Contemporary Oz

Smart/casual

Old Clare Eats. Local gourmands are elbowing guests to get their knees under these top tables. Mechanicallystyled Automata’s 5-course sojourns are anything but assembly line, Silvereye wows with foraged flights from an ex-noma pan man, and buzzy all-day Kensington St Social dishes snappy shareables. All are forkin’ great. See Accom/old Clare Hotel.

Sepia. The deco-ish surrounds might be muted but Martin Benn’s textural, fusion tastings pop like technicolour. 201 Sussex St / City / 9283 1990 / lunch Fri-sat, dinner Tue-sat / 2 pax walk-ins can dine in the lounge / sepiarestaurant.com.au

Sean’s Panaroma. Seaside institution for mouthwatering, no fuss monthly fare using produce from Moran’s farm. 270 Campbell Pde / North Bondi / 9365 4924 / lunch Sat-sun, dinner Wed-sat / seanspanaroma.co

Chiswick. The on-site veg patch provides seasonal-driven share plates for this communal table conservatory party. 65 Ocean St / Woollahra / 8388 8688 / lunch & dinner daily / chiswickrestaurant.com.au

Nel. Finessed, flavour-packed, beautiful degustations. And the prices more than make up for the dark bunker setting. 75 Wentworth Ave / City / 9212 2206 / lunch Thu-fri & dinner Tuesat / nelrestaurant.com.au