Lists »
Christopher Whitmore »
Spice and Something Nice
Our staff will be the first to agree - the restaurant game is one of the most competitive in the world. We are inundated daily with information about places closing, opening, changing menus and, more recently, organising events.
It seems that in the frantic struggle to please the fickle masses venues are branching outside the traditional bounds of the local eatery and becoming cultural icons of rich experience.
Personally, we couldn't be happier - and we applaud those who are trying to mix things up. So here then are our top picks for restaurants that offer up that little bit more.
|
1
|
|
Inkari Latin American Cafe
Carlton
|
To make this dynamic cafe, take a generous helping of hearty traditional fare, add regular Spanish conversation groups, a pinch of art and craft displays and shake with Latin American enthusiasm. The result is a cultural cocktail that fizzes with life and passion for food and culture.
|
|
2
|
|
Benalla Gallery Cafe
Benalla
|
Cities are not the only places you can find venues offering something a little bit more. Go the extra mile and check out this picturesque art gallery-cum-cafe showcasing some stunning modern Australian artworks.
|
|
3
|
|
Vivaz Restaurant & Nightclub
The Rocks
|
A South American attraction that's a poster boy for diversity, this bar/restaurant keeps its passionate salsa dance classes fuelled with great group food and cocktails to match.
|
|
4
|
|
Japanese Cafe Restaurant Emon
Surry Hills
|
Restaurateur Naoki Nishimoto has some big ambitions for his new little restaurant. Starting off with cooking classes that emphasise the art of Japanese cooking, he hopes that as more people get involved he can turn his venue into a cultural learning centre. Plans are in the works for language classes soon.
|
|
5
|
|
Dome at the Arthouse Hotel
Sydney
|
Art classes have never been this kinky. Dr Sketchy's Anti-Art School runs most Tuesday evenings, giving you the opportunity to paint and draw the live burlesque entertainment to your heart's content.
|
|
6
|
|
Fraser's Restaurant
West Perth
|
Cooking classes are no longer the exclusive domain of adults. This professional restaurant shows its maternal side by offering regular kids cooking classes while parents are thankfully distracted with local wine tastings.
|
|
7
|
|
Tincat Cafe Restaurant and Gallery
Kent Town
|
Beginning life as a tearoom and studio space for artist David Bromley, the current owners enhanced the gastro offerings while continuing to support local artists by providing a friendly and accessible exhibition space. This has certainly paid off, with the quality restaurant now boasting a popular second floor of gallery space.
|
 flagging ...
|
|
|
|
