The Best Restaurants in Regional Victoria

Compared to fast-paced city locales, the best restaurants in regional Victoria offer a markedly different experience. From access to utterly fresh, bountiful local produce to unhurried service delivered with country charm, dining out is one of the highlights in any regional holiday.

These fine diners, wine bars and warm bistros scattered across every corner of the state are our must-visit picks for a long lunch to savour.

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 is a captivating blend of local bar charm and modern Asian-inspired dining, featuring an elevated Sri Lankan menu that will transport your taste buds.

Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to establish this as one of the premier dining destinations on the Mornington Peninsula. From the use of sustainably grown local produce to the intimate, inviting interiors, each element enhances your culinary journey. Complement your meal with a selection of exceptional Australian and international wines, ensuring a memorable dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.

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

The Ox & Hound

Situated in the heart of historic Beechworth, The Ox and Hound Bistro is a charming shopfront that exudes rustic elegance. With its warm, golden light from wattle branch chandeliers and intimate seating for just 30, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed yet sophisticated meal. Chef Sean Ford crafts comforting French and Italian bistro classics, showcasing foraged ingredients and heirloom produce. Indulge in chicken liver parfait, goat cheese soufflé, or fettuccine with wild rabbit, all perfectly paired with a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring local gems and European delights. A true gem of regional dining!

52 Ford Street, Beechworth 

Audrey's

This sweeping fine diner by the sea is prolific restaurateur Scott Pickett’s first regional venture, and my-oh-my is she a beauty. The anchor restaurant of the revamped Hotel Continental, Audrey's is a homage to the grandmother who inspired Pickett’s cooking.

Diners are taken on a journey through premium local seafood reimagined—think Mornington Peninsula squid with shiitake XO or Shark Bay scallops with Kampot escabèche (a Cambodian pepper)—paired with thought-provoking wines. The dining room is a vision of old-world elegance, adorned in sea green velvet and marble, with priceless bay views in every direction.

1 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento

KIN

We highly recommend a visit to KIN, one of the most brilliant restaurants in regional Victoria. Housed within the enchanting All Saints Estate, it invites you to experience modern destination dining in a beautifully reimagined heritage-listed castle. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the lush vineyards and serene lake, creating a captivating backdrop for your meal.

The menu celebrates family recipes and seasonal produce sourced from the working Estates, featuring exquisite dishes like striploin with bone marrow and fresh Murray cod. Savour award-winning wines, including rare back vintages and renowned fortifieds, as you indulge in a dining experience that truly reflects the essence of Wahgunyah.

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.

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 

Moonah

The Bellarine Peninsula is home to remarkable dining experiences, but Moonah takes it to new heights. Recently awarded '2 Hats' in The Age Good Food Guide 2023, this intimate 12-seat restaurant is a hidden gem found at the end of a dirt road, surrounded by coastal wetlands and a picturesque billabong teeming with birdlife.

Named after a native coastal tea tree, Moonah offers a magical connection to nature through its carefully crafted dishes. Chef Tobin Kent, whose background includes stints at Attica and Brae, sources 95% of the fruits and vegetables from his nearby property, creating an authentic taste of rural Australia that is simply unmissable.

95 Minya Lane, Connewarre

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 breathtaking surrounds, the restaurant’s uninterrupted views bring the outside in. Stay until the golden hour sweeps over Mount Sturgeon, ensuring this regional gem is at its most spectacular—a truly unforgettable dining experience.

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!