The set lunch ($30 for two-course, $38 for three-course, $58 for five-course) at this highly acclaimed restaurant (it's no.1 on our 2016 Hot 100 list!) is a value-for-money way to experience chef Rishi Naleendra's take on modern Australian cuisine. Get the three-course for a holistic experience that won't leave you feeling over-stuffed. The crispy-skinned Barramundi with charred lettuce, prawn floss and onion is an iconic main, but we also really enjoyed the complex profile of the Roast Pumpkin with spiced cashew nuts, kale and pumpkin seeds. Get the laksa-inspired dessert (if it's available) for something different — it's a really unique manly dish for those who don't fancy anything too sweet. We, on the other hand, loved the delicate flavours of the honeydew melon dessert.
Avg price: $40 per person
Photo by Burppler Muriel A
Reservations available via Burpple
Helmed by Rishi Naleendra, the former head chef of Maca, this newish kid on the block draws the crowds for Naleendra's flavourful take on Modern Australian cuisine. The set lunch ($30 for two-course, $38 for three-course) is great value, so make a reservation for a mid-week meal with your favourite colleague (or perhaps a quick lunchtime date ;)). Expect the likes of delicately cured ocean trout and barramundi with deep notes from charred scallion. The playful dessert of coconut, laksa leaf and green chilli might sound odd, but it is a winning combination.
One of the hottest openings this month, Cheek by Jowl is helmed by Rishi Naleendra, the former head chef of Maca. His flavourful take on Modern Australian food sees the likes of Wild Venison ($22) with fermented plums, zucchini and wasabi, and a reinterpretation of his claim to fame at Maca, Confit Duck Leg ($36) with five spice caramel, cucumber and excellent waffles. The set lunch ($30 for two-course, $38 for three-course) is great value — for dessert, try the Coconut ($15), an unconventional pairing of flavours like laksa leaf and green chilli. Pro tip: The food is fine but the vibe is super laidback, so there is no need to dress up.
Avg price: $60; set lunch from $30
