Spring Dining: 12 Restaurants That Combine Good Food with the Great Outdoors

The dawn chorus is the herald of spring. It starts with the music of a lone currawong, clear and melodious and as beautiful as the gardens he will later raid. What follows is the sound of his friends awakening, opening their beaks to the heavens as they embrace the rising sun. The majestic sound makes its way through the air, past the blossoming flowers and into your open window. You smile, knowing that a glorious day awaits you.

A little melodramatic you may think, but there is certainly lots to love about spring – the sun on your face, the fresh floral scents, the longer days and the majestic dawn chorus are just a few snippets. Spring is to be enjoyed, and that means finding great places to embrace it.

Thankfully, many partners of the Good Food Gift Card know what it is to enjoy spring. They not only make the most of spring produce, they also offer exquisite outdoor dining areas that are perfect for long leisurely lunches and warm alfresco evenings. Looking for somewhere you can make the most of the spring weather? Check out some of our favourite restaurants and their stylish, relaxed and charming outdoor settings…

Otto

Woolloomooloo, NSW

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With a sensational harbourside location on Cowper Wharf, it's little wonder that Otto makes the most of its outdoor dining. It's all part of their commitment to providing exceptional service and a memorable dining experience. The team brings with them highly sought-after experience and the setting alone is enough to excite you. Add to that Italian favourites such as strozzapreti, risotto and honey brulee and you'll never want to leave.


Icebergs Dining Room & Bar

Bondi, NSW

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Located above the Icebergs Pool at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach is Icebergs, a restaurant that reflects the depth of regional Italian cuisine whilst proudly working with the best produce Australia has to offer. The Terrace is the newest addition to Icebergs, stretching out to make the most of the previously unused balcony. It's a chance to enjoy the salty air, perch on a stool in the sun and soak up the vibrant Bondi atmosphere, all while tucking into some delicious breakfast or lunch.


Hallam's Waterfront

Launceston, TAS

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Hallam's Waterfront is an award-winning seafood restaurant that opened its doors in 1996 on Launceston's iconic Tamar yacht basin. Hallam's sources only the highest quality fresh seafood from the pristine waters around Tasmania and its seasonal menu offers clean, fresh and creative dishes that really capture the Tasmanian spirit. Coupled with the great food is a breathtaking view over the water and an outdoor area that ensures a unique dining experience.


Anchorage Cafe, Restaurant & Wine Bar

Victor Harbour, SA

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A leisurely one hour drive from Adelaide sits the stunning Anchorage Cafe, Restaurant & Wine Bar, all part of the iconic Anchorage Hotel. Open 7 days for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it's relaxed dining in a sensational location. The talented chefs produce fresh and delicious food, while the friendly and enthusiastic staff ensure your experience is one to remember. And that you will, when you look out at the view from the verandah.


Water's Edge

Parkes, ACT

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Water's Edge is one of Canberra's most respected restaurants, headed by renowned European-trained chef James Mussillon. Established in 2008, it's continued to flourish and having recently undergone a refurbishment, it's the ideal place to dine this Spring. The interior is total luxury, yet it's executed with the restraint that's required for relaxed dining. Plush chairs and linen tables sit beside lovely water views overlooking the lake, and plates are filled with delights such as pan seared pork belly and Atlantic salmon with broccoli foam, tomato, capsicum and salmon roe.


A Touch of Salt

Townsville, QLD

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Whether it's a romantic evening, a business lunch or a sophisticated celebration, A Touch of Salt will leave a lasting impression. Overlooking a scenic stretch of Ross Creek, right in the heart of Townsville's CBD, A Touch of Salt blends an ever-evolving fine dining menu with an uncompromised approach to service and a large outdoor balcony for capturing the view.


Black Angus Bar & Grill

Sanctuary Cove, QLD

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At Black Angus Bar & Grill, impeccable service is combined with the finest and freshest ingredients to create a truly gastronomic experience in one of Sanctuary Cove's most romantic locations. With plenty of outdoor seating that overlooks the marina, Black Angus Bar & Grill is the perfect place for enjoying a steak with friends. Or perhaps you'd like to try their signature dish – baby back pork ribs with housemade pineapple barbecue glaze and sweet potato fries.


Pee Wee's at the Point

East Point Reserve, NT

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Views don't come much better than the one you'll see when dining at Pee Wee's at the Point. Located inside the East Point Nature Reserve, it features sweeping sea views from manicured lawns and fresh, local produce. It's a place built on a first class reputation and nestled amongst tropical palms and natural environment, it's a beautiful place to while away the hours whilst tucking into some great food.


Ormeggio at The Spit

Mosman, NSW

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Ormeggio at The Spit offers contemporary Italian cuisine in a spectacular waterside setting overlooking Middle Harbour and Pearl Bay. It's been a hatted restaurant since it opened in 2009 and today it features two chef hats from The Sydney Morning Herald's Good Food Guide. The team in the kitchen are known for pushing the boundaries when it comes to techniques and it shows in the food's unique and exciting flavours. If you can take your eyes off the sparkling waters, you'll also notice the impeccable presentation of the food.


Watermarc

Wangaratta, VIC

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Situated on the Ovens River, Watermarc boasts one of the most idyllic dining views in Wangaratta. A contemporary feel matched with smart modern twists on old classic dishes makes it a firm favourite with the locals. The large outdoor patio offers plenty of space to soak up the views while enjoying a yummy breakfast, brunch or dinner.


La Camera

Southgate, VIC

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La Camera Italian Restaurant in Southgate offers a welcoming environment where you can enjoy authentic Italian pizzas, gnocchi and mouthwatering tiramisu. The emphasis is on quality ingredients and the goal is to bring a touch of Italy to Melbourne's doorstep. Nestled amongst riverside treetops on Southgate's mid level, La Camera boasts two balconies with stunning views over The Yarra River and iconic Flinders Street Station.


The Balfour Kitchen

New Farm, QLD

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A bistro-style restaurant in the picturesque Balfour Hotel, The Balfour Kitchen offers guests the chance to dine alfresco from the classic Queensland wrap-around verandah and intimate courtyard shaded by Frangipani trees. Its modern Australian menu has a distinct European flair, making The Balfour Kitchen a hidden gem delivering a unique dining experience.

With Spring being birthday and wedding season, it's the perfect time to offer someone a

memorable gift of a Good Food Gift Card. They can choose from any of our partner restaurants to enjoy a good meal this Spring, or you can recommend one from this list!

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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.