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Dished Up 2021: Australia’s Top 100 Restaurants Revealed

Australia’s Top 100 restaurants of 2021, as decided by TheFork diners.

Dished Up is TheFork's annual wrap-up of the most sought-after restaurants for 2021. The list celebrates Australia’s most booked and top-rated restaurants, according to thousands of trusted diners across TheFork network.

It’s been a tough couple of years for the hospitality industry – we’re excited to be shining a spotlight on the restaurants that have continued to deliver exceptional service time and time again, under difficult circumstances.

From foodie favourites to hidden gems and exciting up-and-comers, we've got everything to inspire your next food adventure!

Check out the full list on TheFork to discover where to book next and explore the Top 10 picks for 2021 by cuisine.

Top 10 restaurants of 2021:

1. Tulum Restaurant - Balaclava (VIC)

A selection of dishes from Tulum restaurant

Image: Tulum Restaurant

Famed for its contemporary approach to traditional Turkish flavours, diners who have had the pleasure of dining at Tulum Restaurant will not be surprised that it has topped TheFork’s Top 100 list of 2021. This Awarded Balaclava eatery delivers artfully modern plates without compromising on authentic Anatolian taste, with service that is just as delightful. If you haven’t tried Tulum yet, this is your sign!

What our diners are saying:

Always great to return and enjoy the deliciousness that is Tulum and Chef Coshun’s contemporary Turkish/Anatolian cuisine. The summer menu currently excites the taste buds and visual senses. I look forward to my return soon

2. Contact Bar & Kitchen - Woolloomooloo (NSW)

Sydney’s (not so) best-kept secret, European- inspired Contact is tucked away on Crown Street in Woolloomooloo/ What makes Contact Bar & Kitchen so special? At Contact, they encourage you to do just that – switch off and make contact. Leave your phone in the locker behind the bar, enjoy the Contact experience and engage with the people around you.

What our diners are saying:

Delicious food, superb service. A stunning neighbourhood gem, perfect for a casual lunch, a business meeting or a celebration dinner. If I could rate the wait staff 20/10, I would. If you are not sure whether to eat here, do give it a go. You will keep coming back.

3. Vizio Caffe e Cucina - Woolloomooloo (NSW)

A plate of pasta from Vizio e Caffe e Cucina

Image: Vizio Caffe e Cucina

There’s little Aussie diners love more than great Italian fare, which is why it’s of little surprise that Sydney’s favourite Italian eatery has made our top 10. Located in Woolloomooloo, a few steps away from Hyde Park, Vizio Caffe e Cucina is the perfect spot to enjoy traditional Italian food made with love. Get excited to experience their freshly made Pastas, as well as an extended list of Italian-style cured meats and cheeses.

What our diners are saying:

Vizio has great Italian food, and I can say that confidently because I’m Italian. The service was great and attended with well trained, professional staff. The menu is wonderful with a great selection of regional dishes to supplement the standard courses. The wine list delighted me as well…I’m already thinking about what I’m going to order on my next visit!

4. Bouzy Rouge - Richmond (VIC)

This quirky and eclectic Bridge Road institution is a delight to the senses – from the bright interiors and electric atmosphere to the curated menu which takes you on a serious taste journey. Experience powerful flavours in the Euro tapas style plates and the signature roasted ‘share fare' platters that steal the show. Come for a drink - stay for a meal. That's the Bouzy Rouge way of dining.

What our diners are saying:

Always a great night at Bouzy! The food is always amazing and the staff make the night with their genuine energy and laughter. We’ll be back for more cocktails!

5. Sono Japanese Portside – Hamilton (QLD)

The slick bamboo interiors of Sono Japanese Portside

Image: Sono Japanese Portside

Step inside Sono Japanese Portside and you will be transported from Brisbane straight to traditional Japan. From the Japanese music, bamboo and low Japanese seating overlooking Brisbane Waters, every detail has been carefully planned. Sono has taken just as much care with its food, with many locals rating Sono as the best Japanese in town.

What our diners are saying:

Situated by the water and with a traditional Japanese feel, Sono has such a calming, ambient atmosphere. A great place for an intimate dinner or a celebration. The service was very attentive and considerate. Most of all the food and drink were excellent, beautifully presented and delicious. I look forward to visiting again soon.

6. Balcon By Tapavino - Sydney (NSW)

A celebration of sherry, wine, food and friends awaits you at this warm and cosy wine bar in Sydney's CBD. Representing some of the most talented winemakers in Spain, Tapavino sources impressive wines stacked to the ceiling so absolutely no-one misses out! With an outstanding tapas menu to match, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a long lunch that rolls into a delectable dinner.

What our diners are saying:

Fantastic food coupled with an outstanding selection of cocktails and wines delivered by the most amazing team! So grateful for the fun and frivolity that Heidi brought to the evening! Will be back! Was an unexpected winner!

7. Mister Walker – South Perth (WA)

If ever there was a dream location for a restaurant, this must be close to it. Situated on South Perth’s Mends Street Jetty, diners at Mister Walker can take in spectacular views of the magic Swan River, Perth City skyline and Kings Park. With a menu that is just as awe-inspiring as the view, there’s a reason diners come back to Mister Walker time and time again.

What our diners are saying:

We love Mister Walker so much that we've booked our next catch up here already. Our brunch was delightful. Best view of the city in Perth, relaxed atmosphere, terrific food.

8. Lezzet - Elwood (VIC)

The taste of Anatolia awaits you at Lezzet, a charming Melbourne institution which perfectly brings the old traditions of Turkish cuisine together with contemporary gastronomy for a journey of the tastebuds. A stunning back-lit bar, sandstone arches and dappled lighting set the scene while the wood fire oven is the star - producing mouth-watering meats and claypots.

What our diners are saying:

I haven't had a dish from this restaurant that wasn't amazing! I bring dates here, my parents, bigger groups of friends. Everyone is always very impressed with the food and service.

9. Tsindos Greek Restaurant - Melbourne (VIC)

The exterior al fresco dining at Tsindos Greek Restaurant

Image: Tsindos Greek Restaurant

There's plenty of good food to be found on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne, and Tsindos Greek Restaurant tops the list. Tsindos serves traditional Greek food, just like they've been doing for decades. With an atmosphere the begs for a friendly catch-up over a bottle of Greek wine, there's a reason that Tsindos is an iconic name on the Melbourne dining scene.

What our diners are saying:

A brilliant experience in the heart of Melbourne as restaurants reopen after such challenging times! Owners going above and beyond to welcome educate and really help you enjoy lovely traditional Greek food in a fun ambiance.

10. Wild Sage Barangaroo - Barangaroo (NSW)

Just like its older (but no less fun-loving) sibling in Cammeray, The Streets’ hottest cafe serves up modern Australian dishes with a creative twist. Wild Sage is the must-visit brunch destination in Sydney’s trendy Barangaroo district, and for good reason – the food is mouth-watering.

What our diners are saying:

This place is one of our favourite restaurants in Sydney, especially for brunch. Fantastic location, food is always good and waiters are always friendly. We’ll definitely be back.

Feeling inspired? Why not explore the rest of our Top 100 restaurants of 2021 now.

Australia's Top 100 Restaurants of 2021:

Tulum Restaurant - Balaclava (VIC)
Contact Bar & Kitchen - Woolloomooloo (NSW)
Vizio Caffe e Cucina - Woolloomooloo (NSW)
Bouzy Rouge - Richmond (VIC)
Sono Japanese Portside - Hamilton (QLD)
Balcon By Tapavino - Sydney (NSW)
Mister Walker - South Perth (WA)
Lezzet - Elwood (VIC)
Tsindos Greek Restaurant - Melbourne (VIC)
Wild Sage Barangaroo - Barangaroo (NSW)
Mugen House Japanese Restaurant - Adelaide (SA)
Claire's Kitchen at Le Salon - Surry Hills (NSW)
Coal Cellar + Grill - Adelaide (SA)
The Meat & Wine Co Barangaroo - Barangaroo (NSW)
The Walnut Restaurant & Lounge Bar - Brisbane (QLD)
Bambini Trust Restaurant & Wine Room - Sydney (NSW)
The Black Toro Windsor - Windsor (VIC)
Bah-BQ Brazilian Grill - Crows Nest (NSW)
Joy Restaurant - Fortitude Valley (QLD)
Denmark House - Melbourne (VIC)
Rubicon - Griffith (ACT)
The Meat & Wine Co Perth - Perth (WA)
The Meat & Wine Co Southbank - Southbank (VIC)
La Poêle - Windsor (VIC)
Bellota Wine bar - South Melbourne (VIC)
Boque by Tapavino -Haymarket (NSW)
Jazushi - Surry Hills (NSW)
Rose and Crown - Guildford (WA)
Vu Restaurant - Surry Hills (NSW)
Maccaroni Trattoria Italiana - Melbourne (VIC)
Mascalzone Pizzeria Osteria Artigiana - Williamstown (VIC)
Jonsons Restaurant Bar - Byron Bay (NSW)
Cafe Del Mar - Sydney (NSW)
Hunter & Barrel - Raine Square - Perth (WA)
Il Vento - Mooloolaba (QLD)
Frida Kahlo's Summer House - Kangaroo Point (QLD)
Mama Mulan - Chatswood (NSW)
The Crown and Sceptre Hotel - Adelaide (SA)
The Sawmill - West Pymble (NSW)
Aces - Adelaide (SA)
Periwinkle Restaurant - Peregian Beach (QLD)
Arcadia Gastronomique - Ascot Vale (VIC)
The Spanish Fly - Randwick (NSW)
Butcher and the Farmer - Forest Lodge (NSW)
The Butcher's Block Wahroonga - Wahroonga (NSW)
The Lucky Cat Dumplings and Bar - Coogee (NSW)
Maggie Choo - Broadbeach (QLD)
Cirrus Dining - Barangaroo (NSW)
AMBER - Sydney (NSW)
Public Dining Room - Mosman (NSW)
Blossom Thai - South Yarra (VIC)
Neptune Palace - Sydney (NSW)
Two Sugars on Pako - Geelong West (VIC)
Bentley Restaurant & Bar - Sydney (NSW)
Hunter & Barrel - Eastland - Ringwood (VIC)
Chez Bagou - Albert Park (VIC)
Malabar @ Darlinghurst - Darlinghurst (NSW)
NOMAD - Surry Hills (NSW)
River Cafe - North Adelaide (SA)
DeVine - Sydney (NSW)
The Meat & Wine Co Hawthorn East - Hawthorn East (VIC)
The Butcher's Block Barangaroo - Barangaroo (NSW)
Italian Street Kitchen Meadowbank - Ryde (NSW)
MS.SUE - Footscray (VIC)
QT Kitchen - Glen Iris (VIC)
The Meat & Wine Co Adelaide - Adelaide (SA)
The Bear - Torquay (QLD)
The Meat & Wine Co Circular Quay - Sydney (NSW)
Graze MCA - The Rocks (NSW)
Baia di Vino - Sandringham (VIC)
House Bar & Bistrot - Potts Point (NSW)
Pompei's - Bondi Beach (NSW)
Osteria 20 - Hawthorn (VIC)
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar - Bondi Beach (NSW)
The Rogue Squire - Wheelers Hill (VIC)
Waters Edge - Parkes (ACT)
Penfolds Magill Estate Kitchen - Rosslyn Park (SA)
Italian Street Kitchen Gasworks - Newstead (QLD)
Brasserie l'Entrecote - Pymble (NSW)
Red Ochre Barrel and Grill - North Adelaide (SA)
The East Chinese Restaurant - Sydney (NSW)
Toddy - Elsternwick (VIC)
Handpicked Cellar Door - Chippendale (NSW)
Barr'd Wine and Tapas Bar - Ivanhoe East (VIC)
Terraces Restaurant - Main Beach (QLD)
Din Tai Fung Melbourne - Melbourne (VIC)
Moorish Blue - McMahons Point (NSW)
The Little Hunter - Adelaide (SA)
Monopole CBD - Sydney (NSW)
Macleay Street Bistro - Potts Point (NSW)
Vibrante Restaurant & Bar - Templestowe (VIC)
Cugini's - Fitzroy (VIC)
Lola Cocina Spanish Restaurant - Crows Nest (NSW)
Di Stasio Citta - Melbourne (VIC)
The Meat & Wine Co. Parramatta - Parramatta (NSW)
Via Alta - North Willoughby (NSW)
Anason - Barangaroo (NSW)
Seasons Provedore - Carlton (VIC)
Oak & Vine - Melbourne - Melbourne (VIC)
Jackalberry - Sydney (NSW)

Explore the full list and book one of the Top 100 restaurants now.

Alison

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