The Best Restaurants in Regional Victoria

Regional Victoria does dining with a longer fuse. The produce arrives with dirt still clinging to its boots, the wine is often poured by someone who knows the vineyard by first name, and the meals feel stitched to their landscapes, surf-salted, orchard-sweet, woodsmoke-warm.

This edit sharpens the line-up and leans into what makes a regional table sing right now: small dining rooms that back themselves, serious drinks programs, and menus built around what’s thriving within arm’s reach. Book early, leave time for the drive, and plan for at least one “we should stay the night” moment.

Marchesa

Marchesa is Piper Street at its most beguiling: a small, candle-warm Italian dining room built around regional recipes, seasonal produce and a wine list that knows exactly what it’s doing. The menu runs in two- or three-course form, moving from silky stracciatella and crudo to handmade pasta (the agnolotti is a standout), then mains like pork sirloin cotoletta. Finish with tiramisu, naturally, and book ahead for weekends.

58 Piper Street, Kyneton

Ava Dining

Ava Dining is Milawa’s after-dark mood: casual fine dining with a clever drinks program and a menu that riffs on the North East larder with fresh, modern confidence. Start with oysters laced in smoked olive oil and champagne mignonette, then lean into the kitchen’s brighter signatures: kingfish with jalapeño, coconut and kaffir, or prawn tortellini in laksa. Finish sweet with vanilla panna cotta dusted in bee pollen.

1594 Snow Road, Milawa

Barragunda Dining

Barragunda Dining is a farm-garden reverie on the edge of Cape Schanck on the Peninsula: a glass pavilion reached via a 1.5km stroll through coastal scrub, set beside the market garden that feeds it. Chef-farmer Simone Watts builds a tightly seasonal set menu that leans vegetable-first, then lands with estate-reared meat and local seafood, lifted by ferments and bright, clean flavours. Bookings drop fast.

113 Cape Schanck Road, Cape Schanck 

Koji Bird Restaurant 

Koji Bird is Bright after dark, where a distillery transforms into an izakaya-style room warmed by a custom wood-fired grill. Run by the team at Reed & Co, it began as a koji experiment and evolved into deeply savoury cooking: cult-status Koji chicken, venison tataki, prawn toast and steak for the committed. Cocktails built on house spirits keep the tempo high. Arrive early for snacks, stay late for dinner.

15 Wills Street, Bright 

TARRA 

TARRA in Queenscliff is where the Bellarine Peninsula shows its true flavours. Forget the frills — this place is all about raw, unfiltered excellence. With panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and a menu that screams local pride, every bite feels like an invitation into the heart of this coastal region. Think fresh, punchy dishes that don’t need to try too hard — just simple, bold ingredients straight from the land and sea.

Pair that with an impeccable wine list, and you’ve got yourself a dining experience that’s a cut above the rest.

1 Wharf Street East, Queenscliff 

Noble Rot 

Noble Rot in Point Lonsdale is one of those hidden gems in regional Victoria that punches way above its weight. Here, you’re greeted by a selection of wines that span continents, from crisp Tasmanian Rieslings to rich French reds, each handpicked to pair perfectly with a seasonally driven, locally sourced menu. Think Flathead with caviar butter sauce, pasta alla chitarra, or wood-fired chicken skewers that dance with smoky, fiery heat. It’s a place where you could lose yourself for hours, sipping, nibbling, and chatting, far from the usual wine bar clichés. Noble Rot redefines expectations.

51 Point Lonsdale Road, Point Lonsdale

Lost Cat

It began with a missing cat named Larry and became one of the most quietly assured restaurants in Warrnambool. Lost Cat Dining moves with the ease of a well-kept secret — family-run, warmly lit, anchored by hospitality that feels effortless. Snapper crudo in white soy. Charred cabbage draped in cashew cream. A scotch fillet — blushing, buttery, unapologetically rich. Blistered rosemary focaccia that lands with theatre and scent. Then come the desserts: a rotating cast from indulgent banoffee pie to dense, velvety chocolate torte. Every plate tells a story of seasonality, precision, and place. A city-style bistro, but with its soul rooted in the coast.

69 Liebig Street, Warrnambool

Babae

Babae, the crown jewel of Ballarat’s fine-dining scene, is nothing short of extraordinary. Hidden within the architectural splendour of Hotel Vera, this 26-seat dining room rewrites the rules — intimate, quietly opulent, and utterly transportive. Chef Tim Foster’s degustation is a revelation: a procession of thoughtful, locally rooted dishes that stun in their precision and beauty. Salt-baked kohlrabi. Lemon-cured kingfish with pickled quince and ajo blanco. Sourdough made from nearby-milled flour, served with whipped Inglenook butter and dehydrated Vegemite (a genius move).

And then that dessert — a steamed pudding with saffron-poached pear, pistachio, meringue and crème anglaise — unforgettably soft and layered. You watch the chefs work in near silence. It feels like a dream. And it tastes like one, too.

710 Sturt Street, Ballarat Central

The Coast Restaurant 

Heading along the Great Ocean Road? Discover the culinary gem of The Coast Restaurant in Anglesea, where the vibrant flavours of this storied region come to life on your plate. Their carefully curated menu features modern Australian dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients like Zeally Bay sourdough, Bells Beach lamb, and Otway pasta. Indulge in starters such as succulent scallops, sardines with a zippy pepperberry chimichurri and oxtail croquettes, while the slow-braised beef cheek is a must-try main that melts in your mouth. Don’t miss the whiskey and marmalade bread and butter pudding for dessert — a sweet ending to a remarkable culinary journey. 

105 Great Ocean Road, Anglesea

Emerald City

Pull back the velvet curtain and step into a whimsical world at Emerald City, Healesville’s enchanting four-seater restaurant. Under the creative direction of acclaimed chef Joel Alderdice, formerly of Bar Liberty and Tarrawarra Estate, you’ll embark on a delightful culinary journey with a meticulously crafted 13-15 course menu that dazzles the senses. Prepare for a playful medley of snacks, succulent hibachi-grilled meats, and a stunning “rainbow trout” dish that looks as magical as it tastes, topped off with Alderdice’s signature dessert that’s pure fantasy. 

207 Maroondah Highway, Healesville 

Many Little Bar & Dining

Many Little Bar & Dining in Red Hill South blends relaxed local-bar warmth with a Sri Lankan-leaning menu that feels both generous and precise. The room is intimate, the produce is Peninsula-fresh and sustainably sourced, and the cooking comes threaded with spice, smoke and brightness. Settle in for plates made to share (or not), then follow your appetite with a wine list that moves confidently between Australian favourites and smart international bottles. Book ahead for weekends.

2-5/159 Shoreham Road, Red Hill South

Samesyn 

Escape into the enchanting world of Samesyn in Torquay, where low-waste dining meets community spirit. Delight in an ever-evolving menu that showcases the freshest local produce, from house-made sourdough to exquisite dishes like beet tartare and half dry-aged duck. Each bite is a celebration of sustainability and flavour, perfectly paired with exceptional wines. Experience a dining adventure that connects you with the Surf Coast while enjoying a beautifully crafted tasting menu that truly elevates the art of eating.

3/24 Bell Street, Torquay

No.7 Healesville

At No.7 Healesville, dining transcends the ordinary, inviting you to a charming experience amid rustic barrels and sparkling chandeliers, the lively buzz of the front wine bar, or the sunlit embrace of the courtyard. Let Head Chef Joel Bowers enchant you with an ever-evolving shared-style menu that celebrates the freshest seasonal ingredients, beautifully paired with organic wines from passionate producers around the globe. With a Chef’s Hat from the Good Food Guide, No7 not only delights the palate but also beckons you to explore the breathtaking Yarra Valley, where unforgettable flavours await.

7 Lilydale Road, Healesville

Kadota 

Fine diner Kadota has garnered widespread acclaim and national attention for its dedication to slow, restorative dining. Led by Japanese-trained owner and chef Aaron Schembri, whose impressive CV includes time at a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Osaka and notable roles at the Press Club and Saxe, Kadota exudes tranquility in its timber-filled space. Here, guests are treated to a seasonal seven-course menu featuring exquisite dishes like fresh sashimi, XO pork dumplings, and succulent wagyu sirloin steak, creating a truly indelible culinary experience.

1 Camp Street, Daylesford

KIN

KIN is a destination worth the drive, set inside All Saints Estate’s heritage-listed castle in Wahgunyah. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out over vines and the lake, setting a quietly grand scene for modern Australian dining grounded in family recipes and estate produce. Order the striploin with bone marrow or Murray cod, then let the cellar do what it does best: rare back vintages, award-winning table wines and those legendary fortifieds.

205 All Saints Road, Wahgunyah

O.MY Restaurant 

Beaconsfield may not be your typical destination for a creative garden-to-table experience, but O.MY will change your mind the moment you step inside. Since 2013, brothers Chayse and Blayne Bertoncello have crafted a two-hatted haven known for its sustainable philosophy and minimal-waste degustation menu. With a charming rustic-chic interior, you’ll be treated to hyper-seasonal dishes sourced from their two-acre farm in Cardinia. Chayse curates a delightful wine selection, while Blayne’s culinary magic shines through, ensuring each meal is a unique journey that celebrates fresh, local produce.

70 Princes Highway, Beaconsfield 

Chauncy

Say bonjour to Chauncy, Heathcote’s marvellous fine dining and one hatted destination for all things French and delectable. Gorgeous hospitality welcomes you into a light and romantic dining room, where you’ll enjoy a hearty menu du jour during winter’s chill or a simpler, yet still striking, daily offering throughout summer’s persistent heat. The best seasonal produce shines on the plate, featuring dishes like pickled carrots and goat’s curd, chicken liver parfait, and lobster served with warrigal greens and a smooth bisque. Simply put, it’s one of the best regional restaurants in Victoria

178 High Street, Heathcote

Messmates 

At Messmates, ex-Vue de Monde and Michelin Star chefs Jodie Odrowaz and Michael Clark, alongside local duo Jess and Chris Odrowaz, are delivering a seasonal menu that celebrates simple yet thoughtful dishes infused with European flavours. Indulge in the likes of garden-fresh crudités and dip, pickled mussels with fennel and sourdough, and a succulent half-roast chook, all complemented by a carefully curated wine list and delightful cocktails.

15 Palmerston Street, Warragul

Greasy Zoe’s 

Tiny yet mighty, Greasy Zoe’s is a must-visit restaurant in regional Victoria, just a stone’s throw from the city. This intimate 8-seater in Hurstbridge, opened by partners Lachlan and Zoe in 2017, serves only 32 guests weekly, focusing on sustainability and ethical sourcing. With no written menu, Zoe crafts a multi-course meal each day, highlighting lovingly grown produce from local organic farmers. At Greasy Zoe’s, seasonality and locality come together beautifully, creating a dining experience that truly celebrates the best of the region.

Shop 3/850 Heidelberg – Kinglake Road, Hurstbridge 

Doot Doot Doot

Did you know that the striking Jackalope Hotel in Mornington Peninsula is home to one of the finest restaurants in regional Victoria? Acclaimed fine diner Doot Doot Doot showcases Australia’s finest produce with a menu intrinsically linked to the surrounding land. Each dish is a delightful journey, weaving fresh ingredients from their expansive kitchen garden with classic techniques and intriguing flavours that will leave you savouring every last bite. The thoughtfully curated wine list features selections from local vineyards and renowned producers, making it destination dining at its finest.

166 Balnarring Road, Merricks North

Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel

Dunkeld’s Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel is one of the most celebrated restaurants in regional Victoria, seamlessly combining stunning accommodations with exceptional dining. The Wickens menu reflects the hotel’s kitchen garden and features a world-class wine selection. Prepare for a degustation journey intimately connected to the fresh, seasonal produce that flourishes throughout the year.

Set against sweeping surrounds, the dining room pulls the landscape right to your table. Book the later sitting so Mount Sturgeon catches the last light — the kind that makes every glass look more generous, and every course feel quietly cinematic.

98 Parker Street, Dunkeld 

Chae

Tucked away in the scenic hills of the Dandenong Ranges, Chae brings the soulful art of Korean slow food to Cockatoo. What began as an intimate 6-seat restaurant in a Brunswick apartment has blossomed into a truly unique dining experience, where tradition meets wellness. Each dish celebrates Korean fermentation and fresh ingredients, harmonising beautifully with the gentle sounds of kookaburras and rustling gum leaves.

A must-visit for those seeking wholesome flavours and an intimate atmosphere in regional Victoria.

33 Mountain Road, Cockatoo

Sault

Behind a beautiful fountain in a stunning two-storey country house, visitors are destined for romance at Sault Restaurant. Surrounded by breathtaking, lavender-specked landscapes, the setting is only rivaled by the menu. Indulge your culinary senses with three or four courses of regionally sourced, seasonally inspired creations that showcase the best of local produce.

2349 Ballan-Daylesford Road, Sailors Falls 

Bar Midland

Bar Midland captures the essence of regional dining with a heartfelt dedication to Victorian produce. Every item on the menu, grown or produced within the state, reads like a love letter to Victoria’s rich landscape, honouring organic and regenerative farmers, edible weeds, and wild game. In the intimate, 17-seat dining room, guests enjoy dishes crafted from farmed, foraged, fresh, and fermented ingredients, all thoughtfully prepared and joyfully presented. Paired with a stellar wine list, each meal at Bar Midland feels like a celebration of local abundance and culinary creativity.

Shop 1 / 2 Templeton Street, Castlemaine

Underbar

Ballarat might not be the first place you’d expect to find a chef who’s worked at the three Michelin-starred Per Se in New York, but everything about Underbar defies expectations. This buzzing fine diner has quickly become a culinary destination, offering a weekly changing tasting menu that showcases the best of Ballarat’s farms and producers. Imaginative flavours, flawless technique, and artistic plating make every meal here unforgettable. Recently relocated further into the heart of Ballarat, it now serves some of the finest dishes in regional Victoria within the heritage walls of the luxurious Hotel Vera.

710 Sturt Street, Ballarat 

Lake House

Daylesford’s two-hatted Lake House is the grand dame of best restaurants in regional Victoria. There are few better ways to spend an afternoon than eating their truly seasonal fare while basking in the soft sunlight that enters the restaurant’s tall windows. The team produce almost everything onsite, from growing vegetables and baking bread to even curing their own charcuterie. Enjoy magnificent views of treetops and lake shores as you dine on dishes such as butter poached pheasant with chestnuts or spring lamb with asparagus and morels. After dessert, move onto the outdoor deck for a relaxing aperitif.

4 King Street, Daylesford 

The Boathouse Restaurant 

Set along the serene banks of Lake Daylesford, The Boathouse Restaurant is a charming destination where exquisite water views and thoughtfully crafted dishes come together effortlessly. Chef Nixson, who brings over 25 years of European and modern Australian culinary expertise, showcases his talent in every course delivered to your table. Fresh, local produce shines here, from the delicate Tasmanian trout mosaic to stuffed zucchini flowers with spanner crab and tiger prawns.

Whether enjoying a cosy winter meal inside or basking on the outdoor deck in summer, the experience is elegantly complemented by attentive service and a well-curated wine list — an idyllic spot for gathering with loved ones.

2 Leggatt Street, Daylesford

Provenance

With over a decade’s worth of chefs hats under their belt, this Beechworth pre-eminent fine diner has nothing left to prove. And yet Provenance continues to evolve, recently overhauling their menu into one that’s inspired by the ultra-seasonal kaiseki restaurants of Japan. A whopping 18 small dishes are presented on beautiful handmade ceramics over the course of the evening, with each morsel a testament to slow food, Japanese flavours and top tier Australian ingredients.

86 Ford Street, Beechworth

Brae

Brae’s trailblazing commitment to hyperlocal cooking has rightfully earned it legendary status in Australia’s dining scene, firmly placing the small town of Birregurra on the culinary map. A visit to Brae is more than just a meal — it’s a whole-day experience that immerses you in the beauty of their organic farm. Wander through gardens bursting with seasonal vegetables, stone fruits, citrus, nuts, berries, olives, honey, and wheat before settling in to enjoy an inventive, thoughtful menu that honours each ingredient with care and creativity.

4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra

Tedesca Osteria

In just a few short years, Tedesca Osteria has become a must-visit dining experience, not only in Victoria but across Australia. With chef Brigitte Hafner crafting a menu inspired by the finest seasonal produce, guests discover each course as they go, adding an air of excitement to the experience. Expect a leisurely meal that begins with delicate antipasto, follows with handmade pasta, and moves to seafood or meat kissed by the woodfire, before wrapping up with a rustic dessert.

The inviting dining room, complete with an open kitchen and grand brick hearth, makes every visit feel like home.

1175 Mornington Flinders Road, Red Hill

Thousand Pound Wine Bar & Store

Thousand Pound is a small bar with big personality, presenting some of the best wine and food you’ll find in Victoria’s north east. Situated in Rutherglen, a vino-loving town near the Murray River border, they’re pouring excellent drops produced from this very region paired with decadent Euro-leaning dishes. From lush linguine to delicate roasted ocean trout, charcoal grilled steaks to truffled croquettes, it’s all about comforting food made for enjoying with a glass or two.

82 Main Street, Rutherglen

Planning a regional holiday after reading through our guide to the best restaurants regional Victoria is so good at crafting? Before you book anything, make sure to consult our guides to the best tiny cabins, luxury accommodation, and romantic getaways in Victoria. Happy travels!

Writer

Kelsey Harrington

22 December 2025

Kelsey Harrington is a Melbourne-based writer with a sharp eye for the city's ever-evolving food, wine, arts, and culture scene. Her journey into the creative industry took the scenic route—what started as a passion for capturing Melbourne’s energy through a camera lens led her to Sitchu, where she worked her way up to Melbourne Editor. With over four years in the industry, she’s all about uncovering the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Off the clock? You’ll find her diving into a platter of fresh oysters and crudo, gallery-hopping, or sipping an extra dirty martini while plotting her next adventure.