AUSTRALIA'S TOP 100 RESTAURANTS REVEALED: IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL ON THE LIST?
If you're looking for somewhere special to book for a Christmas catch-up, OpenTable's brand new list of Australia's top 100 restaurants is a very good place to start.
The booking platform released the list this week, alongside fresh research into how Australians plan to eat out in 2027.
And the good news for anyone who loves a long lunch is that we're not giving up our restaurant habit any time soon.
How the top 100 restaurants were chosen
Unlike awards judged by critics, this list reflects what everyday diners think.
According to food industry site Crumb Wire, it was compiled from OpenTable dining data and more than 211,000 reviews from verified diners.
So every venue has earned its spot from people who actually ate there.
Victoria leads the way
Melburnians have plenty to celebrate, with 47 Victorian venues making the cut, almost half the list.
Big names include Attica in Ripponlea, Vue de monde, MoVida, Lee Ho Fook and Cecconi's, which appears twice with its Flinders Lane and Toorak restaurants.
But it's the regional picks that caught our eye, from Merrijig Kitchen in Port Fairy and Sir Loins in Bright to Le Foyer in Bendigo, Aunty Katie in Ballarat and La Maison Cafe in Wodonga.
New South Wales follows with 29 venues, including Bathers' Pavilion in Mosman, Catalina at Rose Bay, Sixpenny in Stanmore and 10 William St in Paddington.
Country diners are well represented here too, with Fiorini's Osteria Italiana in Orange, Mimosa Wines at Murrah on the far south coast and the Glasshouse at Goonoo Goonoo Station in Timbumburi.
Queensland, SA and WA favourites
Queensland claimed 20 spots, and the Sunshine Coast and Noosa did especially well.
Sails Restaurant Noosa, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant, Habibti Noosa and Sabrosa Dim Sum House all made the list, along with Humble on Duke at Sunshine Beach.
In Brisbane, look out for Montrachet at Bowen Hills, Essa and Italia Lane in Fortitude Valley and Wellington Road Bistro in East Brisbane.
South Australia's picks are Asha in Goodwood and Fiore at Down The Rabbit Hole Wines in McLaren Vale.
Western Australia is represented by INARA in Busselton and the Bali Hai Cafe at Cable Beach in Broome.
How we'll be eating out in 2027
OpenTable's research suggests Australians expect to eat out about six times a month next year, rising to nine for Gen Z.
Some 61% of people expect to dine out as often or more often in 2027, and 70% expect to spend the same or more.
OpenTable's Australian general manager Drew Bowering said: "Aussies are backing dining out in 2027, and that's great news for restaurants."
Value is front of mind, though, with 79% saying price and value will be very or extremely important.
More than a quarter said they would hunt out happy hours or value deals, and a similar number plan to make the most of loyalty programmes.
Date nights are on the rise, with date-night dining up 21% on last year.
Big get-togethers are popular too, with bookings for tables of six or more rising 10%.
Smaller plates and new flavours
If you're a fan of sharing, you're in good company.
Around 42% of diners want more flexible portions, such as half serves or starter-sized mains, and the same share would like more small plates to share.
Our tastes are getting more adventurous as well, with bookings for Latin American restaurants up 67% and Pan-Asian up 59%.
Indian, Turkish and Mexican restaurants also saw strong growth.
And if you hate queuing, you're not alone: 70% of us would rather eat somewhere else than wait in line.
Our tips for booking a festive table
With December just around the corner, popular restaurants fill up fast, so it pays to book early for any group celebration.
If you have your heart set on a particular venue, check whether it offers a set menu for larger tables, which can make splitting the bill much easier.
You can browse the restaurants and make a booking on the OpenTable website.
Whether it's a hatted favourite or a cosy local, there's never been a better excuse to treat yourself to a meal out.
