Editor’s Update: Did you know that Geelong had its inaugural Comedy Festival 3 years ago? And it was so successful that they’ve continued to do it every year since. 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 rRstaurant has been built around it. Moreover, the influence of the tree can be found in the decor of the eatery itself. This is a soothing space of lulling olive 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? 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 or the Baked Haloumi. 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 dances on the palate.
Fortunately, if you’re feeling indecisive, The Arborist offers a Feed Me menu. 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!
Now here’s something a little different. A vintage barge, done up, and turned into a humble, but charming daytime Fish and Chips eatery. You can dine on the bridge deck, the gangplank, or make yourselves comfortable on the grass on dry land.
Although there are quite a few Restaurants serving Fish & Chips around Geelong, we reckon the ones here are amongst the finest. Whether you prefer Flathead, Flake, King George Whiting or a portion of Calamari Rings, everything at the Geelong Boat House is ocean fresh and crispy Battered. And the Chips are golden as crunchy too.
So unique is the location that the team also run a very successful Function business from their spot overlooking the water.
There’s something for everyone at this delightful venue.
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 is a great start to anyone’s day. And given that then add sides (at extra cost), choosing well should set you up until mid-afternoon. Similarly, the Three Cheese Nachos with Tomato Salsa, Guacamole, Sour Cream & Pickled Jalapenos are pretty dear before you throw on the Beef Brisket.
Whilst the kitchen’s Katsu Prawn Bao Buns are sadly no more, the Wharf Shed Laksa is a tasty replacement. Built around the glorious Seafood flavours of Prawns and Barramundi, along with Snake Bean, Pak Choi, Egg Potato, Rice Noodles and a bundle of Fresh Herbs, everything is brought together by a lively Coconut Soup.
Meanwhile, on the Kids Menu, there are popular options such as Toasties, Pizzas, Chicken Nuggets and Sweet 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 plump ocean-scented Pacific Oysters and the Marg of the Month, and honestly, you can’t go far wrong.
As you stare out over the waves, lulled by a full belly and punchy Drink, 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 Sichuan Pepper Lamb Ribs have just the right amount of nose-tickling heat, whilst the Mediterranean Beetroot Sald – showcasing a divine Meredith Goat’s Cheese Mousse alongside a Roasted Beetroot & Semi Dried Tomato Salsa accompanied by Toasted Pistachio and a verdant dash of Basil Oil is an earthy, salty delight.
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. On top of this, the bar staff do a selection of Mocktails and Soft-Tails. What are the latter? Well these are Cocktails that only include 1 Standard Drink in their Alcohol Measure. What a great initiative.
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.
Once the home of Zigrid’s, 66 Pakington St now houses Meet Me At Mary’s – sister eatery to the wonderful The Arborist Geelong, reviewed above.
The setting is the warmer side of industrial chic, with a welcoming open-plan dining space and homely exposed brick walls. This all adds up to a relaxed ambience, perfect for gathering a group of friends and whiling away a few hours over Cocktails and Sharing Plates.
Which leads us to the food. The menu here is contemporary, with refined, balanced dishes taking centre stage – often showing a surprising twist. Hence, there is an amazing bowl of Haloumi, where the Cheese is offset with Goji Berries and a sprinkling of Toasted Almonds. The result is salty, sweet crunchy and 100% delicious. Another dish that many patrons rave about is the Spiced Lamb Shoulder, which shows just how to slow cook a piece of protein to aromatic perfection.
If you’re not up for a full-blown dinner (you my change your mind!), Mary’s is also an ideal venue for a glass of Wine or Beer with a mate. In fact, the Wine List showcases a number of great makers, local to Geelong, which is good to see.
Finally, this is a lovely venue for a Function, so keep it in mind.
Editor’s Note: If you miss Zigrid’s, don’t fret. Beavs Bar over on Little Malop St, is owned by the same people – Donna and Richard Flanders . If you like live music, a fun atmosphere and great drinks, it’s definitely worth checking out Beavs.
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 Open Lamb Kofta Flatbread and Chicken Parmigiana with Leafy Greens and Chips to Sticky Date Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream & Raspberry Compote. 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. It’s the perfect option when eating with a group of friends.
The Cocktail list covers a number of Classics and Margaritas, along with spin on the Espresso Martini and a nice range of Non-Alcoholic options. Of the latter, the Raspberry Mojit-No – Sammy Raconteur, Lime, Mint, Raspberry & Soda – goes down particularly well.
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 Mozzarella Sticks, Fried Dim Sims and Fries. However, if you want something a bit more filling, you can order one of Lou’s Pizza, from up the road. Our go-to is the Chicken Pesto featuring Chicken Rocket Pesto, Fior Di Latte & Shallot.
Of course, there is also 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.
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. Another of our must-order dishes is the Salt Baked Pumpkin with Onion Jam, Crispy Chickpeas & Goat’s Cheese. 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.
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. In fact, the team has put together a very enticing Liquid Dessert selection. We’re especially keen on the Autonomy Davo Plum Aperitivo Bitters. It’s a fabulous way to finish off an superb meal.
Nip in for Lunch or DInner and feast on the fantastic Vitello Tonnato – thinly sliced Veal dressed with a Creamy Tuna Sauce. Alternatively, the House Made Pappardelle with the Ragu Del Giorno is always good. If Pizza is what you crave, then we recommend the Lombarda, where Tomato, Pumpkin, Mozzarella, Spinach & Walnuts marry perfectly with piquant Gorgonzola.
Whatever you do, save a space for Dessert. At Caruggi, both the Tiramisu with Espresso Crumb and the Cannoli are divine.
Whilst a Cocktail is always welcome, this is the place to come if you love Italian Wines. They even have a Primitivo from Puglia, which makes us very happy.
All-in-all, if you’re looking for the complete Italian deal, this is the place to try.
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.
Our pick of the Menu? Well, the Half Shell Scallop with Curry-Roasted Corn, Thai Basil & Lime are rather exciting. We also can’t get enough of the Beef Martarbak Spring Rolls 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 or the more fancy Seafood dish of Fettucini Marinara, the kitchen at Sailor’s Rest has you covered. Personally, we love their vibrant Pumpkin Risotto with Spinach, Sundried Tomatoes and Toasted Pine Nuts. And as for the Deep Fried Rosemary Crusted Olives with Aioli – if there’s a better nibble to go with a Beer, we’ve yet to meet it!
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.
