo
Dining at one of Australia's most expensive restaurants.
The best places to visit in Japan according to chefs and food experts
Sharing the top spots across Japan for foodie enthusiasts.
The best restaurants in Brisbane, according to our expert food reviewers
Swinging between old favourites and shiny new jaunts.
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The 10 Gold Coast restaurants you cannot miss in 2026
From Mermaid Beach to Surfers Paradise, try these stylish Gold Coast eateries.
Claret Club
Spot this relaxed wine bar in a charming city terrace.
Australian chef Matt Abé’s new London restaurant Bonheur has been awarded two Michelin stars
Newly awarded two Michelin stars, we talk with the London-based, Australian chef and restaurateur about his critically acclaimed Mayfair restaurant.
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Netflix-famous taqueria El Vilsito to pop up in Australia for the first time
Two chefs from the Michelin Guide-recommended spot will take over Howard Smith Wharves and Manly Wharf for two weeks only.
Tasting Australia’s 2026 program has a luxury train trip, wild Swedish pop-up and top chef collaborations
Adelaide's annual food celebration is back with a bumper program of one-off events.
Geralds Bar
An expansive new version of a Melbourne icon.
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Esmay
Nostalgia reimagined in a heritage-listed city-fringe watering hole.
Beyond pad Thai: 5 trending Thai dishes to try
And the authentic Thai restaurants in Australia to order them from.
Brought to you by Thai SELECT
Table for two: the most romantic restaurants in Melbourne for Valentine’s Day in 2026
Whether it's the food or your dining companion, you can't help falling in love at these Melbourne eateries.
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Watermans
Serving vibrant Eastern Mediterranean dishes and desserts you’ll dream about later.
The new Sydney Fish Market is finally open after its $800-million relocation
The new multi-storey seafood market hosts more than 40 retailers, including favourites from the former site.
Top Brisbane chefs will collaborate on a one-off, open-air dinner with The Calile Hotel
The leading hotel is bringing together neighbouring restaurant talent for a good cause.
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The French Exit
The Anyday group continues to impress with its eighth venue: a beautiful French bistro designed for long lunches and dinners.
The best Canberra restaurants to visit in 2026
There's something for everyone in this gastronomic wonderland.
The best restaurants in Perth right now
Rediscover neighbourhood favourites and track down new gems.
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The best restaurants in NSW right now
From globally acclaimed Sydney restaurants to regional fine diners.
The best restaurants in Queensland right now
From underground fine-diners to coveted counters.
The best restaurants in Victoria right now
From hotel restaurants to South East Asian diners.
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The best restaurants in South Australia right now
These are the best restaurants in South Australia, as reviewed for our annual Restaurant Guide.
The best restaurants in Western Australia right now
These are the best restaurants in WA, as reviewed for our annual Restaurant Guide.
Top 100: Best restaurants in Australia
Australia's culinary crème de la crème.
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Zareh
Tom Sarafian’s first standalone restaurant hits the ground running.
Pearla & Co
From the seafood on the plate to the view from your seat, the West Australian coastline is front and centre.
Daphne
A comforting return to neighbourhood dining.
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The Belongil is Shannon Bennett’s ambitious new Byron Bay dining precinct
With a fine dining restaurant, beachy bistro, barefoot kiosk and invite-only cocktail bar.
The best bites of 2025, according to the GT team
From fish charcuterie at GT's Restaurant of The Year to a zesty granita from Mapo.
