14 alfresco dining spots in Australia for perfect summer days

These chic venues embrace the warm weather in style.

Warm weather and longer days call for sitting outdoors enjoying delicious seasonal bites and refreshing cocktails. And thankfully, Australia is blessed with some breezy alfresco dining spots to relax and catch up with friends in style. 

Whether it’s for casual summer spritzes or lazy long lunches, a restaurant with water views or a lush rooftop bar, these venues allow you to make the most of the pleasant weather.

1. Catalina, Sydney, NSW

This iconic restaurant in Sydney’s east offers chic waterfront dining and an elevated menu that celebrates the best of Australian coastal produce. Book a table at the outdoor bar for sunset and be treated to sweeping views of the harbour, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters, pan-fried king prawns and premium margaritas. 

2. In The Hanging Garden, Hobart, Tas

alfresco dining In The Hanging Garden, Hobart, TAS — The Garden is a lush oasis.

In The Hanging Garden is undoubtedly the spot to hang on sunny days in Hobart. This live music and cultural precinct features a multi-level beer garden with outdoor dining and bars. Head up to The Garden to taste seasonal Tassie food, wine and beer in a verdant oasis, or relax at the Cathedral with its spacious lawn and Mexican, pizza and sandwich offerings.

3. Rick Shores, Burleigh Heads, Qld

One of Burleigh Heads’ most-loved dining destinations, Rick Shores offers relaxed beachside dining and bold pan-Asian flavours in share plate style. The space is sophisticated yet relaxed with expansive windows that create an indoor/outdoor flow that allows diners to enjoy unobstructed beach and ocean views. The Moreton Bay bug roll and crispy soft-shell crab are not to be missed.

4. Pee Wee’s at the Point, Darwin, NT

alfresco dining on the water's edge at Pee Wee’s at the Point, Darwin, NT — Indulge in fresh seafood by the water. (Image: Tourism NT/Christopher Nayna)

This Top End favourite is the ideal place to make the most of the balmy, tropical weather. Plant yourself at one of the tables on the water’s edge at sunset to enjoy views of the marina and harbour. The menu offers a tasty range of fresh seafood and local delicacies with the wild-caught barramundi being a must-order.

5. Farmer’s Daughters rooftop, Melbourne, Vic

the dimly dining at Farmer's Daughters rooftop, Melbourne, VIC — Enjoy light deli snacks and seasonal cocktails on the rooftop. (Image: Arianna Leggiero)

Melbourne institution Farmer’s Daughters brings regional Victoria, to the heart of the city. The venue’s verdant rooftop bar is an oasis that offers a deli-style menu with bites including potato rösti with nduja, stracciatella, bee pollen, and spring crudité with romesco dip and seeded rye toast. Inventive cocktails like the ‘Jala-Pinot’ with campfire roasted jalapeno and grapefruit infused tequila, pinot noir reduction, lime and grapefruit make for a perfect summer sipping experience.

6. Skol, Perth, WA

SKØL is the Scandinavian word for ‘cheers,’ and there’s plenty to celebrate at this charming spot in Scarborough that encourages good times. The vibrant menu features fresh, shareable plates, creative cocktails, tap beer and a selection of local and international wines. Choose between sitting on the sunny front porch of the heritage-style house or in the plant-filled courtyard.

7. Albert’s Wine Bar, Melbourne, Vic

alfresco dining at Albert’s Wine Bar, Melbourne, VIC — Albert’s Wine Bar exudes Parisian charm. (Image: Kate Shanasy)

With its carriage green palette, lattice detailing, cosy vibe, and street front seating, this neighbourhood cafe by day and wine bar by night would feel right at home in Paris. The rotating list of wines is sourced from authentic small-batch producers from all over the world and is to be enjoyed with small plates like charred leeks with parmesan custard, hazelnuts, capers and burnt butter or larger plates like rigatoni with vodka sauce and smoked ricotta.

8. The White Horse, Sydney, NSW

the lush rooftop terrace at The White Horse — Enjoy breezy cocktails on the lush rooftop terrace. (Image: Gavin Green)

This Sydney stalwart received a major renovation last year that transformed it into the chic hotspot it is today. Head upstairs to the lush rooftop terrace for breezy cocktails like the Bizzarro × PS40 strawberry and yuzu spritz and seasonal bites like fried prawns with nahm jim and four cheese croquettes.

9. Pinchy’s Lobster & Champagne Bar, Melbourne, Vic

alfresco dining at Pinchy's Lobster & Champagne Bar, Melbourne, VIC — Head upstairs to indulge in lobster rolls and champagne.

When the weather warms up, champagne and seafood really are where it’s at, and Pinchy’s Lobster & Champagne Bar in the CBD delivers the goods. Swathed in lashings of pink, this playful rooftop bar is a go-to spot for lobster rolls and Alaskan crab paired with a glass of bubbles or chablis.

10. The Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island, SA

dining under lush greenery at The Fig Tree, Kangaroo Island, SA — Taste your way through the hyper-local seafood menu underneath an ancient fig tree.

When it comes to special dining experiences in Australia, it’s hard to look past a meal at this Snelling Beach wilderness eatery on Kangaroo Island. Diners tuck into a three-hour Mediterranean-inspired feast that takes place underneath an ancient fig tree. Dishes hero coastal foraged ingredients and hyper-local seafood. Think: saltbush porchetta with apple and cavolo nero, and golden kelp focaccia with whipped ricotta and Ligurian honey.

11. Meelup Farmhouse, Cape Naturaliste, WA

Nestled in a beautiful rural setting on a charming hobby farm at Cape Naturaliste, Meelup Farmhouse is a delightful spot to enjoy delicious seasonal dishes and breathe in fresh country air. Sip on vino from local wineries and tuck into plates that champion ingredients from WA’s south-west like chicken, leek, and bacon terrine with croutons, farmhouse-made gherkins and relish.

12. RAFI, Sydney, NSW

the alfresco dining spot at RAFI, Sydney, NSW — RAFI will transport you to the Mediterranean.

An underrated gem in Sydney’s North Sydney, RAFI’s alfresco areas feature orange umbrellas and lush foliage that will transport you to the Mediterranean. The menu is inspired by the coastal elements of Sydney, so expect ceviche, oysters, whole fish, lobster and prawns (hummus with crispy chickpeas and green chilli is also not to be missed), alongside refreshing yuzu and peach spritzes. RAFI has also recently opened a sister venue at URBNSURF Sydney.

13. Herringbone, Adelaide, SA

the light-filled courtyard at Herringbone, Adelaide, NSW — Dine on great food in the cosy courtyard.

This laidback restaurant in the Adelaide CBD is known for its charming ambience and great food. The light-filled courtyard, where diners sit under a tree, is the perfect spot to while away a few hours sipping South Australian drops and nibbling on modern Australian dishes including standout options like local prawn mafaldine and hot smoked mulloway crostini.

14. Rizla, Canberra, ACT

Riesling and summer are a match made in heaven and if you’re a fan of the grape, you’ll find yourself in good hands at Rizla . Renowned as Braddon’s best wine bar, this venue has a 14-page strong wine list with a strong focus on the white grape and a menu of snacks designed to pair perfectly with it. Swing by for afternoon bevs in the relaxing outdoor space.

Underpinned by grassroots hospitality and award-winning organic produce, the Central Coast’s gastronomy scene is thriving, with the region quickly becoming one of the best destinations in NSW for epicures.

Revered for its rugged natural splendour and laid-back seaside charm, NSW’s Central Coast has soared in popularity in recent years, becoming a top choice for an affordable slice of weekend escapism for Sydneysiders. Just a short 45-minute drive north of Sydney, it’s the kind of place that, no matter how many times you visit, leaves you with the sense that there’s always more to uncover. But while the ocean pools, bushwalks and beaches have (rightly) taken the spotlight, it’s the Central Coast food offerings which have been quietly simmering in the background.

From fresh-as-it-gets seafood and juicy organic citrus you can pluck yourself, through to regenerative farming and reputable farm-to-fork dining, this coastal gem has become an idyllic foodie mecca. Here are some of the best ways to immerse yourself in grassroots hospitality and gastronomic glory on the NSW Central Coast.

vegetables in a basket at Bells Garden at Bells At Killcare — From picking your own, to farm-to-table, discover the best Central Coast food experiences. (Image: Remy Brand)

Central Coast oyster experiences

From humble grub to opulent delicacy, oysters have ascended into a league of their own. Epicureans are fascinated by them – willing to pay upwards of $35 per dozen (double at some of Sydney’s reputable fine dining restaurants) – and ‘shuck bars’ seem to be popping up at every milestone celebration.

But it’s rare to find places that really draw back the curtain on how they’re farmed and why everyone is mad for these molluscs. The Central Coast , however, is home to several of these venues. With its pristine waters, mild climate and nutrient-rich estuaries, it’s the perfect breeding ground for oysters.

Learn about oyster farming and, importantly, how to shuck them at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours . Nestled on the Hawkesbury River at Mooney Mooney, Sheridan Beaumont and her team offer a hands-on foodie experience where you can feast on dozens of oysters (white tablecloth and all) while wading through the calm waters. You can even bring your own bottle of bubbles to wash them down.

guests in the water for an experience at Sydney Oyster Farm - Central Coast food — Learn tricks of the trade at Sydney Oyster Farm Tours. (Image: Remy Brand)

Elevate your oyster knowledge even further by heading north over the Hawkesbury River Bridge to the Hawkesbury River Oyster Shed . Tour their scenic oyster leases and saltwater paddocks by boat to uncover the distinct characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster and creamy Pacific oyster. They’ve also partnered with Broken Bay Pearl Farm to offer a one-of-a-kind oyster and pearl farming guided tour, showcasing the Central Coast’s very own pearl oyster, the Broken Bay ‘Akoya’. But if you’re simply in the mood to devour a dozen delectable oysters while soaking in the tranquil river views, pull up a chair at the shed. It’s friendly in every sense of the word: pets, families and BYO welcome.

shucking oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm — Taste freshly shucked oysters at Broken Bay Pearl Farm. (Image: James Horan)

Central Coast farms to pick your own fruit

While the Central Coast is known for its breathtaking 40 beaches and 80-kilometre coastline, its lush hinterland is equally impressive – abundant with orchards and agriculturally rich farmland. And when it comes to the simple joy of picking your own fruit, the Central Coast is a ripe playground.

Family-owned Meliora Farm at Peats Ridge is an orchard that blends conventional, biodynamic and organic philosophies. Third-generation farmer Tim Kemp and his wife Elise are dedicated to honouring the family legacy by growing a rich variety of oranges, lemons, limes, mandarins and avocados. In late May, roam the sustainable and nutrient-dense property during ‘Pick Your Own’ weekends.

Eastcoast Beverages is another bountiful citrus orchard boasting over 60 hectares of fruit. From June you can learn about the cultivation of high-quality ingredients – like lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges – by touring both the farm and factory before setting out and picking your own straight from the source. You can also sample an array of citrus-inspired sweet and savoury treats at their on-site cafe, Bambino’s .

If it’s just juicy oranges you’re after, Cedar Farm in Dooralong is a must-visit. Located about 30 minutes north of Peats Ridge, it features 15 flourishing orchards and over 3000 orange trees – with take-home bags during the season (from July) at low prices. Not bad for a fruity weekend haul.

woman picking oranges at Oranges at Dooralong — Pick your own citrus fruits on the Central Coast. (Image: James Vodicka)

Organic dining

What makes the Central Coast hinterland so special is the unwavering respect the communities have for their cherished backyard. Locally owned and operated farms are all striving for more sustainable practices and methods to both enhance biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, each with a heartwarming food philosophy.

The Food Farm in Wyong Creek believes good food is worth both the work and the wait. Devoted to regenerative farming, first-generation ‘farmily’ Tim Eyes and Hannah Greenshields are recognised for their grass-fed, grass-finished beef and pasture-raised, gold medal-winning chickens. With an open gate policy, The Food Farm encourages visitors to swing by and try some of their slow-grown produce at their small ‘honesty’ farm shop. With no staff, you can pick up a few quality cuts of meat and pasteurised eggs, leaving the owing amount in cash or via eftpos.

Keeping the spirit of generational organic farming alive is Fanelli Organics . Nestled in the Central Coast’s scenic and sleepy Mangrove Mountain, founders Eden and Louise Fanelli own over 45 hectares of plentiful farmland and orchards that produce a huge range of organic fruit and vegetables, like purple Dutch carrots, blood oranges, broccoli and Tuscan kale. A true home-grown operation, Fanelli Organics shares its fresh produce with local restaurants and community markets, including the beloved markets at Like Minds Cafe at Avoca Beach every Wednesday afternoon.

farmers holding fresh produce picked at Fanelli Organics — See where your food comes from at Fanelli Organics.

Paddock-to-plate dining

High-quality ingredients go hand in hand with premium dining, and the Central Coast is home to several paddock-to-plate restaurants that showcase its diverse and rich agriculture. Paired with warm, grassroots hospitality, there are culinary triumphs, new menus and revered chefs constantly popping up, putting the local dining scene firmly on the map.

Award-winning Mount White restaurant Saddles is a quintessential Australian dining destination, dedicated to country-style cooking and seasonal produce. Nestled in thick bushland with wraparound verandahs, floral gardens and an idyllic dam, the gourmet homestead and bakehouse is unlike any restaurant on the Central Coast. Here, head chef Reece Collins and his team serve up an impressive breakfast and lunch menu that oozes rustic charm. Pull up a comfy armchair on the expansive deck, listen to birdsong, and tuck into flavoursome dishes like the farmhouse Benedict with honey-cured ham, lemon myrtle hollandaise and Warrigal gremolata, or the hearty beef brisket pie with confit garlic potato purée and rainbow chard.

woman writing in notebook next to a table of food at Saddles, Central Coast food — Taste country-style cooking at Saddles. (Image: Destination NSW)

Delivering a slice of sophistication and luxury to the shores and bushland of Bouddi Peninsula is Bells at Killcare . One of the few boutique resorts on the Central Coast, it’s known for its premium service and five-star suites, as well as its bountiful kitchen gardens that boast an orchard, olive trees, avocado trees, free-range hens and a honey bee hive.

Cameron Cansdell has returned to Bells at Killcare as head chef, bringing his expertise to the casual yet refined menus that feature a raw bar with Oscietra caviar, freshly shucked Sydney rock oysters and Moreton Bay bugs, all served alongside optional matched wines. Sample some of Australia’s best regional wines and standout dishes, like roasted Wollemi duck with grilled leeks, rocket, grilled grapes and 10-year-aged balsamic, or the shareworthy salt-crusted snapper with herb salad and salsa, before roaming the picturesque gardens, wine in hand.

cocktail at Bells At Killcare — Sample incredible wine, cocktails and dishes at Bells At Killcare. (Image: Nikki To)

Plan your next visit to the delicious Central Coast.