Image credit: River House
2025 is somehow already wrapping up, and it’s been an absolute whirlwind of incredible new venues swinging open their doors. From neighbourhood gems to big, bold openings that had everyone talking, hospo has well and truly delivered this year.
To celebrate the chaos, creativity, and killer openings, we’ve pulled together a list of the hottest new spots you can book right now. From Sydney’s fast favourites to Gold Coast’s latest hits, you can count on these picks to finish the year on a high note — eating, sipping, and discovering something new!
1. Yakisan, SA
Yakisan officially opened its doors in October, and it hasn’t taken long for Adelaide to take notice. Bringing a bold, modern-Japanese vibe to the city, the venue combines sleek, moody interiors with a menu that’s all about vibrant flavours and shareable plates. Their robata grill is the star, think perfectly charred wagyu skewers, miso-glazed eggplant, and tender chicken yakitori, while dishes like spicy tuna crispy rice and karaage with yuzu mayo keep everyone coming back for more.
Add in cocktails crafted as beautifully as they taste, and Yakisan delivers a dining experience that’s energetic, playful, and undeniably memorable.
Location: 88 O’Connell Street, North Adelaide
Hours: Monday & Wednesday 5pm – late;
Thursday to Sunday 12pm – 2pm & 5pm to late
2. Lantern & Lotus, QLD
Having opened doors in October, Lantern & Lotus has slipped right into Brisbane’s West End with a fresh take on modern Asian dining. The concept blends Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese flavours into one vibrant, welcoming space, serving up rice paper rolls, papaya salads, bao buns, crunchy satay chicken and dim sum that hits all the right comfort food notes.
The vibe inside Lantern & Lotus leans warm and social and is great for cosy dinners, casual catchups or a carefree night out with mates. With bright flavours, shareable plates and a chilled out atmosphere, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to bookmark when in Brisbane.
Location: 321 Montague Rd, West End
Hours: Daily 11am – 9pm
3. The Willarong, NSW
Step into The Willarong – the freshly reimagined bowling club turned all round dining hub in Caringbah – and you get more than just good food: you get community vibes, chilled out energy and something for everyone. With its relaxed bistro atmosphere, leafy alfresco seating by the greens, and laidback interiors, The Willarong feels like that perfect local spot where you and your crew can kick back after a long week.
The menu brings on crowd pleasers that suit everyone, from classic pub style meals to seasonal dishes made with a coastal inspired twist, all served up with heart and local hospitality. It’s got everything from a kids’ play area, to pet friendly spaces, full bar pours, live sport screens and room for big catch ups or casual weekend hangouts.
Location: 105b Willarong Rd, Caringbah
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8am – 9pm;
Friday to Saturday 8am – 12pm; Sunday 8am – 10pm
4. River House, QLD
Say hello to River House, the Gold Coast’s newest waterfront dining destination where laidback elegance meets full on indulgence. Perched on the banks of the Nerang River, River House combines sun-drenched deck seats, water facing glass walls and low lit lounges so you can sip cocktails while the tide laps just below.
Under the watchful eye of celebrated chef Grant Madgwick, the menu is a masterclass in coastal meets global fine dining, featuring items like 12 hour massaman short ribs that melt onto the fork. For seafood lovers, the over the top seafood platter for two (lobster, oysters, sashimi, crab, truffle fries) is basically the definition of a Gold Coast long lunch done right. Whether you’re after a sunset date, a celebratory dinner or a slow afternoon that bleeds into night, River House is definitely one to add to your 2025 “book now” list.
Location: 2 Barney Street, Southport
Hours: Thursday to Sunday 12pm – late
5. Kuroki Teppanyaki, QLD
Set to open in December, Kuroki Teppanyaki is gearing up to bring the sizzle, the spectacle and a whole lot of Japanese flair to your next night out. Picture chefs flipping, flaming and finessing your dinner right before your eyes, lanterns casting that perfect warm glow, and the constant soundtrack of grills firing away, it’s dinner and a show all in one. The vibe is relaxed but polished, so you can grab a front-row spot at the teppan counter if you’re here for the action, or settle into a lantern-lit table if you’re all about that cosy, cocktails-and-chats energy.
With a menu full of classics and modern favourites, from bento boxes and sukiyaki to refined à la carte dishes, it’s the kind of venue where flavour meets fun, and every plate feels like a little moment.
Location: 3A Masthead Way, Hope Island
Hours: Tuesday to Wednesday 11.30am – 10.30pm;
Thursday to Sunday 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5pm – 10.30pm
6. Otakoi Ukrainian, VIC
Serving up the comfort dishes Ukraine is famous for, Otakoi Ukranian blends homestyle cooking with a fresh, modern edge. You can expect pillowy varenyky, rich borscht, golden-crisp potato pancakes and plates that taste like tradition but look like they’ve strolled straight off a foodie moodboard.
The atmosphere is bright, welcoming and a little bit cheeky & is perfect for long lunches, cosy dinners, or introducing your mates to your new favourite obsession. It’s warm, it’s flavour-packed, and it’s the kind of venue that makes you feel like you’re part of the family from the moment you sit down.
Location: 34 Chapel Street, Windsor
Hours: Tuesday to Wednesday 5pm – 10pm;
Thursday to Sunday 12pm-3pm & 5pm – 10pm
7. Isla Bar & Dining, QLD
If you’re after a Gold Coast spot that nails laidback coastal cool but still delivers on flavour and vibes, Isla Bar & Dining (once Isla Cantina) is your kind of place.
Perched on the water, with breezy decks and relaxed, coastal cool interiors, Isla is all about good times, great food and easy going energy. The menu leans into modern Australian with plenty of share plates and elevated pub style dishes with fresh seafood, grilled steaks, wagyu burgers, and rotating specials inspired by the coast. Cocktails, cold drinks and a spot overlooking boats drifting past make it perfect for long lunches, sunset sessions, or casual catchups that roll into dinner.
Location: G7 Capri on Via Rom, Surfers Paradise
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 11.30am – 10pm;
Sunday 11.30am – 4pm
8. Roma Robby, WA
Roma Robby has just burst onto the Perth food scene and is already serving up big flavour, bigger laughs, and bona fide Italian comfort food with a twist. Picture a cosy, character filled room full of warm wood, the scent of woodfired dough in the air and the clink of wine glasses as mates gather round.
Their Roman–style pizzas share the spotlight with rich baked pastas and hearty dishes that make you glad you rocked up hungry. It’s the kind of place where you walk in with a craving and walk out feeling like you’ve just spent Friday night in Rome. Whether you’re grabbing a casual pizza with friends, diving into a lasagne loaded Thursday special, or just after a laidback dinner with vino and good conversation, Roma Robby ticks all the boxes.
Location: 434A William Street, Perth
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 5pm – 10pm
9. Homer Rogue Taverna, NSW
If you’re craving a dinner spot that skips the fancy fluff and goes straight for the flavour, meet Homer Rogue Taverna, opening its doors in Cronulla this year. Think gritty Athens meets Sydney vibes with exposed concrete, graffiti tagged walls, exposed brick character and an open plan space made for good mates, loud laughs and shared plates.
The vibe’s totally unpretentious, you can walk in straight from the beach, slip into your thongs or throw on jeans, no need to dress up. The menu has items like Charcoal roasted meats sizzling over lava rock coals, woodfired flatbreads, smoky seafood, dips, small plates and hearty Greek comfort dishes, all served with bold wines plucked straight from a walk up fridge. Feast on spanakopita, tuck into a souvlaki or graze through a banquet & book your table now.
Location: 3/3 Surf Road, Cronulla
Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 5pm – late;
Friday to Sunday 11.30am – late
10. Good Sport, New Zealand
If you love sports, mates, and a little bit of cheeky competition, Good Sport in Napier, New Zealand is your new happy place. Imagine a bar where giant screens dominate the room, the footy highlights never stop, and the energy is as contagious as a winning streak. Don’t just watch the game, live it, cheer like you mean it, and celebrate every goal with a cold drink in hand. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab your crew and hit the indoor golf simulators, perfect for pretending you’re on the green while staying perfectly dry.
Good Sport isn’t just another venue, it’s part sports haven, part hangout hub, and all about good times, great laughs, and maybe a little friendly rivalry thrown in for good measure.
Location: 189 Tennyson Street, Napier South, North Island
Hours: Daily 11.30am – 11pm
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