The Best Reasonably Priced Restaurants

Phillip's Foote (Sydney, NSW): In the heart of the historic neighborhood known as The Rocks, this barbecue restaurant serves fish, meat, and poultry. Pick your own protein and throw it on the "barbie" in the courtyard behind a historic pub.

Green Papaya (East Brisbane, QLD): Owner and chef Lien Yeoman offers flavorful North Vietnamese cuisine in a cheerful setting -- a simple formula that draws enthusiastic crowds. If you need advice as you contemplate the menu, the helpful staff will offer as much guidance as you need.

Salsa Bar & Grill (Port Douglas, QLD): The animated atmosphere and attractive surroundings set the scene for an excellent dining experience. Appetizers and main courses run the gamut from simple fare to sophisticated tropical creations; desserts are fantastic.

Zouí Alto (Townsville, QLD): The reasonable prices belie the quality of the Modern Australian food at this 14th-floor establishment. The husband-and-wife team of Mark and Eleni Edwards (he's the chef) presides over one of the best restaurants in the country.

Ricky Ricardo's (Sunshine Coast, QLD): The breathtaking view of the Noosa River is just one delightful element of this restaurant, which serves seasonal Modern Australian cuisine that relies heavily on fresh seafood and local produce. Incidentally, the restaurant gets its name from a relative of one of the co-owners, not the Cuban-American TV pioneer.

Season (Sunshine Coast, QLD): A great location right on the beach, a chef who made a name for himself in Sydney, and flavorful Modern Australian cuisine combine to make Season one of the area's most popular restaurants.

Red Ochre Grill (Alice Springs, NT): "Gourmet bush tucker" might sound like a contradiction, but this restaurant (part of an upscale chain) pulls it off. The kitchen combines native ingredients and international techniques to exceptionally good effect.

Hansons (Henley Brook, WA): In the wine country just outside Perth, Hansons serves Modern Australian dishes indoors and outdoors. The elegant restaurant is part of Hansons Swan Valley, a sleek, contemporary B&B.

Bamboo House (Melbourne, VIC): A favorite with both local businesspeople and the Chinese community, Bamboo House offers superb service as well as excellent Cantonese and northern Chinese cuisine. Top choices on the extensive menu include duck in plum sauce, chicken with shallot sauce, and the signature Szechuan smoked duck.

Mures Upper Deck (Hobart, TAS): Views of the water make a perfect backdrop for ultrafresh seafood and scrumptious desserts. The menu relies heavily on the catch that comes in on the restaurant's own fishing boat. Lower Deck, in the same complex, is a reasonably priced self-service family restaurant.

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