Must-see restaurants in Geelong

  • IGNI

    Geelong

    Creating a buzz among food lovers is this latest venture by lauded chef (and local boy) Aaron Turner. The set tasting menus change on a whim,…

  • Hot Chicken Project

    Geelong

    A fixture along Little Malop is this welcoming diner specialising in authentic Nashville chicken. Choose from a menu of wings, tenders or dark meats – or…

  • Bistrot Plume

    Geelong

    Geelong's developing food scene is moving out into the 'burbs. In the residential neighbourhood of Belmont, this French cafe-restaurant offers classic…

  • Greek Customs House

    Geelong

    Esteemed Sydney chef Peter Conistis' first venture south of the border is within Geelong's heritage bluestone customs house on the waterfront. He brings…

  • Tulip

    Geelong

    One of only two Geelong restaurants to earn a prestigious Good Food Guide chef's hat, unassuming Tulip delivers a gastronomic experience with its mix of…

  • Box Office

    Geelong

    Tucked just off Pakington St, Box Office is a standout along a celebrated cafe strip. Amid industrial decor featuring handmade furniture, it serves a…

  • Caruggi

    Geelong

    Bringing a taste of fine dining to Little Malop is this Ligurian-inspired trattoria, which hasn't missed a beat since relocating from its acclaimed…

  • Bistrot St Jean

    Geelong

    Here at Bistrot St Jean they manage to pull off the Parisian theme, creating a delightful sense of joie de vivre minus stuffiness or tackiness. The menu…

  • James Street Bakery

    Geelong

    Featuring an elegant interior of retro wood panels and light fittings, this popular cafe bakes its own sourdough and delicious cakes. It does great…

  • Pistol Pete's Food n Blues

    Geelong

    Divey hang-out Pistol Pete's serves up Cajun-style burgers, shrimp po'boys, Southern fried chicken, gumbo, swamp fries and baloney sandwiches. Live music…

  • Exterior of the Geelong Boat House fish and chip restaurant on the waterfront

    Geelong Boat House

    Geelong

    Jutting out into the water, this fish-and-chip joint is built atop a barge once used to dredge the Yarra River. Grab a chair on the deck or rooftop, or…

  • Little Green Corner

    Geelong

    Using fresh produce hand-picked from its kitchen garden or sourced from its family farm in nearby Waurn Ponds, this cafe is highly driven by what's…

  • Beach House Geelong

    Geelong

    It's been a few years in between drinks for this historical waterfront kiosk, but the much-loved Beach House is back, and refitted with a modern coastal…

  • Door Gallery Cafe

    Geelong

    Within the historic paper mill complex, this atmospheric cafe is named for the abundance of antique Rajasthani doors that are stacked against the walls…

  • King of the Castle

    Geelong

    Down the gritty end of Pako St is this industrial-chic cafe with hanging pot plants and dangling light features. It does modern, Instagrammable dishes…

  • Sober Ramen

    Geelong

    This tiny joint dishes up gut-busting bowls of moreish ramen along with Japanese snacks such as dumplings and edamame. Prop at the counter or squeeze…

  • Newfolk

    Geelong

    Down a leafy side road, light and airy Newfolk is set in a heritage art-deco building with a small courtyard. The seasonal menu packs plenty of flavour,…

  • Son of an Elk

    Geelong

    The offspring of the former Elk Horn Roadhouse on the Bellarine is this equally popular spot in Geelong's city centre. Most dishes on the original menu…

  • Wah Wah Gee

    Geelong

    In a seriously awesome location at the end of Cunningham Pier, this vibrant and breezy restaurant specialises in Asian street-food dishes. Otherwise, stop…

  • El Santo De Los Tacos

    Geelong

    In a cool little pocket of Geelong's CBD, this hip cantina does Mexican street food: soft-shell corn tacos, slow-cooked-beef burritos, Mexican beers,…

  • deep-fried tofu and eggplant rice bowl

    Donco

    Geelong

    Owners Don Koh and Yunie Choi bring a slice of Korea to Newtown at this contemporary eatery. Start with anju (small plates) – deep-fried tofu kimchi balls…

  • Wharf Shed Cafe

    Geelong

    You can’t beat the waterfront location at this casual cafe near the Eastern Beach marina. Beer-battered fish and chips is a crowd favourite, and there’s a…

  • Armageddon Cake

    Geelong

    Armageddon has outgrown its cosy laneway venue and relocated to this larger space on Malop St, but it's done its best to retain a casual, loungey vibe…

  • Zigfrids Dining Hall & Bar

    Geelong

    A reason to come to this lesser-visited end of Pakington St is Zigfrids, with its contemporary space and menu of Middle Eastern fusion cuisine. Food is…

  • House Iberia

    Geelong

    Bringing a bit of style to unfashionable Shannon Ave, House Iberia is a local favourite for its coffee, tasty breakfasts and lunches, with an emphasis on…

  • Khan Curry Hut

    Geelong

    Head to Khan for a cheap and boozy ($2 corkage for BYO) meal of authentic Indian flavours, including South Indian dishes, made with fresh ingredients.

  • Cafe Go!

    Geelong

    Go! is a local favourite for its fun, colourful atmosphere, good coffee and breakfasts. Head out to its lovely leafy courtyard.

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