Melbourne has always been the queen and lording it over on top of everyone when it comes to food and the Best Restaurants Geelong to have them. NO one disputes that, but across the bay in Geelong, Victoria’s second-largest city, the food game had been raised for quite a while.
Now, there’s a string of venues that are seriously rivalling that of the old queen. They have been trying to keep it a secret but it is now slowly uncovered. There is now quite a buzz on the new places and the amazing offerings they have for the diners.
Here are some of the places that are poised to rival the reputation of the old guards at the older city.
Bistrot Plume
The moment you read their menu, it’s as if you go back to that golden age in France feeling the ambience you can’t get anywhere as you order perhaps your leek and gruyere croquettes, the Chateaubriand with duck fat potatoes or tarte tatin.
They brough back right in the French food but of the hearty variety, alongside with the vibe that is the perfect balance of elegance and homeliness, including the blend of the stylish décor with napkins like tea towels and friendly service. The feel is that you feel like you’re eating in a friend’s country kitchen.(56A Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont)
Pavilion
There is no better outlook than at Pavilion, on Eastern Beach whether you’re only after an early coffee and breakfast, perhaps an al fresco lunch, or sunset drinks and dinner.
Located right inside the former Art Deco bathing pavilion opposite the sea baths, it’s in prime position to enjoy sundrenched views across Corio Bay, but Pavilion is not just a pretty face.
Naturally, there is some seriously good food on offer, from the likes of prawn and kimchi omelet or falafel salad downstairs, to cocktails and Asian inspired food upstairs.
(Caledonia Shores. 95 Eastern Beach Rd, Geelong)
Anther Distillery
You know it is the right place they talked about when you get asked by the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria to make a custom gin using their botanicals, and you know all along you know you make a pretty good drop.
This Anther distillery onsite, regularly experimenting with new flavors; (The barrel-aged cherry gin is a revelation). A guided tasting will open up the mind and tastebuds to the possibilities, not only in the gin itself but how it’s enjoyed. (The choices are with a squeeze of orange or lime, or a twist of grapefruit peel.)
(Located within the heritage-listed Federal Mills complex, at PH3 Federal Mills, 33 Mackey St, North Geelong.)
Felix
The menu at celebrates seafood and vegetables, and it’s never boring since it is European inspired with French leanings.Consider light-as-air fried potato beignets with gruyere, roasted eggplant ratatouille or spanner crab profiterole with lemon mayonnaise.
The seriously cool décor at Felix features high ceilings, limewash walls and a mosaic of polished stonework that sets the backdrop for cozy leather booths and tables. It is tucked up a laneway off the foodie hub at LittleMalop St. 9 Downes Lane, Geelong.
Sumi
Sumi in Japanese means charcoal and much of the food here is cooked over a smoky robata grill, from corn cobs served with miso butter to chicken yakitori and tea-smoked duck bao.
The Asian fusion menu is simple yet very satisfying, much like the venue itself featuring a minimalist style of Japan itself. The space has 26 spread across one long bar and a few small tables, with the kitchen on show at one end.
There is a huge range of Japanese beers and sake to complement the food.
(47 Gheringhap St, Geelong.)
Geelong Cellar Door
There are around 160 vineyards and 60 wineries in the Geelong region and they’re celebrated at Geelong Cellar Door, a classy yet cozy bar with timber floors, wine-lined walls, stained-glass windows and an open fireplace.
Their wine menu is extensive, as you could expect, but there’s also a selection of local craft beers and ciders on offer.
Order a cheese and charcuterie platter and settle in for a ‘tour’ through the magic of grapes, or takeaway a few bottles from the cellar door. (97-99 Little Malop St, Geelong.)
Baah Lah
Brian Anderson has multiple skills. Not only is he the talented chef behind this modern Singaporean restaurant, he also makes the earthenware crockery it’s served on.
On his way, he forages for the ingredients, pulls them from his dad’s garden or sources them locally. The food is exciting and begs to be shared but if you really want to treat your tastebuds (recommended).
(1/100 Pakington St, Geelong West.)
Provenance Winery
You could easily spend a day pottering around Provenance Winery and the artisan workshops and Barwon River trails that form part of the heritage Fyansford Paper Mill and surrounds.
Provenance is set in an old bluestone building that makes you feel like you’ve arrived somewhere in Provence. Sit down for a wine tasting. (James Halliday has awarded them five red stars every year since 2011.eight-course lunch or dinner. )
Or choose your two, six or – or indulge in a two, six or eight course degustation lunch or dinner. Chardonnay, Shiraz and Pino Noir are the specialties.
(100 Lower Paper Mills Rd, Fyansford)
Man Bo Restaurant
This one brings you all the way to China with its authentic Chinese dishes, bringing in all about oozing with the Oriental charm with golden dragons and quaint accents.
Dine and find your long-lost treasures at Man Bo Restaurant. Geelong. After a million-dollar makeover, this Chinese restaurant exudes that Oriental charm. (Moorabool Street in Geelong)
Mavs Greek Restaurant
Only at Geelong would you find some other treasured European delights / Thos who are looking for authentic Greek fare with flair in Geelong head down Little Malop Street to find Mavs Greek Restaurant.
Named after the owner’s family name, Mavromoustakos, which means ‘black moustache.
Parkers Steakhouse Geelong
Never count out the all-time world-wide favorite, whether you are an American or European or even an Asian: steak.
Set in a charmingly rustic bluestone building circa 1853 is Parkers Steakhouse, a reputable restaurant on the Geelong dining scene. With an inviting atmosphere and rapport. (At the end of Shorts Place, Geelong).
