Put down the novelty mug. This Father’s Day, skip the socks, forget the DIY breakfast and take Dad somewhere that knows how to put on a proper feast. Whether he’s a steak-and-red kind of guy, a seafood obsessive, a sports tragic or simply happy anywhere there’s a very full table, South Bank has your Father’s Day lunch or dinner sorted.

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From riverside long lunches and Spanish share plates to Italian favourites and Lebanese feasts, here’s where to take Dad when you want to make a proper occasion of it.

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‍Azure
For something a little more Mediterranean, take Dad to Azure at River Quay. Order the Mediterranean banquet and Dad’s first beer is included. With seafood, share plates, Mediterranean flavours and river views, it’s the kind of Father’s Day lunch that feels a little more special than breakfast in bed. Book here.

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OTTO
This Father’s Day, settle into the spring sunshine by the river at OTTO for a leisurely lunch or dinner, choosing from the à la carte menu with no set menu required. Add premium upgrades from Head Chef Richard Ptacnik, available throughout the day, then settle in with great food, good wine and those river views. Still need a gift? OTTO’s 20% Bonus Gift Card Sale runs until the end of August, so there’s still time to give Dad something extra for Father’s Day or save it for his next visit. Book here.

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Tippler’s Tap
Is Dad the type who plans his weekend around the footy? Take him to Tippler’s Tap for a proper pub-style feast, complete with 18 varieties on the self-serve brew tap, loaded hot dogs and five screens showing all the big games. Grab a table, order something hearty and let Dad settle into his happy place. Book here.

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Popolo
For the dad who thinks the answer to everything is pasta, Popolo has you covered. Head in on Sunday 6 September and settle in for a long Italian lunch or dinner without the constraints of a set menu. Order exactly what Dad wants, pile the table high with Italian favourites and let the afternoon roll on. Book here.

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River Quay Fish
If Dad would choose seafood over steak any day of the week, make a beeline for River Quay Fish. Think generous seafood platters, crispy fish tacos, fresh oysters and prawn linguine, all served with a side of river views. It’s a little bit indulgent, exactly what Father’s Day calls for. Book here.

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Baba Ganouj
Give Dad a taste of Lebanon at Baba Ganouj, where the best kind of meal is one that takes over the whole table. Start with dips and vine leaves before tucking into stuffed capsicum with rice, lamb and red sauce, or make it easy and opt for a banquet packed with the restaurant’s most-loved dishes. Come hungry and bring the whole family. Book here.

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Ahmet’s
Turn Father’s Day into a proper Turkish feast at Ahmet’s. Settle in over favourites from the à la carte menu or go all in with a family banquet from $55pp, with plenty of generous plates made for passing around the table. It’s relaxed, flavour-packed and exactly the sort of lunch Dad will appreciate. Book here.

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Poca Madre
If Dad likes his food bold, messy and full of flavour, Poca Madre is the move. Expect modern Mexican dishes packed with big, punchy flavours, from slow-cooked meats and tacos to plenty of guac. It’s lively, laid-back and made for settling in over a long lunch. Book here.

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Vici
For the dad who believes every good celebration should involve pasta, pizza and a very full table, there’s Vici. Settle in for generous pastas, woodfired pizzas and antipasti made for sharing, with plenty of Italian favourites to keep the whole table happy. Basically, Dad’s version of a love language. Book here.

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Calida
There’s no overthinking Father’s Day when steak is involved. Calida brings Argentinian flavour to South Bank with prime cuts cooked over the parrilla, alongside seafood and plenty of sides for the table. Pair it with a glass of red and some good company and you’ve got Father’s Day sorted. Book here.

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Olé
Turn Father’s Day into a Spanish-style feast at Olé. Think tapas hitting the table, fresh seafood, premium cuts and plenty of dishes designed for sharing. Settle in for a long lunch with a table full of plates and nowhere else you need to be. Book here.

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