BENNELONG SYDNEY Bennelong's chef's table - more of a posh bench, really - seats four and costs $550 a head for six courses and matching wines. The backstage kitchen experience and the views over the water to the Harbour Bridge are on the (opera) house. bennelong.com.au 
ATTICA MELBOURNE The top-ranked Australian restaurant (number 32 on the World's 50 Best) does a Tuesday night chef's table menu where the kitchen tests out its latest ideas on diners at a cut-price cost of $140 for five courses. attica.com.au
MINAMISHIMA MELBOURNE Take at seat at the oak bar and surrender to Koichi Minamishima's omakase (chef's choice) selection of Melbourne's best sushi, presented one exquisite piece at a time. $150 a head ($220 with matching sake and wine). minamishima.com.au
APPELLATION BAROSSA VALLEY Chef Ryan Edwards' five-course tasting menu ($125) showcasing the best of Barossa produce is open to all diners at The Louise's landmark restaurant Appellation, but for exclusive occasions there's a private table for up to 16. thelouise.com.au