Explore the best of our regional culinary scene this summer
Teleisha Thomas
December 2024When the weather warms up, our beautiful regional hotspots truly shine.
From the sun-kissed shores of the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas to the rich history of Ballarat and the Central Highlands and the lush vineyards of the Yarra Valley, summer in these vibrant areas is a feast for the senses.
Whether you're looking to taste the best local produce, immerse yourself in arts and culture, explore the outdoors, or relax and unwind, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of the season.
Mornington Peninsla
When it comes to unforgettable foodie experiences, the Mornington Peninsula is spoiled for choice.
Visit the award-winning Laura at Pt Leo Estate in Merricks for artfully crafted menus paired with panoramic views of the sculpture park.
Also worth a visit are the farm-to-table gem Tedesca Osteria in Red Hill, the boldly creative Doot Doot Doot at the Jackalope Hotel.
Whether it’s a stop at Polperro for an intimate tasting or a stroll through the beautiful estate and sculpture trails at Montalto, the Mornington Peninsula is a must for any wine devotee.
In Sorrento, historic landmark The Continental has been transformed into a dynamic lifestyle precinct featuring the award-winning Audrey’s.
Geelong & The Bellarine
Across the bay, the Geelong Beer Festival is back on January 18, bringing together top local breweries, cideries, and distilleries paired with live music and delicious street food.
For those who favour spirits, Ceres Distilling Co. produces award-winning gin and whisky, and their Spirit Lab Gin Experience provides a unique hands-on opportunity to create your own.
Mavs Greek Restaurant - named Victoria’s Best Greek Restaurant for the third consecutive year by the Restaurant and Catering Association - serves up mouth-watering traditional dishes.
For a modern touch try Tulip Restaurant, where the menu is focused on the finest local ingredients, sourced from sustainable farms, in a contemporary share-food setting.
The Bellarine Peninsula is also home to a selection of excellent wineries, with Bellarine Estate Winery offering a charming, family-friendly setting for tastings.
For an intimate experience, Mona Cicchetti Bar offers Italy’s finest flavours, paired with a wide selection of beautiful wines. Mona is a place to come together with friends and family. Inspired by the Venetian tradition of cicchetti “little bites” designed for sharing.
Manor Suite Wine Bar at Oakdene offers an extensive wine selection, craft beers and quirky house-made cocktails. The farmhouse converted wine bar is surrounded by acres of grapevines & fairy-tale gardens while inside features beautiful, eclectic dining spaces.
Central Victoria
With an emphasis on local produce, fresh ingredients, and innovative menus, it’s no surprise Ballarat and the Central Highlands has earned a reputation for its vibrant culinary scene. Three Ballarat restaurants have earned a hat in this year’s Age Good Food Guide: Babae, Mr Jones, and Underbar.
For something a bit different enjoy a Balinese barbeque at Flying Chillies Café on January 19 and February 9 or indulge in authentic Spanish complete with flamenco dancing at Meigas.
Enjoy a cocktail at wine bars like Roy Hammond, Renard, and Grainery Lane, however, if you prefer to shake things up yourself Itinerant Spirits is hosting cocktail classes every Saturday night through January.
Daylesford continues to impress with two restaurants – Lake House and Kadota – making the top 50 in the prestigious La Liste's 2025 global ranking of 1,000 restaurants.
In Castlemaine, Le Bouchon at Attwoods Wines offers a French-inspired menu paired with the winery’s best, while Long Paddock Cheese at The Mill serves up delightful handmade cheeses and local produce.
Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley serves up a bounty of different dining experiences, from world-class wineries to casual dining.
The Independent in Gembrook serves inventive Argentinian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere, while Cognoscenti Food and Wine in Belgrave serves modern Australian dishes with a European twist.
Wine lovers will enjoy the serene atmosphere at Wombat Forest Vineyard, nestled in a lush native forest. Home to more than 80 vineyards and celebrated for its cool-climate wines, the Yarra Valley's reputation as a wine lover's paradise is second to none.
Lastly, savour a glass of refined red at Victoria’s oldest winery, Yering Station, or sample the award-winning Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir at Giant Steps, winner of the coveted 2025 Halliday Wine Companion Winery of the Year.
