8 of the best Port Fairy restaurants to visit on your next trip

Jo Stewart Jo Stewart
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From a lively pizza joint with a big personality to a classic pub with a long and storied history, there are plenty of Port Fairy restaurants to choose from on your next trip along the Great Ocean Road.

Whether you’re after a seafood feast, hearty pub lunch or a fine dining experience with an elevated wine list, there are plenty of Port Fairy restaurants to choose from. Got your heart set on having dinner somewhere special? Be sure to follow the cardinal rule of visiting a coastal holiday hotspot and make a booking or you’ll risk missing out.

1. Merrijig Kitchen

The Merrijig Inn’s famous restaurant is much more than a place to eat, it’s a local institution. Chef Tanya Connellan has cooked professionally for more than 30 years, and it shows.

the exterior of Merrijig Kitchen, Port Fairy
Merrijig Kitchen is a local institution. (Image: Visit Victoria)

An ever-changing menu enables Tanya to showcase whatever is flourishing in her kitchen garden or local growers and producers bring to the table, whether that be organic asparagus grown nearby in Warrnambool or crayfish caught in the seas just off Port Fairy.

friends dining al fresco at Merrijig Kitchen, Port Fairy
Let the good times roll at Merrijig Kitchen. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Once you enter the cosy dining room you’ll be treated like an old friend. So kick back, relax, order a bottle of Victorian red and let the good times roll.

al fresco dining in a garden setting at Merrijig Kitchen, Port Fairy
Nab an outdoor table in the garden. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Quaint

Location 1 Campbell Street, Port Fairy

2. Sidro Bar & Restaurant

Found inside the Oak & Anchor Hotel, this bar and restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a top spot for dinner and drinks, rain or shine. Choose something light like grilled halloumi and a grain salad or go all-in by sharing the slow-cooked lamb shoulder or beef brisket (both perfect for splitting between two diners). Can’t decide? Hand the reins to the chef by opting for the three-course feasting menu. Add a gin and tonic made with Gallivanter Gin from Western Victoria and you’ve got yourself a party.

a fine dining table setup at Sidro Bar & Restaurant, Port Fairy
Dine in style at Sidro Bar & Restaurant. (Image: Joanne O’Keefe @missfarmerjojo)

Cuisine:  Classic pub-style cuisine with a modern twist

Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Relaxed and inviting

Location: 9 Bank Street, Port Fairy

3. Blakes Restaurant

This much-loved eatery is well known for producing some of the best seafood dishes in the region. Open for lunch and dinner, make a booking well in advance to make sure you don’t miss out, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend or other busy periods. From Bass Strait scallops to yellowtail kingfish and Bellarine mussels, you’ll be treated to the greatest hits of the Australian seafood scene here. Not sure what to order? You can’t go wrong with the Seafood Chowder, a signature dish that consistently gets rave reviews.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Price: $$$

Atmosphere: Casual elegance

Location: 57 Bank St, Port Fairy

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4. Coffin Sally

A little corner of Port Fairy that was once home to a coffin maker and an undertaker is where you’ll find this aptly named cult pizza joint and bar. Its bluestone walls, old fireplace and shelves decorated with bleached animal bones signal this isn’t your average pizzeria.

the dining interior of Coffin Sally, Port Fairy
Slip into the rustic and classy setting at Coffin Sally.

Craving something salty? Order the ‘A Salted’ for a hit of Napoli with mozzarella, peppers, anchovies, olives, capers, parsley and chilli. Prefer something simpler? The Fior Di Sally’s simple flavour combo of fior di latte mozzarella, cherry tomato, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil will do the trick.

sprinkling spices over pizza at Coffin Sally
Coffin Sally isn’t your average pizzeria.

Cuisine: Italian

Price: $$

Atmosphere: Rustic and cosy

Location: 33 Sackville Street, Port Fairy

5.  Bottega Toscana

The simple yet delicious flavours of Tuscany can be found on the Victorian coast thanks to this friendly, little trattoria on Bank Street. Start with some antipasti then move on to Tuscan culinary greats like Risotto dell’Orto (garden vegetable risotto) or Pollo Alla Pizzaiola (chicken thigh in Napoli sauce with mozzarella). All the usual Italian sweet suspects can be found on the dessert list (tiramisu, pannacotta, affogato) too. Bellissima!

the exterior of Bottega Toscana, Port Fairy
Dine on Tuscan flavours at Bottega Toscana.

Cuisine: Tuscan

Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Rustic and cosy

Location: 26 Bank Street, Port Fairy

6. The Stump

Established way back in 1844, the Caledonian Inn is a Port Fairy landmark well worth visiting and the good news is that you don’t need to be staying at the inn to enjoy lunch or dinner at The Stump. Serving hearty pub fare like steak sandwiches, beef burgers and chicken schnitzels, the Stump excels at delivering all the country pub classics you’d expect from one of the state’s oldest pubs.

a meal at The Stump, Port Fairy
The Stump serves up hearty pub fare.

During summer, make the most of warmer weather by perching yourself at an outdoor table to enjoy some ales and a meal in the sunshine. In winter, head to the dining room to feast by the warmth of the rustic fireplace.

a bowl of food at The Stump, Port Fairy
Perch yourself at an outdoor table to enjoy a meal.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Charming

Location: 41 Bank Street, Port Fairy

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7. Conlan’s Wine Store

Food and wine lovers should not miss experiencing a meal at Conlan’s Wine Store. Make a lunch or dinner booking at this popular spot and you’ll be treated to carefully crafted dishes and an exceptional wine list worth paying a bit more for.

the dining interior of Conlan’s Wine Store, Port Fairy
Conlan’s Wine Store evokes a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.

Housed in a heritage building full of character, this restaurant and retail store stocking wine and gourmet produce is a must-visit whether it’s for brunch, lunch, dinner or takeaway wines and treats.

holding drinks over a spread of food on the table at Conlan’s Wine Store, Port Fairy
Make a lunch or dinner booking at Conlan’s Wine Store.

Pro tip: leave room for dessert (the affogato made with Market Lane Coffee is top-notch).

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Sophisticated yet relaxed

Location: 34 Bank Street, Port Fairy

8. Lemongrass Thai

Bangkok may be more than 7000 kilometres away, but you can still get the flavours of Thailand at this friendly neighbourhood favourite. Treat your tastebuds to a spicy and sour seafood Tom Yum, coconutty jungle curry or light and fresh larb gai (chicken salad). Then cool down with some black sticky rice topped with Thai custard and coconut milk. Can’t be bothered leaving your accommodation? Order takeaway for delivery right to your doorstep.

Cuisine: Thai

Price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Location:  55 Bank Street, Port Fairy

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Jo Stewart
Jo Stewart is a freelance features writer who pens stories about nature, pop culture, music, art, design and more from her home in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria. When not writing, you can find her trawling through vinyl records and vintage fashion at op shops, antique stores and garage sales.
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The best trails and natural moments around Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    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