SIDE PIECE

Side dishes are moving from support act to starring role.

Far from an afterthought, side dishes are moving into “main act” territory – and it’s not just your vegetarian friend who knows the joys to be had from ordering off that section of the menu. Here’s our guide to the worthiest small (but mighty) plates around the country

PORTENO, SYDNEY

This Surry Hills favourite’s side of crispy fried brussels sprouts with lentils and mint will have you reconsidering the need to eat meat again. porteno.com.au

SUPERNORMAL, MELBOURNE

Between the neon signage out front and the broccolini with smoked potato, miso and furikake inside, you won’t know what to Instagram first. supernormal.net.au

RESTAURANT HUBERT, SYDNEY

Forsake the need for a hard-to-come-by table reservation and perch yourself at the bar for its specially bottled house martini and a serving of the spicy cabbage and sweet onion gratin. restauranthubert.com

PINK MOON SALOON, ADELAIDE

The only thing more highly regarded than the cocktail list at this Twin Peaks-esque bar? The hand-cut chips, served with a house pickle mayonnaise and topped with a signature spice mix. pinkmoonsaloon.com.au

BHANG, MELBOURNE

The crispy spinach chaat (think battered spinach leaves served with tamarind yoghurt) at this Brunswick eatery is a must-try. eatdrinkbhang.com

ST ELMO, BYRON BAY

Eschew the usual Byron Bay fare of acai anything in favour of St Elmo’s fried potatoes, served with salsa brava, garlic aioli and topped with smoked paprika salt. stelmodining.com

BIB AND TUCKER, PERTH

This North Fremantle eatery does potatoes how you dream of them: extra crispy, with pickled shallots, homemade tomato sauce and a generous serving of parmesan. bibandtucker.net.au

LUCY LIU, MELBOURNE

Pair the spiced green apple coleslaw with all the dumplings your heart desires. lucylius.com.au