Under the radar and under $100 – the dining out for two guide

It’s hard to beat sharing a lovely meal with a partner or pal – and while in a perfect world, we’d all be dining in five-star style (better yet, we’d all have Josh Niland stationed in our home kitchen as our personal chef), the truth is that our budget can sometimes set limits on our culinary adventures.

The good news is that since Australia’s food culture is such a mezze platter of flavours and talented creators, there are a slew of great under-the-radar places where a tasty meal for two won’t have you shelling out more than $100. Here are just a few examples.

IYKYK Indian at Tapri, Brisbane

This beloved Paddington gem, from the same team behind the more traditional Old Monk, delivers savvy Indian street fare amid ’90s-influenced neon artworks and kitsch. Its selection of snacks, or chaats – such as the Chinese Manchurian Bhel with its soft dumpling-like balls contrasting with crunchy fried noodles and a homemade slaw – are the perfect gateway into the main fare, which range from delicious classics to newer flavour combinations.

The kulchas – stuffed flatbreads – accompanied by chickpea curry are also specialities of the place. This spice journey will be one you’ll take again and again.

Lovely lunch at Birdie Bar and Brasserie, Sydney

“Simple pleasures done exceptionally well,” is the mantra of the Birdie team, and they live up to that ideal hands down. Taking the best bits of both Australian and English nosh and elevating them to plates that soar with flavour is what you’ll find in this airy, light-filled space in Sydney’s CBD.

If you’re planning a weekend afternoon dining experience, the lunch menu is a delight, from the duck liver parfait starter to its mains such as Humpty Doo barramundi fish pie to Angus sirloin steak frites. Along with dessert offerings, like the tiramisu alaska, Birdie’s blissful surprises will make your tastebuds sing. Jolly good!

Brilliant Bali fare at KKO KKO, Sydney

It’s no secret that we Aussies love Bali – so take a trip for a fraction of the airfare at this Pyrmont spot that locals are addicted to, thanks to its authentic taliwang charcoal chicken (with its choose-your-own levels of spicy sauce). Alternately, the eight-hour slow-cooked beef ribs offer something succulent, as does the Balinese-spiced fish fillet.

It’s not open late, so either make it a lunch date or do an early dinner before retiring to one of the area’s drinking holes, like nearby Gallon, to slowly digest this delectable fare over a nice glass of white.

Get funky at Leonard’s House of Love, Melbourne

No, you haven’t fallen into a time machine and headed to a mate’s house to watch Starsky & Hutch, this ’70s-themed establishment, located in an unassuming house on a side street off Chapel Street is a favourite for today’s cool crowd.

Fully embracing Southern American cuisine, it presents classics such as the traditional Po’Boy prawn roll (the vegetarian cauliflower option holds its own as well); a Rodeo Burger that’s chock full of beef brisket; comfort-food tater tots and good ol’ peach pie. The groovy atmosphere just adds to this far-out foodie experience.

Pub perfection at Captain Melville, Melbourne

Set within the bluestone walls of Melbourne’s oldest public house, this pub radiates character, and has a fine kitchen to match. How does roasted duck with blackberry and plum jus, potato gnocchi with cavalo nero and hazelnut, or a sensational grilled eggplant with mushroom XO sauce and Thai basil sound? Thought so.

This spacious eatery with its old-school atmosphere is the perfect place to eat and imbibe after a long day. Excellent daily specials that will make your budget go that bit further, including $25 pies on Thursdays, $3 oysters Fridays and Saturdays and a classic roast for $25 on Sundays.

The smarter way to dine out

It doesn’t take too much to discover hidden foodie gems in your hood and beyond, and the above are just some examples of how you can elevate your dining experience without needing to splurge.

It’s just one way to live better, and with HSBC your pursuit to better begins with the Everyday Global Account. Get up to $600 cashback* per year on eligible tap-and-pay purchases under $100. And for those whose culinary curiosity extends beyond Australia, qualifying for HSBC Premier, available through the Everyday Global Account, unlocks additional benefits and enhanced service for your international adventures.

So, forget the fine dining, and dine somewhere that’s fabulous instead.

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