The Best Restaurants in Ballarat – Plus Our Favourite Cafes & Bars

Everywhere you look in Ballarat, there are signs of the city’s illustrious history.

Nestled in the Central Highlands of Victoria, about a 90 minute drive west of Melbourne, Ballarat’s fame and fortune were founded on the Victoria gold rush of 1851. The discovery of gold near the settlement saw it grow and prosper. Especially as Ballarat turned out to be blessed with a particularly productive gold field.

Although the gold is now long gone, the early wealth of the town is still evident in many of its impressive civic buildings, the width of its roads and the grandeur of many of the old hotels.

But a visit to Ballarat doesn’t just offer history and the echoes of former glory. As befits the third largest town in the state, Ballarat has a dynamic food scene. From Spanish tapas and Mexican tacos to smart Thai-centric Asian fusion and European-influenced fine dining, Ballarat restaurants have all this and more. Plus there’s a great cafe down every side street and numerous wine bars and cool drinking dens to discover.

So come with us as we introduce you to our best restaurants in Ballarat, along with a few brunch and cocktail spots worth checking out.

Another of our favourite places in Victoria is beautiful Daylesford. Click here for our dining and drinking recommendations.

Pancho

Location: 213 Mair St, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 5309 3070

We’re kicking off our guide to the must-try restaurants in Ballarat with one of the most colourful eateries in town – Pancho.

Pancho is a love letter to all things South American. From its dusty pink walls – adorned with everything from wooden crucifixes, Mexican wrestling masks and wee busts of Fidel Castro – to its pots of cacti and vibrant strings of flags. It’s an eclectic mix of Latin American cultures that totally works.

Whether you need a decent Microplane for grating cheese finely, or an authentic Taco Press, we’re got just what you need in our range of Kitchen Gadgets. Click here to take a look.

And the same is true in the kitchen.

Why not start with the Ceviche ($27)? At Pancho, this is petals of Kingfish, kissed with just enough lime to give it a milky hue and then sprinkled with Chilli and Coriander. In our view, a South American cantina lives and dies on what it does with corn on the cob. Luckily, the team at Pancho score high with their Elote A La Parrila ($12). It’s a wonderfully sweet/savoury serve of Charred Corn, Chilli, Cheese & Mayo.

But what the Tacos, I hear you cry? Stellar, is my response. The Taco De Pescado (2 for $17) are possibly the best fish tacos we’ve ever eaten. Juicy Fish in a batter that would make a tempura chef weep, balanced with Cabbage, Pineapple, Guacamole & Salsa.

Apart from the fabulous food, Pancho also does some pretty memorable Cocktails. We can vouch for the authenticity of the Mojitos and love their punchy Maragritas.

But don’t take our word for it. Make sure you pop in to Pancho next time you’re in Ballarat.

Read all about our top Mexican Restaurants in Melbourne by clicking this link.

Cattleya Thai Also known as Cattleya Signature Ballarat

Location: 220 Mair St, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 5340 0502

Editor’s Update: Cattleya Thai has moved from the beautiful wee workers’ cottage that was its original home to larger premises just up the road. In doing so, it has also had a slight rebrand and it now Cattleya Signature Ballarat. But rest assured, the food is still magical.

Now we are well aware that virtually every town in Australia seems to have a Thai restaurant on some description. However, we’re fairly sure that few have one as wonderful as Cattleya Thai in Ballarat.

Whether you opt for the Homemade Thai Spring Rolls with Chicken (4pc $10), the Moo Krob Pad Ped ($26)- Stir Fried Pork Belly w/ Red Curry Sauce, Green Bean, Coconut Cream, Onion Capsicum & Basil, you’re in for a treat. All of the dishes dance with authentic Thai flavours. And what’s more, the portions are pleasingly generous.

Better still, the team offer a fantastic – and very affordable – Lunch Deal too.

Add in delightful service and a warm, calming ambience and this is a real gem of an eatery that deserves to be on every visitor’s list of the finest restaurants in Ballarat.

Incidentally, this is the second venture from the team. There is also a Cattleya Thai in Warrnambool, if you find yourself in that neck of the woods.

From Ballarat, it’s only a short drive to the fellow Gold Rush town of Bendigo, another regional town with plenty to keep foodies happy. Click here for our tips on the Best Restaurants and more in Bendigo.

The Forge Pizzeria

Locations: 14 Armstrong St N, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 4317 4981 & 1771 Sturt St, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 4317 4981 & (For Takeaway) 200 Victoria St, Ballarat East, VIC 3350

If ever there was a great food story in Ballarat, surely it is The Forge Pizzeria. After all, this buzzy pizza joint currently has to eateries in the centre of the town, and a dedicated takeaway outlet. So they must be doing something right.

Pop into either venue and the obvious charms of these laid-back Italian restaurants hit you immediately. The vibe is chilled, yet cosy and deeply welcoming. The rustic-chic of exposed brick walls and reclaimed feature timber and warm down lighting makes is very appealing. And whilst there are tables for 2, this is really the kind of place that works for groups of family and friends who are looking for a good, honest feed.

Pizza – not surprisingly – is king here. And rather good ones at that.

The Forge Pizzeria specialises in a light, crispy pizza dough with plenty of flavour. For the meat-eaters, the Blacksmith ($29) is a stand-out. It’s a well-balanced pie of Mozzarella, Salt Kitchen Pork & Fennel Sausage, Mushrooms, Garlic & Parsley. Meanwhile, for the vegetarians we recommend the Potato ($21) – where Potato, Mozzarella, Garlic, Parley, Rosemary and a liberal sprinkling of Salt & Pepper combine magically.

Aside from the wood-fired pizzas, The Forge does a number of other Italian trattoria favourites.

The Pumpkin & Goat Cheese Arancini ($15 for 3) with their crunchy exterior and toothsome centre are addictive and the Calamari Fritti ($29) are wonderful to share. There is a fragrant Mushroom Linguine ($31) and a yummy Rigatoni Amatriciana, but our go-to is the Gnocchi Gorgonzola ($33). Yes, it’s rich and filling. But damn! Those house-made Potato and Parmesan Gnocchi are heaven with that piquant sauce!

Renard Ballarat

Location: 209 Mair St, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Ph: 0455 915 695

In our opinion, every town should have a cocktail bar or 3 for when the urge for a perfectly blended Cosmopolitan or Negroni hits. Thankfully, Ballarat has a few places to try, with Renard being one of our favourites.

Renard Ballarat is a self-professed Cocktail Bar and Social Club, no less. Rather than simply shaking the odd Martini, the team also whip up relaxed dining winners and spin disco tracks into the night. The vibe is buzzy, chilled and sophisticated. All factors that put it amongst our best restaurants in Ballarat.

Why not nibble on some House Baked Foccacia with Smoked Redgum Butter ($9) whilst you consider a drink? If you’ve got an appetite, the Buttermilk Southern Fried Chicken, Dijon & Butter Pickles ($20) is juicy and more-ish.

So what to drink? Although the Wine List is tempting, when in a Cocktail Bar… Personally, we love a native Australian ingredient in our tipple, so the Mac Daddy ($21) gets our vote. This lush libation is a potent mix of Vanilla Infused Vodka, Wattleseed & Macadamia Liqueur & Espresso. It’s a delicious way to end of a fun evening at Renard.

For a sneak peek at our go-to Cocktail bars in Melbourne, tap this link.

Peasant

Location: 413 Sturt St, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 4310 7238

Editor’s Update: If you read on (please do!) you’ll see that Peasant is a pop-up. As such, it moves according to the whims of landlords and building plans. So not surprisingly, since we last ate here, the team have upped and moved. Their new address is above.

Peasant Ballarat is a little bit special.

For one, it’s a pop-up restaurant. Rather than buying and doing up a bespoke space, Michelin trained Chef Douglas Kerr and Owner Dan Tesoriero have decided to put their refined eatery into any venue suitable – even if only for a short lease. At present, this means that their gastronomic passions are on display in the beautiful Bank of New South Wales building in the heart of Ballarat. The result is a unique and charming dining room housing a really very good restaurant.

Quirky location aside, Peasant is a mecca for food and wine lovers. The team run the a la carte BOWL on Thursday evenings and a 5-course degustation ($95.00) on Fridays and Saturdays. Whichever sitting you choose, you’ll be treated to a truly divine meal.

The kitchen takes inspiration from ‘European peasant style food’, but what you get could confidently grace any high-end dining table. There’s a wonderful Choux Bun oozing with Creamed Leeks and more. Then comes tissue-paper thin slivers of Carpaccio complete with zesty Dressing, shards of Parmesan and Micro Herbs.

Whilst it wasn’t on offer when we dined, the current set menu includes an amazing sounding Spinach and Shallot Stuffed Waubra Lamb Saddle, Pan Fried Dauphinoise, Braised Red Cabbage & Mint Gel. Honestly, my mouth is watering as I write that. In fact, it might be enough to get me back up to Ballarat again very soon.

What’s more, all this skill and attention to detail comes with a Wine List to match.

We recommend that you treat yourself and book a meal at Peasant. It’s without doubt one of the top restaurants in Ballarat.

If you chase the winter sun up to Queensland, check out our guide to the Best Restaurants in Port Douglas

Meigas

Location: 33 Armstrong St N, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 5331 9444

Full disclosure – we are big fans of Spanish Restaurant Meigas Ballarat.

We first stumbled across this warm, inviting and pleasingly authentic bodega bar purely by chance some years ago. And happily, since then, we’ve returned many a time. After all, it has a fabulous vibe and wonderful staff, as well as the perfect haring menu of Spanish delights.

Sister establishment to Mexican eatery Pancho (see above), Meigas is all about Tapas rather than Tacos.

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The menu is an excellent mix of the well-loved and some slightly more unusual offerings. Two of our favourites are the Gambas Al Pil Pil ($21) – Prawns sauteed in Garlic, Chilli & Olive Oil – and the eternally popular Patatas Bravos ($13) – served here with a Spicy Tomato Sauce & Aioli. If you want to shake it up a bit, the Berenjena Con Miel ($14) is a good place to start. It’s a yummy plate of Fried Eggplant, anointed with Molasses. Another winner is the Carrillada De Tenera ($30). A rich, succulent dish of Slow-Cooked Beef Cheeks in PX Sherry.

Add in a Drinks List that includes Sangria and Cava – along with Cocktails, Wines and Beers – and we’re very happy little Vegemites.

Next time you’re in this part of the world, book a table at Meigas. It’s one of the finest restaurants in Ballarat.

Read all about the Best Restaurants in Geelong, right here.

Carboni’s Italian Kitchen

Location: 152 Eureka St, Ballarat East, VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 5331 2184

Carboni’s Italian Kitchen is the kind of establishment that any community would love to have on its doorstep. Not only is the Italian cuisine served in the restaurant authentic and delicious, but the team also oversees a Deli, Catering Business and modest Limoncello Distillery. It really is a one-stop-shop for all things Italian.

Relaxed and welcoming, Carboni’s restaurant is the perfect place to unwind with a group of friends over a selection of Antipasti and a plate Fresh Pasta. We thoroughly recommend the Ferretti alla Calabrese ($33.9). A fresh, eggless Pasta in a satiny Braised Eggplant, Pork Meatball and ‘Nduja Sugo with Parmigiano & Pangrattato – it’s the proverbial hug in a bowl. Then there’s the ‘Venetian Style’ Ossobuco alla Veneta ($38.9) which comes on a silky pillow of Soft Polenta.

Aside from the Pasta and Secondi, the chefs also manage to whip up some great Pizzas. Our pick is the Maialona ($28.9) which puts Italian Leg Ham, Housemade Pork Sausage, Sopressa Salami and Mozzarella on a Tomato Base. It’s perfect with either a Peroni Rosso Lager ($10) or a glass of Sangiovese DOC ($10).

The Hydrant Food Hall

Location: 3 Mackenzie St, Ballarat Central, VIC 3350 Ph: (03) 5303 0548

There’s a lot to like about The Hydrant Food Hall.

Firstly, this attractive cafe sits in a heritage laneway. Secondly, the building that houses the Hydrant is quite unique. An airy, spacious warehouse with lofty ceilings, plenty of verdant foliage, a constellation of paper globes dangling from the cross beams and its original Grinnell sprinkler system still in place. The ambience is hip, but warm and the staff are a delight.

Finally, there’s the superb food. The kitchen runs both an All Day Breakfast and an All Day Lunch menu, plus a smaller selection for Kids.

Feeling in need of something healthy to kick start your morning? Then may we suggest Granola ($19.50)? A bowl of Hydrant’s Granola with Raspberry Greek Yoghurt, Pomegranate, Fresh Berries & Lemon Curd, it’s as pretty as it is delicious. Alternatively, the Big Pipe ($30) matches Sausage with Roast Tomato, Mushroom, Poached Eggs, Bacon & chewy Sourdough.

If you pop by around noon, perhaps try the Southern Fried Chicken Burger ($28) with its addictive Chipotle Coleslaw.

Whatever you decide to eat, make sure you wash it down with a cup of the barista’s very fine coffee which is roasted in-house.

The Hydrant may be ‘simply’ a cafe, but we feel it’s one of the best restaurants in Ballarat.

Editor’s Note: We are in the process of updating our guide to the best restaurants in Ballarat. Come back soon for more recommendations.