Best New Private Dining Room
When winning at work calls for wining and dining, it’s best practice to book a private dining room. A rarefied inner sanctum at the heart of any restaurant that caters to the captains of industry, it’s a place where privacy, discretion and comfort are assured and that indefinable X factor is present in spades. Admission to this privileged domain can make even an intern feel like a corporate king.
Donna Chang, Brisbane donnachang.com.au
The banquet-friendly menu at Brisbane’s hottest new restaurant lends itself perfectly to private dining. Critically acclaimed cuisine and an OTT fit-out that’s equal parts elegant and edgy make it double the fun.
The look and feel Separate to the main floor on a mezzanine, this secluded space lies under a beautifully decorated heritage ceiling. It can seat 60 or be split into three sections, each with chandeliers and plush carpet. Two rooms also have plasma screens. The crowd Movers, shakers and tastemakers.
The wow factor Two of the three private dining spaces boast their own wine cellar.
Heritij, Brisbane heritij.com.au
Manjunath Mural, the chef behind Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurant The Song of India, is also at the helm of this opulent modern Indian newcomer to the bustling Brisbane Quarter. It’s Indian but not as you know it, with a jewel-coloured design that channels Subcontinental sass. The look and feel Our pick of the four private dining spaces is The Passage, a cloistered room for 30 with green banquettes and a curved ceiling covered in golden brocade wallpaper. Picture a sumptuous scene from the days of the Raj.
The crowd The Queensland capital’s creative corps.
The wow factor Impressive views over the river towards South Bank.
Carlton Wine Room, Melbourne
thecarltonwineroom.com.au
It’s described as “a neighbourhood bistro and bar, serving food that works with wine”. But that doesn’t quite convey the broad appeal of this lauded venue, which spans five elegant spaces in a Victorian-era shopfront. A cracking wine list and service match the modern fare. The look and feel Light and bright, the Carlton Wine Room doubles down with the Faraday Room, an ultra-private white-clothed diner for up to 18 people. With views of the rooftops, it’s ideal for long lunches and intimate dinners.
The crowd Melbourne’s intelligentsia.
The wow factor It’s co-owned by award-winning sommelier Travis Howe.
Quay, Sydney quay.com.au
After a $4 million renovation last year, harbourside darling Quay has cemented its place at the pinnacle of the Australian restaurant pyramid. Always evolving, Peter Gilmore’s adventurous, swoonworthy food is better than ever. The look and feel It’s luxurious Australiana in the 10-seat private dining room. A table hewn from spotted gum and walls decorated in overlapping fabric strips in the colours of fallen gum leaves bring the bush to the big city.
The crowd The top end of town. The wow factor Stunning views of the Opera House.