Bowral

Centennial Vineyards is everything dining at a winery should be, complete with a sprawling verandah making the most of the splendid view and a huge fireplace keeping guests cosy in winter. The seasonal menu showcases local produce and everything is perfectly matched with wines sourced directly from the grapes growing just metres from your table. The sweeping vineyard views encourage you to unwind and linger over lunch, indulge in high tea (weekdays except Tuesday) or enjoy a leisurely dinner. Keep your eye out if you are going to be visiting, as some amazing musicians perform live here: everyone from Lionel Ritchie to Alicia Keyes and Leonard Cohen.

www.centennial.net.au/restaurant.html

Hordern’s Restaurant is part of Milton Park Country House Hotel, a lovely homestead dating back to the 1900s. The estate boasts one of the most beautiful gardens in Australia, at one time considered the eighth most outstanding in the world. Milton Park opens the gardens to the general public for just two weeks in spring; during the rest of the year the gardens belong to guests. A huge picture window invites diners to gaze out at the gardens from the comfort of the European dining room, complete with high-backed chairs. The modern Australian menu with French highlights is a delight, matched only perhaps by a walk through the gardens after dining.

Onesta Cucina is becoming an institution in these parts for its fine Italian fare without the city rush and fuss. Sprawling across various rooms in a stylish Art Deco building, it offers a cleverly constructed, modern Italian menu focusing on local seasonal produce. The ambience is intimate and relaxed, and if possible you should try and snare a courtyard table for lunch.