latest gourmet traveller

• Fast Recipes
• Snacks and sides
• Chefs’ Recipes
• Recipe Collections
• Restaurant Reviews
• Restaurant Guide
• Restaurant Awards
• Destinations
• Accommodation
• Travel News
• Home & Style
• Gift Guides
• Drinks News
• Drinks Recipes
• Competition
• Homes To Love
• Home Beautiful
• Better Homes and Gardens
• Hard to Find
• Your Home and Garden
• Shop Your Home & Garden
• Now to Love
• Now to Love NZ
• That's Life
• Women's Weekly
• Women's Weekly Food
• NZ Woman's Weekly Food
• Gourmet Traveller
• Bounty Parents
• marie claire
• Beauty Heaven
• Beauty Crew

The best new restaurants and bars in Sydney

From slick Peruvian diners in Sydney CBD to revamped pubs from a gun hospitality team to new neighbourhood pasta bars, it seems there is a new Sydney opening every week. Here, we’ve picked the most noteworthy new Sydney restaurants and bar openings to have on your radar.

Whether you’re keen to know about the hotly anticipated Sydney restaurant from a leading hospitality group or looking for an intimate omakase to experience, we have you covered with this new Sydney restaurant hit list. 

The White Horse

Crown Street’s crowning pub The White Horse re-opens this week as one of the hottest openings of 2024 , following a multimillion-dollar overhaul overseen by a fine collective of hospitality folk. Craig Hemmings (who’s been on the floors at Bilsons, Quay , Guillaume at Bennelong and Chin Chin) leads the charge as general manager, while Jed Gerrard ( Hearth and COMO The Treasury) is over from WA as chef-partner, joined by James Audas ( Bar Heather ) on vino and Michael Chiem (PS40) on the bar front. While the brief is a pub that the team would like to go to, you can expect it to be delicious and elegant thanks to the gun team, as much as it is an approachable local. Upstairs, the public bar will have snacky share plates, rounded out by a handful of zhushed-up counter classics. Downstairs, a modern Australian menu will have a heavy seasonal focus and may include Jerusalem artichoke, goat’s cheese and saltbush; Abrolhos Island scallops with kohlrabi, dill and wasabi leaf; and lamb short loin with pistachio, cucumber and mint. The wine list will see half antipodean producers joined by new- and old-world wines from across the globe, with 30 bottles on the list sitting below $80. 

The White Horse is slated to open Wednesday 17 April. thewhitehorse.com.au

Fabbrica Pasta Bar

Fabbrica Darlinghurst

After abruptly closing its Balmain outpost and pulling all plans to open inside Annandale’s The Federal late last year, Fabbrica Pasta Bar has finally announced its latest plans: a brand new restaurant in the inner city. 

The soon-to-open Fabbrica Pasta Bar is set to take over the old A Tavola space on Victoria Street, Darlinghurst. It will boast 80 seats split across two levels, including the former venue’s long communal table on the ground floor. The bustling Darlinghurst strip recently saw the opening of The Waratah just across the road to much fanfare, and no doubt the casual Italian joint will receive a similar welcome.

Run by the Love Tilly Group — and with Scott McComas-Williams and the venue’s newly appointed head chef Damiano Balducci at the culinary helm — Fabbrica Darlinghurst will follow the brand’s fun-loving format. Think classic and innovative pasta dishes; a playful wine list; and a revamped interior awash with Fabbrica’s signature blue and white hues to boot. An Italian ode to the pub schnitzel, cotoletta alla Milanese, will also return alongside a few new and exclusive dishes, such as Nebbiolo-braised beef short ribs.

Fabbrica Pasta Bar in Darlinghurst is set to open on Monday 15 April. www.ciaofabbrica.com

Morena is opening in Martin Place within the 150-year-old GPO building. Returning to Sydney from Melbourne, executive chef Alejandro Saravia is expanding on his remit at Farmer’s Daughters to explore his Peruvian heritage while also spanning out to wider Latin America, from Brazil to Bolivia and beyond. Work your way through a devoted ceviche menu section, with goldband snapper ceviche with leche de tigre (a marinade of lime, coriander and chilli), sweet potato and chulpi (Ecuadorian toasted corn); king prawn ceviche with green plantain crisps and sofrito; or yellowfin tuna ceviche with soy dashi, daikon and wasabi leaves, each one packing a punch. Other seafood highlights include Fremantle octopus with merkén (smoked chilli) butter and onion; and Abrolhos Island scallops with parmesan cream, lime, aji amarillo butter. Carnivores can get around Kaloola suckling pig served with mojo sauce; or a rich Gundagai lamb picanha (traditionally a Brazilian beef cut from the rump) with a cachaça (a sugar cane spirit) marinade.

Morena is set to open on Monday 15 April. morenarestaurant.com.au

Good Luck Restaurant Lounge

In the CBD, Merivale is finally christening its new Bridge Street digs with the opening of Good Luck Restaurant Lounge. The subterranean restaurant is spearheaded by chef Mike Eggert (Totti’s), taking the concept he refined over three years alongside Justin Hemmes and developing it further.

“Think Totti’s but then add soy, dashi, vinegar with fresh herbs, citrus and chilli,” says Eggert. Italian Japanese techniques merge to create a menu that promises fun over formality. There are two wine rooms, private and semi-private dining rooms, a bar and three large fish tanks with live seafood, totally revitalising the space that Fratelli Fresh once occupied.

Good Luck Restaurant Lounge is slated to open on Wednesday 24 April. Bookings are now open via merivale.com/venues/good-luck

Kin Dining & Bar

Marrickville has welcomed Kin Dining & Bar, which puts Nikkei cuisine front and centre. For the uninitiated, Nikkei is the food culture that emerged from Japanese migration to Peru, brought to global attention in recent decades by high-flying restaurant chain, Nobu. Start with beef tataki replete with teriyaki glaze, mushroom broth, salsa verde and wasabi mayo; or kingfish ceviche with yuzu wasabi ponzu, jalapeño salsa and pomegranate; before moving on to Murray cod with a truffle glaze and miso-spiked beurre blanc; or or corn “ribs” with miso butter, togarashi and finely grated macadamia. The 75-seat restaurant is also strictly adults-only, a move that’s already stoked both controversy and admiration.

kindiningandbar.com.au

Postino Osteria

Italian chef Alessandro Pavoni will take over the old One Penny Red site in Summer Hill opening Postino Osteria. The hospitality legends behind Sydney’sacclaimed Ormeggio at The Spit andA’mare promise to deliver a classic Italian neighbourhood experience, led by chef Alessandro Pavoni and his team. Set to open in mid-2024 and housed in a heritage-listed post office, Postino takes it’s name from the Italian for postman and a play on the word “posto”, which translates to place, or in this case a “tiny place”. Backed by Pavoni and his business partner Bill Drakopoulos, the casual restaurant and bar will serve a menu of snacks and specials, as well as traditional Italian recipes, offering a more affordable offering than Pavoni’s other venues. Pavoni and his wife Anna are regarded as one of Australia’s leading hospitality power couples, with Anna managing back-of-house operations while Pavoni runs the kitchen. In 2021, the couple opened A’mare at Crown Sydney, earning widespread acclaim, including a nomination for Best New Restaurant at the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards. Ormeggio at The Spit has long been regarded as one of Sydney’s leading Italian fine-diners, after first opening in 2009. In 2020, it underwent a major refurbishment and moved to a seafood-only menu, including a slow-cooked seafood Bolognese ragú.

Postino Osteria is set to open in Summer Hill, Sydney in mid-2024

Bessie’s Restaurant and Bar Alma

Bar Copains’ Nathan Sasi and Morgan McGlone are picking up another spot in Surry Hills, with the duo set to debut a two-pronged new venue later this year. Taking over the suitably relevant former Chefs’ Warehouse building, the pair will transform it into a bar and restaurant, dubbed Alma’s and Bessie’s respectively. The double-hitter venue isn’t anticipated to open until the end of 2024, but Sasi and McGlone have already recruited a head chef, with globetrotting chef Remy Davis taking up the role following stints in San Sebastián and London. A wider Mediterranean brief is set to underpin menu, while no-frills, classic cocktails will be served at the bar. The men have both taken inspiration from their grandmothers for the venue’s names, joining the ranks of Margaret, Bar Louise, Mimi, Ursula’s and the nearby Jane.

From the team behind beloved Surry Hills boltholes Arthur and Jane comes a new neighbourhood spot located in a different suburb, in Gymea. It’s not only the location that sets the team’s third restaurant apart, with Fior eschewing its sibling venues’ monikers and adopting a suitably Italian title.

Fior will deliver an “Australian riff on Italian cuisine” in the Sutherland Shire, integrating Arthur and Jane’s commitment to local ingredients and suppliers across its rustic Italian menu. Chef and co-owner Tristan Rosier and head chef Will Lawson will present an ever-changing menu of fairly priced, share-style dishes that are hyper-seasonal and predominantly use Australian ingredients (except for what is “simply better from Italy” as Rosier puts it, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and anchovies).

“The menu will be full of the things that people love eating, and we want people to have fun, feel at home, and be on a first-name basis with our staff,” said Rosier in a statement.

When Fior opens in late April, it will have all the markings of a successful neighbourhood Italian joint: antipasti plates and freshly made pasta; a large open kitchen showcasing oyster shucking and charcuterie slicing; and “The Shire’s best aperitivo hour”. For the TikTok crowd, there’ll be a roaming gelato trolley peddling house-made gelato and sorbetto served tableside.

Fior is set to open at the end of April at Shop 2, 752-756 Kingsway, Gymea NSW. fiorrestaurant.com.au

Sydney Common

Hotel dining within the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park has gotten a glow up, with chef Martin Benn conceptually overseeing Sydney Common, working with chef Jamie Robertson. Wood-fired grills get a workout, and given Robertson’s experience in the kitchen at Ester, delicate yet bold charred flavours will be a focus. Seafood fans will strike a chord with the likes of grilled Yamba king prawns; whole roasted flounder; or John Dory with pil-pil (a Basque-style salted cod sauce) inspired butter. Carnivores can get around wagyu scotch steaks; or 800-gram dry-aged grass-fed rib-eye, served with a smoked fat vinaigrette and anchovy butter. Then a calling card of excellent local producers – Baker Bleu bread, LP’s Quality Meats charcuterie, CopperTree Farm butter and Aquna Murray cod – further bolsters the menu; while a 260-bin wine list and bone-chillingly cold Martinis lure in guests to peruse the shorter bar menu.

sydneycommon.com.au

The maestros behind Italian-Japanese fine-diner LuMi and Surry Hills’ Lode Pies have added another style of baking to their résumé, opening

a wood-fired pizzeria in Manly. Avoja is slinging Neapolitan-style pizze, with northern beaches local Federico Zanellato leading the charge, joined by Matteo Ernandes, who was previously head pizza chef at Bondi’s Da Orazio and Matteo Double Bay. Expect blistered-crust pizze topped with Emilio’s Butcher sausages, sliced potato, smoked provolone and rosemary; or puréed broccoli with umami anchovies, chilli and burrata. There are also snacks of fritto misto (fried calamari, school prawns, whitebait and zucchini); Fremantle octopus with chickpeas; and old-school meatballs; plus a devoted children’s menu; and a wine list

that trots around Italy.

avoja.com.au

Bella Brutta Takeaway

In more pizza news, Newtown’s Bella Bruta has opened a dedicated takeaway outpost around the corner from its main location. Delivering the staples that have firmed up the King Street pizzeria as one of the best in the country, you can expect smoked mortadella with slices of firm green olives; cavolo nero with parmesan, fior di latte, chilli and garlic; and of course classic Margheritas. You can also grab a selection of LP’s Quality Meats including saucisson, pepperoni and salami to assemble a DIY charcuterie platter.

bellabrutta.com.au

Sydney’s omakase adoration continues with the newly opened Matkim, an eight-seat Korean omakase in Circular Quay’s Sydney Place precinct. The restaurant’s name comes from the Korean “mat-kim” meaning entrust, and “cha-rim” meaning chef’s table; inviting guests to hand their expectations to executive chef Jacob Lee’s vision. Lee’s menu pulls inspiration from his roots in South Korea’s Jeolla region, as well as his grandmother’s teachings. The open kitchen allows guests a front-row seat as the chefs meticulously cook and serve dishes such as WA marron with crab doenjang (soybean) foam.

matkim.com.au

Casa Esquina

Balmain is lighting up with a new fire cooking-focused restaurant, Casa Esquina, that has taken over the former Efendy site. Argentine flavours are the focus, with smoke and char imbuing much of the menu. The kitchen is powered by an open-flame parrilla grill where there likes of tira de Asado (slow-cooked shortribs), 1kg black Angus t-bones, 60-day aged rib-eye, Gundagai lamb tomahawks, blackened mahi mahi and whole roasted baby pumpkin. Outdoors you’ll find a barbecue spit that you’ll smell well before you see it, serving up Argentine street food for Balmain locals to takeaway in the week. Then on Sundays, slow cooks of whole beasts including lamb and suckling pig are the carnivourous centrepiece. Alfresco dining is also a drawcard, with a courtyard punctuated by two 80-year-old camphor laurel trees and newly planted cacti, while interiors are inspired by the tones of the Andes in Patagonia and a touch of the Australian outback with earthy shades of rust, sage and white. Casa Esquina is the third venue from the team behind Paddington’s Tequila Mockingbird and the CBD laneway-dwelling Esteban.

casaesquina.au

The Dry Dock

Balmain is proud to welcome back The Dry Dock, following a full-scale renovation, making a solid argument for the waterside suburb to reclaim its Sydney pub capital title. Formally known as The Dry Dock Public House & Dining Room, the 330-capacity venue hits a variety of moods. These start with the classic (dog-friendly) public bar and extending to the lounge bar with wood-burning fireplace and, of course, the dining room. Here, Euro fare and a devoted oyster bar reimagine pub schtick for the 2024 diner. From a Josper charcoal grill and wood-fired oven, order a Barnsley lamb chop with salsa verde; or rare-breed crumbed pork cutlet with charred lemon and beurre noisette. Classic pub standards also get a run with a cheeseburger and steak frites on the menu; while more gussied-up starters – including duck liver parfait, salted cod croquettes, and steak tartare – will have afternoon beer garden snacks covered. Local and craft breweries dominate the beer taps while sommelier Christiane Poulos (formerly of Rockpool and Bennelong ) devised the wine list to go further afield, showcasing international and local drops alike.

thedrydock.com.au

Nearby in Rozelle, Chez Blue brings French finesse and an ex-Bistro Moncur chef to the table. The 90-seat bistro and cocktail bar comes from Solotel (Aria, Chiswick and North Bondi Fish) with head chef Mark Williamson taking cues from Parisian brasseries. Expect a mash-up of tuna tartare and tuna Niçoise, served with a potato galette, egg and green beans; croque monsieur with a rich Comté sauce; a chicken roulade made with tender thigh meat and a mushroom duxelle; and a hefty rib-eye served with béarnaise sauce. Chic desserts are served from a tableside trolley including a Paris-Brest and opera cake; while a French-led wine list is joined by a cocktail list that includes a croissant-washed gin Martini.

chezblue.com.au

Soul Dining

In Wynyard, Soul Dining has relocated from Surry Hills. The modern Korean diner may have a new location but its signature bites remain, including tuna carpaccio with a gochujang-tomato sauce, caperberries, crisp Jerusalem artichoke chips and dots of wasabi aïoli; moreish squares of rice wine-fermented rice bread; and kingfish in a white kimchi water.

souldining.com.au

A new restaurant from Apollo Group

A new restaurant is set to open on a bustling strip of Potts Point later in 2024. It comes from the team behind neighbouring restaurants The Apollo and Cho Cho San, with The Apollo Group also behind restaurants Yoko and Greca in Brisbane and The Apollo in Tokyo, Japan. After the group’s expansion interstate and overseas, it is coming back to its original stomping ground with the new, yet unnamed, venue which is set to take over the former Bourke Street Bakery site, directly opposite the group’s namesake and first-ever venture, The Apollo, on Macleay Street.

Details are minimal at this stage, but we do know that the new restaurant is set to feature an all-day European menu. In a move away from the group’s largely Japanese and Greek offerings, the no-name venue will serve pizza alongside other Euro plates. Paddington-based interior architect George Livissianis is looking after the design, continuing his long-standing affiliation with The Apollo Group.

More to come.

In the CBD, Morrison’s has undergone a glow up. While the signature oysters will remain, the venue hopes to become even better known for its hand-selected in-house aged beef. Group culinary director David Clarkeoversees the ageing program where premium cuts are aged for six to 12 weeks. Slick new interiors include plush green leather seating, textured ecru walls and elegant wooden finishes. A signature oyster cabinet brings an added theatrical flourish as chefs shuck Moonlight Flat, East 33, Appellation, and Coffin Bay Pacific Oysters to order.

morrisons.sydney

And on the north shore, Cammeray has welcomed Folly’s, taking over the former Epoque Belgian Beer Cafe site on Miller Street to transform it into a neighbourhood bar and bistro. Antonio “Ace” Espiritu (ex-Icebergs Dining Room and Bar) will focus on interweaving Australian spirits into the menu, with Gospel Whiskey in the skirt steak’s rich peppercorn sauce; Four Pillars’ fresh yuzu gin atop oysters; and raw Southern Highlands vodka in rigatoni alla vodka. This will be joined by an extensive chilled red wine list, solid Australian spirit offering and cocktails.

follys.com.au

For more of the latest restaurant news, pick up the latest Gourmet Traveller magazine or subscribe here .

A former ballet teacher turned writer, Jordan got her start in the media industry documenting Sydney’s music and nightlife scene, writing for Time Out Sydney, The Guardian and Broadsheet. She soon realised she preferred food to festivals and embarked on learning as much as she could about the hospitality industry. In 2019 she joined Gourmet Traveller as a writer, where she’s tasked with finding the hottest new restaurant openings, hotels worth checking in to and snacks worth seeking out. With a robust appetite for learning about the intricacies of food and how we use it as an expression of human culture, Jordan loves eating food as much as she does cooking it. She also loves a good chat about how to make the perfect sandwich, what’s the best chip or where to find the best seafood pasta on the planet.

Cordelia is a leading food and travel journalist, with close to a decade of experience across digital and print media. After cutting her teeth at lifestyle brands such as Broadsheet, Concrete Playground and Urban List, Cordelia has landed a gig at the food and lifestyle magazine of her dreams, Gourmet Traveller. With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (Creative Writing and Screen Studies) at the University of Technology, Sydney and years of hospitality work under her belt, she demonstrates her writing chops by covering her favourite restaurants, bars and travel destinations. As a digital specialist, she darts from writing to strategy to social media execution with ease, all while having a good time wining, dining and globetrotting. She also has a brew made in her honour — Yulli’s Brews’ Dolly Aldrin sour beer (deduce her character as you will).

Sign up for our newsletter

Want 20% off at THE ICONIC? Sign up for the latest recipes, restaurant news and travel inspo from  Gourmet Traveller .

Disclaimer: By joining, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

Related stories

The best new restaurants and bars around Australia

New hotel openings to look forward to in 2023

Native ad body.

The latest food, beverage, lifestyle & travel news

GOURMET TRAVELLER’S RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AND WINNERS OF THE 2023 RESTAURANT AWARDS REVEALED

CELEBRATING THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST IN AUSTRALIAN DINING THIS YEAR

Australia’s leading luxury food title, Gourmet Traveller, last night unveiled the winners of the Gourmet Traveller 2023 Restaurant Awards at the hospitality event of the year. South Australia’s Restaurant Botanic has taken out the top honour at this year’s Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards, with chef Justin James accepting the award at a glittering gala event at Shell House in Sydney. “There’s no question that Restaurant Botanic is a bravura performance,” says Gourmet Traveller editor Joanna Hunkin. “It combines fun and adventure with polish and poise. Chef Justin James doesn’t attempt perfection but rather embraces the beauty of irregularity and nature, making the most of the restaurant’s iconic location and using the garden’s bounty to create something uniquely of its place.” The country’s leading chefs and restaurant personalities came together to celebrate the annual awards, which are Australia’s longest-running restaurant awards and a highlight of the hospitality calendar. Neil Perry, Shannon Martinez, Ben Shewry, Brigitte Haffner, and Andrew McConnell were amongst the top chefs to attend the event, which marked the first time the awards have been announced in person, following more than two years of Covid restrictions and disruptions. It was a night of double celebration for Perry, whose Double Bay diner Margaret was named both Best New Restaurant and the NSW state winner of Restaurant of the Year. Tasmania claimed Best Destination Dining for Van Bone in Marion Bay, while Hobart’s Fico was named the state winner. In South Australia, Restaurant Botanic claimed both the state prize and was named Restaurant of the Year, while the creative duo behind Willunga wine bar Muni – Mug Chen and Chia Wu – were named Best New Talent. From Victoria, Thi Le was voted Chef of the Year in the night’s only peer-voted category, while Shannon Martinez was named Restaurant Personality of Year. Tedesca Osteria was named the state winner for the second year in a row. Gold Coast wine bar Paloma was singled out as the Wine Bar of the Year, while Essa was awarded the state prize for Queensland. Rounding out the state winners, Pilot was named ACT’s best restaurant for a second year running, while Perth’s Lulu La Delizia took out the honour for Western Australia. Full profiles of all the winners, along with the full 2023 Restaurant Guide, feature in the October issue of Gourmet Traveller, on sale now. The Gourmet Traveller 2023 Restaurant Award winners: RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: RESTAURANT BOTANIC, Adelaide STATE WINNERS: ACT: PILOT, Canberra NSW: MARGARET, Sydney QLD: ESSA, Brisbane SA: RESTAURANT BOTANIC, Adelaide TAS: FICO, Hobart VIC: TEDESCA OSTERIA, Red Hill WA: LULU LA DELIZIA, Perth CHEF OF THE YEAR: THI LE Ca Com & Jeow, Melbourne, Vic BEST NEW RESTAURANT: MARGARET, Sydney, NSW BEST NEW TALENT: MUG CHEN & CHIA WU Muni, Willunga, SA BEST DESTINATION DINING: VAN BONE, Marion Bay, Tas WINE BAR OF THE YEAR: PALOMA, Burleigh Heads, Qld RESTAURANT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: SHANNON MARTINEZ Smith & Daughters, Melbourne, Vic Profiles of the award winners will be published in the October issue of Gourmet Traveller, now on sale, along with the 2023 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide, which highlights the best dining experiences to be found in Australia in the year ahead. This year’s awards are sponsored by Winning Appliances, PorkStar, Oceania Cruising, Ilve & Fhiaba, and Furi.

Share this:

Please leave a reply cancel reply, discover more from.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

How to make Portuguese tarts with burnt honey

Crisp pastry, sunshine-yellow custard and a caramelised top make Portuguese tarts a global hit.

Now to love | Oct 27, 2023

Sign up for best-ever recipes, the latest foodie news and travel inspo from Gourmet Traveller.

Cauliflower salads that will make you forget the bland and boiled versions from your childhood

Get ahead with these salads that celebrate the best of this brassica.

Now to love | Oct 25, 2023

Sumac-spiced pork cutlets with Brussels sprouts and lentils

Succulent, stunning and packed with flavour, this recipe for pork cutlets won't disappoint.

Now to love | Oct 24, 2023

48 chilli recipes that bring the heat

If you can stand the heat, stay in the kitchen.

Chicken parmigiana with roast fennel and olive

Master this chicken parmigiana recipe and you'll never need a pub parmy again.

Paper-baked snapper with artichokes and mushrooms

A stunning snapper recipe primed for weekend celebrations.

Now to love | Oct 19, 2023

Ricotta, hazelnut and cavolo nero rotolo

This rotolo pasta recipe comes served with crunchy hazelnuts, crumbled ricotta and lots of sauce.

Vegetable moussaka

Our vegetable-heavy spin on the cheesy Greek classic.

Now to love | Oct 18, 2023

38 indulgent coconut dessert recipes

Go nuts for these coconut desserts.

64 perfect prawn recipes

Whether you love your prawns barbecued, pan-fried or tossed, nothing pleases like a prawn.

Now to love | Oct 16, 2023

Gourmet Traveller

Each issue is packed with great dish ideas, hot restaurants and bars, entertaining tips, the best hotels and lavish spreads on some of the world’s most intoxicating travel destinations - everything you should expect from the Australia's premier food and travel magazine.

in this issue

Joanna Hunkin Editor Deputy Editor Anna McCooe Creative Director Jacqui Triggs Senior Designer Sam Yates Senior Food Editor Maxwell Adey Words Senior Sub Editor Suzanna Chriss News Editor Jordan Kretchmer Editorial Coordinator Alexandra Harris Digital Digital Managing Editor Sarah McInernay Digital Editor Cordelia Williamson Digital Content Producer Charlotte Wishart Contributors Elliot Baker, Alexandra Carlton, Rushani Epa, Michael Harden, Anna Hart, Matty Hirsch, Kylie Kwong, Tristan Lutze, Samantha Payne, Alley Pascoe, Georgie Meredith, Simon Rickard, Katie Spain, Dani Valent, Max Veenhuyzen. GOURMETTRAVELLER.COM.AU Published by Are Media Pty Limited. ABN 18 053 273 546. 54-58 Park St, Sydney, NSW, 2000, (02) 9282 8000. The trade mark Gourmet Traveller is the property of Are Media Pty Limited and is used under licence. ©2023 All rights reserved. Printed by IVE, Unit 1/83 Derby St,…

Editor’s letter

Scan here to subscribe or visit magshop.com.au/GMT I write this month’s missive from the technicolour splendour of the Eastern & Oriental Express as we gently roll our way out of the Malaysian jungle and back towards Singapore. Over the last three days we’ve been on a fabulous spice journey guided by chef André Chiang – and they have been three of the most delicious days of my life (and my life is fairly delicious most of the time!). Given the choice, I will always take a little spice over something plain. Of course, I know better than to smother everything in chilli crisp or sriracha but the temptation is always there (see our favourites in this month’s Five of a Kind on page 27.) Spices have the ability to transport…

Dishes and destinations

Wan Chai, Hong Kong While the rate of construction and development taking over parts of Hong Kong is staggering, other pockets remain completely unchanged. Like this street scene in Wan Chai, where I was equal parts delighted and horrified to discover Joe Bananas is still going strong just around the corner. Joanna Hunkin, editor Salumeria Norcino, Sydney, NSW When the only dilemma in your day is trying to decide whether you prefer the cream- or custard-filled maritozzi, it’s a damn good day. This Pyrmont trattoria may specialise in salumi, but its Roman buns make an argument for lingering longer with an espresso post-lunch. Jordan Kretchmer, news editor The White Horse, Sydney, NSW Two bites! Two cracking bites of crisp chicken skin and silky liver mousse is all it takes to…

HOT STUFF This month’s hottest restaurant openings and relocations, a tropical food festival, and spicy condiments. RESTAURANT NEWS THE LATEST FROM CHEFS AND RESTAURANTS AROUND AUSTRALIA MELBOURNE Hummus heavyweight and talented chef Tom Sarafian will open two new venues this winter, joining forces with Nathan Toleman who’s behind the Mulberry Group (Hazel and Dessous). After closing Bar Saracen in early 2021, Sarafian spent time working on personal projects, including making his own hummus, toum and harissa products, as well as carefully making plans for his next ventures. In the coming months, Melbourne’s CBD will welcome both Zareh, a restaurant and bar; and Sarafian, a deli and casual eatery. Zareh is named after the chef’s grandfather and will explore Levantine cuisine with a decidedly Melbourne feel, including Sarafian’s signature dish of…

Chilli crisp

OOMAMI THE SLOW BURN EXTRA HOT Rich, red and bitey, this new take on a chilli crisp has a coarse consistency thanks to nubs of almonds and sesame seeds. The original version is more savoury than spicy, while this extra hot edition centres on gochugaru (Korean red chilli peppers) for heat, balanced perfectly with just enough salt and sugar. $19 for 250ml, oomamibondi.com.au GINI MĀYĀ This flashy and fierce chilli oil is underpinned by the scent of curry leaves, alongside garlic and ginger, which gives it a citrusy and pungent edge. The Sri Lankan-style condiment celebrates the bright flavours of the cuisine, offering a unique flavour profile. $15 for 250ml, ginimaya.com.au SIX-EYED SCORPION This Melbourne-based chilli oil ups the ante with solid chunks of garlic and shallots, making it a…

Wildly Refined

For West Australian chef Paul “Yoda” Iskov, who has a passion for wild ingredients, the great outdoors and cooking were the perfect ingredients for a collaboration with Lexus. To celebrate the launch of the ‘wildly refined’ All-New Lexus GX in Australia, Iskov took an off-road trip along the Yarrabuck Track in Victoria’s High Country to experience the car’s performance and comfort in his ultimate terrain, the Australian bush. Iskov also stopped to fish for wild trout in Ovens River in the picturesque, small town of Porepunkah. Much like the “wild yet refined” duality of the All-New Lexus GX, the internationally renowned chef articulates this in every aspect of his food as he includes foraged ingredients within high-end dishes. “For me, getting out in nature is half the experience. I source…

you may also like

Recent issues, gourmet traveller - may 2024, gourmet traveller - april 2024, gourmet traveller - march 2024, gourmet traveller - february 2024, gourmet traveller - january 2024, gourmet traveller - december 2023, gourmet traveller - november 2023, gourmet traveller - october 2023, gourmet traveller - september 2023, gourmet traveller - august 2023.

Gourmet Traveller

Gourmet Traveller is a trusted source and authority for the best in food, wine and travel. It delivers unique content, escapism and exclusive access to enrich, entertain and inspire the consumer, the Gourmet Traveller.

Joanna Hunkin

Australian Gourmet Traveller is one of the country’s most iconic voices in food and travel, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. Our readers rely on us to entertain, inspire and inform them with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping.

LUXURY LIFESTYLES

Gourmet Traveller has redefined Luxury Lifestyles. Find out what motivates gourmet traveller audiences and our newly released special executions and partnerships by contacting the team .

About the Audience

*Print & Cross Platform - Source: Roy Morgan Single Source Australia, December 2023 *Digital - Source: Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service, December 2023 *Social Connections - Source: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest, February 2024

Reader Dinner Partnership

In 2022, the team at Gourmet Traveller welcome the opportunity to partner with your brand and develop a custom Reader Dinner for your customer set.

UNDERSTANDING THE GOURMET TRAVELLER READER

A food saviour.

With an average age of 52, she (80% of buyers are women) is most likely living in a home with her partner and no children (they’ve left home, or are soon to). From street food to fine dining, she reads Gourmet to stay ahead of the trends in food, travel and dining.

SHE IS A SERENDIPITOUS TRAVELER

Whether for business or leisure, in real life or online, she is a traveller. She enjoys weekends away, and is a trusted adviser to others in regards to holidays and hotels, often booking for her friends and family too. She prefers a holiday that leaves her room for serendipity and exploration – she wants to explore, experience and live like a local where ever she goes.

SHE IS WINING AND DINING

She is the first to try the latest new restaurants and dines out at least weekly. She is a lover of wine with her meals and enjoys going to the theatre, opera and ballet, followed or preceded, naturally, by a dining experience.

SHE IS PROVIDENCE MATTERS

She loves grocery shopping. She shops from a range of retailers and multiple times a week. She is the first to try new flavours, tends not to buy the same food products each week and loves to have a well stocked pantry. Brands and ingredients are an essential part of the provenance story and when she orders a drink at a bar she is significantly more likely than the average person to order her drink by brand.

SHE IS SUCCESSFUL

With one in two Gourmet readers having a university degree (idx 150), success is important to her, and she considers herself an intellectual. She reads the business section of newspapers and is more likely to be on Linkedin. All of which is reflected in her higher than average income, strong AB profile and status as a ‘big spender’ of discretionary income.

SHE IS SOCIALLY MINDED

With a highly metro based audience (77% of readers compared to 65% of population), she places a high degree of value on education, charity and indigenous culture. The reader is twice as likely to be classified as ‘Socially Aware’ – someone with a keen interest in new ideas and information, idealistic and with a strong sense of social responsibility.

Get in touch

Related audiences, fiona the baby boomer, francesca the foodie, luxury lover lauren, rachel the renovator, roxy the big spender, related brands.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Gourmet Traveller 4+

Are media pty limited.

• 4.9 • 56 Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description.

Gourmet Traveller is a trusted source and authority for the best in food, wine and travel. It delivers unique content, escapism and exclusive access to enrich, entertain and inspire the consumer, the Gourmet Traveller. Each issue is packed with great dish ideas, hot restaurants and bars, entertaining tips, the best hotels and lavish spreads on some of the world’s most intoxicating travel destinations. Individual issues are available for AUD $4.99, or choose from one of three subscription offers and save. • Monthly subscription for AUD $3.99 • 6 monthly subscription for AUD $24.99 • Annual subscription for AUD $29.99 Please note the following: • Your subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period • You will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period, for the same duration and at the current subscription rate for that product • You can manage your subscriptions and turn off auto-renewal by going to your Account Settings after purchase • No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during active subscription period. This does not affect your statutory rights • Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when you purchase a subscription • The app may offer a free trial. At the end of the free trial period, the full price of the subscription will be charged thereafter • Cancellations must occur 24 hours before the end of the subscription period to avoid being charged. Visit http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4098 for more information. • The subscription will include the current issue if you do not already own it and subsequently published future issues. Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. • This digital edition does not include the covermount gifts you would find with printed copies. While we will endeavour to add any supplements to the digital edition, we cannot guarantee always being able to do so. Device Compatibility: This app is built for devices running 64-bit processors, or greater. Older devices with less powerful processors, such as the iPad 1, 2 and the iPad Mini 1, 2 and iPhones 3, 4 and 5 may not be able to operate this app. If you are experiencing any problems with the application please send an email to [email protected]. Privacy policy: http://www.aremedia.com.au/privacy/ Terms of use: http://www.aremedia.com.au/terms/

Version 9.0

New user experience including latest stories and print editions access up to one past year for monthly, bi-yearly or yearly subscribers. New version includes options to save favorite articles, manage devices, listen and translate stories to your desired language.

Ratings and Reviews

Lovely magazine.

I have absolutely fallen in love with this magazine. All of the features are always interesting and well written and beautifully photographed and the recipes found in each issue are always well written and look delicious. If you are looking for both home friendly easy recipes and more challenging recipes straight from a restaurant chef then you can find both here. Gourmet traveller has also been the most interactive and user friendly magazine I've downloaded so far - there are videos included in every issue and the interface is extremely well done. If you want a high quality magazine that you aren't going to get bored with in five minutes and will refer to repeatedly, then give this one a try. Also, everyone is saying this is an expensive magazine but, if like me you live halfway across the world (USA) from Australia, then the thought of finding a way to buy it then have it shipped here monthly is a far worse thought.

Terrible App not functioning!

So frustrating.... Love the magazine but this app continuously crashes and shuts down. Can't get past 2 pages and it crashes. I've wasted too much time trying to figure out issue. Will be canceling subscription and need a refund. Terrible app seriously... What a shame.

U.S. subscriber -- Superb. Best Executed.

Excellence in an App. I have been a subscriber for the last 2 years, and to most all ipad based, top food magazines written in english and italian. Our large US food magazines are still trying to balance content (generally a theme around bacon) and the technical abilities of the App (failed recognition of subscriptions, no downloads, flat content etc)....take note...this is the world-class model. Well done. If you're a true gourmet, home chef, love food & wine, are a traveller who saveurs the finest with a bon appetit, look no farther. Even if you want to see excellent execution of an ipad published document of any sort - this is the best I have come across.

App Privacy

The developer, Are Media Pty Limited , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Identifiers

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• Search History

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Gourmet Traveller $2.99
• Gourmet Traveller $19.99
• Gourmet Traveller $14.99
• June 2010 $1.99
• July 2010 $1.99
• May 2011 $1.99
• September 2010 $1.99
• January 2011 $1.99
• December 2010 $1.99
• August 2010 $1.99
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

Better Homes and Gardens

Diabetic Living Magazine

Women's Weekly Cookbooks

Home Beautiful

The Australian Women's Weekly

You Might Also Like

Food and Travel Magazine

Dish Magazine

La Cucina Italiana USA

FOOD & WINE

Vics Meat Direct

• Magazine Subscriptions
• Travel & Leisure
• Gourmet Traveller Magazine (Digital)
• Back Issues

Gourmet Traveller June 2024 (Digital)

About gourmet traveller.

The number of issues included in a magazine subscription (frequency) is subject to change without notice. Additional double issues may be published, which count as 2 issues. Applicable sales tax will be added. Offer void in Vermont. Magazine covers are used for illustrative purposes only and you may not receive a copy of the particular issue depicted. Your subscription will include the most recent issue once your subscription begins. Magazine covers are the property of the publisher. This site is not officially affiliated with, associated with, or endorsed by Gourmet Traveller or the publisher.

Gourmet Traveller WINE Magazine Subscription

If you don’t know your Subscriber ID, you can either call or email us to get it, (see contact details below) or if you want to make a purchase, start a new order and it will be linked to your existing account if the same email address is used.

If you don’t know your Gift Receivers ID or Gift Givers ID, you can either call or email us to get it, (see contact details below).

You are here

Unlocking the secrets of affordable luxury travel.

If you have 5-star taste without the budget to match, we have some insider tips to help you experience luxe travel for a whole lot less. With a few savvy tricks, you can enjoy high-end hotels, exclusive travel experiences and gourmet dining at a fraction of the cost.

info-graphic-affordable-luxury-travel.jpg

How to get discounted five-star accommodation

Sign up to hotel loyalty programs.

All the major hotel chains have loyalty programs and they’re an easy way to score discounts. There’s really no disadvantage to signing up, as there are rarely any fees involved at entry level. In fact, there’s often a savings incentive simply for registering.

Major programs include IHG One , ALL (Accor Live Limitless) , Hilton Honors , Marriot Bonvoy and World of Hyatt . If you’re travelling a lot – particularly internationally – it can be worth committing to staying in hotels under the one program so you can accrue points and save.

It may seem like these programs are just a vehicle for endless promotional emails, but there are savings to be had. Your loyalty can get you free nights, money off your stay and perks like free breakfast and room upgrades.

There’s also an upside of being on those email lists as they’ll give you access to exclusive offers. It’s kinda like our Travel Money Club , where you get the latest foreign currency news, and also go into the draw to win $500 bucks every month! It’s also worth subscribing to newsletters from smaller boutique properties because often their deals won’t be advertised elsewhere.

Be sure to check if your chosen hotel loyalty program has any partnerships with frequent flyer programs, so you can accrue extra points for your future travels. For example, if you link your Accor Live Limitless membership to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account, you can earn Qantas points to put towards a flight upgrade.

The Velocity Frequent Flyer program also has partnerships with a range of hotel loyalty programs. As a bonus, if you have a Gold or Platinum Velocity membership you can unlock elite tier membership with either IHG One Rewards or Hilton Honors. This can be an avenue for some serious savings and perks at those luxe hotels you’ve been eyeing off.

Speaking of airline loyalty programs – if you’ve racked up a bunch of points that you’re not using because you can never find those elusive rewards seats, don’t let your points go to waste. Try booking your chosen hotel through the airline site and using any unwanted points to reduce the cost of your stay. It’s an easy way to save.

The best time to get 5-star hotel discounts

When it comes to hotel deals, timing is everything. This applies to both when you stay and when you make the booking in the first place.

First up, it seems obvious, but if you’re looking for luxury hotel discounts, peak season is not your friend. Sometimes, you simply won’t want to travel to certain destinations in the off-season because it’s the off-season for a reason. For example, you’re not going to be able to laze by the pool in monsoon season in areas of South East Asia or hit the slopes in Aspen in summer.

However, other destinations offer more flexibility. Many parts of Europe like Italy, France Spain, Portugal and Greece experience a huge boom over summer, but travelling in the ‘shoulder seasons’ of Spring or Autumn instead will score you instant savings on hotels. (For more money-saving Europe travel tips, check out our guide.)

When planning your holiday, also think strategically about how you plan your weeks. Say you’re travelling to England and want to book a luxurious country retreat in the Cotswolds. Check out the accommodation pricing mid-week as it can spike on weekends when Londoners are also looking for a mini-break. Same goes for your London stay – you can often get hotel discounts on the weekend in areas of London like the Square Mile that are typically popular with business travellers during the week.

It’s also important to consider when you make your hotel booking. In short, you either want to be super organised or super flexible. You can score cheaper advance purchase rates on luxury hotels if you know your dates well in advance. On the flipside, if you’re happy to be flexible with your plans, there are plenty of sites that offer incredible last minute deals or cut-price offers on “mystery” 5-star hotels if you’re not set on a specific property, like lastminute.com.au or wotif.com .

Choose destinations wisely to get a luxe holiday for less

When looking for affordable luxury holidays, it’s worth seeking out destinations where your dollar goes the distance. South East Asia is a prime example. Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines offer incredible value for money.

You only have to take a quick glance at the prices of resorts in Phuket, Thailand, to know that you’re going to get far more for your money there, than for a week in the Amalfi coast in Italy. An 8-night package deal at a 5-star resort in Phuket, including flights, can cost as little as AUD$1650 a person. Many 5-star hotels on the Amalfi Coast would charge that for a single night’s accommodation.

Of course, the proximity of South East Asian destinations to Australia also helps make it more cost effective. The direct flight routes and array of airline options means it’s far cheaper than travelling to Europe. Plus, sightseeing and eating out is inexpensive. For other affordable destinations, see our blog here . If you’ve still got your heart set on a luxe European holiday, but your budget doesn’t extend to the Amalfi seaside, there are alternatives. Eastern European destinations like Bulgaria, and Romania have a lot to offer and will give you that European charm at a lower price point.

In the Bulgarian capital Sofia, a 5-star hotel in the heart of the city, near the stunning Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and National Palace of Culture, starts at around AUD$177 a night. If venturing on to the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, a 5-night stay in 5-star resort, including all meals and beverages, will set you back just AUD$1139 per room. Suddenly that high-end European holiday isn’t so out of reach.

Another smart strategy is to keep your eye on the Aussie dollar. When the Aussie dollar is strong – or other currencies are weaker – you’re going to get more for your dollar at your destination. For example, the AUD recently reached a record high against the Japanese Yen , which means that your budget will currently stretch further in Japan. To see how exchange rate fluctuations can impact your holiday planning, see our Japan holiday budget breakdown here .

Likewise, if you’re keen to travel to more expensive destinations like the US or UK where the Aussie dollar is typically weaker, it’s worth monitoring the forex market. Even relatively minor fluctuations can make a difference. If you’re smart about when you travel – and when you buy your currency – that luxury holiday can become slightly more affordable.

Exclusive VIP tours and experiences on a budget

Try a travel pass for discounted attractions.

Sightseeing is a significant expense while travelling, but there are ways to enjoy exclusive experiences at a discount. In some circumstances, a travel pass can help you score significant savings – you just need to do the math to see if it’s worth it.

Say you’re a classical music buff and want to explore Vienna, Austria. The official Vienna City Card gives you free travel on public transport, discounts at a huge range of museums and attractions, 20% off your bill at a range of restaurants and a 20% discount at partner hotels if you book direct. Prices start at €17 (around AUD $28) for a 24-hour pass.

So, you could catch a concert in Schönbrunn Palace where Mozart performed in 1786, along with an exclusive tour of the palace after hours. Plus, upgrade to the VIP option at the concert for access to the VIP lounge, a glass of bubbles at intermission, premium seats, a custom program and more. Typically, this VIP experience would cost €160, but the Vienna City Card will get you €32 off your ticket. It effectively pays for itself, right?

Spontaneity can help you save on your travels

If you’re on a budget, but want to add some iconic cultural experiences to your itinerary, there are ways to save. Many theatres, for instance, offer heavily discounted same-day tickets when you buy direct at the box office.

For example, if you want to see the opera or ballet in the historic Palais Garnier opera house in Paris, limited view seats are sold at the box office on the day of the performance for just €10. Bonus tip: if you’re under 28 or over 65, any remaining tickets that are still available 30 minutes prior to curtain-up are sold at the box office for €35 for an opera or €25 for a ballet or concert. This will be a night to remember and won’t break the bank.

Join a small group tour to get luxury travel for less

Often if you’re looking for that exclusive VIP tour without the high price tag, a small group tour is a good compromise.

Say you’re dreaming of island hopping off Dubrovnik, Croatia for the day, but don’t quite have the budget for a private cruise. There are plenty of small boat tours on offer for a fraction of the price with capped guest numbers. On a small tour, you won’t be jostling for space on deck and will still get the freedom to explore those hidden caves and private beaches. Just a little tip for Croatia, even if you’ve paid for your tour in advance, you’ll often need to pay cash for a fuel fee once on board, so make sure you have your Euros ready . FYI - Croatia officially changed from the Kuna to the Euro in 2023 .

If you’re looking to book a longer trip, a luxe small group tour often offers great value for money and saves you the hassle of organising transport and accommodation. You just need to weigh up the cost of inclusions and the complexity of travel around your chosen destination.

Perhaps you’re wanting to discover the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur in India on an exclusive escorted tour. Sure, you could navigate the wonderfully chaotic streets of Delhi on your own, track down your own tour guides and navigate the transport system between cities. However, India already offers great value for money, so a package tour might give you a more seamless luxury experience without a huge price tag.

Plus, there’s always ways to save – even with a high-end tour. As dining is so cheap in India, you could opt for a tour without meals included and pay this part as you go. Just have your Indian Rupees (INR) ready – it’s wise to get these before you set off. Our Travel Money Oz guide to India has plenty of tips and tricks.

Get gourmet deals and discounts when you travel

Part of the fun of any trip is trying the local cuisine – and it can also eat into your budget. If you’re looking for gourmet dining experiences, it pays to do your research.

Check out if there are special promotions or food festivals running at your destination while you’re there. For instance, New York City has an annual restaurant week, where you can enjoy 2-course lunches and 3-course dinners starting at just USD$30 (around AUD$46) at some of the city’s best restaurants. Want to settle your restaurant bill without adding a bunch of extra fees to your gourmet lunch? You can use our Travel Money Oz Currency Pass to pay in US Dollars . Just remember to factor in extra for tips.

If you want to experience a top restaurant at a discount, you can also try dining at the bar instead. Many fine dining restaurants will have a bar or lounge menu, which is cooked by the same top chefs. That way, you can still soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the food without having to pay for a full 3-course meal.

For example, you’ll pay top dollar to dine on the rooftop of the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore. A 3-course meal at the Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck starts at SGD$88 (around AUD$99) plus sides and drinks. However, light bites at the adjacent Spago Bar and Lounge start at just SGD$14 with the same spectacular view and service. Plus, you can use our Travel Money Oz currency pass to pay in Singapore Dollars .

An opulent dining experience can also give you a luxe hotel experience, without having to actually shell out for a room. In London, for example, you can enjoy a classic afternoon tea in the historic Savoy Hotel, while listening to a pianist playing tunes from the stunning central gazebo in the Thames Foyer. An afternoon tea of sandwiches, scones, cakes, savoury bites and a selection of 28 teas will set you back GBP£80 (approx. AUD$155) . Sure, it’s not cheap, but it’s a fraction of the room rate, which is around AUD$1300 a night for a queen room or up to $5200 for a suite.

Insider tips for affordable luxury travel

It is possible to have a luxe vacay at a discount, you just have to be smart about it. Consider the timing of your travels, investigate deals and discounts at your destination and do plenty of research before you set off.

Lastly, if you’re going to be savvy and save money on accommodation, dining and attractions, don’t forget to consider how you’re planning to pay once you’re at your destination. You don’t want to get hit with extra conversion fees because you’re mindlessly tapping your credit card for the entire trip.

You can avoid conversion fees by getting our Travel Money Oz Currency Pass before you go, loading it up with your chosen currency and locking in the exchange rate in advance. Also get some currency in cash to use when you arrive at your destination. Many countries prefer cash to card, so do your research to get the right balance for your travels.

By the way, if you’ve saved on bank fees, you can put that extra money towards a gourmet dining experience or VIP tour instead… that’s just math!

travel-money-card-2.png

The Travel Guides Return for a Spiritual Tour of Northern India and Nepal

More like this.

Caribbean Cruise for Culinary Connoisseurs

My good friend who lives on the Delaware shore desperately needed a post-holiday warm-weather escape. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I decided that a cruise getaway to some lesser-known Caribbean ports while dining on gourmet cuisine all along the way would be ideal for both of us.

He’s typically drawn to the newest, largest monster ships cruising, loaded with onboard amusements, more restaurants than a food court at the mall, and holding more people than some Midwestern towns. Even so, I suggested we join a 10-day “Western Caribbean Wonders” cruise aboard Oceania Cruises ’ Sirena.  

Having cruised extensively on assorted lines over the decades, I know from experience that Oceania’s food is a tasty cut above. Indeed, they boldly profess to serve the finest cuisine at sea, boasting everything is “cooked to order” or prepared à la minute .

I also like that the gourmet specialty restaurants are free of charge, as is Champagne, wine, and beer during lunch and dinner, all specialty coffees and bottled water, and unlimited Wi-Fi. A promotion on our cruise included four free shore excursions (valued up to $1,400 per cabin).

A Gourmet Heritage

Chef Jacques Pepin

Yes, Oceania has the bona fides to satisfy both a foodie like me and my sun-starved friend. The company, founded in 2002, has been affiliated with celebrity chef Jacques Pépin for more than 20 years. The beloved, French master chef, cookbook author, culinary educator, and television personality served as the cruise line’s Executive Culinary Director until this year, when he transitioned into an advisory role.

Sirena was built in Saint-Nazaire, France, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, the shipyard famous for building such iconic trans-Atlantic liners as France , Ile de France , Normandie , and more recently, Queen Mary 2 . Despite such large-ship forebears, Sirena is my idea of a perfect size, carrying just 670 passengers: prime for offering a relatively uncrowded setting, high-end dining venues, elegant accommodations, and a higher crew-to-passenger ratio than you’ll find on big ships.

Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom

The 25-year-old vessel — completely gutted in 2019 — is quite chic, providing a modern, airy atmosphere, similar to that of an elegant estate home. Stylish, richly appointed interiors have a color palette of soft sea and sky tones incorporating silvery grays and greens alongside vivid sapphire and taupe.

My Concierge-Level Veranda cabin was cozy (216 square feet) but comfortable, with twin beds or queen-size, a large sliding-glass door, flat-screen TV, personal safe, loveseat and coffee table, mini refrigerator stocked with soft drinks (daily), cashmere throw blanket, and a number of free laundry and pressing vouchers. Closet space was generous and there were multiple storage drawers. The veranda has two chairs and a side table. All accommodations feature the line’s proprietary Tranquility Bed — a luxurious, pillow-top mattress. If you splurge for one of the 48 penthouses, they are a spacious 322 square feet and come with their own butler. 

Cuisine Toscana Aragosta Fra Diavolo Lobster Tagliolini

As I stated, my primary criteria when selecting Oceania Cruises was the high-quality food. They claim that half of the ship’s staff is dedicated to the culinary experience. From the main dining room to the indoor/outdoor buffet restaurant, poolside grill, ice cream shop, coffee bar, and two no-charge specialty restaurants, everything is gourmet aboard Sirena . And by that, I mean dry-aged beef, the highest quality seafood, and breads made with imported French flour are served on Versace china.

Lunch at Waves poolside grill might include a wagyu burger or surf-and-turf. Their version was a petit filet mignon and medallions of Caribbean lobster tail served on a ciabatta roll — most days, I asked them to hold the roll to mind my waistline.

You can also enjoy lobster at Tuscan, one of the two specialty restaurants. But here, it’s a whole Maine lobster. (Have no fear, the server removes it from the shell for you.) Tuscan is a hybrid of the Polo Grill steakhouse and Toscana Italian restaurant found on other Oceania ships.

Aragosta Fra Diavolo con tagliolini Freschi

If you really like lobster, it’s also prominently featured on the menu at Red Ginger, the ship’s popular Asian-fusion specialty restaurant. The lobster pad Thai is stellar, and I recommend ordering it at least once during your cruise.

About that: Every guest is guaranteed one reservation at each of the alternative restaurants. We found it was no problem to dine there on multiple occasions if you are flexible on the dining time. And there is no surcharge whatsoever — a big plus compared to industry trends.

Whether enjoying a slice of well-cooked, thin-crust pizza at the Terrace Café or caviar blinis in the Grand Dining Room, every meal in every venue is truly amazing. My friend joked that he had more racks of lamb in 10 days than he’d had in the past decade.

As part of Oceania’s current “Simply More” promotion, we had free Champagne, wine, and beer during lunch and dinner. And there were many varietals to choose from, including chardonnay, pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc, rosé, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, and zinfandel. To our great delight, there were sometimes multiple choices of each. For example, my buddy drinks sauvignon blanc and they offered him a New Zealand, a Chilean, or one from California. All of the wines we sampled were good, without exception.

Sirena offers nightly entertainment, including a talented four-person troupe of singers and dancers. But for us, the main attraction was the dining experience, and most nights we turned in after savoring a leisurely, multi-course meal.

The Itinerary

Honduras, Roatan

Having lived in South Florida for 35 years, the specific Caribbean ports on my itinerary were not so important for me. Of the 650-plus passengers on our sailing, the vast majority couldn’t care less, either. Virtually all of them were drawn to the balmy Caribbean for a needed respite from winter doldrums back home. 

Sirena provided that. From Miami, we headed for Costa Maya on Mexico’s Atlantic Coast. Unfortunately, strong winds prevented us from safely docking there, but the next day we visited Roatan, Honduras, a port famous for its underwater attractions.

In Santo Tomas, Guatemala, I joined a half-day tour to Las Escobas Springs Rain Forest. It was rainy and cool during my January visit, but it would have been lovely in better weather.

Harvest Caye was our stop on the following day. This private island was developed by Oceania’s parent company in cooperation with the Belizean government. The cruise line offers optional tours departing by boat, but many guests opted to do nothing but enjoy fun in the sun. A convenient golf-cart continually shuttles guests between the gangway and the beach area. There’s also a large swimming pool with swim-up bar, optional zip-lining, refreshment stands, kayak and pedal-boat rentals, and various kiosks selling everything from local rum to souvenirs, hats and tee shirts. Umbrellas and private cabanas are available for those wishing to avoid the sun. The facilities include changing rooms, showers, and restrooms. Many of my fellow passengers felt this man-made attraction was their favorite stop.

Our visit to Belize City offered a more authentic, unfiltered look at the Caribbean nation known as British Honduras until 1973. I took a tour to a local brewery. Later, aboard Sirena , a fellow cruiser told me that I missed seeing the most beautiful parts of Belize. For example, cave tubing near Jaguar’s Paw Resort. Note to self, do more research in advance.

Cooking in Cozumel  

Cozumel was first discovered by American tourists in the 1950s and has attracted them ever since. Our optional sightseeing choices included the ability to drive a speedboat … or to learn how to cook, Mexican-style.

Since my knowledge of the Mexican kitchen was limited to fish tacos and quesadillas, I joined the Mexican cooking class with my college chum and two new friends from the ship. Beverages, both soft and alcoholic, were provided at the outset and the instructors were fun, albeit a little silly and overly animated.

We first prepared a chocolatey plantain dessert that immediately went into a cooler to chill. Then, we formed a pastry cup from homemade tortilla batter that served as an edible serving dish for a Mexican-spiced shrimp appetizer. The main course was filet of fresh, local fish, lightly pan fried with mixed vegetables.

After preparing the meal we adjourned to an upstairs dining room overlooking the ocean to be served the fruits of our labors. All in all, this adventure was a shoreside highlight.

A Concierge-Level Veranda stateroom on a similar Caribbean itinerary in 2025 will cost about $450 per day per person, double occupancy. Included in these fares are wine, Champagne, and beer with lunch and dinner, a selection of free shore excursions (valued up to $1,400 per cabin), and free Wi-Fi. Alternative restaurants, specialty coffees, and bottled water are included on all Oceania voyages.

Owners Suite Foyer

Next winter, Sirena will offer an enhanced 10-day Caribbean itinerary from Barbados to Miami, departing January 29, with visits to St. Vincent, Grenada, Curacao, Aruba, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Prices for the “Steel Drum Serenade” range from $3,099 to $8,699 per person, double occupancy. The Owners Suites are already wait-listed. Following her Caribbean cruises, Sirena crosses the pond for a series of spring, summer and fall voyages throughout Northern Europe, the British Isles and Scandinavia, from May to November.

The Bottom Line

My Italian-American mom was a kindergarten teacher and a gourmet home cook. Some folks may say she raised a food snob. But I prefer to say I’m a culinary connoisseur. Definitely I care about quality food. If you want to cruise close to home and appreciate fine cuisine,  Oceania’s Caribbean cruises for 2024-25 range from 7 to 14 days.

By Gary Gerbino

You may also like

Floating galleries.

Floating Galleries 10 Great Cruise Ships for Art Lovers By Sherri Eisenberg Sure, you can sail to th

Like a Local: US Virgin Islands

LIKE A LOCAL Livin’ in the USVI By Carol Bareuther Sure, there are guidebooks that list every rest

Oceania launches top-notch entertainment

Oceania is launching a series of top-notch concerts and lectures, beginning with a shipboard progr

Regent Seven Seas and Aston Martin F1 Team Unveil Exclusive Voyage

Andrea bocelli to perform at queen anne naming ceremony, the ultimate guide to affordable cruise connectivity, holland america line introduces new royal dutch tea experience.

Niigata's Murakami City: Enjoy Fun Events, Sightseeing, and Local Cuisine!

We use cookies to improve our contents. Check the detail and update your settings here .

We use cookies to improve our services.

For more details, please click here .

• Food & Drink
• Accommodation
• Things To Do
• All the categories

Transportation

• Weather & Seasons
• Long-Term Stay
• Travel Tips
• Event Tickets
• About MATCHA
• Company Profile
• Things To Do in Hyogo
• Food & Drink in Hyogo
• MATCHA Special Features

Kobe's new local gourmet food! What is "Kobe Cheese Toast"?

Kobe Cheese Toast is a new local Kobe gourmet food that was born in 2022. It is a toast with a new flavor that uses cheese and sake lees. In this article, we will introduce you to "What is Kobe Cheese Toast?", the Kobe coffee shops that serve it, and original goods! If you visit Kobe, please try it!...

Kobe cheese toast

Kobe's new local gourmet food! Kobe cheese toast!

Kobe Cheese Toast was born in 2022 from the desire to create a local gourmet food that can be easily recommended as "You have to eat this when you go to Kobe!" It is currently on sale at 12 coffee shops in Kobe. Through various events such as holding coffee shop tours and participating in special events in Fukuoka, Kobe Cheese Toast is becoming more and more popular as "Kobe's new local gourmet food"! Please try it when you visit Kobe!

First of all, what is "Kobe Cheese Toast"?

This toast is made with cheese and sake lees and was born in Kobe, the city of bread, cheese and sake. This unexpected combination creates a sweet and salty yet refined taste, which has been highly praised for its deliciousness! One of the charms of Kobe cheese toast is that the bread, cheese and sake lees used vary depending on the shop that serves it, allowing you to enjoy different flavors. It also goes great with fruit, whipped cream, red bean paste and more.

This is the original Kobe cheese toast, made by spreading a mixture of sake lees paste, fresh cream, and raisins on bread, topping it with cheese, and baking it until it is fragrant! The recipe is also available on the official website!

Introducing a cafe that serves Kobe cheese toast!

Currently, Kobe cheese toast is served at 12 coffee shops in Kobe. Be sure to take a tour of the coffee shops in Kobe and compare the unique Kobe cheese toasts from each shop! ♪

Cafe Eikokuya (Sannomiya Center Street 3-chome branch)

Address: 3-9-7 Sannomiya-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Telephone: 078-391-9006

You can relax and savour the coffee, which is made from carefully selected big beans from all over the world and carefully roasted by artisans, in a relaxing European-style interior space.

Ogura bean paste Kobe cheese toast Sales price: 760 yen (tax included)

Cafe Ango: Cold brew coffee and homemade sweets

Address: 103 Maya Corp East Building, 4-3-16 Suido-suji, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Telephone: 078-801-0063

This shop serves cold-brewed coffee that takes 8 hours to extract, and homemade sweets and bread that are lovingly baked by the owner. You can enjoy cafe time surrounded by the scent of books, greenery, and trees.

Kobe Cheese Toast made with Otakara Bread Price: 700 yen (tax included) *Includes cold brew coffee

Address: 6F Daimaru Kobe Store, 40 Akashicho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: None

A chic cafe in a corner of the men's clothing department at the Daimaru Kobe store. You can enjoy carefully brewed, rich coffee and desserts. It's also recommended for a break between shopping!

Coffee Roasting Studio Sora.mame

Address: 3-4-10 Minamimachi, Suma-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: 078-732-2564

A self-roasting coffee shop in Suma Tsukimiyama. They sell coffee beans and black tea leaves, and also serve homemade cakes, jellies, and light meals.

Kobe Sake Kasu Cheese Toast Price: 700 yen (tax included)

Teacafe Colour

Address: 1-2-21 Sun Builder Oji Park 101, Oji-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Telephone: 078-882-6010

Just a minute's walk from Oji Koen Station, this cafe is located in a quiet and secluded area and mainly serves tea and sweets. The simple and cute interior is perfect for enjoying afternoon tea!

Kobe cheese toast made with our original homemade sake lees paste Sales price: 500 yen (tax included)

Address: 3-1-29 Asahidori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: None

In the shop with a retro Showa-era atmosphere, you can enjoy stylish cream sodas and puddings. Kobe Cheese Toast is also available at two DORSIA stores in Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture!

Kobe cheese toast with seasonal jam Sales price: 650 yen (tax included)

Address: 8-chome, Miyuki-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: 080-9121-6170

Morning, lunch, cafe, bar time. This cafe can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In addition to toast, they also offer a wide variety of warm set meals and local Kobe sake.

Honey cheese quattro with sake lees (Kobe cheese toast) Sales price: 480 yen (tax included)

Motomachi Santos (Hagiwara Coffee)

Address: 2-3-12 Motomotomachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: 078-331-1079

It has been open for over 60 years in the Motomachi shopping arcade in Kobe. This shop is directly managed by Hagiwara Coffee, which has its headquarters in Kobe, and you can enjoy carefully selected coffee in a retro atmosphere.

Santos Original Kobe Cheese Toast (mandarin orange, peach, pineapple, cherry) Only available on weekends and holidays from 11:30am. *This year's sales period is scheduled to end in mid-June. Sales are scheduled to resume after mid-September. Sales price: 850 yen (tax included)

Downtown Cafe Chamame

Address: 4-6-7 Kubocho, Nagata Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: 078-779-2887

This is a simple, old-fashioned downtown cafe where you can relax and enjoy some brown, round, cute food. Based on the concept of "brown food is delicious" and "muscles never betray you," they have opened a personal training studio on the second floor of the cafe!

Kobe cheese toast made with homemade bread Price: 550 yen (tax included)

IN THE DOOR BREWING

Address: 301A Market Scene, 5-15 Mukaiyoko-cho Naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: 078-857-8880

This beer bar serves carefully craft beer made using 100% Kobe's natural water, Nunobiki no Mizu, in a stylish white space.

Original Kobe Cheese Toast Price: 990 yen (tax included)

Mobile cafe "Cafe Ogawa"

Our motto is "Delivering the coffee shop space itself." We operate as a "mobile coffee shop" by setting up cafes at city and store events, utilizing store holidays and free time, and providing coffee shops in people's homes.

Kobe Cheese Toast x Rajkumar Curry Price: 900 yen (tax included)

Handmade coffee shop "Tsukika"

Address: 4-9-17 Shinzaike Minamimachi, Nada-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: 050-5236-8590

Based on the concept of a traditional Showa-era coffee shop, the interior design, including antique furniture and lighting, is carefully selected, allowing you to spend a relaxing time enjoying a delicious cup of coffee.

Brown sugar & maple Kobe cheese toast Price: 600 yen (tax included)

Cafe Sun Red

Address: 1-2-19 Ekiminamidori, Hyogo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture Phone number: 078-651-2678

From the nutritious daily lunch and breakfast set of your choice to classic foods like curry and Neapolitan, you can enjoy a wide variety of menu items in a relaxed atmosphere.

Kobe Cheese Sake Kasu Toast Price: 350 yen (tax included)

Kobe Cheese Toast SNS

The Kobe Cheese Toast official website provides information on stores selling the product, as well as introducing the unique original Kobe Cheese Toasts from each store. In addition, a recipe for the "Original Kobe Cheese Toast" is also posted so that you can easily enjoy it at home! The official X (formerly Twitter) provides the latest information on events and store openings.

Official site

Click here for the official website!

X (formerly Twitter)

Official X (Twitter) is here!

Kobe Cheese Toast original goods!

Original stickers, original T-shirts (long sleeve & short sleeve), and acrylic key chains are on sale on the official website! The unique and cute designs are sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone you meet! Looking at them will make you hungry ♡

Using bread, which has a deep connection with Kobe, we worked together with the cooperation of not only local people but also local businesses to create ``local toast'' that can be eaten on any occasion, such as breakfast, lunch, or snacks. After spending months examining ``unique combinations with cheese toast,'' three ingredients were selected as final candidates: ``black beans,'' ``Ikanago,'' and ``Sake lees.'' We held a general election that gathered the voices of the people of Kobe for about 20 days, and out of three toasts, the one that was chosen was "Sake Kasu Cheese Toast"! Some said, ``It's an unexpected collaboration, but it's delicious,'' ``Once I tried it, I was hooked,'' and ``I think I can make it at home.'' We will develop "Sake Lees Cheese Toast" using sake lees and cheese as Kobe Cheese Toast so that it can be eaten at restaurants and coffee shops in Kobe.

The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.

Related topics

Top articles.

Kobe: 15 Things to Do and Area Guide

Top 7 Onsen Towns Near Osaka and Kyoto: Hot Spring and Spa Day Trips

How to Travel to Kobe From Osaka: The Fastest and Cheapest Methods

Start planning your trip

Special Features

Popular Searches

Latest news.

Floral Desserts in Kyoto! Itoh Kyuemon's Uji Matcha and Hydrangea Festival

Discover Kyoto's Elegant Geisha Culture at the Gion Kagai Art Museum

Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival 2024: Enjoy Nemophila, Tulips, and More!

A Must for Nature Lovers! Win a Free Stay at Unzen Amakusa National Park

A World of Light and Color! Van Gogh Alive in Japan 2024

Japan's Public Holidays and Long Weekends in 2024

Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom: A Shopping Mall Featuring a Resort Aura

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Riding Taxis in Japan: The 6 Best Apps to Grab a Cab

How to Travel to Kyoto From Osaka: The Fastest and Cheapest Ways

New articles.

[Spring/Summer 2024/Fukunone] Sightseeing programs you can experience in Fukui Prefecture ~Area around JR Echizen Takefu Station①~

The umbrella brand "Wpc."'s first FLAGSHIP SHOP in Tokyo, "Wpc. Echika fit GINZA," will open on Saturday, June 1, 2024.

The origin of Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki! 6 inventions by the first "Iune Mitsuo"

Behind the scenes of the opening of Mitchan Souhonten Orizuru Tower store! What are the unknown hardships and thoughts?

We will provide an easy-to-understand explanation of Japan Heritage.

Join Our E-Newsletter

Book your stay.

• Places To Stay -->
• Things To Do -->
• Plan Your Trip -->
• Partners -->
• About Us -->
• Privacy Policy -->

[email protected] © 2020 - TravelPaso.com - All rights reserved.

PARTNER LOGIN

© 2024 Paso Robles Destination DBA Travel Paso

global politics extended essay ideas

Hotel Pioner

View prices for your travel dates

• Excellent 0
• Very Good 0
• English ( 0 )

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Hotel Pioner - Reviews & Photos