Australia’s fine dining scene is a world-class experience, and receiving a three-hat rating from the Good Food Guide is the ultimate recognition of culinary excellence. These restaurants go beyond serving incredible food—they redefine gastronomy with bold innovation, impeccable technique, and unparalleled service. From luxurious city rooftops to serene countryside estates, each of these establishments offers a dining journey that captivates the senses.
Expect nothing less than perfection on every plate. These restaurants are led by visionary chefs who push boundaries, celebrating both local and international influences while respecting the integrity of their ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime meal or an introduction to the heights of Australian cuisine, these three-hat restaurants guarantee an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
In 2025, a total of 16 restaurants have earned the prestigious three-hat status. Here’s a closer look at Australia’s finest three hatted restaurants, each offering an exceptional dining experience.
All 3 Hat Restaurants in Australia for 2025
Oncore by Clare Smyth (Sydney, NSW)
Run by Clare Smyth, the first British female chef to earn three Michelin stars, Oncore blends precision, elegance, and sustainability. With sweeping views of Sydney Harbour, the menu highlights seasonal Australian produce with a refined European touch. The attention to detail and the balance of flavours make every dish exceptional.
What Makes It Great?
- Focus on sustainability and zero-waste cooking.
- The delicate balance of textures and flavours in each dish
- A menu that tells a story through its refined yet approachable dishes
Signature Dish:
Potato and Roe – A slow-cooked Charlotte potato topped with smoked trout and herring roe, this dish is a masterclass in simplicity and technique, showcasing the best of farm-to-table dining.
Restaurant Botanic (Adelaide, SA)
Nestled in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, this restaurant is a journey through nature on a plate. With a seasonal degustation menu crafted from wild ingredients, native herbs, and foraged produce, every dish here is a masterpiece. The connection to nature and constant innovation set this restaurant apart.
What Makes It Great?
- Use of wild, native, and foraged ingredients
- A dining experience that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings
- Multi-course degustation that evolves with the seasons
Signature Dish:
Seasonal Native Ingredient Degustation – The menu constantly evolves, featuring ingredients like finger lime, wattleseed, and bunya nut, offering a true taste of Australia’s unique biodiversity.
Amaru (Melbourne, VIC)
A hidden gem in Armadale, Amaru is all about hyper-local, hyper-seasonal cuisine. Expect an intimate, 22-seat experience with a tasting menu that feels like a love letter to Australian produce. The precision and care in execution make it a truly special place.
What Makes It Great?
- A minimalist yet highly refined approach to fine dining
- A deeply personal and intimate dining experience
- Creativity in transforming simple ingredients into complex, flavourful dishes
Signature Dish:
Jurassic quail – Savor confit legs and fire-finished breast glazed in sour beer and pepper leaf, paired with bullhorn pepper brown butter sauce, pumpkin seed miso, desert lime raisins, and peach fruit leather for an unforgettable dish.
Brae (Birregurra, VIC)
Set on a working organic farm, Brae is a destination restaurant where paddock-to-plate is more than just a buzzword. Chef Dan Hunter crafts dishes inspired by his surroundings, using ingredients grown just metres from the kitchen. The seamless integration of farming and fine dining makes Brae exceptional.
What Makes It Great?
- True farm-to-table experience with sustainable practices
- Ever-changing menu that reflects the seasons
- Deep respect for Australian ingredients and organic farming
Signature Dish:
Mulberries and cream – Indulge in creamy strawberry gum ice cream atop layers of frozen Brae Farm mulberries, mulberry curd, jam, and salted white chocolate caramel for a truly irresistible treat.
Vue de Monde (Melbourne, VIC)
Perched high above the city on the 55th floor of the Rialto Tower, Vue de Monde is all about spectacle and sophistication. The views alone make it one of Melbourne’s most sought-after dining experiences, but it’s the exquisite dishes that truly shine.
What Makes It Great?
- Breathtaking skyline views paired with elegant fine dining
- Immaculate presentation and technical precision in every dish
- Commitment to innovation and reinvention of classic Australian cuisine
Signature Dish:
Asparagus juice and koji – Enjoy thinly sliced delicacies dressed in Geraldton wax, asparagus juice, and koji sauce, layered with herb cream, and finished with tea tree-smoked salmon roe from the Yarra Valley.
Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant (Adelaide, SA)
Nestled in the iconic Magill Estate, Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant is an experience that harmoniously blends world-class cuisine with the rich legacy of Penfolds wines. Located in the heart of the winery, it offers diners an opportunity to indulge in exquisite fine dining while surrounded by breathtaking views of the vineyard.
What Makes It Great?
- World-renowned wines paired with exceptional fine dining
- A focus on sustainable, locally sourced produce
- A sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere with stunning views
Signature Dish:
Pea Croustade – Croustade filled with chicken fat and yeast emulsion, pea and mint puree, topped with flame-tossed double-podded peas, Kaviari osetra caviar, and finished with Ernabella Garden flowers and mint leaves.
Bentley Restaurant & Bar (Sydney, NSW)
An icon in Sydney’s dining scene, Bentley Restaurant & Bar is a place where innovative cuisine meets impeccable service. Known for its modern Australian menu with global influences, Bentley’s is perfect for those seeking a gastronomic adventure in an elegant yet inviting setting.
What Makes It Great?
- A modern and innovative approach to Australian cuisine
- A curated selection of wines, particularly rare and boutique options
- Exceptional, personalised service in a contemporary setting
Signature Dish:
Crumbed swordfish – Savour with pistachio, brown butter, and black olives, or a classic poached tiger prawn cocktail with chilli mayonnaise.
Ten Minutes by Tractor – Restaurant (Mornington Peninsula, VIC)
Located in one of Australia’s premier wine regions, Ten Minutes by Tractor brings together refined dining with a sense of place. The restaurant, known for its modern Australian cuisine, celebrates the best of the Mornington Peninsula’s produce and wines.
What Makes It Great?
- A focus on regional produce and a seasonal menu
- A stunning location within a vineyard, enhancing the overall dining experience
- Exceptional wine pairings, especially from local vineyards
Signature Dish:
Mud crab, cauliflower, Romanesco – Indulge in the delicate flavours of mud crab paired with creamy cauliflower and vibrant Romanesco for a truly exquisite dish.
Hentley Farm (Barossa Valley, SA)
Set within the renowned Barossa Valley, Hentley Farm offers an intimate yet sophisticated experience. The restaurant focuses on locally grown, seasonal produce and is renowned for pairing its dishes with the estate’s premium wines.
What Makes It Great?
- A family-owned estate offering fine dining in a relaxed setting
- A commitment to sustainability and seasonal produce
- An impressive selection of wines that complement the exceptional food
Signature Dish:
The seasonal menu features pristine produce sourced from wild green spaces around Greenock Creek, our farm garden beds, and dedicated local farmers and backyard growers, whose care and passion are reflected in the natural flavours of each ingredient.
Attica (Ripponlea, VIC)
Attica, a Melbourne institution, is known for its avant-garde approach to Australian cuisine. The restaurant’s innovative menu showcases local ingredients with a modern twist, creating an unforgettable culinary journey.
What Makes It Great?
- A cutting-edge dining experience with experimental flavours
- A focus on native Australian ingredients
- Unparalleled creativity in the presentation and conception of each dish
Signature Dish:
Dishes that celebrate native Australian flavours in an unexpected yet harmonious way.
Minamishima (Richmond, VIC)
Minamishima offers an exclusive, intimate dining experience that elevates Japanese fine dining. Renowned for its exquisite sushi and sashimi, it emphasises traditional techniques combined with the freshest ingredients.
What Makes It Great?
- A world-class omakase experience with highly skilled chefs
- Impeccable presentation and attention to detail
- A focus on seasonal and high-quality ingredients, especially seafood
Signature Dish:
A selection of rare, expertly prepared nigiri—showcases the restaurant’s mastery of sushi craftsmanship.
Sixpenny (Sydney, NSW)
Sixpenny is a modern, minimalist restaurant offering a refined tasting menu that celebrates Australian ingredients. Known for its imaginative approach and precise execution, it brings a creative flair to fine dining.
What Makes It Great?
- A tasting menu that evolves with the seasons
- Thoughtful, experimental flavours that are uniquely Australian
- A refined yet welcoming atmosphere
Signature Dish:
The marron – Grilled over coal and glazed with coral butter made from roasted garlic, marron head coral, and a rich 11-month-old fermented fish paste.
Wills Domain Winery Restaurant (Yallingup, WA)
Set in the picturesque Margaret River region, Wills Domain Winery Restaurant combines the art of fine dining with breathtaking views of the vineyard. The menu focuses on the freshest local produce, expertly paired with the estate’s premium wines.
What Makes It Great?
- A wine-focused dining experience in a stunning winery setting
- Dishes inspired by local produce and seasonal ingredients
- Perfectly curated wine pairings that elevate each course
Signature Dish:
Seasonal tasting and à la carte menus, crafted from the finest local produce, are designed to perfectly complement our wines, creating a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Quay (Sydney, NSW)
Situated on the Sydney Harbour, Quay is known for its extraordinary views and exceptional modern Australian cuisine. The restaurant is a favourite for both locals and international visitors, offering an unparalleled dining experience.
What Makes It Great?
- A menu that fuses innovative techniques with premium Australian ingredients
- Unrivalled views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge
- A signature tasting menu that showcases the best of Australia
Signature Dish:
Snow Egg—a poetic dessert that combines meringue, custard, and a passionfruit centre.
Restaurant Dan Arnold (Brisbane, QLD)
Restaurant Dan Arnold offers a sophisticated yet unpretentious dining experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant combines French culinary techniques with Australian flair.
What Makes It Great?
- Refined French-inspired cuisine with an Australian twist
- A tasting menu designed to surprise and delight
- An elegant and intimate dining experience
Signature Dish:
Dashi Meringue, Sea Urchin, Trout Roe – These bright, delicate pearls offer bursts of salty, oceanic flavour, enhancing the sea urchin and delivering a satisfying pop with every bite.
Kadota (Sydney, NSW)
Kadota is a contemporary Japanese restaurant offering a refined take on traditional dishes. Known for its sustainable practices, the restaurant celebrates local Australian ingredients while staying true to Japanese culinary traditions.
What Makes It Great?
- A focus on sustainability and sourcing from local producers
- High-quality sushi and seasonal dishes
- An elegant yet cozy atmosphere perfect for intimate dining
Signature Dish:
Tasmanian trout sashimi with yuzu and wakame—fresh, delicate, and full of flavour.
Understanding the Prestige of Hat Restaurant Awards
In the vibrant culinary landscape, “hat” restaurant awards play a significant role in recognising and celebrating dining establishments of exceptional quality, particularly prominent in Australia. These awards, paralleling the international renown of Michelin stars and Forbes star ratings, serve as crucial benchmarks for culinary distinction and excellence. Among the authorities granting these esteemed accolades, the Australian Good Food Guide (AGFG) stands out. The AGFG, known for its rigorous evaluation process, awards chef hats to restaurants that achieve excellence in culinary arts. These hats, ranging from one to three, symbolise increasingly higher standards of dining experiences, from the quality of the food and innovation in cooking to the atmosphere and service provided.
Operating independently, AGFG has established itself as a key player in the Australian food industry, guiding diners to the country’s finest dining experiences. Its hat award system encourages restaurants to aspire to higher levels of creativity and quality, thereby continuously elevating Australia’s culinary scene. The prestige of receiving a chef hat from AGFG is a coveted honour, reflecting a restaurant’s commitment to excellence and its position as a leader in the gastronomic community.
Receiving even a single hat is a commendable feat, signifying a restaurant’s commitment to quality, creativity, and service. A one-hat restaurant rating suggests a very good dining establishment where food and service exceed ordinary standards. Achieving a two-hat restaurant rating signifies culinary excellence, demonstrating superior skills in cooking, ingredient selection, and overall dining experience.
Finally, earning a three-hat restaurant rating is a rare honour, signifying exceptional cuisine and service that ranks among the best globally.
These hat awards are judged on a comprehensive set of criteria, including the quality of the food, mastery of the use of ingredients, the presentation of dishes, the level of service, and the ambience of the establishment. The rigorous assessment ensures that only the most deserving restaurants receive these accolades, making a hat award a significant symbol of culinary prestige. For chefs and restaurant owners, earning a hat is not just an acknowledgment of their culinary excellence but also a powerful tool for attracting patrons and distinguishing themselves in a competitive industry.
Final Take on Hatted Restaurants in Australia
These three hat restaurants in Australia represent the very best of fine dining, each with its own unique charm. Whether it’s an iconic Sydney landmark, a hidden Melbourne gem, or a vineyard retreat, these restaurants are worth the splurge. Each delivers an experience that extends beyond the plate, offering a true celebration of culinary artistry and innovation.
If you’re a passionate foodie or simply seeking an extraordinary dining experience, these 3 hat restaurants offer the pinnacle of fine dining in Australia. Planning to visit any of them? Let us know your favourites!
