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Unique Restaurants to Dine with Your Friends

by OpenTable Team

Updated August 03, 2023

Hungry for a dining experience that's tailor-made for you? We’ve got you covered. Here are our top restaurant picks for your next outing. Bon appétit!

Credit: Kobo

A photo of Serai Kitchen restaurant

4.6

4.6 (603)

$A101 and over

Filipino

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

When Ross Magnaye and Shane Stafford started Serai, their vision was to create a restaurant that would fit perfectly in the heart of the Philippines. To replicate the spirit, vitality, passion and sense of fun, they knew Serai would become a home from home for our diners.

At our restaurant, right in the heart of Melbourne, you can watch the chefs prepare and fresh food daily in our open kitchen at the chef’s omakase table or relax in the restaurant and bar with a glass of our hand picked, vin naturel selections or signature cocktails.

Top review

J

Jane

Dined 2 days ago

Food fabulous, setting great and excellent service. Highly recommend

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A photo of King prawns of a restaurant

A photo of Gippsland lamb ribs of a restaurant

Gippsland lamb ribs

A photo of Cabbage 'tocino' of a restaurant

Cabbage 'tocino'

A photo of Shu Restaurant restaurant

4.4

4.4 (486)

$A41 to $A100

Asian

Collingwood

About the restaurant

Welcome to Shu, once the name of Sichuan province, southwest China, now home of innovative plant-based cooking in Collingwood, Melbourne

Currently we are offering a 10 course vegan degustation. Inspired by Sichuan cuisine, this plant based set menu is all about innovated Chinese cuisine, embracing the healthy plant eating and showcasing seasonal local Victorian produce. From raw and chilled appetisers to fiery but mouthwatering authentic Sichuan flavours of the street food to complimenting premium wines and cocktails, Shu takes you on an adventurous journey of modern Chinese cooking.

Top review

A

Alejandro

Dined on Oct 24, 2024

Shu has delivered again. The MuSHUroom series is a must t try. Looking forward to the third one - bring on Summer Series.

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A photo of 2024 Christmas special 10 course degustation of a restaurant

2024 Christmas special 10 course degustation

A la carte menu or gift card booking

Brand New 10 Course Degustation 2024

A photo of Kobo restaurant

4.8

4.8 (102)

$A101 and over

Korean

Circular Quay

About the restaurant

Kobo is the workshop for Hatted Chef, Jacob Lee, a space for him to demonstrate his love for his homeland of Korea, re-engineering regional dishes onto a contemporary platform, incorporating Japanese and Australian influences for a dining experience like no other.

A solid marble chef’s table is front and centre, seating 8 guests at a time for an intimate chef's table (meaning “I leave it up to you.”), Chef Jacob breaks the menu down into “Episodes” with each episode featuring a core focus on a culinary moment of his life.

Kobo is located in Sydney's new Quay Quarter Lanes, a short walk from Circular Quay station, nestled just behind the historic Hinchcliffe House.

Top review

G

Gary

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

Exquisite food paired with exceptional soju and wines presented in a refined style and supported by interesting stories of the chef’s childhood that inspired his creations!

A photo of Hustlers. Syd restaurant

4.3

4.3 (169)

$A101 and over

Asian

Sydney CBD

About the restaurant

Our menus will take you on a culinary journey throughout Asia, paying homage to our cultures by elevating traditional flavours through modern techniques. Enter underground and indulge in a mouth-watering menu of shared plates and cocktails.

Top review

F

Febi

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

The chefs are the best! Really good food and good service. Bone marrow indomie & the new linguine are so gooooood

A photo of Makaveli restaurant

4.6

4.6 (49)

$A40 and under

Italian

Bondi Beach

About the restaurant

An Italian inspired eatery promising to serve as a home away from home. Makaveli provides a warm and welcoming space for a morning coffee, an afternoon bite, or a lively evening out. The carefully curated menu includes a selection of snacks and shareable plates, designed to complement an innovative beverage selection which features locally sourced coffee and creative cocktails. The menu at Makaveli is a tribute to the joy of sharing food, with an emphasis on communal dining. Key menu highlights include Burrata, Kingfish Crudo, and Stracciatella di bufala. Makaveli will also emphasise supporting local, independent wineries, showcasing their unique flavours and craftsmanship.

Top review

D

daniella

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Makaveli consistently delivers! Their $26 pasta and wine night is a steal, especially the vodka pasta paired with a chilled red. It's a must-try for a pasta lovers on a Tuesday night and is also dog friendly!

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A photo of Bottomless $99pp, non refundable deposit required of a restaurant

Bottomless $99pp, non refundable deposit required

A photo of $26 Pasta x wine special of a restaurant

$26 Pasta x wine special

A photo of Yugen Dining restaurant

4.6

4.6 (483)

$A101 and over

Asian

South Yarra

About the restaurant

Yugen redefines dining after dark. A promise of an experience where food, drink, and music continue well into the night. A subterranean setting with a refined industrial feel, offering dishes and beverages influenced by the cultural richness of Asia. Tradition met with the intuition of a contemporary flair.

Top review

C

Chi

Dined 3 days ago

We love how flavourful all the dishes were and the atmosphere was amazing!

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A photo of Kingfish Sashimi of a restaurant

Kingfish Sashimi

A photo of Sashimi Platter of a restaurant

Sashimi Platter

A photo of Yugen Prawn Toast of a restaurant

Yugen Prawn Toast

A photo of Longshore restaurant

4.6

4.6 (97)

$A101 and over

Australian

Chippendale

About the restaurant

Inspired by the dynamic Australian coastline, our menu is always on the move—fresh, seasonal, and never predictable. With Executive Chef Jarrod Walsh at the helm, Longshore serves ingredients from sea and land, creating plates that blend skill, creativity, and a steady stream of spontaneity.

It’s a place where no two days are the same. Every visit brings a new mix of energy, taste, and storytelling. Our vibe is laid- back but electric, with service that’s as thoughtful as it is unpretentious. Whether you’re here to grab a bite or stay for the night, Longshore is a space for discovery and connection.

This isn’t your usual hatted restaurant. We’re committed to keeping things real and sustainable, because the coast is more than just a destination—it’s a way of life. It’s where different flavours, ideas, and experiences find a place to belong. If you’re drawn to the unexpected, you belong at Longshore too.

Top review

E

Emma

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

The most memorable meal we have had in a long time paired with warm and attentive service. It was our anniversary and the staff made our evening particularly special, including by offering us complimentary champagne and wine (both of which were stunning). Thank you and we look forward to returning soon.

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Chef's Menu-shared style -

A photo of -A La Carte- of a restaurant

A photo of NYE at Longshore of a restaurant

NYE at Longshore

A photo of Burwood Rengaya Casual Dining restaurant

Burwood Rengaya Casual Dining

4.7

4.7 (307)

$A41 to $A100

Japanese (Yakiniku)

Burwood

About the restaurant

We are a Japanese Yakiniku restaurant in Burwood, serving high quality wagyu and sake.

We are located in a centre of Burwood. It is very close to bus stop and train station, and also this building has a 1 hour 30 minutes free parking. Easy access for the customers.

We have more than 25 years of experiences of Japanese Yakiniku in Sydney. We provide our customers with a great Wagyu experience and fun.

Top review

J

Jason

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Premium buffet was worth it. All fresh and tasty!!

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A photo of Premium BBQ Buffet $95 of a restaurant

Premium BBQ Buffet $95

A photo of Premium BBQ Buffet for LUNCH of a restaurant

Premium BBQ Buffet for LUNCH

A photo of Standard BBQ Buffet $55 of a restaurant

Standard BBQ Buffet $55

A photo of Perspective Dining restaurant

Perspective Dining

5.0

5 (46)

$A101 and over

Farm-to-table

Fortitude Valley

About the restaurant

Perspective dining is a modern gastronomic tasting menu experience, a closed-door 12-seat chef table dining space, our chefs will take you on a unique culinary journey. Perspective Dining will offer cutting-edge tasting menus seasonally from 3 courses to 9 courses, a plant-based menu as well as a protein-based menu. Perspective Dining will be collaborating with local farmers and suppliers to ensure that our vision of uncompromised, no holds barred excellence and sustainability is showcased in our food.
Perspective | Lunch Thursday to Saturday
12:30pm
Food and wine pairing 140
Just the food 80
Perspective Dinner 9 courses
6:30 pm
Food and Wine pairing 300
Just the food 195

Top review

M

Melissa

Dined on Dec 11, 2024

Best dessert degustation in Brisbane! An absolute hidden gem! Chef Andrew’s all-sensory dining experience is worth goin back for another seating!

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A photo of Eucalyptus Room: Sweet Symphony, a sugary soirée! of a restaurant

Eucalyptus Room: Sweet Symphony, a sugary soirée!

Perspective Dining: Dinner - choose menu in Add On

Perspective Dining: Variations share-style lunch

A photo of Mr. Vain restaurant

4.6

4.6 (324)

$A101 and over

Pan-Asian

Fortitude Valley

About the restaurant

We believe in making ordinary food extraordinary, with our seasonal menu inspired by New York's Chinatown. We aim to highlight fresh, quality ingredients, and presenting them in an approachable yet unique style
through techniques of gastronomy. Our goal is to deliver our guests a gastronomic experience in a warm and approachable atmosphere that features an aesthetic blending of New York's Chinatown restaurants and bars.

Top review

E

Elke

Dined 2 days ago

Took the family here for my son’s 21st birthday. Food was amazing! Oysters, sashimi and the prawns were delicious. Great ambience and service. Two piece band playing some jazzy tunes at just the right volume to allow great conversation. Highly recommend!!

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A photo of Call Him Mr. Raider of a restaurant

Call Him Mr. Raider

A photo of Call Him Mr. Wrong of a restaurant

Call Him Mr. Wrong

A photo of Warabi restaurant

4.7

4.7 (105)

$A101 and over

Japanese

Melbourne CBD

About the restaurant

A contemporary Japanese dining experience, Warabi emphasises seasonal ingredients and elevated beverage pairings in an Omakase setting, celebrating the Kappo style of cuisine philosophy.

The Kappo dining experience at Warabi is a set menu that changes at the discretion of the head chef, whose detailed focus is on preparing courses based on the availability of the finest seasonal ingredients. A casual yet refined dining experience, Kappo directly translates to ‘cut and cook' and celebrates the chefs' craftsmanship and precise preparation techniques.

The multi-course 'Impression' menu is guided by the chef and changes daily, where the energy of dishes reflects the seasons and highest quality of ingredients available.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Sep 28, 2023

Service was excellent! Staff were both observant and knowledgeable. Food was average.

A photo of Atlas Dining restaurant

4.7

4.7 (141)

$A41 to $A100

Global, International

South Yarra

About the restaurant

In case you haven't travelled with us before, let us introduce ourselves. We are a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of South Yarra.

We first opened our doors in 2016, when a then, 22-year-old Charlie Carrington, decided to create a restaurant that changed cuisine every few months. Dubbed the most "Ambitious Restaurant Opening" of the year, Atlas Dining quickly rose to cult status. Within a month, Charlie became the youngest Australian chef to be awarded a Chef's Hat.

Eight years on, and (now) 25 cuisines later, Atlas Dining continues to be one of the most unique restaurants around.

We offer affordable fine dining, but most importantly, an unforgettable experience that helps guests' tastebuds travel the world.

Top review

P

Petrr

Dined 4 days ago

Fabulous Portuguese food experience, good wine selection. The staff were warm, friendly, informative but not intrusive. Great night celebrating our Anniversary.

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Portugese 3 Course Lunch Menu $65

A photo of New Years Eve - Best of Atlas of a restaurant

New Years Eve - Best of Atlas

A photo of The Smokehouse World Series of a restaurant

The Smokehouse World Series

A photo of Essa Restaurant restaurant

Essa Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (725)

$A41 to $A100

Wine Bar

Fortitude Valley

About the restaurant

ESSA provides a destination to escape the expected.

Just like the raw interiors in which we reside, our work is simple but considered.

The ethos in the kitchen embraces collaboration with local farmers, hunters and providores, promoting an environmentally conscious approach to the menu. Harvest driven dishes provide the creative parameters for our ever evolving dining experience.

ESSA is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm till late and Friday and Sunday lunch from 12pm.

Top review

L

Lisa

Dined 6 days ago

We had the Sunday Christmas special. It was excellent. Lots of delicious food, great variety. We order two of the garlic bugs which were divine. Could not fit another thing in! Service was efficient and friendly. Had two delicious wines that were recommended. We will definitely be back. Such a lovely day.

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A photo of Five Chefs, Five Plates of a restaurant

Five Chefs, Five Plates

A photo of $68 Friday Lunches at ESSA of a restaurant

$68 Friday Lunches at ESSA

A photo of Sunday School at Essa of a restaurant

Sunday School at Essa

A photo of Nikkei Bar and Restaurant restaurant

Nikkei Bar and Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (398)

$A101 and over

Peruvian

Surry Hills

About the restaurant

Nikkei features Japanese-Peruvian styled share plates alongside a 40-strong wine list and Peruvian and Japanese-inspired cocktails.
Nikkei are people from Japan and their descendants that live in a foreign country. It also specifically refers to the cuisine of the Japanese-Peruvians which started more than a century ago when the first Japanese immigrated to Peru in the late 1890s, combining Japanese techniques and flavours with Peruvian produce.
We look forward to sharing Nikkei with you.

Top review

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Jun 15, 2024

Great food and service, wish it wasn’t closing down.

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