Here's How To Enjoy Girl Dinner Around Australia

Whatever you think of this craze to graze, we see the concept of #girldinners as a low-maintenance easy meal. Here is the ultimate guide to girl dinners around Australia.

There are some days when the idea of cooking and cleaning is too much. Enter the #girldinner, the food trend kicking off on TikTok that celebrates a random assemblage of ingredients enjoyed as a main meal.

While some suggest the #girldinner is a low-cal ode to diet culture, others make a case for the meal being an easy fuss-free dinner that requires minimum effort. And we’re down with that.

A quick scroll through the social media platform shows how these dinners have evolved from the original viral video posted by Olivia Maher in May 2023 of a plate of bread, cheese, grapes and cornichons.

Hit fast forward on the food trend and you’ll see an anything-goes approach that runs the gamut from creamy oats to cake and croissants, one-pan pizzas and sushi bowls. There’s even a My Girl Dinner food filter that will decide what’s on your plates. We’ve made it easier to get out of doing the dishes with these 18 venues around Australia where you can get a great girl dinner.

1. Cardea, Sydney NSW

Want to get fancy with your girl dinner? Cardea is named after the Roman goddess who warded off evil spirits from crossing thresholds, so it’s good vibes only at this velvet-clad palace tucked away in Sydney’s Barangaroo.

a glass of purple cocktail at Cardea, Sydney NSW — Who says you can’t start off with a glass of cocktail?

Up the ante at the upscale intimate speakeasy bar with a carefully curated charcuterie board and a Rosy cocktail made up of rosé wine, Chambord, vanilla, hibiscus and cranberry juice.

caviar at Cardea, Sydney NSW — Pair your rosy cocktail with a spoonful of exotic caviar.

2. Bottega Coco, Sydney NSW

While the current crop of girl dinners has evolved to include everything from DIY Doritos dipped in melted cheese to pickles and popcorn and multi stacks of rice cakes slathered in avocado, we’re also about outsourcing our self-indulgent dinners.

Margherita pizza and other dishes at Bottega Coco, Sydney NSW — Order a Margherita pizza at Bottega Coco for your ultimate girl dinner.

Enter Bottego Coco , the stylish Italian restaurant and patisserie in Barangaroo considered a culinary oasis for girl dinners. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and Champagne risotto are our go-tos.

the dining interior at Bottega Coco, Sydney NSW — The dining interior of Bottega Coco looks classy and elegant.

3. Eddy’s, Sydney NSW

Go solo or grab your girl buddies and head to this Italian-style enoteca at the Edward’s Beach end of Balmoral in Sydney. Although you can sit down and indulge in a three-course meal, Eddy’s is also the perfect spot to stop by for a slice of pizza and aperitivo.

fried calamari and fries at Eddy’s, Sydney NSW — Fried calamari and fries are Eddy’s version of a girl dinner.

The dinner menu at the pop-up also includes cones of fried calamari and muffuletta sandwiches stuffed with salami, mortadella, prosciutto, provolone, olive and peppers. Go nuts and pick up a bundle of biscotti for afters.

a three-course meal at Eddy’s, Sydney NSW — Pop by Eddy’s to feast on a three-course meal.

4. Mode Kitchen and Bar, Sydney NSW

An after-work aperitivo has never looked so appealing. This new offering at Mode Kitchen and Bar at the Four Seasons Hotel is available weekdays between 4pm and 6pm for just $30 per girl (which includes an aperitivo).

food and wine at Mode Kitchen and Bar, Sydney NSW — The indulgent plating at Mode Kitchen and Bar calls for a fancy girl dinner. (Image: Anna Kucera)

Curate your own photogenic plate for the micro-community of TikTokers from the buffet of hot and cold dishes such as focaccia, cured meats, bresaola and best-quality Italian cheeses. The fresh mozzarella with heirloom tomatoes also has girl dinner written all over it.

a glass of Aperitivo at Mode Kitchen and Bar, Sydney NSW — Kick off the evening with Aperitivo as the Italians do.

5. Restaurant Hubert, Sydney NSW

La Vie Royale runs on the last Sunday of each month at Restaurant Hubert . Gather your girlfriends for dinner and a show where drinks are poured freely until the velvet curtains drop to the floor.

a T-Bone steak at Restaurant Hubert, Sydney NSW — In need of a good slab of steak? Head to Restaurant Hubert.

Although the moodily lit basement bar and restaurant offer tickets to a ‘Front Row Feast’, the ‘Admission De Luxe’ is more our jam, with canapes, theatre seats and bottomless wine. Think dining, dance and one of the most decadent girl dinners around.

the Theatre Royale at Restaurant Hubert, Sydney NSW — Prepare for a grandiose theatrical girls’ dinner at Restaurant Hubert.

6. Rothwell’s, Brisbane Qld

The French onion dip with chives, lemon and crispbread at Rothwell’s has a cult following within the growing girl dinner community in Brisbane. As does the steak tartare, chicken liver parfait with cornichons and toasted brioche and the prawn cocktail.

the restaurant exterior of Rothwell’s, Brisbane Qld — Stop by Rothwell’s for a night filled with martini. (Image: Nikki To)

This elegant Euro-inspired restaurant is housed within a heritage-listed building on Edward Street and is one of the most stylish dining rooms in Brisbane. If you’re going solo head to the adjoining Marble Bar where you can do your girl dinner justice with a martini and a club sandwich.

two plates of food at Rothwell’s, Brisbane Qld — Rothwell’s serves the perfect girl dinner you can imagine. (Image: Nikki To)

7. Rosella’s, Gold Coast Qld

Do you want a chicken parmi slider for dinner? Who are we to judge? Rosella’s is giving Gold Coast girl dinner vibes with its menu of tasty treats such as the chicken parmi slider and BBQ prawn croquettes.

In true girl dinner style, all cheese comes with crackers and quince paste and we’re particularly partial to the Capricorn goat’s brie which is all kinds of soft and luscious. Parrot your GF’s cries for vegemite and cheese lasagne and continue the theme of gendered wining and dining with a Tell Him He’s Dreaming cocktail.

a plate of food at Rosella’s, Gold Coast Qld — Head to Rosella’s for a tasty girl dinner.

8. Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co., Scarborough Qld

The Upper Deck of the Scarborough Marina caters to all comers. In addition to its extensive drinks offering, which includes canned and tapped cocktails, there are bar bites here at the Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co . that will satisfy the pickiest of eaters.

a cheeseboard served with pickles, chutney and crackers at Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co., Scarborough Qld — Enjoy a delectable cheeseboard at Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co.

We’re talking house dips. Salt and pepper squid. French cheese puffs and a bowl of prawns. There’s also the quintessential girl dinner cheeseboard served with pickles, chutney and crackers that is one of the best on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

girl dinner with cheeseboard and beer at Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co — Scarborough Harbour Brewing Co. guarantees to satisfy a girl’s taste.

9. Cucina Vivo, The Star Gold Coast Qld

This popular Italian outpost serves plainspoken Italian food that is as austere as the dining room. If you are planning on enjoying your girl dinner alone, you should order the salad of rocket, parmigiana and pear which is simply dressed with salt, pepper, aged balsamic and a few drops of olive oil.

You can, as ever, order the bruschetta, a crunchy slab of ciabatta topped with heirloom tomatoes and a creamy layer of buffalo mozzarella. Expect music and loud conversations from people having a good time.

10. The Old Seven, Brisbane Qld

Any eatery that has a menu dedicated to decadent cheese jaffles unites the team here at Australian Traveller who are happy to see it as a food fixture at The Old Seven in Bris Vegas.

a plate of cheese jaffles at The Old Seven, Brisbane Qld — Drool-worthy cheese jaffles at The Old Seven.

The wine bar and fromagerie with the sultry Paris vibes claims to have the most extensive rosé list in all the land. The owners of the cafe by day and wine bar by night are self-confessed Francophiles who have brought back a slice of French life to Brissy’s burbs. Order the Hot Johnny, salumi salame inferno, mozzarella, swiss gruyere, spicy pickles and spicy tomato relish.

the front bar at The Old Seven, Brisbane Qld — The Old Seven is a cafe by day and wine bar by night.

11. The Malibu Racquet Club, Gold Coast Qld

The Malibu Racquet Club is the retro cocktail bar of our dreams. It’s housed in a former tattoo parlour in Burleigh Heads and is the synthesis between Palm Springs and the Gold Coast.

Girls on the rebound who fancy getting out and about can make their way down to the Malibu Racquet Club , order a caprese salad and a pina colada and channel Harper Spiller in The White Lotus, shaken together with Margot Robbie as Barbie and muddled into a long glass. It’s a vibe, for sure.

12. The Pancake Manor, Brisbane Qld

Have you even had a night out in Bris Vegas if you haven’t been to The Pancake Manor ? We think not. This 24-hour institution has been plating up pancakes since 1979 and it’s the humble pancake that justifies its existence and qualifies as a girl dinner.

a table-top view of pancakes at The Pancake Manor, Brisbane Qld — Indulge in pancake heaven. (Image: Sunbox Studios and The Pancake Manor)

It’s no small miracle that the restaurant, housed in an old church with medieval styling, has survived. There’s nothing pedestrian about these pancakes: order a single fluffy buttermilk pancake or a long stack served with butter and maple syrup.

an old church with medieval-style dining interior at The Pancake Manor, Brisbane Qld — The Pancake Manor is housed in an old church with medieval styling.

13. 400 Gradi, Mornington Vic

A quick scroll through TikTok identifies Italian antipasti plates as one of the food trend’s defining dishes. And who better to artfully arrange a platter than the team at 400 Gradi , which has venues across the country?

The pizzas at 400 Gradi Mornington regularly rank as some of the best in the world. But we reckon a beautifully presented simple mixed plate of sliced salumi, olives and arancini, followed by pan-toasted broccoletti are all enticing and appealing options to awaken the palate.

an aesthetic plate at 400 Gradi Mornington — 400 Gradi Mornington is renowned for serving aesthetic dinner plates.

14. Totti’s, Lorne Vic

Roll straight off the beach and into Totti’s Lorne to dig into a range of small plates such as smoked albacore tuna, snapper crudo and marinated octopus. Executive chef Matt Germanchis has designed a seafood-centric menu that celebrates the restaurant’s Surf Coast locale.

the dining interior at Totti’s, Lorne Vic — Dining at Totti’s will take you back to the ’70s. (Image: Ashley Ludkin)

Housed in the iconic Lorne Hotel, on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the eclectic eatery nods to the nostalgia of the ’70s with a distinctive Totti’s on holiday outlook: think chequered cork floors, sorbet terrazzo and terracotta.

a table-top view of food at Totti’s, Lorne Vic — Dine in true girl dinner style at Totti’s. (Image: Ashley Ludkin)

15. Bossley, Melbourne Vic

A seat at the bar at Bossley offers a front-row seat to the opening act of chefs engaged in preparing the food and plating up at the pass. Bossley is adjacent to the newly reimagined Rydges Melbourne and opposite Her Majesty’s Theatre, making it a go-to for girl dinners pre- or post-theatre.

a fine dining setup at Bossley, Melbourne Vic — Nab a front-row seat at Bossley’s to watch chefs prepare you a girl dinner. (Image: Pete Dillon)

Order like a Boss(ley) and enjoy an exquisite glass of wine or two with a creamy blob of handmade burrata, charred cauliflower on sourdough and a side of fries with confit garlic aioli. Pop back post-show for Bossley’s signature Snickers dessert. You’re welcome.

food and wine on the table at Bossley, Melbourne Vic — Indulge in exquisite dinner plates at Bossley. (Image: Pete Dillon)

16. Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra ACT

Who says a dozen freshly shucked oysters and a bump of caviar isn’t dinner? The Capitol Bar & Grill at QT Canberra is for CEOs who want a salad and a side or something simple to satiate.

food and wine at Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra ACT — Order something to indulge in at Capitol Bar & Grill.

Those who like to frame their eating adventures on social media will have access to the beautiful dining room as a backdrop when feasting on a range of small plates such as pork skin with cultured cream, garden chives and South Australian prawns. Of course, you could always steer straight toward the cheese course. The bar and grill is one of the best bars in Canberra.

a close-up photo of food at Capitol Bar & Grill, Canberra ACT — An appetising dish at Capitol Bar & Grill.

17. Yo-Chi, Adelaide SA

There’s no shame in having yoghurt for your girl dinner. Whatever pumps your tyres girlfriend. The Adelaide outpost of Yo-Chi , the popular frozen yoghurt brand, is centred around a fuss-free approach to enjoying this delicious treat.

the yoghurt counter at Yo-Chi, Adelaide SA — A cup of yoghurt can make a girl happy at Yo-Chi.

Take pride in pelting the yoghurt with toppings chosen from the buffet-style dessert bar. Add crunch and colour with everything from brownies to mochi and fruit. It’s a simple and satisfying solution to dinner on the fly.

a hand picking toppings for yoghurt at Yo-Chi, Adelaide SA — You’ll get to choose what toppings you like for your yoghurt.

18. Institut Polaire, Hobart Tas

This elevated institution doubles as a cellar door and it’s one of the restaurants we always try and secure a booking at when visiting Tassie. Louise Radman and Nav Singh are the owners of the restaurant who, between the two of them, are shaking up the drinks scene in Tasmania.

Louise is charged with producing micro-batch spirits and Nav uses his experience making wines in Burgundy and Bordeaux to produce Domaine Simha Wines. Settle in at the super cool wine bar at Institut Polaire for Angasi oysters, parfait éclair, bottarga toast and Olasagasti anchovies with yuzu and crostini.

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.

Get it girl: Here’s how to enjoy girl dinner around Australia