The Best Restaurants In Ballarat Victoria

If you find yourself with an empty belly in Ballarat, then stop by at one of these seven restaurants. Whether you have a craving for Japanese, Thai, Spanish, Italian, café-style cuisine or a meal with a view, then Ballarat has something for you. Only an hour and a half from Melbourne’s CBD, these restaurants are worth the drive.

1. Meigas

Restaurant, Spanish

For an authentic taste of Spain in Ballarat, head to Meigas where the churros are coated in regular sugar, and the paella is free of chorizo – just like the Spanish would serve. Yamelly Perez and Jose Fernandez’s rustic tapas, wine bar and delicatessen is open for lunch and dinner, and the menu features seafood and gluten-free options.

2. Cafe Lekker

Cafe, Australian, Vegetarian

This family-friendly café serves all-day breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea and is happy to customise meals to suit you. Their extensive breakfast menu features Tuki sausages, chicken toasty, muesli, and Coco Pops for the kids. On the lunch menu, you’ll find pasta, salad, curry, and a range of focaccias. Cafe Lekker even has gluten-free and vegan options.

3. The Forge Pizzeria

Restaurant, Italian

Inspired by their grandfather Frank who worked as a blacksmith, brothers Chris and Tim Matthews established The Forge Pizzeria in 2010. Creating delicious classic Italian dishes as well wood-fired pizzas with fresh local produce, the restaurant has won several awards including four Golden Plate Awards. The menu features 13 pizzas, most with original flavour combinations, including the Shearers with lamb and goat’s cheese and the Blacksmith with pork sausage.

4. Kambei

Restaurant, Japanese

There was once a time when Japanese food in Ballarat was hard to come by; then Kambei stepped onto the scene. Named after head chef Yutaka Kimura’s grandfather, the restaurant has a traditional offering of Japanese cuisine including sashimi, sushi, vegetarian dishes as well as set courses and a variety of sake. Look for the huge sign out front – you can’t miss it.

5. Brown Grain

Restaurant, Thai

If you find yourself in Ballarat with a craving for Thai food, then stop by Brown Grain. Open for lunch and dinner, Brown Grain is a fully licensed restaurant perfect for families, functions and casual meals. Try their BBQ pork, crispy pancake chicken, chicken satay, salmon in banana leaf or the crispy roasted duck.

6. Harry Limes

Restaurant, Asian, Vietnamese, Australian

Named after the Orson Welles character in The Third Man, Harry Limes is a contemporary restaurant which interprets Australian, Vietnamese and Mediterranean cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner to the public, the venue can also cater to intimate weddings and private functions. Among the highlights on their menu are the fried camembert, bouillabaisse, potato-wrapped prawns and their risotto made the traditional way with two ingredients.

7. The Yacht Club

The Yacht Club

Overlooking Lake Wendouree, Ballarat’s Yacht Club was established in 1877 and now includes a club café which is open for breakfast and lunch. This casual café can also accommodate your next function with indoor and deck spaces. The menu includes all the usual breakfast staples, sandwiches, fish and chips, pizzas and sharing platters. This summer, take advantage of the stunning views from the deck and share a casual meal with friends.

The Yacht Club, Wendouree Parade, Ballarat Central, Victoria, Australia, +61 3 5331 2208

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