Dishes and destinations

The Gourmet Traveller team share where they’ve been and what they’re eating.

Society, Melbourne

A year after I was first treated to a walk through of Melbourne’s most anticipated new opening, I finally got to see it come to life in all its vibrant, elegant glory. The room is a knockout but the food is the real star here. A flawless meal from start to finish - ending with this stunning blueberry tart with the unexpected addition of beetroot and licorice. 80 Collins St, Melbourne

Joanna Hunkin, editor

Soul Dining, Sydney

Soul’s silky carpaccio takes the flavours of Sirena chilli tuna to new heights. Lifted by a sweet gochujang sauce, it’s studded with salty caperberries, crispy artichoke chips, and finished with moreish dollops of wasabi aioli. 204 Devonshire St, Surry Hills NSW.

Writer and editorial coordinator, Georgie Meredith

Yamba, NSW

While La Niña snuck away with so many of our summer days, there were just enough sunny and calm moments in between to enjoy a few salty dips. A quick dive on a still morrning into Yamba’s oceanside pool was an aquatic highlight.

Jordan Kretchmer, writer

Gage Roads, Fremantle

Can a brewery be a destination? It can if you’re talking about Gage Road’s new 1500-person HQ at the Fremantle Harbour, a sprawling brewpub with waterfront views, stacks of beer and breezy coastal snacking from chef Danny Sanchez: think tacos, pizzas and crisp river prawns. Peter Hughes Dr, Fremantle WA

Max Veenhuyzen, WA state editor

Paloma, Burleigh Heads

You’d expect corker snacks from Labart’s buzzy new GC wine bar. This Bay Lobster sandwich gets extra points for local content and epic housemade potato straw crisps. It’s a winning match with a Loire Chenin Blanc. 12 James St, Burleigh Heads

Fiona Donnelly, Qld state editor