GT’s picks of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival 2020
With more than 140 food and wine events concertinaed into 11 days, the choice paralysis is real.
Sydney’s Nomad restaurant is coming to Melbourne’s Flinders Lane
And chef Jacqui Challinor is looking forward to the return of the wood-fire grill.
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Exit interview: Jaci and Monty Koludrovic on leaving Icebergs Dining Room & Bar (and no, they’re not opening their own restaurant)
The Sydney chef power-couple on departing the hospitality group they’ve loved for six years, pivotal moments with pipis, and their big move up north.
On the pass: Amanda Cohen, Dirt Candy
The New York chef on angry vegetables, competing in Iron Chef and her unique wine list.
Sydney’s Black Star Pastry pops up in Melbourne
The maker of that watermelon cake has opened a temporary home interstate, with five full-time pastry chefs devoted to producing the star dessert.
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Now open: Toppi Martin Place, an expansive Italian restaurant in Sydney by the family who founded Machiavelli
Paola Toppi says a little prayer with her latest venture in the heart of the city. Just don’t talk to her about pasta extruders.
Sydney’s LP’s Quality Meats is closing its restaurant
It will live on as a wholesale business, but co-owner Luke Powell has decided to cease the dining-in component of the smokehouse.
Kylie Kwong announces plans for her new Sydney restaurant
The menu is in its early stages, but already the chef has confirmed a dish she’s made around 200,000 times.
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Now open: Cantonese restaurant Stanley, the latest addition to Brisbane’s Howard Smith Wharves
Chef Louis Tikaram heads up the two-storey waterfront eatery where the menu pays homage to dishes cooked by his grandmother.
On the pass: Isabelle Caulfield, Poly
The head chef on her cult fried-potato dish, her modern take on room service and her lessons learnt about the kitchen fire.
Sydney café Cornersmith Marrickville has closed
In a sudden announcement, its owners have decided to close their flagship café after seven years.
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Chefs Monty and Jaci Koludrovic to depart Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
After almost six years with Maurice Terzini’s flagship restaurant and The Dolphin Hotel, the executive-chef power couple is moving on.
Now open: Shwarmama, a standing-room only kebab and falafel joint by Ester’s head chef
Mat Lindsay has gone in with the owners of Paramount Coffee Project, and they're serving the Middle Eastern snacks from morning till night. Your late-night kebab just got a whole lot better.
Now open: Ragazzi, the Sydney pasta and wine bar by the Love, Tilly Devine crew
There’s an ever-evolving menu of hand-rolled pasta, a 300-strong list of mostly Italian wines, and a plum CBD location. This pocket-sized bar could be your new friend in town.
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Melbourne’s The Pie Shop has opened in the CBD
Chef and pie-peddler Matt Wilkinson has launched his second pastry paradise, and Uncle Pete and Shazza are coming for the ride.
Is this Sydney’s most-wanted dinner invitation?
One sitting. Sixteen guests. And a cavalcade of courses that reflect the chef's fine-dining background. No wonder word has spread about this neighbourhood cafe.
Just in: you can now package your Harbour Bridge climb with a Quay or Bennelong dinner
It’s dinner with a view, squared, as restaurant group Fink and BridgeClimb announce a partnership that allows guests to climb one Sydney landmark, then dine at another. Talk about a meal deal.
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Ferris Wheel Dining returns for a seventh year, but is it just another restaurant gimmick?
GT took the experience for a spin to see if it was worth the $420 price tag.
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Dan Hong is (re)opening Lotus this weekend
The chef is returning to the Sydney kitchen where, 11 years ago, he made his start at the Merivale group. And he's bringing back that hot fudge sundae.
We have a date: Cafe Paci set to open in Sydney
Chef Pasi Petänen may be the finest serial pop-up artist we know, but now he’s setting up in Sydney’s Inner West for the long haul.
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Andrew McConnell to open his first Melbourne restaurant in five years
It’s the latest addition to his recently baptised Trader House Restaurants group, and it's coming in early 2020.
On the pass: Kitty Hong Xiao of Sydney vegan restaurant Bodhi
The dumpling maestro on the challenges of being a female chef, the evolution of Chinese cuisine and which dish she has made millions of times throughout her career.
Watch: inside the restaurant named after those famous XO pipis
It's old-school meets new-wave at the Golden Century restaurant group's latest Sydney restaurant. We take a look inside, outside, and round and round.
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Sydney’s Est is closing in December
After 19 years, the Merivale fine-dining establishment is calling time.
After last month’s blaze, Sydney’s Nomad makes a temporary move to the former Longrain site
It’s out of the fire and back to the frypans as the Surry Hills restaurant relocates around the corner – and they have chef Jock Zonfrillo to thank.
CicciaBella opens on Monday with ex-Acme chef Mitch Orr in the kitchen
With the Icebergs team rallying around him, the chef can return to what he does best.
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It’s Same Same but different as Brisbane’s Longtime evolves and moves to Ada Lane
Longtime will remain open as a function space, but the restaurant concept is moving down the road with an open kitchen, new dishes and an upstairs bar.
Now open: XOPP, the sister restaurant to Sydney’s legendary Golden Century
Considering its blood line, this is one much-anticipated restaurant opening.
Adelaide’s Taco Quetzalcoatl has opened a second location, and it’s as good as ever
It’s expanded from Salisbury to Unley and enjoyed a glowing New York Times write up in between, but this Mexican eatery is still doing what it does best.
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First look: Rebel Rebel, chef Sean McConnell’s latest restaurant in Canberra, opens on Saturday
From Monster to culinary revolutionary, chef Sean McConnell further stakes his claim in the capital.
Sydney restaurant Don Peppino’s is sticking around for another 6 months
The ’90s-nightclub turned temporary trattoria was due to close in October, but diners can ascend that neon-lit staircase well into February 2020.
Sydney restaurant Nomad to close for tonight’s service after kitchen fire
After a morning blaze that broke out in the exhaust system, the owners hope to have the restaurant up and running "as soon as possible".
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Aria is celebrating 20 years in Sydney with a tasting menu of its greatest hits
Two decades is a long time for a fine-dining restaurant to not just survive but thrive in this town. A lot has changed but the tablecloths, and that stunning view, remain.
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Introducing the Mary’s knafeh, a dessert for good
It’s a sizeable dessert with filo pastry, fragrant rice pudding and whipped ricotta, and the proceeds from each serve will go towards the UNICEF Syria Crisis Appeal.
Josh Niland is cooking an all-fish affair at Melbourne’s Supernormal
The five-course set-menu lunch, and the launch of his first cookbook, further cement Niland's unofficial title as our national fish whisperer.
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Is this Melbourne’s most expensive seafood dish?
At Sun Kitchen, the prawn, abalone and sea cucumber-filled Imperial Treasure claypot will set you back an easy $398.
The neighbourhood wine bar that has Canberra talking
The city’s hippest restaurants and bars may be clustered around the CBD. But Lamshed’s has quietly snuck in on a sleepy shopping strip down south, and it's doing great things.
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A1 Canteen and Belles Hot Chicken chefs to hold a four-course celebration of clams
It’s all molluscs, all night at Clayton Wells and Morgan McClone’s collaborative dinner. The highlight dish? The “Kiwi clambake”.
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The $50 Melbourne toastie that’s about to make your White Night a lot tastier
It has black truffles, Bitto Cheese and San Danielle prosciutto. Is this the jaffle to end all jaffles?
Gourmet Traveller reader dinner: Bar Lourinhã
Join Gourmet Traveller Victoria editor Michael
Harden and APT for a night of feasting and fine wine at Melbourne’s hottest Iberian restaurant, Bar Lourinhã.
Luke Burgess and David Moyle will be cooking at The Summertown Aristologist
While the Adelaide Hills restaurant hunts for a new head chef, they’ll have the former Garagistes and Longsong talent in residence. And Frank the kelpie will be there too.
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On the pass: Trisha Greentree, 10 William St
The former Brae chef on fish sauce-spiked Bolognese, the ingredients she's loving right now, and 10 William St's signature dessert.
Louis Tikaram appointed head chef at new Brisbane Cantonese restaurant, Stanley
After five years in Los Angeles, the former EP & LP chef has returned to Australia – and he's making dim sum, fresh seafood and char siu a top priority.
Say hello to Pasta Wafu, the new Japanese pasta joint from Ume Burger and Banksii
Expect miso Bolognese fettuccine and spaghetti with mentaiko butter, served in Sydney’s newest dining precinct.
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What is lab meat, exactly?
Lab-grown meat is fast leaving the realm of science fiction and becoming reality. But as the technology evolves, will our tastes keep up?
Watch: how to perfect your sourdough starter by Iggy’s Bread
We go behind the scenes at the much-loved Sydney bakery, where co-owner Iggy Ivanovic shares his top tips for nailing that dough.
On the pass: Adam Wolfers, Gerard’s Bistro
The former Ételek mastermind on his latest appointment, a vego snack pack, and why more chefs should move to Brisbane.
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Are carrots the surprise food trend of 2019?
Carrots have traditionally been the stuff of side dishes and crudités, but now kitchens around the country are exploring the creative potential of this humble root vegetable.
Exclusive: Kylie Kwong’s exciting plans for the future
Kylie Kwong’s Sydney restaurant Billy Kwong has closed its doors after 19 years. It’s a time for reflection, but also a chance to look ahead to new beginnings.
Exit interview: Mitch Orr on closing Acme, and his next move with the Icebergs group
The chef on the weight of owning a restaurant, kicking out Paul Carmichael, and the baloney sandwich 2.0.
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Now open: Burnt Ends’ Maldives restaurant with à la minute lobster rolls and pool views
Perth expat Dave Pynt is transplanting the barbecue good times of his Michelin-starred Singapore eatery to a luxury beachside resort, which spans three islands.
The Sydney vegan gnocchi with a cult following
Opening an all-vegan Italian joint in Sydney's eastern suburbs is a challenge. But this neighbourhood restaurant is a hit with diners.
David Chang and Marco Pierre White are coming to Australia
And that’s just the start of the very big chef line-up at this Western Australia food festival.
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Surf’s up: Three Blue Ducks is coming to Melbourne
The much-loved coastal café and restaurant is headed to an unlikely location – Australia’s first-ever surf park near Tullamarine Airport.
Opening soon: a Vietnamese-style beer hall by Annam chef Jerry Mai
In Melbourne’s south-east suburbs, Mai is hoping to replicate the hustle and bustle of Vietnam’s bia hoi where drink-friendly snacks, beers, and hot pots are top orders.
Brisbane’s Stokehouse Q welcomes new executive chef
It’s full circle for Oliver Hansford, the UK-born chef who landed his first Australian gig at the waterside restaurant back in 2013.
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Meet the producers behind some of Australia’s best farms and fisheries
From a Tasmanian wasabi grower to a family-run beehive farm, we talk to Australian farmers and makers about the dreams behind their dream businesses.
Chinese-Japanese restaurant Chuuka opens in Sydney today. Here’s what to order
The restaurant is an interstate collaboration by the head chefs at Sokyo and Lee Ho Fook. Expect foie gras chawanmushi and yuzu lemon chicken.
Orana is coming to Sydney for four weeks
Chef-owner Jock Zonfrillo is bringing his ground-breaking Adelaide restaurant, where native ingredients take centre stage, to the former Longrain space.
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New South Wales coastal restaurant St Isidore is closing
The owners are pulling the plug on their South Coast venue, but they’re turning their focus to a new, casual wine bar.
Behind the scenes at Iggy’s Bread
A storied sourdough starter, sea air and the expert hands of artisan bakers make Iggy’s Bread a Sydney favourite. Step inside for the ultimate proof.
Welcome to Melbourne’s “chapel of cheese”: Maker & Monger 2.0 is open
There’s a cheese selection that spans seven metres, a maturation room that simulates a natural cave, and a Comté unique to the cheese stall. And those grilled cheese sandwiches are here to stay.
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The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2019: France’s Mirazur has clinched the number 1 spot
Spoiler alert: no Australian restaurants make the cut.
Kylie Kwong has announced the last trading day at Billy Kwong
This week is your last chance to dine at her Sydney restaurant.
Don Peppino’s is cooking you Sunday lunch, once a month
The Sydney trio behind the Italian-ish restaurant are back from a two-week research trip to their culinary motherland. And now a long Sunday lunch is on the menu.
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Melbourne’s Amaru and Aria Sydney to join forces for two collaborative dinners
There’s 800 kilometres separating head chefs Clinton McIver and Joel Bickford, but that hasn’t stopped them from developing an eight-course dégustation together.
Attica has dropped out of The World’s 50 Best restaurants shortlist
And there’s disappointing news for Brae too.
The Melbourne bakery that pipes fresh cannoli to order
In Melbourne’s Avondale Heights, the Mellini family is faithfully recreating one of Sicily’s sweetest traditions.
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After 15 years, Sydney’s Oscillate Wildly is closing
The neighbourhood restaurant has been an incubator for emerging chef talent over the years. Chef-owner Karl Firla is calling time, but says this is not the end of the Oscillate Wildly brand.
This is what Guillaume Brahimi would order at Bistro Guillaume
No-one knows the menu better than him.
The founder of Horn Please is opening an “unauthentic Indian” restaurant in Melbourne
There's pink walls, green velvet banquettes, and a naan pizza filled with blue cheese. Plus, a dish that combines panipuri and steak tartare.
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Adelaide’s Burger Theory is closing its Union Street store
After six years, the founders of the controversial kangaroo burger are calling time on the CBD outlet.
The new wave Italian(ish) restaurants that are breaking all the rules
Indian-spiced trippa alla Romana, yuzu risotto, vegan cacio e pepe. The latest wave of restaurant openings is Italian, but not as you know it.
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Merivale announces four new bars and eateries for the Sydney CBD
The hospitality powerhouse is on a mission to reinvigorate the city’s nightlife with the expansion of its Ivy laneway precinct.
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Watch: Guillaume Brahimi talks respecting asparagus, the Melburnian palate and his favourite dishes
A guide on what to order at Bistro Guillaume from the founder himself.
Why Kristen Allan quit cheesemaking
Business was booming for the maker of Sydney's favourite ricotta – and then she stopped. Much-loved cheesemaker Kristen Allan explains why.
Sydney restaurant Acme is closing
Mitch Orr and Cam Fairbairn may be calling time, but they’re giving their favourite dishes one final run.
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Cook for Syria dinner returns to Sydney, with an all-female line-up
Some of the country’s best food and wine talent are serving a Syrian-inspired feast, with all funds raised going towards UNICEF.
Five of the best: Drinking chocolate
From pure cacao to cinnamon-spiced, these cocoas to mix up in a mug promise warmth and comfort in equal measure.
Matty Matheson is making sandwiches at Adelaide’s Shobosho
After tickets to his dinners sold out, the gregarious Canadian chef will be rustling up lunch at the modern Japanese eatery. And there's only one dish on the menu.
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Breaking the mould: behind the scenes of Bakedown Cakery, Sydney’s much-loved chocolate shop
Sydney’s Bakedown Cakery has won scores of fans with a fun-filled approach to chocolate-making. But for founder Jen Lo, it’s only the beginning.
Pipit chef Ben Devlin on building his restaurant with his bare hands
Opening a restaurant is tough. Building it yourself? That’s another world of pain. Just days before launch, we dropped into the worksite at Pipit, the new NSW North Coast restaurant by chef and handyman Ben Devlin.
Would you drink deer milk?
Soy. Camel. Goat. Oat. Do we really need another milk? We put doe dairy through its paces.
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Shane Delia to open Maha East, a casual Middle Eastern eatery in inner-city Melbourne
It’s the sister venue to the much-loved Maha, and you can expect Persian XO and an upsized version of those Turkish-delight doughnuts.
After almost 20 years, Longrain Sydney is closing
Though the restaurant is hinting at “new opportunities” in the city.
Watch: chef Tom Haynes on pineapple pizza, gardening and Bea’s new menu
The low-down on what to order at Barangaroo House's produce-driven restaurant, where vegetables, seafood and a Milo-inspired dessert receive top billing.
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Former Paper Daisy chef Ben Devlin is opening Pipit
At this Northern Rivers restaurant, local vegetables and seafood play a starring role, and proceeds from the opening weekend will go towards OzHarvest.
Watch: David Thompson on tattoos, placenta and Long Chim’s new menus
He was in Australia to launch his restaurants’ latest dishes, but we also learnt much more about the Thai cuisine master.
Fäviken is closing
After 10 years, chef Magnus Nilsson is calling time on his groundbreaking restaurant.
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After 10 years, Aria Brisbane sings its swan song
And it’s celebrating with a tasting menu of its greatest hits.
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Kitchen by Mike has returned, but in a new CBD location
Chef Mike McEnearney has reopened his much-loved canteen, with honest food, a charcoal spit and dinner six nights a week.
O Tama Carey’s cashew curry for Sri Lanka
The Lankan Filling Station chef-owner is doing her bit to help, one curry at a time.
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Ex-Urbane chef to open two vegan projects on the Sunshine Coast
It's a bold new step for Alejandro Cancino – he's bringing Lola’s Pantry 2.0 and a plant-based degustation to Noosa.
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A look inside Enigma, Canberra’s latest chocolate shop
There are rainbow-freckle Easter eggs and a chocolate bar that mimics a Jackson Pollock painting.
New executive chef for Brisbane’s Gerard’s Bistro
The six-month search is over, with a Sydney chef heading north to fill the top job.
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Brisbane’s best new restaurant openings in 2019 (so far)
We hope you’re ready to play calendar Tetris.
Exit interview: chef Ali Currey-Voumard farewells The Agrarian Kitchen Eatery
The chef on late night lamb souvlakis, her favourite playlist and what’s next.
The Builders Arms is serving karachi sajji, a Pakistani dish of a quail, in a chicken, in a lamb
At one-off weekend lunch in collaboration with refugee support organisation Free to Feed.
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No pho, no rice paper rolls: this Vietnamese restaurant is doing things differently
There will be bar snacks, cocktails and Hanoi-style street food.
Eastern European pop-up Ételek is coming to Melbourne
For one night only at Sunda, and there will be snacks.
