3 Best Restaurants for Al fresco Dining in Australia

Introduction

For a restaurant investor, it’s important to understand the lifestyle of Australian people, as it greatly influences their food habits and restaurant preferences.

Australia is a country with a laid-back and outdoor lifestyle where people enjoy spending time with family and friends and exploring beautiful beaches and vibrant cities. As a result, the Australian food scene offers a diverse range of dining options to suit various tastes and budgets, from casual beachside cafes to high-end fine-dining restaurants.

With a focus on fresh and locally sourced produce and exotic flavours from around the world, Australian cuisine offers ample opportunities for restaurant investors to tap into this lucrative market.

Now let’s look closely at Australia’s top three high-end outdoor-dining restaurants.

Al Fresco Spots in Australia

1. Barrenjoey House

Name: Barrenjoey House

Type of Business: Beach restaurant & guest house

Address: 1108 Barrenjoey Rd, Palm Beach, NSW, Australia 2108

Business Hours:

Lunch +dinner:

Monday-Friday 11.30 am- 9 pm, Saturday-Sunday 11 am-9 pm.

Happy Hour:

Weekdays 4-6 pm

Phone number: (02) 9974 4001

Barrenjoey House’s Menu includes sections of Drinks Menu, Dessert Menu, Happy Hour Menu, Afternoon Menu, Kids Menu, and Group Menu.

Take a look at what’s new on Food Menu:

• Butternut Pumpkin GF, DF, V

Chilli, agave, beluga lentil + cashew cream $29

• Tomato Parpadelle VO

Burrata, olives + basil $29

• King Prawn Risotto

SKULL ISLAND, NT, crustacean bisque, saffron + caviar $43

Here, some of the popular and highly recommended dishes from Barrenjoey House include:

• Fish of the Day – This highly recommended dish showcases the freshest seafood, served with various sides and sauces.

• Wood-fired pizza – Barrenjoey House has a selection of delicious pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven. These pizzas are highly praised for their thin, crispy crust and flavorful toppings.

• Roast chicken – Another highly recommended dish is the roast chicken, which is slow-cooked to perfection and served with various sides.

It’s worth noting that Barrenjoey House offers a seasonal menu that changes regularly, so the availability of these dishes may vary.

• You can bring your wine bottle to dinner every Monday from 5 pm.

• On Tuesday evenings, from 5 pm, you can enjoy an Eye Fillet steak and a glass of Barossa Shiraz for only $40.

• On weekdays from 4 pm to 6 pm, reservations are not necessary.

Barrenjoey House is a well-known local establishment that has been around since 1923.

As a restaurant and guest house, it was the first property in Palm Beach to have a telephone with the number “1”. In the 1930s, the area became a popular holiday spot, and Barrenjoey House became a sought-after accommodation option, even attracting former Prime Minister Billy Hughes.

During World War II, the establishment was popular among servicemen and women. The house was purchased and restored by Robert and Ian Grey in the 1980s and later by Brendon and Jenny Barry in 2001, who did substantial renovations.

The Boathouse Group took over Barrenjoey House in 2018 and reopened it in December of the same year after refurbishing it.

Barrenjoey House features a distinctive coastal style that is both chic and relaxed, perfectly suited to its beachside location.

The interior is characterised by a mix of natural textures, including timber flooring, whitewashed walls and ceiling beams, and neutral colours that create a sense of warmth and serenity. The decor is understated and elegant, with nautical accents and vintage furnishings adding to the beachy ambience.

Barrenjoey House has a weatherboard exterior and a white picket fence. The building has a charming, heritage-inspired facade with shuttered windows, a sloping roof, and a veranda that wraps around the front and sides of the building. The outdoor dining area features white wooden furniture surrounded by lush gardens, providing a tranquil setting for guests to enjoy their meal with an ocean view.

Overall, the interior and exterior styles of Barrenjoey House work together to create a relaxing, beachy, stylish, and comfortable atmosphere.

2. Quay

Name: Quay

Type of Business: Harbour-side Restaurant

Address: Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, the Rocks, Sydney 2000

Business Hours:

LUNCH

Saturday and Sunday

Reservations from 12 pm to 1.30 pm

DINNER

Thursday to Sunday

Reservations from 6 pm to 8.45 pm

Phone number: (02) 9974 4001

The menu at QuAY includes EIGHT-COURSE MENU, SIX-COURSE MENU, FOUR-COURSE MENU, WINE LIST and SPIRITS & COCKTAILS LIST.

Now let’s take a look at the eight-course menu:

• Available from intimate dinner parties to long lunches to large cocktail events.

• Small or large wedding parties with bespoke menus by the Executive Chef, with reception spaces of 20/100/180 guests.

Quay is an iconic harbour-side restaurant in the heart of Sydney, Australia, and is part of the esteemed Fink Group. It has established itself as a premier dining destination in Australia and is widely recognised as one of the best restaurants in the country.

Quay’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Peter Gilmore, is a group of highly skilled professionals with years of experience creating exceptional dining experiences. Chef Gilmore is renowned for his innovative approach to modern Australian cuisine, using local and seasonal ingredients to create visually stunning and flavorful dishes. His creative vision has earned Quay numerous accolades and awards, including three Chef Hats from the Good Food Guide and a place on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

The restaurant’s breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and its world-class cuisine and exceptional service make it a sought-after destination for locals and visitors alike. With its commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and supporting local producers, Quay has established itself as a leader in the Australian restaurant scene.

The restaurant offers dining spaces that cater to different occasions and group sizes. These spaces include:

The main dining room– offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. It features a contemporary design with elegant furnishings and an open kitchen.

The Upper Tower – A private dining space for up to 20 guests featuring a beautiful harbour view and custom-designed furniture.

The Loft – A semi-private dining area on the mezzanine level, with seating for up to 24 guests. It offers a bird’s eye view of the restaurant and the harbour.

The Terrace – An alfresco dining area that offers panoramic views of the harbour and the city skyline. It features a retractable roof and heating, making it an all-weather dining option.

The Bar – A casual space for pre-dinner drinks or a more relaxed dining experience. It offers an extensive selection of cocktails, wines, and spirits and a bar menu featuring small plates and snacks.

3.Beach Byron Bay

Name: Beach Byron Bay

Type of Business: Beachside Restaurant

Address: Clarkes Beach, 2 Massinger Street, Byron Bay, NSW 2481

Business Hours:

LUNCH

Thursday to Saturday – Reservations from 12 pm to 2.30 pm

Sunday and Monday – Reservations from 12 pm to 3 pm

DINNER

Thursday to Monday – Reservations from 6 pm to 9 pm

Phone: 1300 583 766

The menu at Beach Byron Bay consists of LUNCH & DINNER MENU, GROUP MENU, CHILDREN’S MENU, DRINKS LIST, and KOISK MENU.

Situated on the headland of Clarkes Beach, the Beach Kiosk provides an ideal gathering place for a cup of coffee, breakfast, or lunch before or after a refreshing swim in the surf or a leisurely walk around the Cape Byron Headland Reserve.

Three Well-known Beach Byron Bay dishes that focus on seasonal, regional fresh produce:

• The Beach Burrito Bowl – This popular dish features a flavourful blend of roasted sweet potato, black beans, guacamole, and brown rice, topped with fresh pico de gallo, corn chips, and a creamy chipotle dressing.

• Grilled Local Fish – The restaurant’s seafood dishes are a highlight, and this grilled local fish is no exception. The type of fish varies depending on the season, but it’s always served with roasted seasonal vegetables and light herb vinaigrette.

• Pavlova – As a nod to its Australian roots, Beach Byron Bay offers a classic pavlova for dessert. This meringue-based dessert is topped with fresh fruit and a dollop of whipped cream and is a light and refreshing way to end a meal on a sweet note.

• A dedicated Events Manager organises memorable events for all styles: product launches, corporate events, special occasions, birthdays, and large group get-togethers.

• Deck Hire: The Deck can host up to 60 people for cocktail-style celebrations or up to 50 for sit-down gatherings.

• A dedicated Events Manager organises memorable events for all styles: product launches, corporate events, special occasions, birthdays, and large group get-togethers.

• Deck Hire: The Deck can host up to 60 people for cocktail-style celebrations or up to 50 for sit-down gatherings.

Beach Byron Bay boasts a stunning beachfront location with a spacious outdoor seating area offering breathtaking ocean views. The restaurant’s exterior features a modern and sleek design, with large windows that allow natural light to flood the interior space.

The building is constructed with natural and industrial materials like wood, concrete, and steel, creating a contemporary yet rustic aesthetic.

The outdoor seating area is shaded by a large canopy, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment for guests to enjoy their meals.

Conclusion

If you are interested in industrial style for your restaurant business, there are several key design elements that you can learn from Barrenjoey House, Quay, and Beach Byron Bay.

Firstly, all three restaurants use exposed brick and natural wood to create a rustic and industrial feel. Incorporating these materials into your design can create a warm, inviting atmosphere that appeals to customers.

Secondly, all three restaurants have large windows that allow natural light to flood the space. It not only creates a bright and airy atmosphere but also provides stunning views of the surrounding area.

Thirdly, each restaurant has its unique take on industrial style. Barrenjoey House has a cosy and intimate feel with its fireplace and vintage decor, while Quay boasts a sleek and modern design with clean lines and neutral tones. Beach Byron Bay combines natural and industrial materials to create a contemporary beach vibe.

Finally, it’s important to remember that industrial style doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Each of these restaurants has managed to strike a balance between industrial design elements and cosy, comfortable seating and decor.

By incorporating these elements into your industrial-style design, you can create a unique and inviting atmosphere for your customers. Start your industrial-style project with Coets today: a one-stop business solution for your alfresco dining!