The gourmet grand tour bit

Victoria is a food lover’s paradise, with each region offering its own slice of culinary heaven. From the rugged coastline of the Great Ocean Road and the Mornington Peninsula to the charming towns of Daylesford, Gippsland and the High Country, this diverse state is home to a vast array of incredible eateries.

Unlike the hustle and bustle of city dining, the best restaurants in regional Victoria offer a refreshingly relaxed change of pace. Think long, indulgent lunches set against stunning rural backdrops, where the produce of the region takes centre stage and the service is warm and unhurried. 

If you’re keen to tick a few bucket list eats off your list, check out these Victorian restaurants taking destination dining to a whole new level.

Sault, Daylesford 

Be transported to the fragrant lavender fields of rural France at Sault – a romantic Daylesford restaurant nestled amid idyllic countryside scenery. The 120-acre Sault Estate is home to sprawling flower fields, bountiful kitchen gardens and a charming two-story country house. Dine on vibrant seasonal dishes made with fresh produce straight from the on-site garden and experience farm-to-table dining at its finest.

Sault Restaurant, Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges, Victoria, Australia

Image: Sault, Daylesford

Provenance, High Country

At Provenance in Beechworth, chef-owner Michael Ryan’s exquisite Japanese-inspired degustation menu takes diners on an unforgettable slow food journey through a whopping 18 small dishes served across multiple courses. Plan your next gourmet escape in the High Country and see for yourself why this fine dining institution has been an Age Good Food Guide two chef’s hat restaurant for the last 14 years running.

Brae, Great Ocean Road

Brae is a true pioneer in hyperlocal dining, earning its place as a must-visit destination in Australia’s gastronomic world. Nestled in the small town of Birregurra on the Great Ocean Road, this culinary gem offers an experience that goes far beyond the plate. Diners can explore vibrant on-site farm gardens filled with seasonal produce, before sitting down to a thoughtfully crafted daily tasting menu that showcases the best of the region.

Brae, Birregurra, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Image: Brae Restaurant, Great Ocean Road

Hogget Kitchen, Gippsland

Located in the rolling hills of Gippsland, just south of Warragul, Hogget Kitchen is a destination dining experience you won’t want to miss. The restaurant’s one-hat status is a testament to its commitment to quality regional produce and ethical ingredients. Set against a stunning vineyard and olive grove, Hogget Kitchen offers year-round hospitality, whether you’re sipping wine on the summer deck or warming up by the fire in winter.

KIN, High Country

For a Victorian dining experience that's nothing short of spectacular, KIN in Wahgunyah is a must. Situated within the historic All Saints Estate, this modern winery restaurant effortlessly combines contemporary elegance with rich heritage. The breathtaking views of vineyards and a tranquil lake are the perfect backdrop to a menu inspired by family traditions and the freshest regional produce.

KIN Restaurant, Wahgunyah, High Country, Victoria

Image: KIN, Gippsland

Babae at Hotel Vera, Ballarat

For a refined yet approachable dining experience, Babae at Hotel Vera in Ballarat strikes the perfect balance between creativity and comfort. With just 26 seats, this intimate fine diner showcases contemporary Australian cuisine with a European twist. The seasonal menu changes regularly to highlight the region’s best produce, often sourced from the restaurant's own garden.

Doot Doot Doot, Mornington Peninsula

Set within the striking Jackalope Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula, Doot Doot Doot is a bucket list dining destination where every dish tells a story. With a focus on Australia's finest produce, the menu weaves together fresh ingredients from the restaurant's own kitchen garden with classic techniques and adventurous flavors. Add in a wine list featuring local and renowned Australian producers, and you've got the recipe for a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Doot Doot Doot at Jackalope Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia

Image: Doot Doot Doot, Mornington Peninsula

Lake House, Daylesford

Daylesford’s iconic two-hatted Lake House Restaurant is a standout in regional dining. A meal here is an experience to remember, from the superb seasonal fare showcased in every dish to the picture-perfect views of Lake Daylesford and its lush green surroundings. The team at Lake House are masters of the farm-to-table philosophy, growing much of their own produce and crafting almost everything in-house, from bread to charcuterie.