Originally published in The Journal.
Put away the non-perishables, tonight we’re eating à la carte. In today’s episode of things-to-do-in-your-home-that-aren’t-napping, we’re sprucing up date night with takeaway from some of Australia’s best restaurants. With less than two months into social distancing, restaurants, bars and eateries have pivoted their menus to bring their five-star culinary experience to the comfort of your own home. Finally, a reason to hang up your sweats and put on a clean shirt.
Whether you’re celebrating your birthday in isolation, an anniversary, or simply looking for something to pass the time, we’ve rounded up a selection of our top choices for pasta, ramen, natural wine, and everything in between. Bon Appetit!
Melbourne
Best for pasta: Carolina Group
The team behind Bar Carolina, Marameo, Il Bacaro, Cantina Carolina and Tetto have combined their menus to launch Carolina Group, offering an extensive list of pastas, meat, desserts and alcohol options that when combined, will give you the ultimate South Yarra dining experience right in your own home. Standout dishes include a squid ink spaghetti crab, wagyu rump cap, a five-layer tiramisu and an agave nectar cheesecake (omg). They’re also offering a variety of ‘pantry’ options to feed the whole family, including a 12-hour slow cooked lamb shoulder, lasagne and fresh pastas and accompanying pasta sauces. And while you’re at it, why not add in a ready-made 500ml cocktail? Pick up is available from their South Yarra address as well as delivery for some surrounding suburbs.
Best for comfort food: Neighbourhood Wine
Local heavyweight Neighbourhood Wine are offering their modern Australian cuisine via Uber Eats or pick up at their Carlton location. Meals range from small share dishes including pan-fried potato and ricotta gnocchi to their staple vegan or meat roast. When combined with a litre of their house Pinot Noir or Chardonnay ($20 upon pickup), the whole experience makes for the perfect boozy night in. Plus, orders over $100 placed for pick up also come with a complimentary litre of natural wine or beer. We know what we’re doing this weekend.
Best for sushi: Kisumé
The Lucas Group’s multitiered Japanese restaurant Kisumé have opened up their renowned sushi bar for premium takeaway sushi and sashimi boxes. With their seafood sourced from some of the country’s best, choose from tuna, salmon or maki feature boxes or opt for an assorted mixture, ideal for small groups or families. They even have a kid’s option on offer. Order in advance and pick up at either their CBD restaurant or Richmond locations.
Sydney
Best for ramen: Chaco Ramen
Looking for a more hands-on experience? Darlinghurst’s much-love ramen bar Chaco Ramen is bringing their offering to you with DIY self-cook ramen and gyoza packs. Delivered frozen, choose from three flavours and two serving options, all come with cooking instructions. Available for pick up or delivery to selected locations for a small fee.
Best for a Mexican feast: Carbon Mexican Wood Fire
You had us at margaritas… the Bondi Mexican taqueria is offering $5 tacos along with bottled margaritas and Mexican beer, for both takeaway and delivery. Taco options include barramundi, braised lamb, sautéed portobello mushrooms and black beans, and the ‘Red Hot Chilli Pepper Tinga Taco’. Available on weekends only, top off your at-home fiesta with spicy jalapeno margaritas and 500ml pina coladas, wow.
Best for pizza with a side of humility: Bella Brutta
The only thing better than pizza is pizza with a good cause. The crew behind Newtown pizzeria Bella Brutta are offering free slices to hospitality workers who have found themselves out of work and in need through their buy a slice, give a slice initiative, coined ‘A Slice Of Life’. For every order placed online, customers can choose to donate, and Bella Brutta will donate one pizza for every 10 pizzas paid for by customers. The bonus? You won’t feel as guilty hooking into one of their mouth-watering pizzas when it’s for a good cause.
Brisbane
Best for take home dinners: Gerard’s Bistro
Elevate date night with a three-course dinner from Fortitude Valley’s Gerard’s Bistro. Their rotating menu means there’s new options each day, with meals are cooked to order from locally sourced produce. Standouts mains include duck leg with matbucha and barberries and a basturma spiced pork. For dessert, settle into a carob molasses lamington or honour this weekend’s Anzac Day with an Anzac biscuit slice. Available for pick up or delivery from Tuesday to Saturday, take home meals are charged per person, with the option to include a selection of local boutique beers and wines.
Best for supporting local: Gauge
The South Brisbane joint have teamed up with neighbouring venue Maker to deliver their ‘Feed Me’ food menu, accompanied with wine or cocktails. Perfect for date night or a lazy Sunday afternoon, sit back with a Negroni or set up your own wine tasting with their wine packages. A new day brings a new menu, including starters, sides, dessert and mains. Offering pick up only, check out their website for more info.
Best for greasy cravings: Electric Avenue
The guys behind bar and restaurant Electric Avenue have the answers to everything. Social distancing? Get up close and personal with pulled pork tacos. Having a Skype party? Pizza it is. Working from home? Bag yourself a dirty burger. Perfect for groups or solos, treat yourself to sweet and spicy chicken wings with a side of kaarage cauliflower, or, if “health” is your thing, look out for their selection of self-isolation salads and wraps. Finish the feast off with a selection of local wines and boutique beers. Available Wednesday through Sunday, all orders are available for pick up at their Woolloongabba location or delivery via Uber Eats. Thank us later.