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Australia is blessed with an abundance of fresh produce and some of the finest seafood in the world. And we're also lucky to have plenty of hotels that make use of this produce in their own restaurants.
If you're a fan of fine food, here are six of the best and most luxurious Star Rated hotels that also boast a creative culinary expertise that will make your next holiday a delicious one.
Cape Lodge Luxury Resort, Margaret River, WA
Gorgeous Margaret River, one of Australia's – indeed the world's – premier wine and holiday regions, is home to the remarkable 5 Star Cape Lodge. This sublime country estate is a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World and has just 22 opulently-appointed 5 Star suites, set amidst magnificent gardens.
Cape Lodge's sumptuous culinary and sommelier expertise is as legendary in these parts as the gnarly reef surf break at nearby Yallingup. The multi-award winning lakeside Cape Lodge Restaurant produces exceptional and linger-worthy seasonal dishes, taking full advantage of the fresh bounty sourced from the surrounding paddocks, farms, ocean and their own garden, as well as the famous local truffles and marron. Start with the Harvest Produce Platter, browse the endless wine list and book yourself into a cooking class to take the magic home.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Travellers' Rating: 9.4 /10 [Outstanding]
Following a multi-million dollar overhaul, the famous Old Clare in Chippendale in Sydney's Inner West is new again. The heritage aspects have been retained in an imaginative refurb that now houses not only a funky 62-room 5 Star boutique hotel but one of Sydney's most avant-garde dining precincts in a single building.
The Old Clare is home to no fewer than three top-end eateries, all run by clever and innovative chefs and all in high demand. Clayton Wells, whose CV includes stints at Momofuku Seiobo and Quay runs Automata, which offers a five course degustation with optional wine pairing in an industrial-chic décor. At Silvereye, Sam Miller - a former executive sous chef at Noma in Copenhagen - brings finesse and balance to his 'long tasting menu', another delightful degustation, while Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton heads up Kensington Street Social with creative Mediterranean share plates and a la carte options.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Travellers' Rating: 8.9 /10 [Very Good]
A luxury 5 Star hotel in the fine-dining Mecca of Southbank in the CBD, The Langham has long been a beacon of stately accommodations, service and care. The gracious lobby with its towering ceiling is just an entrée to the hotel's amenities, which include a day spa, indoor swimming pool and sweeping views of the Yarra.
Located in a precinct – and a city -where there are more fine-dining options than you can shake a silver fork at, The Langham's signature Melba Restaurant stages matinee and evening performances that consistently bring the house down. Victorian produce and wines are the stars of the show as Melba's range of open, interactive kitchens allow patrons to chat with the virtuoso chefs preparing a range of cuisines and styles. Think Asian wok and dumplings, Indian Tandoori, a rotisserie, a char gill and chilled seafood and sushi. And don't miss the encore, a decadent 'Floating Dessert' display and artisanal cheese island.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Travellers' Rating: 9.2 /10 [Outstanding]
A stylish, contemporary design, top-notch restaurant and Parliament location put the 5 Star Avenue high on the wish-list for visitors to the national capital. The 213-room, five-star experience features cutting-edge technology and private balconies and is just a stroll from the up-market Lonsdale Street shopping quarter and a short drive from Canberra's traditional galleries, museums and the War Memorial.
The in-house Marble and Grain restaurant is a European steakhouse renowned for its charcuterie and butchers' share boards and a la carte offerings. The venison sausages are a must and they also boast a well-stocked wine cellar and craft beers on tap. It even has a parliamentary fit-out with leather, wood-panelling, heavy-seat tables and a marble bar adding to the gravitas.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Travellers' Rating: 9.4 /10 [Outstanding]
Positioning itself as 'what's next', this futuristic hotel is aimed at busy business-types and there is no doubting their dedication to efficiency with style. Centrally-located on the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane's CBD, the 4.5 Star Next is all about a unique strategy of re-engineered rooms, space and technology. An in-room communications system and the NEXT Hotels Smart App control the a/c, TV, lighting and more, making this is a cutting-edge stay.
Consonant with the hotel, at the brasserie-style Lennons Restaurant and Bar you can watch your meal being prepared in the wood-fired pizza oven, Brazilian barbecue grill or Asian wok. From the free-range ham jaffle to the roast Berkshire pork with charred octopus, kohlrabi, pickled pear and coriander, Lennons is as trailblazing as its hotel home. And you're in the heart of BrisVegas, with plenty of other cool dining options within easy walking distance.
Star Rating: 4.5 Star
Travellers' Rating: 9.1 /10 [Outstanding]
A member of the MGallery by Sofitel collection of hotels, The Playford is a multi-award-winning, up-market boutique accommodation in the Adelaide arts, sporting, cultural and entertainment precinct. The 182-room 5 Star hotel is a blend of classical style and contemporary luxury and the Health Club has a heated pool, spa, sauna and gym.
Start you night with a signature Artini cocktail in the art nouveau Lounge Bar before heading to The Playford Restaurant for a feast of fine South Australian produce and a discerning wine list. Think 18-hour baked rye and linseed sourdough, crispy Loukoumi pork belly with rhubarb jam, kangaroo in a blueberry vinaigrette with barley risotto and a South Australian cheese board, just as a sample.
Star Rating: 5 Star
Travellers' Rating: 9.3 /10 [Outstanding]
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You can be assured Star Rated properties maintain the meticulous quality standards of their Star Rating and the new Travellers' Rating, an aggregated score sourced from more than 100 websites, provides an up-to-date assessment from recent guests. Visit www.starratings.com.au.
Planning your next holiday? Visit Star Rating Australia's Autumn/Winter campaign travel portal for inspiration and itineraries, www.star-tripping.com.au
