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

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

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

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

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

There’s something very special about the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges . A mix of rugged bush, mist-laden rainforest, gardens bursting with vivid blooms and a network of rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes here are layered and diverse. Late summer is a particularly good time to visit, when the days are long and the region’s outdoor offerings are ripe for sun-soaked adventures.

The best part? Despite being only an easy one-hour drive from Melbourne, the area feels a world away from the hustle. You’ll be greeted by a slower pace with fewer travellers and more room to move – allowing you to truly switch off and take it all in.

From rail trails to rainforest walks, this is where you’ll find nature at its most rewarding.

1. Warburton

Biking around Warburton is one best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. — Hit the trails at Warburton Mountain Bike Destination. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Perched at the top of the Yarra River, surrounded by pristine national park, the town of Warburton is a haven for nature lovers. It’s known for its towering redwoods, found in the Californian Redwood Forest just 15 minutes out of town. You’ll be in utter awe of these giant trees, some of which reach heights of up to 55 metres.

The Warburton Rail Trail is another way to experience the town’s natural beauty. This flat, 40-kilometre route goes all the way to Lilydale and is ideal for a stroll or cycle past native bushland, wineries, farmland and parts of the Yarra.

If you want to up the pace a little, head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination , which encompasses 160 kilometres of purpose-built tracks amid wild bush terrain. For something a little more laid-back, the Rainforest Gallery is a standout spot for a wander. The gallery features statuesque Mountain Ash and Myrtle Beech trees, moss-covered logs and tree ferns, and a 40-metre elevated walkway that brings you right into the centre of the forest canopy.

2. Yarra Glen

Yarra Glen is a beloved food and drink destination, but it offers far more than excellent produce and top-notch wines.

A highlight is Alowyn Gardens , which stretches over seven acres. Inside, you’ll find nine different gardens with vivid floral and seasonal displays, plus a nursery featuring exotic plant species. The Wisteria Arbour is a crowd favourite, a curved walkway connecting the different gardens with a display of cascading lilac blooms.

Intersecting with the Warburton Rail Trail, the first stage of the Yarra Valley Trail runs from the gateway town of Lilydale to Yering Station. A more manageable track of just 7.5 kilometres, it takes you through rolling farmland and pockets of native bush, with ample opportunities for wildlife-spotting.

If you’re travelling with kids, McKenzie Reserve is a non-negotiable stop. The reserve encompasses a skate park, plenty of open grass to stretch little legs, and a nature-inspired adventure playground to suit every age and every energy level.

3. Healesville

One of the best natural experiences in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges is seeing a Koala upclose. — Get up close and connect with koalas. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Healesville is the region’s best place to meet local wildlife. It’s home to Healesville Sanctuary , where you can get up close to kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, reptiles and more. Beyond giving you front-row access to these gorgeous creatures, you’ll appreciate the scenic charm of the tracks and trails that meander through the wildlife park.

To see even more birdlife, head over to Badger Weir for a picnic. Situated among soaring Mountain Ash trees and tranquil waterways, the area supports several bird species, including crimson rosellas, Australian king parrots and the elusive lyrebird. Barbecue facilities are available, and several tracks leading to Badger Weir are pram-friendly.

Fernshaw Picnic Area, located in the Yarra Ranges National Park , is another idyllic setting for picnicking and short walks, also encircled by Mountain Ash trees. Compared to Badger Weir, though, Fernshaw provides a slightly more secluded experience, making it ideal for quieter outings.

4. Olinda

Cloudehill Gardens is a beautifully curated, year-round garden destination featuring nine terraced gardens filled with seasonal blooms and lush plant varieties. — Wander through terraces of ever-changing blooms. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Sitting more than 600 metres above sea level, the Dandenong Ranges have an enchanted feel and are shrouded in lush rainforest filled with tree ferns, mossy trunks and lingering mist.

The town of Olinda is one of the finest places to experience this unique environment in all its verdant glory. At the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , rhododendrons reign and drape the gardens in a riot of colour every spring.

The nearby Cloudehill Gardens are well worth visiting any time of year. In each of the garden’s nine terraces, you’ll find an array of plant varieties that bloom and transform across the seasons, including weeping Japanese maples that have been growing here for nearly a century.

Besides being a haven for arbory enthusiasts, the nearby RJ Hamer Arboretum is a spectacular spot to enjoy panoramic views. Here, more than 150 tree species grow and overlook the neighbouring Yarra Valley and Great Dividing Range.

5. Emerald

A lady eating with the view of Emerald Lake Park. — Enjoy a lakeside picnic at Emerald Lake Park. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Set just behind the Dandenong Ranges , the foothills town of Emerald has a slightly more open feel, featuring rolling hills and open bushland. The town sits on the edge of the Dandenong Ranges National Park , with a patchwork of forested reserves and accessible bush trails on the Emerald side.

You can also take to the water at nearby Aura Vale Lake, which is popular for sailing, canoeing, fishing for eel and perch, and picnicking on the grassy banks.

The stand-out, though, is Emerald Lake Park, a sprawling green with multiple recreation zones. Across 52 hectares, there are walking tracks, playgrounds, paddleboats, a model railway, fishing sites and a family-friendly wading pool that comes to life every summer. The park also lies adjacent to the iconic Puffing Billy, making it a perfect stop if you’re travelling on the historic steam train.

Start planning your next adventure at visityarravalley.com.au

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

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

The shortlist

1. Eleanora

2. Underbar

3. Peasant

4. Babae

5. Boatshed Restaurant

6. The Forge Pizzeria

7. Meigas

8. Mr Jones

9. Pancho

10. The Shared Table

Meet the makers shaping Ballarat’s new era of creativity

Two immersive art experiences are coming to this Vic town in spring

Ballarat‘s iconic pie competition has a winner & it’s a cookie dream

8 of the best Ballarat markets for one-of-a-kind pieces

The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges boast some of Victoria’s most stunning natural scenery, making them a prime destination for outdoor experiences.

1. Warburton

2. Yarra Glen

3. Healesville

4. Olinda

5. Emerald