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Annual Restaurant Guide: Tasmania top 5

Annual Restaurant Guide: Victoria Top 25

Annual Restaurant Guide: South Australia Top 10

Annual Restaurant Guide: NSW top 25

Annual Restaurant Guide: NSW top 25

The latest incarnation of Sydney’s pre-eminent seafood shrine is a full-throated triumph, writes MATTY HIRSCH.

One of Melbourne’s most ambitous openings of 2023 is also one of the priciest, but it’s all part of the experience.

The modern dining space is set against the legendary Penfolds winery and has all the trimmings of fine dining without unnecessary pomp.

Elska requires commitment. The simply furnished, dégustation-only venue has just 12 tables and opens three days a week.

From start to finish, a meal at Sixpenny – complete with beautiful ceramics, smart service and imaginative beverage pairings – is a rare and exciting treat.

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Berowra Waters Inn is as close as you can get to dégustation dining on the water without getting wet.

Brae is one of Australia's great food offerings, bringing an experience that's unforgettable, educational and unmissable.

Surf, turf and a touch of glamour.

The restaurant in Adelaide's tranquil Botanic Gardens has always been perfectly situated, and has now been injected with wild new life.

Open just two days a week, Underbar plays a great game of hard-to-get. The room is minimalist, the service warm, the encounter unforgettable.

Underlined by the laidback service and the single seating policy, Tedesca Osteria has a dinner at a friend's place vibe. With faultless attention to detail, it's a must.

Slick service, killer cocktails and the best steak in Sydney – you'll find yourself back at The Gidley again and again.

Post-lockdown, Peter Gilmore is back, and he's unveiled a new signature tasting menu that's as ingenious as ever.

Since grabbing attention in 2013 with their low-waste farm-to-table concept, O.My has only gone bigger and better.

The Japanese notion of "ichigyo zammai" – doing one thing excessively well – is on vivid display at this backstreet Richmond sushi temple.

Set in an ultra contemporary yet cosy glass "box" on Pyrmont Bay, LuMi is unlike anything else in Sydney.

Lake House provides many applause-worthy moments and deserves every ovation.

Behind a monochrome shopfront is Kazuki's, an oasis of minimalist, mustard-carpeted calm, where Japanese and European flavours are fused brilliantly.

Featuring a mysterious six-course dégustation menu that's the best thing to happen to Geelong since the Cats won the flag in 2011.

Ben Shewry recognises the expense of his world-famous 10-ish course meal and strives to honour Indigenous culture and ingredients. He succeeds, completely and beautifully.

Located 15 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, the restaurant lives up to the hype with impressive dishes to match its wine and views.

It hasn't been an easy ride for this Victorian fine-dining restaurant. But judging by the food, service and polished dining room, you wouldn't know it.