BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Transforming a heritage-listed church into a restaurant was a massive undertaking for young couple Brad Cooper and Matilda Riek.

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QLD

AUGUST, BRISBANE

Fortunately, their hard work has paid off – August is an absolute stunner. Polished timber floors and art hanging on VJ walls provide the perfect backdrop for Cooper's European-focused cooking and Riek's concise yet interesting drinks offering. The experience never feels stuffy, thanks to the team's ability to make you feel comfortable. Pro tip: don't miss Sunday lunch, featuring an ever-changing set menu and the option to BYO. It's relaxed, unpretentious and easily one of the best Sunday services in town.

In short: A holistic experience.

ACT

LUNETTA, RED HILL

Canberra's dining scene just keeps getting better and it now has a glamorous occasion restaurant worthy of the city's power brokers. Lunetta – Italian for “little moon” – is housed in a modernist landmark which opened on Red Hill in 1963. Under new owners Tracy Keeley and sons, Matthew and Nick, it dazzles with a meticulous renovation by design firm ACME and a polished menu by executive chef Tristan Rebbettes (ex Cafe Paci and Saint Peter). A casual trattoria slings excellent pizza and pasta on the ground floor, while upstairs offers caviar, oysters and premium cuts cooked on a wood-fired grill fit for a celebration.

In short: A star is born in a modernist landmark building.