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

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

Curving into Port Phillip Bay and extending south from Geelong, The Bellarine is a gorgeous coast-meets-country destination. It’s a captivating mix of beachside towns, rolling farms and vineyards, effortlessly cool eating and drinking spots and coastal vistas that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.

Among its many highlights is a plethora of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and all interests. Here’s your guide to the ultimate Bellarine getaway guaranteed to keep every generation happy.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

There may be no better way to spend an early morning than by foraging and feasting on your own bounty of berries. At Tuckerberry Hill Farm , you can pick blueberries, strawberries and stone fruit from November through March. Take them home or enjoy on the farm’s sun-dappled grounds.

Tuckerberry also has a regular market selling farm-fresh produce, plus an inviting on-site cafe doing light lunches, drinks, home-baked treats and condiments – many of which incorporate the farm’s own harvest.

2. The Oxley Estate

A memorable holiday starts with a memorable place to stay, and The Oxley Estate delivers. Situated in the relaxed coastal town of Portarlington, the sprawling site offers thoughtfully styled rooms and activities that’ll keep both parents and kids entertained.

Wander the fragrant rose gardens, olive grove and fruit-laden orchards. Meet the resident alpacas, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens and ducks. Challenge your crew to a round of giant chess or mini golf. Or cool off in the shimmering saltwater pool after a busy day of exploring.

Different room types cater to different groups, with the largest able to comfortably sleep eight.

3. Oneday Estate

Oneday Estate is a must-visit. The winery lets you try small-batch, estate-grown shiraz, pinot noir and riesling. It’s also a vibrant and character-filled Sunday lunch spot.

The on-site eatery and bar hosts weekly Sunday Sessions accompanied by tunes from local musicians, a buzzy atmosphere and flavour-packed food and drink. Order a round of delicious woodfired pizzas with toppings to suit all tastes, alongside a glass of Oneday’s signature wine.

The restaurant is also a sight to behold, an eclectic stone-and-timber hall crafted from recycled materials and 100-year-old relics repurposed from the surrounding region.

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

BIG4 holiday parks are renowned for their all-ages appeal, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon in the coastal enclave of Queenscliff is no different. The pool and gym are a given, but there’s also a playground, pickleball and basketball courts, a jumbo-sized jump pad, an interactive games arena and an indoor games room equipped with toys, activities and entertainment.

The diverse range of accommodation spans compact studios designed for three guests, all the way up to expansive beach houses accommodating up to 10, providing comfort and flexibility to suit every size of family.

5. Bellarine Railway

If your entourage includes any locomotive enthusiasts, book a journey aboard the Bellarine Railway . The more than 100-year-old steam train transports you to a bygone era and takes you through the rolling farmland and windswept coastal landscapes that make The Bellarine so beautiful.

The Swan Bay Express is an easy 45-minute ride perfect for younger passengers (and even allows dogs on board), or you could opt for a themed trip. There are seasonal events like the Polar Express (a festive favourite in the lead-up to Christmas), along with the Blues Train (a high-energy experience of live music and dancing) and the Q Train (a roving fine-dining feast celebrating regional produce).

6. The Dunes

waiter holding desserts at The Dunes, the bellarine — Save room for dessert. (Image: Visit Vic)

The Dunes offers the perfect balance of polished and playful, a breezy beachside bar and restaurant that appeals to adults and kids alike.

Feast on moreish snacks, share plates and mains from the Italian-inspired menu, or a selection of San Marzano-topped pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven. Pair your meal with a classic cocktail, an ice-cold beer or a glass from the generous drinks menu, which brims with local drops. Little ones are well catered for with a line-up of kid-approved meals for breakfast and lunch.

If you’re simply swinging by en route to the family-friendly beach, grab a bite at The Dunes’ beachside kiosk before strolling down for a paddle or surf.

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

dolphins playing in The Bellarine — Spot the locals with Sea All Dolphin Swims. (Image: Visit Vic)

The sparkling waters around The Bellarine are home to dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, humpback and southern right whales, plus a flurry of seabirds. Sea All Dolphin Swims lets you see some of these magnificent animals up close aboard one of their small-group vessels.

Head out on a sightseeing tour and spot local wildlife darting around the boat, or dive right in with a swim adventure tour. You’ll be swimming alongside dolphins and seals in their natural habitat – a bucket-list experience you won’t forget fast.

Swimming and snorkelling gear is provided, and guides are trained to ensure a gentle, eco-friendly encounter for both swimmers and sea creatures.

8. Jack Rabbit

aerial of jack rabbit winery and vineyard — Everyone has a menu to enjoy at Jack Rabbit. (Image: Visit Vic)

Jack Rabbit is a one-stop dining destination, with a casual cafe and refined restaurant in one place.

If your mood leans laid-back, the House of Jack Rabbit is a lovely spot for brunch, lunch or dinner. The cafe serves a produce-driven all-day menu filled with seasonal mains, generous sharing platters and a playful kids menu to suit even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re after something more elevated, Jack Rabbit Restaurant does plates that change with the seasons and incorporate plenty of local produce. Even younger guests are well catered to, with a considered yet familiar kids’ menu that’s just as vibrant as the grown-up one.

To start planning your trip or for more inspiration, head to visitgeelongbellarine.com.au

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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8 experiences that prove The Bellarine is the ultimate multi-gen getaway

No matter your age and no matter your interests, Victoria’s coastal Bellarine region makes for a memorable getaway for the whole family.

1. Tuckerberry Hill Farm

2. The Oxley Estate

3. Oneday Estate

4. BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Queenscliff Beacon

5. Bellarine Railway

6. The Dunes

7. Sea All Dolphin Swims

8. Jack Rabbit