The Best Daylesford Restaurants for Every Foodie’s Bucket List

From lavish lunches to a true farm-to-table experience, these top restaurants highlight Daylesford’s burgeoning dining scene.

In Victoria’s stunning spa country, there are endless incredible things to do in Daylesford, including indulging in its renowned dining scene. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce, many restaurants boast their own kitchen gardens or partner with nearby farms to create seasonal line-ups bursting with flavour.

Whether you’re seeking a lavish lunch with breathtaking vistas, a modern twist on pub classics, or an Asian-fusion degustation experience, Daylesford has firmly established itself as a haven for food lovers. Here’s a round-up of some of the best restaurants to explore during your visit.

The shortlist

Fine Dining Gem: Lake House Restaurant
Best Date Spot: Sault Restaurant
Best Farm-to-Table: Du Fermier

Lake House Restaurant

Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Daylesford, Lake House Restaurant exudes sophistication and serenity, under the leadership of Alla Wolf-Tasker AM. The multi-course fare is crafted from the finest Australian ingredients, much of which comes directly from their nearby Dairy Flat Farm (think: lemon thyme gnocchi with pine mushrooms, broad beans, and brown butter). Guests can opt for an additional farm tour, deepening the connection to your meal.

For a complete escape, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the onsite spa—one of Daylesford’s top things to do. Better yet, extend your visit by staying in the venue’s luxurious accommodation, surrounded by peaceful nature.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Review: 4/5

Location: 2 Leggatt Street, Daylesford

Kadota Restaurant

a Japanese meal at Kadota, Daylesford — Each meal is served in a traditional Kaiseki style.

Blending Japanese precision with local flavours, Kadota Restaurant exemplifies the Japanese concept of omotenashi—offering honest service and food. Helmed by Chef Aaron Schembri and Front of House Director Risa Kadota, Kadota beautifully reflects Aaron’s Daylesford roots and Risa’s Japanese heritage. The restaurant curates an intimate dining affair that combines the best of both worlds.

Kadota’s menu features traditional kaiseki-style dining, with six-course classic and seven-course luxury dinner options. A reduced five-course selection is also available for lunch, with add-ons, sake pairings, and curated beverages to enhance the experience.

Cuisine: Japanese Cuisine

Average price: $$$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Review: 5/5

Location: 1 Camp Street, Daylesford

Sault Restaurant

Framed by gorgeous fields of flowers, Sault Restaurant delivers an exquisite culinary journey with its expansive bay windows framing sweeping views of the countryside. Its refined modern Australian menu evolves with each harvest, showcasing regional produce, much of which comes straight from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden, including herbs, vegetables and trout smoked on site.

Guests can indulge in three to four courses, or opt for the impressive seven-course tasting, complete with wine pairings. Each beautifully plated dish is a feast for the eyes and perfect for capturing an Instagram-worthy moment.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$-$$$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Review: 5/5

Location: 2349 Ballan-Daylesford Road, Sailors Falls

Farmers Arms Hotel

Steeped in history and charm, the Farmers Arms Hotel is Daylesford’s oldest pub, serving locals and travellers alike since 1857. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or settling in for a hearty meal, this revamped heritage-rich venue welcomes you in with vintage features and a warming fireplace—adding to the pub’s comfort and camaraderie.

The seasonal menu offers a creative take on classic pub fare. Signature favourites include the duck sausage with mash or the porterhouse steak with shoestring fries and Cafe de Paris butter. Pair your meal with one of their curated local wines or craft beers.

Cuisine: Classic Pub

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 4/5

Location: 1 East Street, Daylesford

Bistro Terroir

Bringing a touch of French flair to Daylesford, Bistro Terroir is an intimate neighbourhood gem helmed by Michelin-trained Chef Matthew Carnell. With its moody interiors and a tucked-away courtyard, it offers an inviting space for a relaxed yet elegant dining experience. The menu highlights classic French dishes like duck liver parfait and steak frites, with a focus on in season ingredients and rotating mains.

To elevate your meal, pair it with a selection from their expertly curated wine list, featuring bottles from Victoria and France, perfectly complementing the French-inspired cuisine.

Cuisine: French Cuisine

Average price: $$$

Atmosphere: Moody

Review: 5/5

Location: 6/8 Howe Street, Daylesford

Boathouse Restaurant

Perched on the banks of Lake Daylesford, the Boathouse Restaurant offers a serene and sophisticated gourmet indulgence with stunning water views from every seat. Whether you’re enjoying lunch or dinner, the venue’s warm indoor space is ideal for cosy winter meals, while the outdoor deck becomes a sun-soaked haven during the warmer months.

Diners can choose from two to four-course dining options, with complimentary dinner rolls and an amuse-bouche on arrival. Dishes include the likes of pork tenderloin with tiger prawn, dutch carrot, potato gratin, and garlic white wine sauce.

For a special touch, their in-house sommelier is on hand to help pair your meal with the perfect wine.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$$$

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 4/5

Location: 1 East Street, Daylesford

Jackie’s on Vincent

Far from your typical local Chinese restaurant, Jackie’s on Vincent brings a unique fusion of Asian and Western flavours to Daylesford, reflecting Chef Jackie’s Chinese heritage and Australian culinary influences. The cosy, intimate setting, paired with dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creates an inviting, homely vibe that keeps diners coming back for more.

Situated on Vincent Street, this well-loved spot is ideal for a delicious meal (think: tempura honey king prawns and scallop and shiitake wontons) followed by a relaxing stroll through Daylesford’s picturesque town centre.

Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 5/5

Location: 1/123 Vincent Street, Daylesford

Du Fermier

Tucked away in Daylesford’s neighbouring town of Trentham, Du Fermier offers a flavourful exploration akin to enjoying a meal in someone’s home. With its cosy, French farmhouse-style ambience, this beloved restaurant is helmed by Chef Annie Smithers, who crafts produce-driven dishes using ingredients harvested from her own garden.

Without a set menu, diners are treated to a surprise multi-course meal, often featuring local meats, fresh vegetables, and classic French flavours. With only a few service days each week, it’s wise to book ahead to secure a spot. Opt for the matched wines for an extra indulgent touch, and be sure to visit during the spring and summer months when the kitchen garden is in full bloom.

Cuisine: French Cuisine

Average price: $$$$$

Atmosphere: Rustic

Review: 5/5

Location: 42 High Street, Trentham

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

Just over an hour from Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula blends coast and country in a way that feels effortlessly indulgent. It’s a region where vineyard views meet acclaimed dining, art and culture is never far from the sea, and where hot springs bubble alongside rolling fairways. Whether your escape is a long lunch, an immersive art trail or a round of golf, the Mornington Peninsula has an itinerary to match. And there’s always a glass of good local pinot waiting for you at the end of the day.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

The Mornington Peninsula is a haven for artists and creatives. Its coastal views and rolling landscapes have long been a source of inspiration. Stay at the historical InterContinental Sorrento , a grand hotel established in 1875, recently renovated to blend heritage charm with contemporary elegance. With curated art lining the hotel’s corridors and rooms, you could spend hours simply wandering the halls, studying the walls.

Pt Leo Estate outdoor gallery — Wander around Pt. Leo Estate’s outdoor gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria/Jesse Hisco)

If looking for an outdoor gallery with sea views, head to Pt. Leo Estate , a landscaped vineyard home to a sculpture park featuring more than 70 large-scale works by both local and international artists, all easily accessible by connecting paths. After strolling through the vineyards, there are three dining options: fine dining at Laura, a relaxed meal at Pt. Leo Restaurant or a vino at the Wine Terrace. For something more hands-on, sign up for the Sip & Sketch experience. And if you book directly into the elegant Lancemore at Lindenderry Red Hill , you’ll enjoy free access to the sculpture park.

food at Pt Estate — Pt Leo Estate boasts three elegant dining venues. (Image: Visit Victoria/Two Palms/Arianna Harry)

For those who like their art framed by rolling hills, vines and wetlands, Montalto is the place. More than 30 sculptures are dotted throughout the property. The vineyard offers a formal restaurant and casual tables among the seasonal produce in a setting that feels like Mr. McGregor’s Garden from Peter Rabbit. And there’s always the option to picnic on the lawn.

Montalto Vineyard is an idyllic setting for afternoon wining and dining. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robyn Lea)

The Sorrento-Portsea Artists Trail offers a self-guided walk along bush paths and sea cliffs to see the same landscapes that once inspired brushstrokes of some of Australia’s most famous artists. Along the way, interpretive signs share insights into the area’s artistic past. And, if the peninsula’s weather turns a little wild, the region is brimming with galleries, particularly around Flinders, Sorrento and Red Hill. Artisan studios are open by appointment.

A feast for food and wine lovers

With more than 200 vineyards, around 60 wineries and cellar doors, plus an abundance of breweries, distilleries, orchards and family-run farms spanning generations, the Mornington Peninsula is a playground for food and wine enthusiasts.

The perfect base for a culinary inclined trip is Cassis Red Hill , where luxury accommodation is tucked between grape vines and olive trees. A quiet nod to the fishing village of Cassis in the south of France, this retreat is all about contemporary elegance – crisp linen, sunlit interiors and a private mineral plunge pool.

Then, for a stand-out lunch, Green Olive at Red Hill offers a delicious way to enjoy the region. Graze on generous tasting plates with house-made relishes, lamb sausages, local cheese and just-picked garden produce. Pair it with a wine flight or order a picnic hamper to enjoy among the olive grove; there’s a picnic option for your dog, too. And for a playful twist, Green Olive is home to what is believed to be Australia’s only pickleball court set within a vineyard or orchard.

Amid the many wineries with open cellar doors, Main Ridge Dairy offers a delicious detour – a goat dairy where you can sample handcrafted cheeses and even meet the resident goats. For a more refined experience, Paringa Estate is one of the peninsula’s most awarded wineries, offering fine dining with sweeping vineyard views and a menu crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

If you’re looking to step outdoors before a lingering lunch, during winter Flinders Truffles offer the chance to join their clever dogs and search for the black gold under oak trees. For an authentic taste of the region, time your visit with one of the Peninsula’s vibrant farmers’ markets.

From golf days to spa stays

Kingswood CountryGolf Club — Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With its champion courses, the Peninsula is a dream destination not only for those who love to tee off but for those who enjoy the post-golf wind down. Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club draws keen golfers from around the world, while Peppers Moonah Links Resort is a course that has hosted both a PGA tournament and two Australian Opens. For a true test of skill, The Dunes Golf Links is one of Australia’s top public courses. Each golf course offers accommodation, and staying onsite means maximum convenience, especially at The Dunes, where premium rooms have you sleeping right next to the fairway. Off-course indulgence is close at hand, too.

Alba Thermal Springs& Spa — Soaking at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Peninsula Hot Springs and Alba Thermal Springs are just next door, where thermal waters drawn from geothermal mineral springs deep underground provide the ultimate recovery after a day of perfecting your swing. These award-winning wellness sanctuaries offer everything from bathing pools to private plunges and spa treatments.

After sinking the last ball, and the 19th hole beckons, the Peninsula serves up just as many dining options as it does golf courses. Just minutes away and right on the beach, Jetty Road Brewery  is a laid-back spot perfect for a round of beers and typical pub fare. For something a little elevated, book a table at Epicurean . Here, a glass of local red pairs beautifully with handmade pastas and woodfired pizza, all served in a historical coolstore and packing shed dating back more than a century.

Top Daylesford restaurants for every foodie’s bucket list

From lavish lunches to a true farm-to-table experience, these top restaurants highlight Daylesford’s burgeoning dining scene.

The shortlist

Lake House Restaurant

Kadota Restaurant

Sault Restaurant

Farmers Arms Hotel

Bistro Terroir

Boathouse Restaurant

Jackie’s on Vincent

Du Fermier

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This is Mornington Peninsula’s most indulgent itinerary

The Mornington Peninsula blends vineyards, galleries, golf and delicious finds for an unforgettable getaway that indulges all penchants.

A creative trail through the Peninsula

A feast for food and wine lovers

From golf days to spa stays