Cuisine at Hearthandholdem

The Art of Hearth & Hold'em Cuisine

Experience the heart of sophisticated woodfired gastronomy in Australia, where premium local ingredients, precise technique, and a rustic-modern grill house ambiance come together in every plate.

Reserve for dinner View hearth menu

Evenings at the grill, with intimate tables and quietly attentive service.

Fire-led kitchen: Woodfired grills & ovens
Cellar & pairings: Sommelier-curated wines
Chef's Table: Limited-seat experiences

Woodfired, by design

From first ember to final plate, every dish is shaped by the quiet theatre of the open hearth.

Hearthandholdem · Gastro-Grill & Bistro

Woodfired craft

Signature Woodfired Selection

Discover hand-curated, locally sourced cuts and wild-caught seafood, expertly grilled over aromatic timber flames that lend each plate its own quiet depth and smokiness.

Fire-kissed cuts & ocean harvests

Native timbers · Respect for provenance

Each evening, our chefs work over an open flame, layering Australian ironbark and fruit woods to coax out nuanced smoke profiles. Premium dry-aged beef, heritage pork, and line-caught reef fish are brushed with quiet restraint: olive oil, sea salt, and estate herbs, allowing the fire to lead.

Crackling, char, and blush-pink centres are timed to the second, finished with ember-roasted citrus, wood-roasted garlic, or a whisper of native spice. Portions are generous but refined, encouraging both lingering conversation and considered pairings from our cellar.

Suggested pairing: medium-bodied shiraz or cool-climate grenache See hearth menu

Elegant bistro grill interior with open fire and linen-dressed tables — A rustically modern grill house where the open hearth anchors every service.

First Impressions

Gourmet Starter Plates

Begin with delicate, seasonal plates designed to awaken the palate – from artisanal breads and infused butters to heirloom salads and house-made preserves.

Artisanal breads & cultured butters

Stone-baked sourdough and seeded loaves served warm from the hearth, paired with cultured butter infused with smoked salt, roasted garlic, or native lemon myrtle for a quietly luxurious opening.

Heirloom garden salads

Vibrant leaves, vine-ripened tomatoes, and shaved seasonal vegetables dressed in cold-pressed oils, citrus, and house ferments, offering crisp contrast to the warmth of the grill.

House preserves & charcuterie

A composed board of house-pickled vegetables, spiced fruits, and select cured meats, designed for the table to share while you explore our wine list or settle into the evening.

Plant-forward dining

Vegetarian & Vegan Showcase

A thoughtful, plant-forward menu honouring roasted garden vegetables, wild herbs, and grain-based specialties designed for every palate.

Vegetables at the centre of the plate

Smoke, ember, and seasonality

Whole cauliflowers brushed in tahini and native wattleseed, ember-roasted pumpkin folded through ancient grains, and charred brassicas dressed with citrus and toasted seeds anchor our vegetarian and vegan offering.

Each plate is layered with texture – crisp edges from the flame, soft interiors, bright salads, and fragrant oils – ensuring plant-led dining that feels both indulgent and deeply satisfying.

Clearly marked vegetarian and vegan dishes across the full menu Request plant-forward menu

Grains, legumes & heritage pulses

From slow-cooked lentils and ember-warmed barley to native grains layered with charred greens, our kitchen treats grains and pulses with the respect usually reserved for premium cuts, accompanied by vibrant broths and aromatic oils.

Chef's Table

Chef's Table Experiences

Reserve intimate evenings at the Chef's Table, where each course moves directly from the woodfired oven to your table in a quietly immersive dining journey.

Chef presenting a plated dish to guests seated at an intimate chef's table — A front-row view of the hearth, with a menu written around you and your guests.

A private dialogue with the kitchen

Limited seats · Progressive courses

Our Chef's Table is a single, linen-dressed setting positioned within view of the open hearth. Across a curated progression of courses, you will see plates finished, sauces whisked, and wood carefully stacked as the evening unfolds.

Menus are seasonal and bespoke, adjusted to your preferences and paired with wines or zero-alcohol selections from our cellar. Each course is introduced by the chef or sommelier, sharing provenance, technique, and the role of the fire in the final flavours.

Ideal for celebrations, client hosting, or discreet gatherings Enquire about Chef's Table

Cellar & pairings

Premium Wine & Pairings

Dedicated sommeliers curate a cellar of boutique Australian and European wines, ensuring exquisite pairings for every dish and occasion.

Boutique Australian producers

From cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay to expressive shiraz and cabernet blends, our list champions thoughtful winemakers from across Australia's leading regions.

European classics

Elegant Champagnes, Burgundies, and a focused selection of Italian and Spanish labels sit alongside local heroes, offering breadth without overwhelming choice.

Curated pairings

Our team quietly guides pairings course by course, balancing smoke, richness, and acidity to ensure each glass complements rather than competes with the hearth.

In the Lounge

Craft Mixology in the Lounge

Sip seasonally tuned cocktails that echo the flavours of the grill – small-batch spirits, house infusions, and considered garnishes.

Cocktails with a sense of place

Smoke, citrus, and herbal notes

Our bartenders craft cocktails that mirror the kitchen's philosophy: clean lines, seasonal produce, and subtle smoke. Expect house martinis with native botanicals, ember-kissed Old Fashioneds, spritzes built on bitters and seasonal fruit, and refined zero-alcohol options.

Each serve is calibrated to sit comfortably alongside woodfired dishes, designed for sipping both before and after dining in the main bistro.

Mixology menus available throughout The Hold'em Lounge Explore mixology

Pre- and post-dinner rituals

Settle into the Lounge for an aperitif before your booking, or return after dinner for a nightcap in softer light, surrounded by the quiet hum of weekend card matches.

The Hold'em Lounge

Private Offline Poker Room Tastings

Exclusive tasting menus within The Hold'em Lounge, where culinary experiences meet the intimate ambiance of our private weekend card matches.

Table-side plates for the private salon

Discreet service · Curated menus

Inside our dedicated Private Offline Poker Salon, service is adapted to the rhythm of the evening. Tasting menus are delivered in considered sequences, timed between friendly matches so conversation and play remain uninterrupted.

Expect refined share plates from the hearth, small bites that mirror our main dining room, and optional wine or cocktail flights curated by our sommelier and bar team.

Available on select evenings with advance reservation

Discover the Lounge Enquire for groups

Private card room table set with small plates and refined table service — An intimate salon where curated tasting menus accompany relaxed, in-person weekend card matches.

Provenance & practice

Sustainable & Local Sourcing

We are committed to sustainable practices, partnering with regional farmers, fishers, and artisanal producers to deliver exceptional freshness while supporting Australian producers.

Regional partnerships

We work closely with growers, ranchers, and fishers who share our commitment to animal welfare, land stewardship, and traceability, ensuring every ingredient has a clear origin.

Season-led menus

Our menus pivot with the seasons, leaning into produce at its peak, minimising waste, and encouraging inventive preparations that respect the ingredient.

Considered operations

From mindful use of timber and energy to responsible waste handling and recycling, sustainability informs the quiet, behind-the-scenes decisions that shape every service.

Evolving table

Seasonal Menus & Culinary Events

Celebrate food culture with evolving seasonal menus, guest collaborations, and intimate epicurean evenings shaped around the glow of the hearth.

Seasonal narratives

Each season arrives with a new narrative: autumn built around smoke, nuts, and slow roasts; summer centred on charred seafood, crisp salads, and lighter pours. Small touches change often, giving regular guests something new to discover.

Culinary collaborations & events

Throughout the year, we host focused dinners, guest chef evenings, and pairing events that explore particular regions, varietals, or techniques in a relaxed yet precise setting.

Stay close to the hearth for upcoming menus and culinary evenings in our bistro and Lounge.

View upcoming events Book a table