Off-Beat Eateries

1

 

This drop-dead cool sushi bar realises that modern Japanese culture and cuisine has about as much connection to kimono-clad geishas as Australia has to swagmen. As such, this room is all techno-chic and self-effacing fun. Dishes on the menu are described with a pinch of dry humour, with some even classed as 'not recommended'. You've got to appreciate the honesty.

2

 

Attempts to introduce eclecticism into menus are all-too-often doomed to failure, but at least one restaurant in Melbs has adopted the concept of molecular gastronomy with success. Think such weird and wonderful creations as basil dust (served with tomatoes and a white chocolate and sorrel sorbet), cider air and black pudding crumbs.

3

 

This narrow wine bar-style eatery offers true Spanish tapas dining, serving tiny Mediterranean dishes in a bar-like setting. The plethora of European booze adds to the tone, but a trip to the bathroom is what really makes you feel like you've travelled from Little Collins Street to the backstreets of Barcelona. Tripping up the narrow back stairs, you'll find yourself surrounded by an eerie display of statues of Mary and religious artefacts.

4

 

On the compulsory list of sights to see in Darwin has to be the loos at Buzz, which take avant-garde decor to stage-fright-inducing levels, with one-way mirrors offering views to the outside. The novelty draws continue with a bar made of massive pieces of lava, Balinese accessories and a full range of frozen daiquiris.

5

 

City-centric Sydneysiders are often reluctant to seek their gourmet treats beyond their own suburb, but this quirky eatery offers a good reason to make the trek to Lovedale. Located on a silver perch fish farm, your meal will have been plucked flapping from the water just that day, taking fresh produce to the extreme.

6

 

This recently reno'd venue provides a visual feast that renders the seafood-based menu almost surplus to requirements. Well, almost. Aside from the feral and fabulous freak show of Kings Cross, which is visible from every table, there's a live moss wall behind the bar, chalk graffiti in the loos and a stuffed fox (the bar's mascot, Ferdinand) hanging from the ceiling.

7

 

Sydney's own underground restaurant is based on the guerilla dining concept, where restaurants surreptitiously operate out of private homes, spreading the word via text message. Just SMS owner Michael Fantuz before 5pm to secure your invite to the most eclectic dinner party in town. Then just show up, bottle in hand, plonk yourself down at the communal table and make some new friends.

8

 

This is a gloriously over-the-top tribute to the last days of the Raj, with the palm tree and waterfall (that's right, waterfall)-adorned space combining a little bit of colonial India with a dash of Indiana Jones. Safari suit-clad staff trot out a mix of Indian favourites and modern Australian meals.