Seven Instagram-Worthy Eats Down Under

By: Bea Jocom - 8 years ago

Prior to my trip down under, people who knew me well told me the same thing: “You’ll love the beaches, but don’t expect much from the food.” Australian cuisine may not be popular in the culinary world—kangaroo and croc meat aside—but I was quick to learn that you just need to know where to go. What they lack in variety (others may argue that this also goes for flavor), they certainly make up for in style.

Some rate restaurants by price point, others rank by service and of course, food quality; but millennials can’t help but add the overall look into the equation. Below are a few Pinterest-inspired, totally Instagram-worthy dining hot spots with seriously good food, proving there’s more than just fish ‘n chips in Oz.

Grounds of Alexandria

Instagram: @thegrounds

A photo posted by The Grounds (@thegrounds) on Apr 12, 2016 at 12:50am PDT

A photo posted by The Grounds (@thegrounds) on Aug 15, 2016 at 12:12am PDT

Garden to plate has never looked this good. Whether you’re in for brekky with the parentals, lunch with the ladies, afternoon drinks, or a dinner date. This is probably one of the most photogenic places you can go to. No wonder so many events (even weddings) are held here. There’s a café, two restaurants, donut and pastry kiosks, and even a flower shop around the compound to check out. Hey, you might even bump into Kevin Bacon (a pig), Meryl Sheep (sheep), or Margoat (goat) Robbie in this mini-farm. The place looks breathtaking in the morning and even better at night. Plus, with a menu filled with dishes made with produce from their abundant garden, you can expect fresh flavor while dining in open air.

Now this is a pie! Poached Rhubarb Pie from The Potting Shed. It’s served with brown butter ice cream, candied pecans and salted caramel sauce.

Phamily Kitchen

Instagram: @phamilykitchen

At Smith Street in Collingwood, Melbourne, a quaint Vietnamese diner exists. You won’t be able to stop yourself from snapping a shot or two of the bright space. While you’re at it, help yourself to some pho, vegetarian spring rolls, and a whole lot of Sriracha.

Perfect for when you’re craving for something Asian and fresh. They also serve booze and be sure to also check out their specialty drinks.

Doughnut Time

Instagram: @doughnut_time

A photo posted by THIRD (@thirdumali) on Nov 1, 2016 at 4:58am PDT

Craving for a donut or two? Head over to Doughnut Time where the interiors look as good as the pastries. Their hand-dipped donuts consist of a variety of flavors from all-time favorites like Nutella, Milo, and Ferrero, to truly Oz treats like Tim Tam. The best part is that there’s always a new flavor to look forward to almost every month.

Did we mention they also have healthier versions of this round treat? This is the “Liam Hemsworthy,” one of their vegan offerings on top of their Gluten-Free Fridays menu.

Higher Ground

Instagram: @highergroundmelbourne

A photo posted by THIRD (@thirdumali) on Oct 31, 2016 at 2:56pm PDT

If you’re the type who can eat brunch at any time of the day, Higher Ground―with its lounge-type nooks and bars―is the perfect spot to break the fast. A café in its grandest form, the former 19^th century power station was preserved from its brick walls and high ceiling, giving off that structure meets greenhouse charm. Both tourists and locals have fallen for the place that serves a play on brunch classics (try the spiced cauliflower scrambled eggs) using only quality ingredients, so do know that lines can get pretty long.

Have you ever seen a hotcake dish this pretty? Higher Ground’s Ricotta hotcake with Violet ice cream is the dish your IG feed has been waiting for. Just make sure to share because the serving is pretty generous.

Hotel Jesus

Instagram: @hoteljesus

You say Mexican, we say, amen! The taco craze in Manila is just as real in Australia, and Hotel Jesus’ Mexican Tostaderia meets tile-laden diner Americana interior is the bomb. Would you believe us if we told you that this ’70s-style Mexican taqueria used to be an old post office? The interiors will certainly draw any millennial in, but it would have to be their tortillas made in-house daily and specialty drinks that will make you come back faster than you can say rapido.

Corn black mayo topped with cheese is the perfect side to any taco dish.

Kensington Street

Instagram: @kensington_st

Chippendale, the creative heart of Sydney, is home to Kensington Street—Sydney’s new emerging downtown. You can shop and blend in with the young crowd, but if you suddenly need your Asian fix, Spice Alley is where you can get your fill. Whether it’s Singaporean, Thai, Japanese, or Malaysian cuisine you’re craving, they have it all—hawker-style. There are also a bunch of cafés around the area, but the cherry on top would have to be Master Chef Australia alum and certified cutie Reynold Poer’s dessert bar, Koi.

The best way to end a meal in Spice Alley is with a sweet treat or two from Koi Dessert Bar.

Bread & Circus Wholefoods Canteen

Instagram: @breadcircus

A photo posted by bread & circus (@breadcircus) on Jan 24, 2016 at 9:29pm PST

Organic with a hint of pink, Bread & Circus may just seem cutesy with all the pink tableware and abundant blooms, but their dishes are tough to ignore. It’s the café of every healthy eater’s dream. Why? Because if you’re dining keywords are organic, free-range, grass-fed, preservative-free, and fresh, then you won’t be able to resist their menu. Don’t miss a chance to munch on some Bread & Circus grub if you find yourself in Sydney.

Colorful, crunchy, full plate of things good for you partnered with the best cold-pressed juices and fine teas is the way to go.

Photo courtesy of The Grounds’ Instagram account

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