Eat + Drink

Be sure to allow plenty of time during your visit to explore Ballarat’s constantly evolving culinary scene. From charming cafes and sleek wine bars to award-winning restaurants, distilleries and brew houses, there’s plenty to keep you satisfied.

Saigon Allee

Pencilmark Wine Room

Housed in the former home of Underbar – which was recently reimagined and opened at the ultra-luxe Hotel Vera –Pencilmark Wine Room promises fun wines and good times and delivers in spades. The team at Pencilmark serve up an ever-changing roster of exceptional wines that are lovingly sourced both locally and from further afield.

Add to this a specially-curated snacks menu by Underbar head chef Derek Boath which showcases the best local, and sometimes international, produce. Keep an eye out for their regularly changing three-course set menus –perfect for when you want someone to make all the decisions for you.

pencilmark.com.au

The Turret Cafe

Sitting on historic Sturt Street in a beautifully restored 1890s heritage building is The Turret Cafe. The team are passionate about sourcing as much produce from in and around Ballarat as they can and this passion translates to outstanding dishes that pack a punch. Our pick? The Mexican baked eggs in a spicy chipotle and tomato braise with chorizo, capsicum, smashed avocado, cheese, tortilla chips, lime and coriander.

turretcafe.com.au

Enjoy a modern twist on Vietnamese fare at Saigon Allee.

This vegan-friendly restaurant might be situated in the heart of Ballarat’s foodie precinct, but you’ll be taken on a culinary journey to the streets of Vietnam.

From pho, cauliflower popcorn and fried dumplings, to slow-cooked curry, fish bites and salt and pepper tofu, you’ll want to order the entire menu.

@saigonallee_ballarat

Aunty Jacks

Calling all beer lovers – Aunty Jacks is for you. The ever-popular brewpub brews award-winning beer on site across a variety of styles. Come for a tasting paddle with friends or take it to the next level with one of the many beer school experiences that range from a shorter session to a multi-day program. Many of these experiences are led by Ballarat’s own Dr Beer, Peter Aldred, who – with a PhD in biochemistry, a diploma of brewing and distilling, and a brewing CV as long as your arm – has well and truly earned this honorary title.

auntyjacks.com.au

Webster’s Market and Cafe

Casual yet stylish, Webster’s Market and Cafe is one of Ballarat’s most popular spots for breakfast or brunch. Set on one of the city’s most picturesque streets –especially in autumn when the flame-hued leaves are worthy of a visit themselves – Webster’s offers delicious all-day breakfast and more substantial offerings like baguettes and cheese platters. Our go-to is the breakfast board with honey and vanilla yoghurt, seasonal fruits, super seeds and nuts, smoked salmon, smashed avocado and goat cheese – perfect when you want a bit of everything.

webstersmarketandcafe.com

Cafe Sidra

A fan of cider? Well, you’re in luck because Cafe Sidra is the cellar door for vegan-friendly, locally-made cider –Learmonth Cider.

Order from the café’s very cool outdoor Airstream bar, Little Sid, and sip away in the quirky courtyard.

Cafe Sidra is a short drive from Ballarat and their seasonal cakes make it worth the trip. cafesidra.com