The harbourside hideaway with a killer view, a world-first in Melbourne + the huge fine-dining bargain nobody seems to know about: THE DETOUR

Welcome to The Detour: Your food and travel guide to the best flavours, hidden haunts, insider tips and unforgettable new experiences that reward those who wander off course.

Luna Lu: One of Sydney’s best harbourside dining spots

If anyone asks me for a restaurant with a view, Luna Lu is almost always one of my first recommendations.

Perched on the edge of The Rocks, it feels like a hidden escape despite sitting in one of Sydney’s busiest tourist precincts. 

With uninterrupted views across the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, it reminds us lucky locals how spectacular this city is. 

The striking see-through ‘dining dome’ might be what first put this spot on the map, but it’s the consistently excellent food and warm hospitality that keep me coming back. 

And I think this latest menu is their best yet. 

Choosing isn’t easy, but I’d start with the premium oysters with finger lime and sesame prawn toast (especially if you’ve never tried it before).

Follow with the Mentai Hokkaido scallops – some of the best you’ll find in Sydney – and the signature kataifi prawns with yuzu, avocado and sweet spiced mayo.

From there, the crispy barramundi finished with chilli jam and betel leaves is beautifully balanced, especially when paired with the seafood candied fried rice. 

If you’re still hungry, finish with the buttery miso toothfish. It’s rich, delicate and packed with flavour. 

The dumpling selection deserves a mention too. The amber har gow filled with spanner crab, green leaf dumplings with shiitake and carrot, and slow-cooked duck dumplings with Chinese five-spice and hoisin are all standouts. 

A detail I love is that Luna Lu is one of the few Australian restaurants committed to using no artificial colours or flavours, with everything made fresh daily and naturally coloured using vegetables. 

Dessert is a non-negotiable. I’m partial to the pandan deep-fried ice cream, but if it’s your first visit, order the signature Luna’s Opera House. I won’t spoil the surprise.

Here you’re guaranteed great food, exceptional service, one of the city’s best views and a menu that keeps evolving. 

Sometimes you don’t need much more than that. 

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Sydney

by Cindy Tran

Tourists from all over the world have been travelling to Japan for the famous gyukatsu, with restaurants attracting hours-long queues that often stretch out the door.

But Australians can now skip the 10-hour flight to enjoy crumbed beef cutlets – made with wagyu sirloin – cooked on hot stones right here in Sydney.

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu opened in Sydney’s CBD at the end of November, with ‘insanely’ long queues wrapping around the restaurant as customers reported wait times of up to two hours, regardless of the time of day. 

After months of waiting for the hype to die down, I finally managed to get a table after walking in almost instantly upon arrival.

There are seven types of beef cuts on the menu so we ordered the sirloin set, which came with rice, cabbage, miso soup and a variety of condiments and dipping sauces.

The beef coated in fine panko crumbs is served rare – though customers can sear the meat to their preferred doneness at their table using the sizzling hot stone provided in front of them. 

The first bite we took felt like we were transported back to Japan – the beef was incredibly juicy and tender – it practically melted in our mouths. I loved the array of condiments it came with, including the radish and soy sauce.

But my favourite was the soft-cooked egg with a runny yolk – perfect for dipping the meat in for a rich, flavourful bite. What took me by surprise was the curry sauce – it added an unexpected layer of flavour that worked surprisingly well. 

We also ordered an additional plate of crumbed beef patties to share – and wow, they were bursting with flavour. They were so delicious and really hit the spot.

The restaurant was beautiful, with a minimalist Japanese-inspired interior featuring sleek wooden furniture, lanterns and shoji screens.

Don’t worry if you’re not a meat eater. There are also seafood and vegetarian options on the menu, so everyone can enjoy the dining experience. It’s a great place for couples, families, friends and even solo diners, with dedicated seating areas for those eating alone.

If you’re looking for your next lunch or dinner spot, Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is well worth a visit.

Ormeggio: A Sydney winter deal not to be missed 

Every now and then I come across a deal that seems too good to be true. 

That was exactly my reaction when a newsletter from Ormeggio at The Spit landed in my inbox announcing 50 per cent off its winter degustation. I assumed there’d be a catch – a midweek lunch, a handful of dates or maybe a tiny window to book. 

Nope. 

The offer is available every evening until the end of August, bringing the restaurant’s bespoke four-course degustation down from $198 to just $99 per person. 

For one of Sydney’s best Italian restaurants, that’s exceptional value.

Set on the marina at The Spit in Mosman, Ormeggio is one of my favourite special occasion restaurants. 

The waterfront setting, polished service and beautifully executed Italian food have made it a standout for years, so experiencing that level of refinement for under $100 is a rare find. 

The seasonal menu is, like the rest, a collaboration between Alessandro Pavoni, Executive Chef Victor Moya and Head Chef Federico Caracci – and it delivers.

Dinner begins with Prosciutto di Parma fritters served alongside spicy mayonnaise, before warm organic Sonoma sourdough arrives with sundried tomato butter. 

Then comes the pasta – and oh my.

Generous ribbons of trofie are tossed with Yamba king prawns and San Marzano tomato ragù before being finished with creamy stracciatella, lemon pangrattato and fresh basil. 

Then comes the slow-braised O’Connor beef cheek with Domori Tuscan dark chocolate and a mixed leaf salad, before dessert rounds things off with buffalo yoghurt gelato, Amarena cherries, caramelised brioche croutons and aged balsamic vinegar. 

If you’re looking to level up, there are a few optional upgrades that I, unsurprisingly, couldn’t resist. 

The Sydney Rock oysters with Chardonnay vinegar are beautifully fresh, but if you’re only adding one thing make it the chargrilled Fremantle octopus tacos with stracciatella, turnip tops and chilli, wrapped in warm piadina. 

It’s still my favourite dish on the menu and absolutely worth the extra $29.

If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, you can also add Manjimup black truffle to the beef or opt for the matched four-wine pairing for $69. 

Sydney isn’t short on good restaurants, but genuine fine-dining deals like this don’t come around very often. 

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to book Ormeggio, this is it. 

Horse and Jockey: The pub you love with a spicy new twist

by Elise Wilson

The historic Horse & Jockey Hotel in Homebush has had a makeover, with acclaimed chef Missy K bringing her signature Pan-Asian flavours to the much-loved local.

Known for her bold cooking and handmade dumplings, the Sydney chef has created a menu packed with comforting noodle dishes, wok-fired favourites and flavour-packed small plates that make this far more than your average pub grub.

The handmade dumplings are the clear standout, rolled fresh daily and available in three varieties, from classic Pork & Chive, Chicken & Mushroom and Lamb & Leek. The Prawn and Spinach Wontons were another highlight, with delicate wrappers and generous fillings.

For mains, the Chicken Pad Thai delivered plenty of smoky wok flavour, while the fragrant Thai Chilli Basil packed just the right amount of heat. Paired with an Espresso Martini, it’s an easy choice for a relaxed meal with friends.

If you’re visiting midweek, the Express Lunch is excellent value, with handmade dumplings followed by favourites like Dan Dan Noodles, Lamb Shank Massaman or Mie Goreng with mains starting from just $23.

Whether you’re stopping by for dumplings and drinks before a footy game at the nearby stadiums or settling in for a full cuisine, Missy K has turned the Horse & Jockey into one of Homebush’s most inviting new dining spots.

Chateau Merveilles: A Melbourne world first

Melbourne has been chosen as the first city outside France to host Château Merveilles, a spectacular immersive dining experience that blurs the lines between fine dining, theatre and digital art.

Making its international debut at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 22, the one-night-only event uses breathtaking 360-degree projections, cinematic storytelling and immersive sound to transport guests through some of iconic destinations including Versailles, the Louvre and the Loire Valley.

The experience is paired with an exclusive four-course menu by acclaimed French chefs Guillaume Brahimi, Pierrick Boyer and Quentin Zerr, celebrating the country’s renowned food, wine and craftsmanship.

Spanning more than 3,000 square metres, Château Merveilles is one of the world’s largest immersive gastronomic experiences.

Melbourne was selected for its internationally recognised dining scene, thriving arts culture and strong ties to the French community.

Created by the renowned Allegria Agency, the production is the brainchild of producers Baudouin Lacoste and Jean-Pierre Ferrand, who have spent more than three decades creating large-scale cultural events around the world.

It comes with a price to match, however, as tickets are $658 a head. Worth it? You decide.

RAFI x Westholme: A special winter dining experience in North Sydney 

If you’re looking for a cosy group dining spot this winter, RAFI North Sydney has delivered once again.

Following a sold-out debut last year, the venue’s much-loved Winter Arbour has returned, transforming its striking glass conservatory into an atmospheric dining destination until September 6.

Inspired by the rugged landscapes of northern Australia, the seasonal takeover combines lush botanical installations, warm lighting and fireside touches with a new menu created in partnership with premium Australian producer Westholme Wagyu. 

Executive Chef Matias Cillóniz and Head Chef Keith Dsouza have curated a $128 per person sharing banquet celebrating exceptional Wagyu and seasonal produce.

Highlights include Wagyu tartare with horseradish, eschalot and quail egg, slow-braised Wagyu cheek with garlic chive kimchi and fermented black bean, Toothfish with koji and charred lemon salsa and grilled leek with fennel escabeche. 

The standout addition for 2026, however, is RAFI’s new Chef’s Kitchen experience. 

Seating just 12 guests, the hidden private dining space offers one of North Sydney’s most intimate dining experiences, pairing the full Winter Arbour banquet with personalised service and a front-row seat to the kitchen. 

It’s an ideal option for EOFY celebrations, milestone birthdays or elevated corporate dinners. 

Having experienced it firsthand, it’s a no-brainer. Watching the chefs at work from just metres away is a super special touch.

The Westholme collaboration also extends to RAFI’s bar menu, with a Wagyu tartare on toasted brioche ($18) and a Westholme beef burger topped with gorgonzola dolce, Dijon mustard and confit onions joining the lineup for the season. 

Product of the week: The kitchen gadget that brought a little bit of Tuscany home 

Ever come home from a holiday determined to recreate everything you ate… only to realise it’s not quite the same? 

That was me after two weeks in Tuscany, until I remembered the one kitchen tool that kept popping up wherever I went. 

Every cooking class – whether we were rolling fresh pasta, stretching pizza dough or whipping up impossibly light tiramisu – revolved around the KitchenAid Stand Mixer. 

Needless to say, arriving home made me appreciate mine a whole lot more. 

I’ve spent the past fortnight trying to recreate those holiday flavours and, honestly, I’d forgotten just how easy homemade dough can be. 

It takes minutes to pull together, tastes infinitely better than store-bought and has reignited my obsession with homemade pizza nights. (If you’re lucky enough to own a Gozney, even better.) 

As for the mixer itself, while I’m still very attached to my Butter Yellow Artisan from last year’s Colour of the Year collection, KitchenAid’s latest release has definitely caught my eye.  

The new Spearmint edition (now on sale for $729) is a soft mint green finished with a subtle sandy texture, giving it a slightly more understated, lived-in feel than the glossy colours of years past. 

It’s the eighth instalment in KitchenAid’s annual Colour of the Year collection and, dare I say it, might be my favourite yet. 

But enough about the mixer. 

The real souvenir I brought home from Italy was a single-serve tiramisu recipe shared with me by Michelin-starred chef Silvia Baracchi in Cortona. Trust me when I say it’s worth making. And yes, I’m sharing it below. You’re welcome. 

Recipe: Silvia’s Il Piniere Tiramisù

 Serves: 6

Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

Method 

1. Firstly prepare the cream.

2. Combine the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer and beat until thick and pale yellow, then add the mascarpone and mix very well until the sugar appears totally melted.

3. In a separate bowl with clean beaters, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt to soft peaks. Fold in the whisked egg whites into the egg and mascarpone mixture.

4. Pour the liquid over the coffee into two bowls.

5. Dip the biscuits quickly in the lukewarm coffee. Cover the biscuits with mascarpone cream, then dip the next layer of biscuits in the liquor and then the mascarpone cream until you have filled the bowl.

6. Finish with cocoa powder and place in the fridge to set