10 of the best restaurants in Ballarat for knock-out global flavours

Kristie Lau-Adams Kristie Lau-Adams
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Whether you’re craving something exotic or inventive Australian fare, the best restaurants in Ballarat unleash a booming Victorian food scene.

Home to a string of international-inspired hot spots that showcase local ingredients fused with innovation and creativity, Ballarat is emerging as a formidable foodie destination. With a firm grasp on where to unearth peak Victorian produce, the best restaurants in Ballarat attract some of the world’s leading chefs and hospitality stars. When you’re looking for a break between activities in the region, relax at one of these world-class restaurants.

The shortlist

Hottest new opening: Eleanora
Best farm-to-table: Babae
Budget-friendly: The Forge Pizzeria
Great for special occasions: Underbar
Best date spot: Boatshed Restaurant

1. Eleanora

a look inside the wine bar at Eleanora, Ballarat
Step into the industrial-chic wine bar at Eleanora. (Credit: Supplied)

From the team behind the now shuttered Mitchell Harris Wines wine bar, Eleanora served as one of Ballarat’s most anticipated restaurant openings of all-time prior to launch in December 2024. It had big shoes to fill, built inside the same industrial-chic 140-year-old former produce store, tentmakers and motor workshop that kept locals hydrated since 2013—but they’ve nailed it all over again. Toffee shades of timber and leather join forces with exposed brick and soft lighting to create instant warmth, while the freshest of local ingredients are jazzed into hearty photo-ready plates. Think market fish with a ruby grapefruit and herb salad, oven roasted beets with cashew cream, and a crispy skinned chicken with grilled peach, smoked almond and watercress.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Warm and welcoming

Location: 38 Doveton St North, Ballarat

2. Underbar

bagels with three kinds of dip at Underbar, Ballarat
Their bagel is truly a game-changer. (Credit: Matt Dunne)

You’ll find a true highlight of Ballarat’s foodie renaissance in an unassuming space with no sign at the door. Underbar is a 20-seat fine dining restaurant that opens for dinner on Friday and lunch, and dinner on Saturday, to serve a seasonal tasting menu shaped by local finds (think the finest local Black Angus sirloin sliced at the table in front of you). Chef Derek Boath brings experience in some of the world’s top restaurants to the table and ensures each sitting is an intimate and immersive experience for fine-food aficionados. Reservations open on the first day of each month and get snapped up quickly.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$$

Atmosphere: Celebratory

Location: 3 Doveton St North, Ballarat

3. Peasant

European fare at Peasant, Ballarat
Fill your belly with beautifully plated European fare. (Credit: Peasant)

A wonderful, value-for-money degustation in the heart of Ballarat, Peasant is a local’s favourite. Renowned for bringing the traditional art of European peasant cooking to country Victoria, this Ballarat restaurant welcomes diners Friday and Saturday, filling bellies with rustic, beautifully plated fare made from the season’s freshest ingredients. Five courses will delight no matter what the team are currently playing with — from chilled gazpacho with basil and sherry vinegar cream to juniper and lemon thyme marinated skirt steak, the menu is reliably filled with surprises.

Cuisine: European

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Elegant

Location: 413 Sturt St, Ballarat

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4. Babae

a close-up shot of a dish at Babae restaurant in Ballarat
Much of the menu at Babae is inspired by Foster’s own 25-acre garden. (Credit: Babae)

Babae is a dining destination focused on highlighting the region’s exceptional flavours and produce. Found inside the uber-cool Hotel Vera, one of the best Ballarat accommodation picks, the restaurant is hinged on the Latin definition of its moniker: to wow and amaze. Spearheaded by acclaimed chef Tim Foster, much of the menu is inspired by Foster’s own 25-acre garden, so guests can expect the likes of cornfed duck with plum sauce, pearl barley and savoy cabbage, plus the famed Jerusalem artichoke and chestnut with oyster mushrooms, coddled egg and caramelised onion.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$$

Atmosphere: Intimate

Location: Inside Hotel Vera, 710 Sturt St, Ballarat

5. Boatshed Restaurant

share plates at Boatshed Restaurant, Ballarat
Tuck into fried chicken and dumpling share plates at Boatshed Restaurant. (Credit: Visit Victoria)

Dial up the romance with a seat at the Boatshed Restaurant, located right on peaceful Lake Wendouree. Grab a spot at the light-flooded end of the Ballarat restaurant, right over the water’s edge, to soak up sparkling vistas, as a menu of Modern Australian classics spliced with international influences (think shares plates of Karaage chicken and dumplings, alongside seafood platters and crispy skinned Atlantic salmon) rolls out of the kitchen. Make it a date to remember by indulging in a cocktail or two, that seize sweet seasonal flavours in Instagram-friendly style.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Breezy

Location: 27A Lake Wendouree Foreshore, Lake Wendouree

6. The Forge Pizzeria

A long-time Ballarat favourite with two local outposts, The Forge Pizzeria is a winner every time. Its central outpost on Armstrong Street North is the OG, based in an old heritage building where exposed brick walls suit the ambience of its roaring wood-fire oven. Chewy and flavourful, the pizzas include the classics alongside inventive creations like Pancetta, with cured meat, potato, garlic, mozzarella and local Meredith goat’s cheese, plus the vegetarian friendly The Vego, with tomato, mozzarella, mushroom and capsicum. There are heaps of pasta dishes and salads to choose from too, and desserts including a Nutella and strawberry pizza.

Cuisine: Italian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Location: 14 Armstrong St North, Ballarat and 1771 Sturt St, Alfredton

7. Meigas

the dining interior of Meigas, Ballarat
Pop into Meigas if you’re in the mood for churros or cerveza. (Credit: Meigas)

Meigas is an authentic tapas bar in the heart of Ballarat, with all the flavour and atmosphere to match. Order share plates of everything from patatas bravas and pimientos fritos (blistered bullhorn peppers with goat’s cheese) to generous plates of paella with chicken and seafood. Wash it down with a cerveza or two, wine or Spanish cider, and don’t forget the churros dipped in thick, warm chocolate sauce. A Spanish non-negotiable.

Cuisine: Spanish

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Buzzing

Location: 33 Armstrong St North, Ballarat

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8. Mr Jones

a spread of food at Mr Jones, Ballarat
Feast on the ever-changing banquet menu at Mr Jones.

Refining Asian power-punch flavours with considered finesse, Mr Jones is an extremely cool neighbourhood eatery on the main strip in Bakery Hill. While an unassuming facade may resemble your regular Melbourne hipster haunt, it’s the scent of authentic seasonal ingredients that will send you right to the neon-laced alleys of your favourite long-haul destination. The banquet menu is ever-changing, but you can expect the likes of fresh tiger prawns dressed in brown butter, plus a moreish grilled duck curry with coconut, peanuts and cardamom. They’re also open for lunch on Friday, so swinging an office early mark to get you into town ASAP is never a bad idea.

Cuisine: Modern Asian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Stylish

Location: 42-44 Main Rd, Bakery Hill

9. Pancho

Mexican food and drinks at Pancho, Ballarat
The menu at Pancho bursts with Latin American flavours. (Credit: Pancho)

Transport your tastebuds to the cantinas of South and Central America with a table at Pancho, home to a tight edit of authentic dishes. The fit out alone is enough to send you straight to your dream holiday, complete with Virgin of Guadalupe homages and scattered national flags, while the menu’s moreish tostadas, tacos, ceviche and more will keep those vacay vibes soaring. Just add watermelon margaritas and Jarritos (that excellent Mexican soda you’ll recognise as soon as you spy it), plus a list of classic cocktails, to cement one seriously rocking meal out.

Cuisine: Latin American

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Gleeful

Location: 213 Mair St, Ballarat

10. The Shared Table

potato croquette with Sauvignon Blanc at The Shared Table, Ballarat
The crowd-favourite potato croquette with Sauvignon Blanc at The Shared Table.

Creativity runs rife at The Shared Table, a Ballarat restaurant that takes the season’s finest local ingredients and transforms them into genius homages to global cuisines. Whether you’re taken by the sticky lamb ribs in black vinegar caramel, potato croquettes with Yarra Valley caviar or the Western Plains pork cotoletta with lemon and slaw, this place dares to dine differently, resulting in unique flavour bombs.

Cuisine: International

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Homely

Location: 317 Learmonth St, Buninyong

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Kristie Lau-Adams
Kristie Lau-Adams is a Gold Coast-based freelance writer after working as a journalist and editorial director for almost 20 years across Australia's best-known media brands including The Sun-Herald, WHO and Woman's Day. She has spent significant time exploring the world with highlights including trekking Japan’s life-changing Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage and ziplining 140 metres above the vines of Mexico’s Puerto Villarta. She loves exploring her own backyard (quite literally, with her two young children who love bugs), but can also be found stalking remote corners globally for outstanding chilli margaritas and soul-stirring cultural experiences.
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Your guide to slowing down in the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.

    Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).

    But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.

    If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.

    Where to eat

    Yarra Valley Dairy
    Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe. This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.

    Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy, a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards, where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford, Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.

    By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.

    And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.

    Things to do outdoors

    two people walking through Dandenong Ranges National Park
    Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.

    A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.

    The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.

    While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens, situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.

    Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.

    For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.

    The arts and culture scene

    TarraWarra Museum of Art
    Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.

    The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.

    Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.

    On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat. This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.

    Stay at a local retreat

    Re’em yarra valley accommodation
    Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.

    No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.

    Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.

    And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.

    Start planning your reset getaway at visityarravalley.com.au.