Sip, Eat, Sleep

A by Adina Sydney

Taking the apartment hotel concept to new heights, A by Adina is the latest jewel in Sydney’s crown – with a crown of its own too! The hotel’s ‘sky lobby’ sits on level 21 of the 26-storey building, shining like a golden crown out towards the city and overlooking the pool deck through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. These new digs offer guests a range of VIP experiences, world-class food and beverage options and premium amenities unmatched by any other accommodation offering in Sydney.

A by Adina’s use of cutting-edge technology creates a curated experience for guests and the sharp, modern design contrasts spectacularly with the heritage buildings below. The swankiest bar to hit the CBD in years, Dean & Nancy on 22 takes cocktails to a new level. Developed by the creative minds behind the world renowned cocktail bar Maybe Sammy, a strong focus on decadent concoctions, playful service and creating a dramatic atmosphere is evident the second you step inside. With a bar dining menu of snacks and substantials crafted by Executive Chef Jane Strode, unforgettable evenings are a daily occurrence. abyadina.com

Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant, Sydney

Seafood and water views go together like cheese and wine – and you can enjoy all of the above at Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant in Sydney’s historic harbour precinct, The Rocks. With a modern twist on Australian cuisine, diners are treated to world-class seafood, fresh salads and decadent desserts with an impressive wine, beer and cocktail list. The stunning Harbour Bridge and Opera House views will keep you enthralled while you wait for your feast. harbourfrontseafoodrestaurant. com.au

Quincy, Melbourne

Rising above the city skyline from its enviable position in Flinders Lane, Quincy Hotel Melbourne is a playground for pleasure seekers with an appreciate for unabashedly bold design and unexpected dining experiences. Travellers can expect clever and quirky design with exceptional, personalised service and dining experiences that make you forget all the other Melbourne restaurants you had on your hit list.

The 29-storey boutique hotel boasts stunning 360-degree views of the city – the rooftop bar, The Q, has an entire row of outward facing bench seats just so quests can soak up their surroundings while sipping on a signature Quincy Sling – a Melbourne take on the Singaporian favourite. Other exceptional food and beverage offerings include the Salted Egg, dishing up funky twists of Southeast Asian favourites, the hawker-style SingSong Eatery for quick bites and the in-room tiffin dining experience where every tier reveals a new mingling of fragrant herbs, spices and sumptuous ingredients. A stay at Quincy Melbourne is a treat for all the senses. quincymelbourne.com

Mark + Vinny’s Place, Byron Bay

Innovative dishes, sustainable practices, a relaxed atmosphere and the heart and soul of Italian home style cooking – people of Byron Bay, we envy you for having this right on your doorstep! Mark + Vinny’s Place is the latest venture by Mark Filippelli and Vince Pizzinga, owners of the flagship restaurant in Sydney’s inner city suburb of Surry Hills.

A quick glance at the menu will have you salivating. The Byron outfit’s signature dishes include a Ferrero Rocher arancini made with chocolate risotto (miraculously vegan!), the famous bright blue spirulina linguini with soft shell crab, and a remarkable Bucatini carbonara which features a googy vegan egg made from local heirloom tomatoes. Both Byron and Sydney restaurants are vegan friendly – more than half of the menu items are plant-based – and invite diners to try something a little different. mvpbyronbay.com

Taxi Kitchen, Melbourne

Melbourne’s Transport Hotel is something of an institution, with three stand-out venues for food and wine lovers. For a top-tier dining experience that will satisfy all of the senses, Taxi Kitchen is a must. The view alone is worth booking a table for. Taxi Kitchen’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer unspoilt views of the city across the Yarra River. But, of course, it’s the food that really steals the show.

Executive Chef Tony Twitchett has crafted an all-star menu, focusing on sustainable, locally-sourced produce. Expect modern Australian fare with dash of Asian flare. Standout dishes include sake washed tuna with soybean pesto and yuzu jelly; Szechuan salted duck with five-spice caramel; and candy pork belly with pickled papaya and nam jam. taxikitchen.com au