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Our favourite spots for a lazy, long lunch around Australia


Read time 3 Mins

Posted 08 Dec 2022

By
Hilary Simmons


Take your sweet time at these long-lunch destinations that make lazy afternoons feel totally acceptable. 

Sometimes it can feel like the long lunch is a lost art form, but nothing beats lengthy, lazy lunches with friends and family. That's why we're urging you to hit up these venues this sumner. Whether it’s a Friday or a Monday – or even a late Saturday morning that merges seamlessly into a midnight Uber home – we encourage you to embrace Australia’s reputation for being extremely laidback, and set aside an afternoon where good food and wine are the only things on the agenda.

Sydneysiders, may we suggest swinging by Shell House in the CBD? A drinks-and-dining complex with a ground-floor bar, a rooftop bar, a cocktail bar and a plush restaurant, it has everything you could possibly need for a dedicated afternoon of leisure, lounging and laughs.

If you’re Brisbane-based, head to Rothwell’s Bar and Grill and take your time over an expertly grilled steak or the restaurant’s signature: beef Wellington for two. This dish stipulates a time commitment of 45 minutes to prepare, so it’s practically mandatory to settle in for a long lunch. 

Perth peeps living near South Fremantle can kick back at Madalena's by the beach. A wine bar modelled on a neighbourhood boteco, it ticks all the treat-yo’self boxes, offering up regionally expressive wines, spectacular sunset views and superb local seafood.

Melbourne is a long-lunching haven, so carving down our favourites is tricky. Two of our favourite spots to feel fancy are the iconic Di Stasio in the city or the sophisticated Society on Collins Street – both ideal for soaking up the spoils of their famed long-lunch services. Choose either and you’ll find a remarkable line-up of drinks and nosh you’ll absolutely want to savour.

Long lunches are indulgent by nature and an excellent way to inject a little luxury into your day while supporting the hospitality industry after a rough few years. Long live the long lunch – let’s celebrate the fact that we can, once again, choose to socialise for hours at a time in Australia’s best bars and restaurants. Check out the rest of our long-lunch-lovin’ favourites below.
image credits: Top image, Gimlet, Sharyn Cairns.