How to Find the Best Restaurants in Australia

Australia is a foodie's paradise. From bustling city laneways to sleepy coastal towns, the country is brimming with diverse and exciting culinary experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for world-class fine dining or a casual pub meal, the options are endless—but finding the best restaurant can still be tricky. With so many choices and only so many meals in a day, how do you separate the average from the exceptional?

Here’s your ultimate guide to finding the best restaurants in Australia, no matter where you are.

1. Start With a “Restaurant Near Me” Search

It sounds simple, but the best way to begin is by picking up your phone and typing restaurant near me into Google. This quick search will instantly show you local options based on your current location, complete with reviews, photos, menus, and even how busy they are at that moment.

The key is knowing what to look for: filter by rating (aim for 4.3 stars and above), scan through reviews to get a feel for consistency, and check the photos to make sure the place matches your expectations. Many people overlook this step or rely solely on star ratings, but a few extra minutes reading through real feedback can go a long way in avoiding a disappointing meal.

2. Use Restaurant-Focused Apps and Platforms

There are several Australian-specific platforms and apps designed to help you discover great eateries:

Zomato (formerly Urbanspoon): Offers detailed reviews, menus, and photos.

TheFork: Great for bookings and finding deals at top restaurants.

Findly: A growing directory that connects users with businesses Australia-wide using keywords like restaurant near me, allowing you to browse by cuisine, suburb, or even vibe.

Restaurant Near Me: A directoy that helps you quickly find the best local places to eat anywhere in Australia. Search by cuisine, location, or vibe and discover top-rated spots with reviews, menus, and directions—all in one place.

These tools are more targeted than general search engines and often offer user-curated lists, staff picks, and handy filters (like vegan-friendly, outdoor seating, pet-friendly, etc.) to help you narrow down your options.

3. Ask the Locals

Sometimes, the best food isn’t listed on Google or Instagram—it’s hiding in plain sight. One of the oldest tricks in the book still works: ask a local. Whether it’s your hotel receptionist, a barista, or a taxi driver, locals know where the best hidden gems are, especially in smaller towns or less-touristy suburbs.

If you’re travelling, especially off the beaten path, this method can lead you to places that are beloved by the community but might not show up on the first page of a search result.

4. Follow Food Influencers and Bloggers

Australia has a thriving food blogging scene. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney have dozens of Instagram foodies and YouTube creators constantly reviewing restaurants, cafes, and food trucks.

Search hashtags like:

#MelbourneFoodie

#SydneyEats

#BrisbaneBrunch

#PerthRestaurants

#AdelaideEats

These platforms can give you a visual sneak peek at what you can expect and are often up-to-date with the latest restaurant openings, chef takeovers, and special events.

5. Look Beyond the Trendy Spots

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of the most “Instagrammable” or viral restaurants, but sometimes the best food comes from the most unexpected places. Family-run joints, hole-in-the-wall ramen bars, or classic Aussie pubs might not have the flashiest presence online, but their food tells a story—and usually at a much better price point.

Try a mix of high-end and casual spots when exploring the local scene. You might be surprised by what you discover.

6. Read Local Food Magazines and Guides

Publications like Good Food, Broadsheet, and Time Out have trusted editorial teams who regularly review and recommend top dining experiences across Australia. Many of them have online editions and searchable directories where you can explore based on location, cuisine, or dining style.

These are especially useful if you’re planning a special night out and want to make sure you’re getting something memorable.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best restaurants in Australia isn’t just about the search—it’s about the experience. Whether you rely on technology, recommendations, or a little bit of foodie intuition, there’s no shortage of incredible meals waiting to be discovered. So next time you find yourself wondering where to eat, don’t just settle for the closest takeaway. Take a few extra moments to type restaurant near me into your browser, explore the options, and let your tastebuds lead the way.

Bon appétit!