Restaurant Bucket List for 2017: The Hottest Places To Tick Off

Bucketlist

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Everyone has a list of holiday destinations they'd love to visit. Most people have a list of things to do in their lifetime too. Some even have a list of famous people they'd like to meet before they die or life goals they'd like to complete. These lists are referred to as 'bucket lists', and they're great because they help to push you out of your safety zone, encouraging you to explore new ideas and help you accomplish things that make you happy.

So what if food makes you happy? This 2017, why not invite yourself to travel Australia in search of good food?

It's up to you how you decide which restaurants should make it onto your bucket list. Maybe you're after some restaurants that celebrate good wine? Or is steak more your thing? You could choose to travel the country trying out restaurants that have been honoured with 'chef hats' this year.

But if creating your own list is a little daunting, simply follow ours! Add these foodie restaurants to your bucket list and resolve to tick them off one-by-one.

These restaurants are also partners of the Good Food Gift Card, so you may like to buy yourself a card for each month to help you stick to your 2017 restaurant resolutions, or better yet, gift it to someone else to inspire them to take a culinary journey. Now let's get cracking: bring on these eight 2017 Restaurant Resolutions!

1. Pause to appreciate the view at The Boat House by the Lake, ACT

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Situated in private parkland on the edge of the magnificent Lake Burley Griffin, The Boat House by the Lake offers the best view the capital has to offer. This year it's reopened following significant renovations to unveil a brand new look that blends a crisp contemporary style with The Boat House's classic location. There's also a full wrap-around deck to enjoy now, giving more access to the gardens and the beautiful lakefront.

One of Canberra's ultimate dining experiences, The Boat House offers perfectly executed fine dining, memorable service and unmatched views.

2. Celebrate Victorian produce and wine at Tulip, VIC

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Tulip is located on Pakington Street, in Geelong West's multicultural centre. Nestled amongst boutique shops and eclectic stores, it offers an impressive list of modern dishes, each centred on a main ingredient. Tulip is the result of a friendship struck between chefs Matt Dempsey and Graham Jefferies, who shared a passion to offer flexible, simple and quality food. Architect Adam Kane designed the dining room, which is minimal and modern with a relaxed feel.

The restaurant proudly offers an all-Victorian wine list and a range of share dishes that encourage diners to laugh, relax and talk. You can enjoy cured ocean trout, wild boar salami, kangaroo tartare, Ravens Creek pork and more. To finish, take a trip to foodie heaven with the chocolate pave with caramelised white chocolate and thyme.

Wanting to visit some other Victorian foodie favourites? Take a look at these The Age Good Food Guide's 2017 award recipients.

3. Dine sustainably on a 'nose-to-tail' menu at Bishop Sessa, NSW

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Bishop Sessa Bistro and Wine Bar in Surry Hills is the brainchild of Paul Cooper, considered to be one of Australia's finest chefs. Cooper balances robust flavours with delicate precision, applying a nose-to-tail philosophy to his dishes and committing to a sustainable ethos that ensures every element of the whole animals he orders is used. Nothing is wasted and everything is respected.

Standing in the spot of once-loved French restaurant Tabou, Bishop Sessa takes a more casual approach to modern European dining than its predecessor and diners should expect the unexpected. Cleverly blending international sophistication with innovative techniques, it offers a food experience in Sydney like no other.

Looking for more Sydney restaurants to try? Check out these 14 restaurants for your Sydney dining bucket list.

4. Surround yourself with water and wildlife at Flutes Restaurant, WA

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Arguably one of the finest dining experiences in Western Australia would have to be a long, lazy lunch at Flutes Restaurant, set in the beautiful natural surrounds of the Brookland Valley Estate, overlooking Wilyabrup Brook. With innovative menus that take advantage of the fresh local produce, Chef Proprietor Francois brings a curious blend of his French and International background and the quasi-tropical nature of Broome.

Watch an array of wildlife roam the vineyard, while sipping on a delicious glass of wine courtesy of Brookland Valley Vineyard. The beautiful location adds to the experience, making this definitely one worth taking a foodie trip for this year.

5. Gaze over the Pacific Ocean at Ebb Waterfront Dining, QLD

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Ebb first opened its doors in September 2005 and continues to build a reputation for quality dining, events and weddings. The innovative design of Ebb allows subdivision of the restaurant into a number of rooms while maintaining the ambience and style of each area. Each space makes the most of the spectacular views over the Pacific Ocean.

The menu at Ebb changes seasonally and always uses fresh, local produce when possible. Having picked up two AGFG chef hats and a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence the Ebb team continually work hard to offer a premium Sunshine Coast dining experience in the heart of vibrant Maroochydore.

Looking for more in Queensland? Try out these Brisbane Times Good Food Guide 2017 award recipients.

6. Treat yourself to a poolside cocktail at Barra on Todd Restaurant & Bar, NT

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Barra on Todd Restaurant & Bar offers an outstanding selection of barramundi dishes and a creative, diverse menu. Featuring both international and bush flavours, its distinctive modern food has earnt the restaurant a fierce reputation and it's always buzzing, whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner time.

As part of the Chifley Alice Springs Resort, the restaurant overlooks a beautiful swimming pool, making it a great place to visit during summer. Feast on a barrage of barramundi, listen to some great live music and enjoy a cocktail poolside.

7. Taste some Tassie seafood at Hallams Waterfront Seafood Restaurant, TAS

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Established in 1996, Hallams Waterfront is a multi-award winning seafood restaurant located on Launceston's iconic Tamar yacht basin. Sourcing the finest quality seafood from the pristine waters of Tasmania, here you can expect to enjoy Pacific oysters, Spring Bay mussels, blue eye trevalla, scallops, southern rock lobster and more. The menu changes seasonally to capture the best produce Tasmania has to offer.

The wine list is predominantly Tasmanian too, so you get to experience the best the state has to offer whilst on your foodie travels. To top it all off, family-owned Hallams has built lasting relationships with suppliers and patrons in the area, and has got to be one of the friendliest places to dine in Tasmania.

8. Enjoy 360° views over Adelaide from Skyline Restaurant, SA

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Enjoy a true South Australian dining experience with one of the most sought after views in Adelaide. With spectacular, 360° views over the Southern Park Lands and Adelaide Hills, Skyline Restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine and showcases great wines from South Australia's famous wine regions. Located on the rooftop of Rydges South Park, the restaurant sources the freshest South Australian produce, and regularly holds live music and Dinner Dances.

Which one will you tick off first?

Now that you've got your list sorted, the only thing left to decide is which to tick off first. Let your best foodie year begin!

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Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour

Mireille Kilgour has been an entrepreneur for 35 years in the hospitality sector. French born, she has been an accomplished business owner and operator for a number of Sydney venues. Leading the industry with high profile institutions such as Lamrock Café Bondi, she has endless passion for the industry, and now has the pleasure of supporting restaurants to fill their tables with the new Good Food Gift Card program.