Restaurants

Celebrate the local harvest and sample the best of local growers and artisanal producers on a culinary journey through Geelong and the Bellarine. Revel in the flavours of the region at hatted restaurants, friendly local eateries and cosy country pubs. Soak up sweeping views of Port Phillip Bay, explore the cosmopolitan city centre or enjoy a slow lunch out in the vineyards and experience a region overflowing with creativity and natural beauty.

Global flavours, modern inflections

Find the world at your doorstep in Geelong. Be charmed by refined French classics, awakened by aromatic Thai and Indian cuisine and intrigued by Alma's contemporary take on South American specialties. For some Italian comfort fare, head to Lipari, a local favourite.

Get your tastebuds going on dishes championing the best local and sustainable produce at contemporary Geelong restaurants Tulip (awarded a hat by the Good Food Guide 2020) and Black Salt.

If you're in the mood for something extraordinary, book in for lunch at Igni, winner of two hats in the Good Food Guide 2020. There's no menu to peruse, just a chat with the friendly staff before Chef Aaron Turner puts together a bespoke banquet just for you. Matched wines? Yes, please.

Morning brews and long lunches

Duck into a buzzing Geelong lunch spot, grab a latte down at the waterfront, or linger over a slow breakfast at a cafe on the peninsula with sweeping coastal views. Travel from the city to the sea and out into the hinterland to find an array of cafes offering seasonal menus packed with regional delights, from mussels to cheeses and freshly picked berries.

Going provincial

Turn towards coastal Queenscliff and head straight to the harbour for a delicious meal paired with ocean views at 360Q. Pick from a menu loaded with seasonal fare at Noble Rot, paired with the perfect bottle of plonk.

Hit the Moorabool Valley Taste Trail, stopping at Clyde Park Vineyard & Bistro for a drop of excellent local wine and European-style eats or pop into a great winery restaurant on the Bellarine Taste Trail, like Oakdene Vineyards Restaurant or Jack Rabbit Vineyard, and settle in for an evening of outstanding wine-matched seasonal fare.