Although the book also boasts top sights and authentic experiences around the country, it was the variety of cafes and restaurants that really caught our eye.
Here are just a few that Lonely Planet recommends you put on your short list in the main centres – and when venturing off the beaten track.
SYDNEY
Dumpling junkies shuffle down a dirty lane and into the bowels of an old warehouse for a taste of Mr Wong’s deliciously addictive Cantonese fare. There’s a dark-edged glamour to the cavernous basement dining room. Despite seating 240, there are often queues out the door. 3 Bridge Lane
Momofuku Seiōbo
The first restaurant outside the US opened by New York’s gastronomic darling David Chang, Momofuku Seiōbo is a thorough destination diner. Bringing together the techniques, concepts and ideas of Japanese kaiseki (multi-course eating) and classical Western degustation, it’s not one for the short of time, or funds. The two-hour degustation costs $185 (before wine) but is guaranteed to transport you to heaven. The Star, 80 Pyrmont St.
MELBOURNE
Vue de Monde
Sitting pretty in the old ‘observation deck’ of the Rialto, Melbourne’s favoured spot (main picture) for occasion dining has views to match its name. Visionary chef Shannon Bennett has moved away from its classic French style to a subtle Modern Australian theme that runs through everything from the decor to the menu. Level 55, Rialto, 525 Collins St)
Cumulus Inc
One of Melbourne’s best for any meal; it gives you that wonderful Andrew McConnell style along with reasonable prices. The focus is on beautiful produce and simple but artful cooking: from breakfasts of sardines and smoked tomato on toast at the marble bar to suppers of freshly shucked clair de lune oysters tucked away on the leather banquettes. No reservations,so queues are highly probable. 45 Flinders Lane.
HOBART
Jackman & McRoss
Don’t bypass this conversational, neighbourhood bakery-cafe, even if it’s just to gawk at the display cabinet full of delectable pies, tarts, baguettes and pastries. Early-morning cake and coffee may evolve into a quiche for lunch, or perhaps a blackberry-and-wallaby pie. Staff stay cheery despite being run off their feet. The city branch (4 Victoria St) has parallel prices. (57-59 Hampden Rd, Battery Point)
Raspberry Fool
The all-day menu here features dressed-up comfort food with a chef’s spin. Try the cheesy leeks on toast with bacon and a fried egg, or the baked eggs with caramelised onion, ham and Gruyère. It gets as busy as a woodpecker when the Farm Gate Market is happening outside on Sunday mornings. Great coffee, too. (85 Bathurst St)
CAIRNS
Tokyo Dumpling
Come to this spotless little takeaway for the best tantanmen (a kind of spicy sesame ramen) outside Japan and some seriously drool-worthy gyoza (dumplings): the cheese and potato variety are to die for. We predict you won’t be able to eat here just once. (46 Lake St)
Meldrum’s Pies in Paradise
Multi-award-winning Meldrum’s Pies deserves the accolades bestowed upon the seemingly innumerable renditions of the humble Aussie pie it’s been baking since 1972. From chicken and avocado, to pumpkin gnocchi and tuna mornay. We loved the steak and mushroo-mmm in creamy pepper sauce! (97 Grafton St)
