Meat & Wine Co Melbourne Australia

When we travel my husband loves to find restaurants and cafes with a view, and a relaxing atmosphere. Ask anyone who has been with us; even in San Francisco, California where we live, he loves good food, good wine and a warm ambience. Besides all of that, like most men I know he loves a good steak!

Therefore when we head to Melbourne, Australia on vacation, I know we will want to stop in at The Meat & Wine Co., unless we visit their Shepherd’s Bush restaurant in London first. This steakhouse is part of an international group of steakhouse restaurants located in Australia, Bahrain, Middle East, South Africa, Mozambique, Israel, United Kingdom & Asia with the promise that they serve “Steaks you’ll leave home for…”

Prime cuts of superior quality beef, perfectly aged and then grilled to perfection, are what The Meat & Wine Co is best known for. Given how much we love Harris’s Restaurant this sounds right up our alley. Besides their amazing steaks, they have an extensive range of great wines to pair with your meal. Read More »

Completely Renovated Campari House in Melbourne Australia

Over the holidays we were watching the movie Grease, for the hundredth time. Given this was the 25th anniversary of the movie, it had me realizing that it has been that long since I have wanted to go down under and visit Australia, the Land of Oz. Planning ahead for my eventual excursion, means thinking about where to eat once we get there.

I would love to stop first in Melbourne because it is a city that is supposed to be the most similar to San Francisco, California, my hometown. With a natural bay, Port Phillip, Melbourne has a climate similar to San Francisco and is listed as one of the world’s most livable cities.

With this information I would head straight away to Campari House for dinner and drinks. Why? Because I love all things Italian, starting with Campari itself and this city restaurant located on Hardware Lane, looks like our kind of place. A completely renovated historical building with a restaurant on the street, two lounges on two middle floors and a rooftop for drinks, killer views and amazing pizza. Read More »

Magnificent Views at Aria

If you only have one night to take Sydney in (or you just want to pretend like you do) then I have the perfect restaurant for you. Aria (aptly named for its location) is situated directly on the water overlooking Sydney’s downtown and harbor as well as the magnificent  Opera House. Aware of this prime location, the restaurant has not been shy with large well-shined windows and tables that brush up next to the glass so that you have a magnificent view while you dine.

What’s more, the restaurant has Matthew Moran setting their innovative Australian menu with fresh and local ingredients. Aria opened in 1999 and has been satisfying diners ever since. Enough that they have even opened a second restaurant in Brisbane.

A Frommer’s writer described the interior atmosphere as “elegant and buzzy” which I found perfect. Reserve one of those front row tables, throw money worries out the window and stare out at Sydney’s most iconic images as you dine.

Aria Restaurant
1 Macquarie Street, East Circular Quay
Sydney NSW 2000
+61 2 9252 2555
www.ariarestaurant.com

Photo credit to the Aria restaurant website

Related: Hotels by the Harbor in Sydney, Australia