Editor’s Update: Did you know that Geelong had its inaugural Comedy Festival last year? And that they are doing it again from 31 October to 3 November 2024? What has this got to do with food, I hear you ask? Well, isn’t this the perfect excuse to hit the restaurants and bars of this dynamic dining hotspot?
If you’re yet to visit Geelong, you really should pop it on your travel itinerary.
Already the second largest city in Victoria, Geelong is rapidly growing. Ideally positioned on the eastern side of Corio Bay, the ‘Gateway City’ plays an important role in relation to other regional towns, such as Ballarat and Warrnambool. For many from Melbourne, passing through Geelong means the natural beauty of the fabulous Great Ocean Road is in sight.
However, Geelong has loads to recommend it in its own right.
The esplanade on The Waterfront is a great spot for people watching on a sunny day. Should you fancy a swim, Eastern Beach is popular with families and tourists, whilst North Shore Beach (Moorpanyal Beach) is a well-kept secret. If you’re a surfer, Barwon Heads Beach and Thirteenth Beach are only a short drive away.
Geelong also has a number of museums and a great Art Gallery that hosts regular exhibitions. And the Geelong Botanical Gardens are well-worth a few hour exploring.
But what we’re really interested in here at Eatability is the many restaurants, bars and cafes that make Geelong such a superb place to eat and drink.
As you might expect, Geelong restaurants cover the full spectrum of dining options. From elevated fine dining to casual cafes where you can grab a sandwich. From superb local seafood to Mediterranean feasts and exciting Asian cuisine. And with local wineries and breweries on the doorstep, the drinks lists regularly offer something new as well. The best restaurants in Geelong offer all this, and more.
So join us as we investigate the must-try bars and eateries of this booming coastal town.
We’re hitting the ground running as we open our look at the finest restaurants in Geelong. How come? Well, The Arborist is both a restaurant and wine bar. What’s more, they mix a rather good cocktail as well.
As the name suggests, there’s a rather elegant English Ash Tree thriving on the site and the restaurant has been built around it. Moreover, the influence of the tree can be found in the decor of the eatery itself. This is a smoothing space of lulling olives and earthy shades. It’s the perfect foil for the Mediterranean-tinged, Modern Australian food that the Arborist serves.
So what should you order? How about starting with the Potato & Salted Fish Croquettes, Whipped Cod Roe and Bottarga ($16.5)? A smart take on the much-loved Portuguese fritters, they are soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside and taste yummy.
From there, continue hopping around the Med with the punchy Baba Ghanoush ($18)or the Baked Haloumi ($19). We’ve eaten at the Arborist a couple of time and always include one of their fabulous salads in our meal. The Fried Cauliflower with Quinoa, Currants, Pine Nuts and Labneh ($21) dances on the palate.
Fortunately, if you’re feeling indecisive, The Arborist offers a Feed Me menu for $65pp. Just make sure that it includes the melting moreish Slow Cooked Pork Belly. One taste and you’ll get why we rate it as one of the finest restaurants in Geelong.
And to wash it all down? Well, we can never resist a the allure of an Old-Fashioned, but then that’s us!
Geelong waterfront has some great eating spots and one that’s a big hit with families is the Wharf Shed.
With expansive windows giving views of the ocean and a large terrace if you want to breathe in the sea air, the Wharf Shed Geelong is casual dining at its best. That said, the attractive outlook means that this isn’t the cheapest breakfast in town.
The Nourish Bowl – walnut cream, summer greens, pickled watermelon rind, grilled peach, roasted beets, barley & house dukkah – opens at $26.5. And then you can add sides at extra costs. Similarly, the Three Cheese Nachos with tomato salsa, guacamole, sour cream & pickled jalapenos are $24 before you throw on the beef brisket ($7).
A far better option are the Katsu Prawn Bao Buns at $21 for 3. These tasty little pillows of Japanese flavours slip down very easily with a cold beer. The Wharf Shed Paella (430.5) is also a winner. Plump mussels, clams and prawns, given heat from chorizo and all balanced by a punchy garlic aioli.
On the Kids Menu, there are popular options such as Toasties, Pizzas, Chicken Nuggets and Waffles.
But for us, the best time to visit the Wharf Shed pavilion is as the sunset is starting to wane. Kick back with a plate of Seafood Croquettes ($20 for 6) and a Passionfruit Mojito Cocktail ($19) and which the light dim on another beautiful day. As you stare out over the waves, you’ll understand why this is one of the top restaurants in Geelong.
As far as venues go, 1915 certainly has the wow-factor.
This Mediterranean/ Modern Australian focused restaurant and bar sits in an impressive red-brick boiler house, beneath the much-loved North Geelong smokestack. The building dates back more than a century. Hence the name, we assume. High-ceilinged and spacious, the vibe is industrial chic, taken to the next level.
Food-wise, there’s plenty to tempt hungry diners. The Singapore Chilli Prawns ($22) have just the right amount of heat, whilst the Saganaki, Beetroot Relish, Almonds & Lemon ($16) is an earthy, salty delight. If you come with friends from Thursday to Sunday, you can order Wood Fired Chargrilled Chicken with Gremolata (S: $28/L: $45) or Whole Lamb Shoulder (S: $70/L: $120) to share. It’s a great excuse to get together for a long overdue catch up.
And if all of this is too much, simply go with the one of the 3 Trust the Chef Menus.
What’s more, the drinks at 1915 are definitely something to get excited about. Yes, there are beers and wines – as you would expect. However, if you’re a gin lover, you’re in for a real treat. The drinks menu includes selection of Gin Perfect Pairings – yum! Even better, Anther Gin lives right next door, so you can include a distillery tour or gin tasting to your visit to 1915, if you so desire.
Add to this the fact that 1915 is available to hire as a venue for private functions, and you have an all-round stunner of an establishment. It’s a worthy inclusion amongst our best restaurants in Geelong.
We stay in the ever-hip world of industrial chic for the next of our top restaurants in Geelong – Zigfrids. Only this time, the exposed brick-work and ceiling beams comes with some quirky op-shop furniture.
In addition, there’s both a beer garden for those long, warm evening sundowners and a cool mezzanine if you prefer to chill. The modern, informal interiors create an atmosphere where you can kick back, chill out and revel in stylish, idiosyncratic surroundings.
You’ll find simple, honest and yet refined food, with a huge emphasis on locally sourced produce and daily deliveries of the best meat, fish, shellfish, vegetables and dairy products on the south coast. Zigfrids has developed an enviable coterie of artisan suppliers and specialist food providers.
The waiting staff are excellent – unfussy, knowledgeable and attentive – and they clearly know their food.
At Zigfrids, the menu features Middle Eastern inspired fare. We love the perfectly charred Grilled Quail with lush, smoky Baba Ganoush. And who can resist a fragrant plate of Slow-Cooked Lamb Shoulder? Certainly not us.
Zigrid’s is owned by Donna and Richard Flanders who also have Beavs Bar. If you like live music, a fun atmosphere and great drinks, it’s worth checking out Beavs over on Little Mallop Street.
Editor’s Note: We’ve just learnt that Zigfrids has sadly closed. However, a new wine bar and restaurant, Meet Me At Marys has opened in the same location. We’re yet to dine there, but plan to soon and will post our review in the coming months.
We return to the vibrant Geelong waterfront for the next of our restaurant recommendations.
Combining a bar and restaurant with a function space, all in a groovy spot looking out to the water, Edge Geelong is a great choice for a relaxed lunch on a sunny day. Or perhaps, a few cocktails and snacks at the start of an evening out.
There’s nothing worse than planning a day at the beach and realising you’re missing some essentials. Many your sunshade is looking a bit tatty, or your beach towel is a bit threadbare. Well, don’t worry. We’ve got everything you need for a successful day in the sun – from beach games to picnic rugs & more. Click here for more information and prices.
The food reads like a hit-list of winning dishes. From BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders with Asian Coleslaw ($14 for 2) and Chicken Parmigiana with Garden Salad and Chips ($28) to Vanilla & Chocolate Chip Blondie with Coconut Ice Cream & Raspberry Compote ($14). At the Edge, it’s all about a good feed and chilled times. With this in mind, a section of their menu focuses on Share Plates – 4 for $49 or 5 for $59. It’s the perfect option when eating with a group of friends.
The cocktail list is short, but sweet and on a hot arvo, the Berry Fizzer ($20) – Great Ocean Road Raspberry Gin, Lemon Pomegranate Liqueur & Soda – goes down particularly easily.
If you’re looking for a lively bar and some tasty quick bites, Edge Geelong is worth investigating. It’s one of the best restaurants in Geelong.
If you’re looking for an intimate date night venue or a quiet drink, then Piano Bar isn’t for you.
Instead, this is the place to hit if you want a fun, lively night out with a raucous group of mates. Especially if you’re in the mood to sing.
The concept here is very simple, and it works at treat if you’re with the right crowd. You take a request slip from the stack on the bar, write down the song you’d like to hear and the musician at the piano will play it for you. The result is singing, dancing and one of the most memorable evenings out that you’ll have in Geelong.
Apart from the regular piano man, the team also host various other musicians, plus a very popular Drag Trivia on Thursdays.
The food is pub fare, designed to share. Think things like Homemade Sausage Rolls ($14), Roast Cauliflower with Hummus & Dukkah ($14) and Crispy Chicken Strips ($17) with Slaw & Jalapeno Slaw. They also do a handful of Pizzas. In addition, there is a fully stocked bar with everything from beers through to whiskies.
Piano Bar Geelong has proved to be so successful, that there are now sister operations in neighbouring Colac, as well as in Ballarat and Bendigo.
As you would expect, this spot is incredibly busy come the end of the year with works’ Christmas functions and end of year parties, so book well in advance if you want to be part of the festivities.
Location: The Pier Geelong, Cunningham Pier 10 Western Beach, Foreshore Rd, Geelong, VIC 3220 Ph: (03) 5222 6377
If you’re up for Asian Fusion invention and a slick waterfront location, then Wah Wah Gee is the eatery for you.
This dynamic venue has a fun, lively vibe and Pan-Asian food to match. No wonder it’s one of the most popular restaurants in Geelong.
Open with Wah Wah Gee’s take on KFC – their Korean Crispy Fried Chicken (3pc $19). From there, it’s hard to go past the Smoky Pulled Pork San Choy Bow (3pc $19). The crunchy Cos Leaves and soft, luscious meat go perfectly together.
Another great choice is one of their bamboo steamers of Bao Buns . Whilst Slow Cooked Pulled Pork (3pc $20) is a common option, here you can also have Thai Fish Cakes (3pc $20), Crispy Chicken (3pc $20) or even Asian Corn Cake (3pc $18).
For those with a bigger appetite, there are dishes like Wah’s Poke Bowl or their Thai Green Green – both with a selection of proteins.
And did we mention Wah Bah? Well, Wah Wah Gee has a funky bar, looking out over the water. It’s a get place to pop in for a drink at the start of the evening. As the sun goes down, there are few better spots to be in Geelong than sipping a Peach Please cocktail and partying with friends.
Editor’s Update: Sadly, Wah Wah Gee served it’s last Asian Corn Cake at the end of December 2024. We’ll let you know when we know what the next chapter holds for this iconic site.
Fancy sampling the culinary delights of South America, but can’t afford the air fare to Buenos Aires? Then maybe you should book at table at the next of our top restaurants in Geelong – the wonderfully moody ALMA.
Here, the finest local produce is given just the right amount of prep and love to bring out its best.
We love an Empanada, and at ALMA Restaurant they do a fabulous Corn & Cheese one with Black Beans ($7). Another of our go-to dishes is the Salt Baked Pumpkin with Onion Jam, Crispy Chickpeas & Goat’s Cheese ($32). The combination of soft, sweet Pumpkin, sharp Cheese and crunchy Legumes is a revelation.
Given our opening recommendations, you won’t be surprised to learn that ALMA offers a fully Vegan Menu and plenty of straight Vegetarian choices. That said, there’s also lots for a devoted carnivore to enjoy, including a seriously good Sher Wagyu Rump Cap (350g/$70).
And as if all this isn’t enough to get you through the door, ALMA Restaurant has one of the smartest Beer and Cocktail Lists in town. The Plum Paloma ($20) with its fruity hit of Davidsons Plum Aperitivo is an especially memorable way to kick off a meal.
Location: GMHBA Stadium, 370 Moorabool St, South Geelong, VIC 3220
Ok. So after much speculation, it finally happened.
The Lucas Group opened an outpost of their hugely popular Asian fusion restaurant Chin Chin in Geelong in May 2024. The initial news was that it would take the form of a 12-month pop-up – so we wait to see if that will still be the case.
Interestingly, it is located in the GMHBA Stadium – home to the Geelong Cats footy team.
Chris Lucas – head of the hospitality giant – is himself a Geelong lad and has admitted he’s long dreamed of having a culinary foothold in the town.
The latest Chin Chin baby shares DNA with the pan-Asian fare at its parent-eateries. And that includes the excellent Feed Me option. However, the kitchen also has some new dishes, created exclusively for Club Chin Chin.
Our pick of the Menu? Well, the Half Shell Scallop (3 for $34.5) with Curry-Roasted Corn, Thai Basil & Lime are rather exciting. We also can’t get enough of the Beef Martarbak Spring Rolls ($24.5) with their refreshing Cucumber Relish.
So next time there’s a game in town, why not book at table?
Set in a lovely old building, it’s been thoughtfully renovated to make create multipple dining spaces – both inside and out – that are light and bright. Why it even boasts Geelong’s only rooftop bar.
Food-wise, there’s something for everyone. Whether you feel like a decent plate of Fish and Chips ($29) or the more fancy seafood dish of Fettucini Marinara ($33), the kitchen at Sailor’s Rest has you covered. Personally, we love their Sunday Brunch offering – the Jack Sparrow ($24.5). Featuring Slow Cooked Ground Beef, Spinach Leaves, Potato Cubes, Poached Eggs, Sourdough & Hollandaise Sauce, it’s a great way to fuel a day by the beach.
Add in a friendly vibe, great staff and even a Menu for kids and you’ve got the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. Especially, if the suns out and you’re got one of their excellent Mango Mai Tais in your hand.
