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Top Daylesford restaurants for every foodie’s bucket list

Credit: Visit Victoria

Pauline Morrissey Pauline Morrissey
From lavish lunches to a true farm-to-table experience, these top restaurants highlight Daylesford’s burgeoning dining scene. 

In Victoria’s stunning spa country, there are endless incredible things to do in Daylesford, including indulging in its renowned dining scene. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce, many restaurants boast their own kitchen gardens or partner with nearby farms to create seasonal line-ups bursting with flavour. 

Whether you’re seeking a lavish lunch with breathtaking vistas, a modern twist on pub classics, or an Asian-fusion degustation experience, Daylesford has firmly established itself as a haven for food lovers. Here’s a round-up of some of the best restaurants to explore during your visit. 

The shortlist

Fine Dining Gem: Lake House Restaurant
Best Date Spot: Sault Restaurant
Best Farm-to-Table: Du Fermier

Lake House Restaurant

Lake House Restaurant, Daylesford
Lake House Restaurant features elevated interiors. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Daylesford, Lake House Restaurant is the veritable star of destination dining in Victoria. Under the leadership of Alla Wolf-Tasker AM, the multi-course fare is crafted from the finest Australian ingredients, much of which comes directly from their nearby Dairy Flat Farm. Guests can opt for an additional farm tour to deepen their connection to their meal. 

For a complete escape, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the onsite spa – one of Daylesford’s top things to do. Better yet, extend your visit by staying in the venue’s luxurious accommodation, surrounded by peaceful nature. 

Cuisine: Modern Australian 

Average price: $$$$$ 

Atmosphere: Refined 

Location: 2 Leggatt Street, Daylesford 

Kadota Restaurant

Japanese-inspired dining at Kadota Restaurant, Daylesford
Each meal is served in a traditional Kaiseki style. (Credit: Kadota Restaurant)

Blending Japanese precision with local flavours, Kadota Restaurant captures the spirit of omotenashi – the art of selfless hospitality. Helmed by Chef Aaron Schembri and Front of House Director Risa Kadota, Kadota beautifully reflects Aaron’s Daylesford roots and Risa’s Japanese heritage. The restaurant curates an intimate dining affair that combines the best of both worlds. 

Dining here takes the form of a kaiseki-style Japanese degustation, with set menus unfolding at an unhurried pace. Guests can choose between a seven-course ‘short’ menu or the more leisurely ten-course experience, each built around seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with the option to add a wagyu course for an extra moment of indulgence. 

Cuisine: Japanese Cuisine 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Refined 

Location: 1 Camp Street, Daylesford 

Sault Restaurant

countryside dining at Sault, Daylesford
Indulge in a modern Australian menu in a country-style dining space. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Framed by gorgeous fields of flowers, Sault Restaurant delivers an exquisite culinary journey through its expansive bay windows, which offer sweeping views of the countryside. Its refined modern Australian menu evolves with each harvest, showcasing regional produce, much of which comes straight from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden – from sun-ripened vegetables and herbs to trout smoked on site, paired with a drinks list of regional wines and local gins.   

Guests can indulge in three to four courses, or opt for the impressive seven-course tasting, complete with wine pairings. Each beautifully plated dish is a feast for the eyes – less of an Instagram moment and more akin to being mesmerised by a Monet masterpiece. 

Cuisine: Modern Australian 

Average price: $$$$ 

Atmosphere: Refined 

Location: 2349 Ballan-Daylesford Road, Sailors Falls 

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Farmers Arms Hotel

Farmers Arms Hotel exterior view
Farmers Arms Hotel has retained its heritage charm. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Steeped in history and charm, the Farmers Arms Hotel is Daylesford’s oldest pub, serving locals and travellers alike since 1857. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or settling in for a hearty meal, this revamped heritage-rich venue welcomes you in with vintage features and a warming fireplace – adding to the pub’s comfort and camaraderie. 

The seasonal menu offers a creative take on classic pub fare. Signature favourites include the duck sausage or a premium wagyu scotch fillet with garlic and thyme butter. Pair your meal with one of their curated local wines or craft beers. 

Cuisine: Classic Pub 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Casual 

Location: 1 East Street, Daylesford 

Boathouse Restaurant

a spread of dishes at Boathouse Restaurant
The menu showcases the kitchen’s seasonal approach. (Credit: Boathouse Restaurant)

Perched on the edge of Lake Daylesford, the Boathouse Restaurant offers relaxed lakeside dining with sweeping water views across much of the dining room. Warm and welcoming inside during the cooler months, the venue opens out to a sun-drenched deck in warmer weather, making it a favourite for long lunches and easygoing dinners by the water. 

The menu reflects owner and executive chef Nixson Thambithurai’s esteemed culinary background, with a focus on flavour-driven dishes made using local produce. For the full experience, head along on a Saturday evening when The Boathouse Experience is on offer – a seven-course tasting menu that showcases the kitchen’s seasonal approach, best enjoyed with a glass from the thoughtfully curated regional wine list. 

Cuisine: Modern Australian 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Casual 

Location: 1 East Street, Daylesford, VIC, 3460 

Bistro Terroir

dining at Bistro Terroir
The raclette is a must-try.

Bringing a touch of French flair to Daylesford, Bistro Terroir is an intimate neighbourhood gem helmed by Michelin-trained Chef Matthew Carnell. With its moody interiors and a tucked-away courtyard, it offers an inviting space for a relaxed yet elegant dining experience. The menu highlights classic French dishes like escargot and steak frites, with a focus on in-season ingredients and rotating mains. 

To elevate your meal, pair it with a selection from their expertly curated wine list, featuring bottles from Victoria and France that perfectly complement the French-inspired cuisine. And the crème de la crème is finishing the evening with a satiating crème brulee.  

Cuisine: French Cuisine 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Moody 

Location: 6/8 Howe Street, Daylesford 

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Jackie’s on Vincent

Far from your typical local Chinese restaurant, Jackie’s on Vincent brings a unique fusion of Asian and Western flavours, shaped by Chef Jackie’s Chinese heritage and Australian influences. The cosy, intimate setting, paired with dishes made using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creates a warm, homely atmosphere that keeps diners coming back. Crowd favourites often include Szechuan pepper calamari and slow-cooked boneless goat curry. 

Situated along the southern stretch of Vincent Street – Daylesford’s steadily growing ‘eat street’ – this well-loved spot is ideal for a satisfying dinner followed by a relaxed stroll through the town centre.   

Cuisine: Asian Fusion 

Average price: $$ 

Atmosphere: Casual 

Location: 1/123 Vincent Street, Daylesford, VIC, 3460 

Du Fermier

dining at Du Fermier
Du Fermier serves meals that champion local produce.

Tucked away in Daylesford’s neighbouring town of Trentham, Du Fermier offers a flavourful exploration akin to dining in someone’s home. With its cosy, French farmhouse-style ambience, this beloved restaurant is helmed by Chef Annie Smithers, who crafts produce-driven dishes using ingredients harvested from her own garden. 

Without a fixed menu, diners are treated to a surprise multi-course meal, often featuring local meats, fresh vegetables, and classic French flavours. With only a few service days each week, it’s wise to book ahead to secure a spot. Opt for the matched wines for an extra indulgent touch, and be sure to visit during spring and summer, when the kitchen garden is in full bloom. 

Cuisine: French Cuisine 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Rustic 

Location: 42 High Street, Trentham   

Bar Merenda

the dining space at Bar Merenda
Dine in an eclectic space. (Credit: Bridget Angee)

For several years, Bar Merenda has been a much-loved Daylesford wine bar, known for its curated list of local and European wines and quietly excellent food. As word spread and rave reviews followed, the team expanded upstairs, opening a bespoke 18-seat dining room that allows the kitchen to shine while the bar below continues to hum with its original energy. 

Now home to a sunflower-yellow dining room upstairs, Bistro Merenda offers an intimate, set-menu experience – whether it’s a pared-back two-course Monday evening menu or a four-course feast later in the week, a visit here feels like being welcomed into a dinner party crafted around the very best produce Daylesford and its surrounds have to offer. 

Cuisine: Classic Mediterranean 

Average price: $$$ 

Atmosphere: Relaxed and intimate 

Location: 117 Vincent Street, Daylesford

Pauline Morrissey

Pauline Morrissey

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8 iconic ways to experience the Murray

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a unique and utterly memorable experience along the mighty Murray River.

    Along the Murray River lies a network of towns that are at once intertwined and wildly diverse. Linked by the legendary waterway yet strikingly distinct, each has its own personality, pace and collection of experiences you won’t soon forget.

    1. On the river

    fishermen on Lake Mulwala
    Get out onto the pretty Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

    A visit to the region wouldn’t be complete without a jaunt on the iconic river. If you’re something of an adventurer, Lake Mulwala – an inlet on the Murray – is perennially popular for all kinds of watersports. Glide among ghost gums on a kayak or stand up paddleboard, or pick up the pace by waterskiing or windsurfing.

    For a more relaxed (but no less immersive) river experience, hop on board one of the famed paddle steamers. Departing from Echuca Moama, Swan Hill and Yarrawonga Mulwala, these historic boats provide a nostalgic view of the Murray.

    2. First Nations culture

    Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, murray river
    Wander the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    The river is a meeting place of ancient cultures, home to over 50 First Nations clans and an integral part of their communities, storytelling and way of life.

    To learn more about the Traditional Owners, take yourself on a guided stroll through the Wagirra Trail. Situated in Albury/Wiradjuri country, the trail passes through red gum forest, riverside wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk.

    Alternatively, visit the Dharnya Centre in the heart of Barmah National Park on Yorta Yorta country. The centre tells the history and stories of the Yorta Yorta people, offering guided walking tours and cruises.

    3. Delicious eats

    the Mildura Boat House
    Savour a relaxed riverside meal at Mildura Boat House.

    For a representative taste of the Murray’s epicurean highlights, a few destinations are well worth your time (and appetite).

    Opa in Echuca is a local staple, serving up authentic and bold Greek dishes in lively surrounds. Greek not your thing? The twin towns of Echuca Moama have numerous top-notch drinking and dining spots to choose from and an ever-evolving food scene.

    In Albury, the River Deck Cafe is perched right on the river, delivering scenic vistas and a vibrant daytime menu. Expect lemon meringue waffles or Green Goddess smashed avo for breakfast, or a zippy duck salad with Southeast Asian flavours for lunch. For more waterfront dining options, head to Mildura Boathouse. Enjoy iconic views and a modern Australian menu focused on local producers and wines.

    4. Hiking and biking trails

    two people on bikes at Lake Boga
    Discover the Murray Region on two wheels. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    The best ways to experience the Murray’s surrounding landscapes are on foot or by bike. Luckily, plenty of well-marked trails take you through the diverse scenery.

    The Mildura Riverfront has a shared path for both walkers and cyclists, connecting the town centre with a string of parks and lookouts. The path lets you take in the entire town and its distinctive terrain at a leisurely pace, and is relatively flat throughout.

    For a more challenging experience, head to the Huon Hill Parklands or Nail Can Hill Reserve in Albury Wodonga. Both feature a varied network of bushwalking and mountain biking trails through undulating terrain.

    5. Best views along The Murray

    swan at wonga wetlands in the murray
    Spot the birdlife at Wonga Wetlands. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    The Murray region is perhaps unsurprisingly a prime destination for epic vistas. The Wonga Wetlands just outside Albury are an aquatic feast for the eyes, a winding web of billabongs and lagoons. Take a stroll through the tranquil landscape and see if you can spot one of the more than 170 bird species living within.

    Stop by Moama Beach at sunset to catch the dazzling display. Vivid hues of pink, amber and gold flare against a backdrop of river red gum trees and are reflected in the river’s glassy waters.

    Head away from the Murray itself, 15 mins from Albury Wodonga, for stunning mountain views at Lake Hume. Or head to Gunbower National Park, a picturesque place boasting a diverse wonderland of waterbirds, wildlife and aquatic plants.

    6. Art and culture

    People viewing art at Murray Art Museum.
    Immerse yourself in art at the MAMA, Albury. (Tourism Australia)

    The region’s diverse mix of galleries, museums and cultural hubs provides a window into its past and present.

    One of the most prominent is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), which has a rotating roster of contemporary exhibitions. The Burrajara Gallery is another Albury gem, with a powerful collection of works from local First Nations artists.

    There are several smaller museums and galleries scattered across Echuca Moama and Mildura reflecting the artistic depth of the Murray. Popular picks include The Foundry Arts Space and Customs House Gallery in Echuca Moama, and the Arts Centre, Riverfront Gallery and NAP Contemporary in Mildura.

    7. Murray Region Events

    band on stage at Riverboats Music Festival
    Time your trip around one fo the regions live music events. (Credit: Riverboats Music Festival)

    Each year, the Murray hosts events as unique and characterful as the region itself.

    The Massive Murray Paddle takes place every November, a 415-kilometre, five-day river paddle raising money for local charities. Whether you take part in a canoe, kayak, stand up paddleboard or boat, or watch from the riverbanks, you’ll be in for a memorable experience.

    If you’re a music lover, you’re in luck throughout the year. In summer, plan a trip for Riverboats Music Festival. And in the cooler months, head to the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival for four days of performances across different venues.

    8. Best stays along The Murray

    the Cozy Dome at Charm Lodge accommodation
    Find unique stays by the river or in the countryside.

    Throughout your busy few days of exploring, you’ll need a comfortable spot to rest.

    Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park is right on the river and has gorgeous views. Pick from riverfront and pet-friendly lagoon cabins, or set up camp at one of the powered sites set among native bush. Or head into the countryside to stay in the quaint glamping or lodge options of Charm Lodge.

    Alternatively, treat yourself to a night or two at The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods, which has stylish modern rooms and luxe amenities. There’s a heated infinity pool, day spa and an on-site restaurant doing elevated fare with local produce.

    For a quintessential Murray experience, hire a houseboat from one of the many operators in Mildura. Available for weekend and week-long adventures, these well-appointed boats immerse you in the leisurely rhythm and quiet beauty of the Murray River.

    Discover what’s new on The Murray at visitthemurray.com.au