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Fathers unite: fight for your right for a good feed on Father's Day


Children of Australia: It's time we started treating our fathers with the proper respect they deserve come Father's Day. There are to be no trite Hallmark cards emblazoned with glib phrases such as "World's number one dad" "Dad's my Hero" or "My dad is Rad". And forget about purchasing neck ties, handkerchiefs or socks: give your father an experience he can truly sink his teeth into - a Daddy's Day dining experience with flare, plenty of yummy fare and a glass of wine, beer or his favourite mixed drink. Dad has spent too many years being neglected; he deserves a meal at one of these fine establishments.

1
 
Aria
Brisbane
If Dad's a meat-eating man, than it stands to reason he'll adore the selection of grain-fed cuts available on the menu here. If he's feeling especially hungry, splurge and indulge in Aria's famous degustation. And as an added bonus, declare your love for Dad by naming Matt Moran's tasting menu in his honour. Daddy's Day degustation has a wonderfully lyrical ring, no?

2
 
Pilu at Freshwater
Harbord
Set in a lovingly restored colonial-style beach house - replete with stunning beach views - this restaurant will please Dad with a selection of Sardinian flavours. The menu features delightful dishes such as Pilu's signature dish, the roast suckling pig: a dish sure to make "il papa" weak at the knees.

3
 
Centennial Parklands Cafe
Centennial Park
With a menu created by master chef Mark Best, dining in the urbane, sleek and contemporary surrounds of this restaurant may just prove the remedy required to lift Dad's spirits after a long week of work. As an added bonus, a post-meal stroll will also be a great way to experience one of New South Wales' most historic parklands.

4
 
Kingsleys Steak and Crabhouse
City
Let dad reaffirm his masculinity as a meat-eating man with this shrine to the steak. He's sure to enjoy one of the many options available here with an equally gutsy Aussie shiraz or cab-sav. If Dad's not the meat-eating man he used to be, there's Alaskan king crab on the menu too. Either way, you certainly won't leave an afternoon here hungry after wrangling with a wagyu or socking a sirloin.

5
 
Tea Rooms at Yarck
Yarck
There's nothing more charming than a trip out to the country, and your dad will surely love a meal at this delightful restaurant which features a menu that changes daily and incorporates a slew of regional and seasonal produce. There's a great wine list here too; so let Dad have a little fun and make sure you do the driving on the way home.

6
 
Nobu
Southbank
If Dad loves a little glitz and glamour, then Melbourne's bastion of contemporary Japanese fare is the place to take him. The team at Nobu, noting the importance of fathers, have designed a special set menu for $70 a head.

7
 
Daniel Alps at Strathlynn
Rosevears
Situated in the Tamar Valley, a region famous for its wines, if your dad's an avid oenophile, the fantastically fresh, light and ethereal mod-Oz menu is sure to make a fitting accompaniment to one of the region's fabulous wines.

8
 
Sparrow Kitchen & Bar
North Adelaide
Dads with a taste for the Mediterranean will love a meal at the Spanish-inspired Sparrow Kitchen & Bar in North Adelaide. Sourcing some of the freshest produce from many of South Australia's abundant produce centres, Dad can nibble on delights such as Hervey Bay scallops, delightfully unctuous jamon Iberico; and if Dad has a sweet tooth, the crema Catalan is a definite must.

9
 
Halo
Perth
Munching on mod-Oz fare at this diner may well prove a heavenly experience for dear Dad. Dishes on offer include ethereal delights such as pan-seared whiting atop beetroot noodles, swedes and Savoy cabbage. And the team at Halo are offering a special set menu price of $80, which includes three courses.