Beautiful spot for a walk around the lake. It took us about an hour with three kids in tow (one in pram). It's reasonably pram friendly, however, be mindful of extremely steep hills! There's a couple of them. The playground is fully fenced, which is a massive bonus!

Stunning lake. Great walking tracks. Well kept areas. But the little coffee place is terrible. The wait was ridiculous and I wouldn't think you could muck up making a peppermint tea.

Beautiful spot fot a day trip. So serene... so beautiful. The walk around the lake is full of tranquility. A must-go-to spot... be it summer, winter, spring or autumn... as each season this place has it own different beauty.

Within walking distance of town, Lake Daylesford is a man-made lake that was built in the 1930’s. On arrival, early in the morning, a mist was rising from the water. The picturesque lake offers a ‘peace mile’ walking track which is almost 3 k’s long. There is also plenty to do here, swimming, fishing and birdwatching. There is a playground, paddleboats (but I don’t think they have seen much action for a while) BBQ’s and table and chairs. Food, coffee and comfort facilities onsite too. Well worth a visit if you are in town

Nice, calm, and peaceful scenery 😌 Guards your food. The ducks in the lake can be naughty! 👀 I visited on a Monday summer night with friends around 4.30ish. There were only us on the deck. It was perfect day to chill. Lovely place.

One of the most popular and photogenic place in Daylesford. This place is stunning 😍 in Autumn 🍂 with the beautiful colours. Perfect place to spend a day and relax.

Such a beautiful place.. Visited in April so go to see beautiful fall colours.. driving from Melbourne to Daylesford is so scenic and beautiful. This place is very calm, peaceful and scenic. A good walk..not difficult at all.. nice place to spend time with family.. Public toilets are available. Coffee and basic snack places are available too.

Mixed reaction here. Pools and spa were great, but there wasn't really enough space for the volume of people. One pool for basic entry, pay extra for the other 3 pools and sauna. Per earlier the pools are beautiful: fresh, different temps, one with beds to lie in the water, very clean facilities. But the pools themselves fit about 10 ppl in before you're feeling crowded, which took away from the relaxation side of things. Recommended trying it to see if it works for you.

Disappointing experience. I have been wanting to come here for years and it was such a let down. The communal space is too small for the volume of people they allow in at a given time. It's advertised as a relaxation haven, but instead it had more of a local pool feel. There were too many children splashing around and jumping in. We visited off peak too. I'm a mother myself and am positive towards allowing children in, but perhaps have an adults only section that doesn't cost double the price. The staff assume you have been before and were vague and disinterested. There were no cups at the hydrating station and no lifeguards/staff to be seen to ask if they could refill them. The only positives are the tranquil setting, nestled deep in Hepburn and the bathrooms are clean and well stocked with essentials. Save your money and go to Peninsula Hot Springs instead. Same price and way better value for money.

Very disappointed with this experience! Do not recommend it at all! Very overpriced for what they got to offer! Water temperature was just like the local swimming pool. Only 1 slightly larger and 1 small pool to choose from. No outdoor spa, no cold plunge pool. Paid $60 for the same experience that could have been much less to go to a public swimming pool, not relaxing, not hot at all. Only 1 change room for male and female together! It was ridiculously awkward and weird! The conditioner bottle was totally empty, it shows that no one maintain or clean the area for days. I'm just glad that I only wasted $60 without choosing any other package as they can't even uphold the most basic general experience.

Unfortunately disappointed in my experience here. You are paying a pretty large fee for use of what is in effect 1 heated pool and 1 hot tub that due to the large volume of people they allow access to at one time doesn’t allow for a calming or relaxing experience. Whilst I respect the decision to allow children access I do feel it would be appropriate to have an adult only of child friendly zone. In comparison to other bath house experience I’ve had for a similar price point I’ve found this one lack luster.

Well worth the trip to relax and enjoy this beautiful setting. Very friendly and welcoming staff added to the overall experience in the mineral spa. We didn’t stay in the hotel but had a pleasant experience in the spa. Thank you for having us

My sister and I had the most relaxing weekend away at Hepburn. We both started with a treatment at the spa, where we were treated to the best facial we've ever had. I have sensitive skin, so facials can be hit and miss, but none of the products irritated my skin, which was great. We then had a 90min bathing session, followed by a wander through the spa apothecary. Here, Michael was absolutely amazing, and helped us concoct our own bath scrub and bath soak. I can't rate this experience highly enough! The rest of our weekend was equally as relaxing, with a stay in one of the escape villas and dinner at a local restaurant. If you're in need of rejuvenation, Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa will not disappoint!

We had the most amazing weekend at the bathhouse. The room was beautiful! Staff were friendly and welcoming. The bathhouse pools and spas were glorious. I can not fault any part of our experience. We didn’t want to leave.

Beautiful gardens. Recommend to take the scenic drive around the property first. Signs are located as soon as you drive in. It will bring you up to a carpark. Perfect place to take in the views, have a picnic, or short stroll to the wonderful cafe. Allow yourself a few hours or plan the day. Public Toilets are available. Beautiful walking trails amongst the trees, gorgeous unique flowers. Highly recommend the cafe for a bite and coffee.

Lovely little walk with magnificent trees and flowers along the way to a yummy cafe which located on the grounds. My son loves to climb the tower and taking photos of almost every tree there. We are visiting this place several times a year at different seasons of school holidays.

"Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens is a beautiful and peaceful oasis in Daylesford. The gardens are immaculately maintained, with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and stunning views over the town. The walk to the top of the hill offers panoramic vistas, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic. The historical significance of the gardens adds to the charm, and the on-site café is a great place to grab a coffee while soaking in the surroundings. Whether you're a nature lover or just looking for a relaxing day out, Wombat Hill is definitely worth a visit!"

If you in Daylesford, go and see this little botanic garden. A little bit neglected but just in the right way to make your mind wander... Go on a quiet evening and watch the sunset or marvel at some of the big feature trees. Don't forget to walk through the fernery below the car park...

Absolutely gorgeous! Just go! But goneatly if you want a coffee, cafe closes not long after lunch.

Lovely garden, you have to go all the way around on the scenic route to get to the carpark, from there its a small loop walk, that takes you around the reservoir to the cafe. Cafe staff can be a bit rude near their closing time 😁. Tower was closed for some works when we visited this time but the views from the top are amazing

Great place for a picnic and relaxing time since it’s not as busy as lake Daylesford. Follow scenic drive to the parking lot. There’s a tower at the end of the road and we can go up the tower. The garden is not very big but peaceful. Cafe and toilets are available.

Had a wonderful time at Cliffy’s 🍁 Cozy vibes, kind service, & delicious food. Mum went with the burger, while I enjoyed the country breakfast. 🍳 🍔 Great value and truly generous servings. I already know this is a new favourite of mine, I’ll definitely be back. And who knows, next visit I might even treat myself to one of those delicious handmade treats! 😋🍪

Food is full of flavor and ingredients are nicely selected. Definitely a great place to have your brunch. One of the best brunch near Melbourne in my opinion.

Very nice cafe in Daylesford. Food was very nice. Service was great too. Cute little cafe with lots of merchandise on one side. Cozy atmosphere with different seating plans. We had a very enjoyable experience at Cliffy's!

Amazing cosy place with very beautiful interior. Food is very amazing, quantity is very good , taste is very good. Service is quick. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Beautiful place. Will visit here again..

This is an experience not to be missed. It's a beautiful shop and lunchroom. People are sweet, as is the place itself and the food is top notch. Fair priced, large portions, the background music is just right. The kitchen's fast. Everything just clicks. 10/10 recommend.

Loved it so much here that we came back again!! It is busy but worth it cause the food is soooo tasty the coffee was also consistently delicious! Even the eggs on toast impressed us the bread tasted so fresh and the eggs were cooked perfectly! Very good price for the quality of food and the staff are so attentive and do a great job managing how busy it gets you still don’t feel forgotten about or rushed! I recommend booking just to be sure you get a spot - especially on the weekend

The brunch was delightful, although the sourdough bread was perhaps a touch over-toasted, resulting in slightly firm edges. The chicken in the Caesar salad was a little dry and not as tender as expected. The restaurant is quite popular, even on weekdays, especially during the lunch rush; I would suggest making a reservation. The staff were exceptionally friendly and provided outstanding service; I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Daylesford.

Lots of variety, interesting artisan stalls, many things to try (especially interesting mushrooms). Very disappointing hot dogs from the red hot dog stand. Train ride to Ballarto was a bit of fun though! Great day out, even in on again off again drizzle! Highly recommend.

I would definitely recommend visiting the market if your staying in town for the weekend. It does get busy so if your staying nearby best to just walk down. Great food options and lots of bric a brac. I enjoy hoping onboard the old train for a old time cruise through the country side. It does cost and you may have to pre book Tix for busy times.

Located 90 minutes drive north from Melbourne the gourmet food destination of Daylesford offers a wide range of locally produced artisan style products. From gins to breads to herbs and flowers and even health style pillows there is plenty to choose from if you are looking for a present and want to support the local craft and community. Located centrally in the town there is good parking and food to taste or coffees. Combine a weekend of tasting and exploring at the Sunday Market and spend the night in the country town!! Enjoy

Such a fun morning. We visited Daylesford for a weekend and decided to go on Sunday morning. We got there early, just as the vendors were setting up, so got to wander casually around with a great coffee. By the time we left an hour and half later, it was packed full of people! I bought fresh strawberries-delicious! Also, nuts and dried mango…so good I wish I bought more! Also bought some great kitchen knives. My friend bought a gorgeous, emerald green felt hat, handmade and stunning. Lots to choose from, handmade earrings, skin care, gin…then there’s the trash n treasure side on the other side of the fence. Rows of tables of fun bricks a brac, clothes and tools. Overall a fun morning with lots of goodies to buy. Seems like a great community event to support. Five stars

Nice and sweet market. A LOT of people, but easy to park. Better go there early, we arrived around 12 and the coffee truck is almost running out🤣

Traditional Sunday market that we have never went for a very long time. There are over 100 different merchandise from locals could be visited. A such relaxing and enjoyable place to go in weekend.

Lovely country market with a wide range of stalls, including fresh produce, plants, handmade crafts and tasty food. It has a friendly, community atmosphere with unique finds and a variety of treats to enjoy. Only downside is that mobile reception is patchy, so card payments are hit‑and‑miss – best to bring some cash just in case

As frequent visitors to the Daylesford area we like to try as many restaurants as we can during our stay. We hadn’t experienced Bistro Terroir before and we’d been recommended it by a friend. The menu is your standard French offerings; entrees of French Onion soup, escargot and a standout in the pork belly and scallop. All starters were beautifully presented. For mains we both chose the Steak Frites; as did most of the other diners. The steak is a Wagyu rump with a marble score of 7 topped with cafe de Paris butter and a range of mustards to choose from. Our desserts were Creme brûlée and Pomme Tarte Tatin, which were both delicious. The service was very good; the staff were very well acquainted with the menu and the wine list. I would have given Bistro Terroir five stars; however what let them down was the fact that the frites with the Steak frites were shoestring fries that were obviously frozen. At $55 my expectation is the frites would be hand-cut as is the case with Bouillon L'Entrecôte. Overall though, an enjoyable dining experience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An Unforgettable Dining Experience in Daylesford – A True Gem! 🥩🍷 We visited Bistro Terroir for my partner’s birthday dinner while staying in Daylesford, and it was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed into a space that felt romantic, calming, and beautifully intimate. The dim lighting and charming ambiance set the perfect tone for a special evening. We were greeted by a lovely waitress who was genuinely attentive, friendly, and professional — the service here is absolutely top-notch and added to the overall sense of care and quality. Now the food… wow. We started with their oysters, which were the perfect opener: fresh, delicate, and beautifully presented. The steak tartare was a new experience for us, and it completely won us over — exquisitely balanced and thoughtfully prepared. Then came the steaks, and even though I can’t remember the exact cut, I definitely remember the flavour. Cooked perfectly medium-rare, the steaks were juicy, tender, and had an incredible crust — every bite was memorable. If there’s one thing we wished for, it was a bigger portion, because it was that good. I still think about that steak to this day! Daylesford is a quiet little town about 1.5 hours from Melbourne — not too much going on, especially food-wise, so finding a place like Bistro Terroir was a total highlight of our trip. We couldn’t have asked for a better spot to celebrate my partner’s birthday. Huge thanks to the team at Bistro Terroir for such a phenomenal meal and memorable night — your passion for great food and hospitality truly shines through. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Daylesford!

As regular visitors to Daylesford over the last few years we had received many recommendations to dine at Bistro Terroir. Sadly circumstances had prevented this, but I am so pleased we finally made it. Staff were friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. The food was a delight, with the French onion soup on point and Gougères a dish to remember. The heavy lifting was done by steak frites though, which proved to be everything they promised. A wonderful weekend lunch experience. Definitely recommend.

A cute bistro in Daylesford, we enjoyed to vibe and service. Food was ok… Brûlée was tasty, perfect texture. Steak frites was tasty… meat cooked perfectly, I think I just got unlucky with the piece I got as it was a bit tough. The scallops and pork was a little disappointing, scallops were perfect, pork belly was not - skin had no crackle and not tender. Enjoyable overall experience, I would be willing to try again.

I had dinner here with my friend on the last night of our two night stay in Daylesford, two weeks ago. We did not have a booking but it was no problem getting a table. Between us we had the qroquettes, beignet, ocean trout, pumpkin gnocchi and creme brulee. We enjoyed everything and although I enjoyed my trout after tasting the pumpkin gnocchi I wish I ordered that too. The creme brulee was amazing. The staff attentive and friendly. Moody ambience. My only negative was the price of the drinks. If I didn't have a voucher to pay for half the meal I would have stuck to water. My photos aren't great but you get the gist.

Probably one of the best meals I’ve personally had, can’t wait to return and sample more of the menu. The steak frites can’t be missed, but from our limited taste obviously everything on the menu is blow your mind levels of incredible. Every dish had us grinning from ear to ear and the meal was the highlight of our trip to Daylesford. Our server’s were an absolute joy, the attention to detail presented in everything from the food to the atmosphere shows a true level of care and passion for the experience being served and makes you feel incredibly cozy and like you’re in the hands of the best kind of hospitality veterans from front to kitchen. Found this to be a much more wholesome experience compared “fine” dining restaurants you find within Melbourne’s CBD. A must visit if you’re ever in the area, and a reason to come back again and again!

I would have given a full 5/5 because the steak frites were absolutely delicious! However, we ended up waiting almost an hour (around 45 minutes) for our meal, with no follow-up or update during that time. The servers were amazing—very friendly and welcoming—and the food itself was great once it arrived. It’s just unfortunate that the wait was so long, especially since we saw several other tables being served and finishing their meals before ours came out. A small side note: the outdoor tables are slightly slanted due to the way the path is built, but the chairs are very comfortable!

Our visit to The Boathouse Daylesford was memorable. Every dish was beautifully presented, full of flavour, and clearly crafted with care. The lakeside setting added to the charm, and the service was warm, attentive, and professional. A perfect spot for a special meal — highly recommend.

We were looking for an interesting menu for our Wedding Anniversary lunch , on reading Daylesford Boathouses table offerings online, we were excited by what read and with great anticipation made a booking in advance with high hopes of our celebration to come .. Not only were our expectations met they were well and truly exceeded.. The service was amazing and personal, the food sublime, with the balance of ingredients in each dish bringing the taste sensations to life , the presentation of each meal was superb and the afternoon hummed along at a delightful tempo.. In our opinion these talented chefs here could easily hold their own in the very best of iconic restaurants worldwide .. This is a hidden gem, who needs Michelin Star restaurants when you have Daylesford Boathouse

The food was utterly beautiful. The options for the set menu are really broad and there is something for everyone. The service was impeccable and the staff had a can do attitude with a fantastic knowledge of their menu. Thank you Boathouse for having us 🙏

Food is good, just hoping that there are more vegetarian options. We provided the feedback about the time between dishes are too long and the response we got was because we had 4 course therefore our seating is 3 hours. I think a better service restaurant should let customer to determine the pace when consuming food rather than fixating on how long customer should be in the restaurant. Took photos between courses so I know we waited 30 mins between the 1st and the 2nd course. We aren’t the only one waiting around and checking our watches for time tonight.

Review: Disappointing Experience Masked as "Fine Dining" I recently dined at this restaurant with my partner, and unfortunately, the experience left us more confused than satisfied. Upon arrival, we were seated promptly but asked politely if we could move to a nearby table for four by the window. We wanted to enjoy the view and sit next to each other. We were abruptly told it was against “policy” to seat two people at a table for four due to upcoming bookings and because it was supposedly a “fine dining” establishment. We’ve been to many actual fine dining venues — this was not one of them. The tone felt unnecessarily rigid and dismissive. We stayed where we were to avoid a scene, but it was awkward and embarrassing. To make matters worse, during our entire visit, only six other people came in, and several tables remained empty. So much for the bookings. As for the food: My partner ordered the lamb rack, which was meant to be tender and fall off the bone. Instead, it was undercooked and raw in the center — not acceptable at any level of dining. I had the barramundi with curried sauce and rice. The salmon itself was beautifully cooked with a perfect crispy skin. However, the portion was tiny — easily the smallest piece of barramundi I’ve ever been served. The rice was filled with peas that clashed with the curry flavour, and the plate featured a giant, swamp-like bok choy (or something similar) that was unwieldy and unappetizing. A simpler, better-composed dish — say, turmeric cous cous and asparagus — would’ve made far more sense. To cap off the evening, when we went to leave, the front door was literally blocked by a red rope. Someone had to come open it for us after we paid — perhaps that was their definition of “fine dining”? I’m still unsure. In the end, it was a confusing and disappointing experience. Whether it's due to a chef lacking taste or an owner too focused on control, something here is definitely off. Sadly, you’ve lost two customers — and potentially more — who genuinely wanted to enjoy their evening and left baffled instead.

Great experienced dining in Boathouse Daylesford, Food was amazing, delicious, plated nicely and well presented, the quality of produce used was absolutely fresh and spectacular . Food was paired perfectly with the wine if you want to choose food with wine pairing. The staff are nice and welcoming. Ambiance is calm and romantic. Highly recommended for any occasions.

Romantic and peaceful place, my partner and I were really happy with the team and the service they did. We didn't ask any names, but we think everyone did a wonderful job. The food was delicious (we took duck fat with Quail, delightful with the chips, and for the main we took the duck with potato/carrot and the losbter with risoni, soooo good 🤤🤤) and the cocktails were amazing (Hugo spritz and the bee's knees, the bee's knees my god 🤤🤤🤤)

Such a gorgeous little cafe! Went with my girlfriends for a day trip from Melbourne and this did not disappoint. Music and vibe was so wholesome and relaxing and staff were so lovely. The food came so quickly too and was delicious! Would highly recommend.

Wombat Hill House in Daylesford is a charming cafe nestled in the beautiful Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. Enjoy seasonal local produce, vegan options, and friendly service in a serene atmosphere. Pet-friendly outdoor seating and scenic views make it a must-visit destination.

What a fantastic café! We went for breakfast, had a a lovely experience and ate fabulous food. Coffee was good too. The lunch menu looked delicious so we’ll have to go back. It was great to have a wonder through the park afterwards.

To sum up for people short on time and eager to find a place to dine, all I have to say is just go! The food is beyond the average café experience – don’t be fooled by ordinary names or familiar seeming meals, trust me it will be unlike you’ve had before in the best way, the staff are experienced and welcoming, the atmosphere is separated into three seating areas and each has its own charm so every person can find their ideal spot, and overall, it is an additional experience to add to your travels, instead of being a drive-by food spot, I could not recommend this place more. P.S: Going to this café highlighted an already splendid day into one of the best we’ve had this month, upon entering the café we were instantly greeted and ready to be sat with our waitress kindly accommodating for our dog and offering two seating options, in the front enclosed courtyard, or the back garden, given it was a hot day, we decided to steer as far from the sun as we could and chose the back. The minute we stepped foot through, it was as though we had reemerged into the gorgeous surrounding botanical garden and someone had specially placed theme fitting wooden tables and chairs, hung vines from the canopy and adorned the surrounding flower beds with spring flowers, the cool breeze provided by the cleverly shaded courtyard hit us immediately and provided such relief from the scorching weather, we genuinely couldn’t have asked for better. Next came the food, overall, the minute we opened the menu we’d been pleasantly surprised to see a various range of meals, with even the toasties having some sort of special twist or ingredient which made it clear they weren’t simply reproduced from an external source, altogether, we ordered a Brekky Burger, a Thai Pork Noodle Salad, and a warm Salmon Bowl. I cannot express properly to you over a message how delicious the food which arrived had been, the Brekky Burger for instance, although a familiar, typically ordinary choice, the components from which it was cooked propelled all expectations far further than they’d been, the buns themself fell apart in the mouth and had a beautiful, subtle milky after-taste reminiscent of fresh homemade bread. The included twist of the burger were slices of salami overlayed on top of the main protein and when I tell you it sent the meal to another level with how harmoniously it played on the palette with every other ingredient, I still couldn’t properly accentuate it to the degree that it was. The salmon bowl was cooked in a similar fashion, with fish unbelievably fresh and soft, the flavour of which paired with the fluffy, white rice, melted in ones mouth as it was not overpowered by the accompanied glaze, but rather, gave it an accented, underlying tang, complimenting the main elements of the dish. It is very clear when a cook is skillful in their craft as they do not attempt to hide their ingredients under the heavy glaze of a sweet sauce that everyone will enjoy, and instead, allows their dish to speak for itself, providing the sauce as a secondary pleasure and the salmon bowl was exactly that. The Thai pork noodle salad was our final delight and perhaps the most interesting in terms of taste, it played with a combination of salty, sweet and slightly spicy flavours, as with the salmon bowl, none of the ingredients had been overpowering of the other and instead, conjoined in perfect balance to give a mouth-watering taste that could not be beat, definitely a meal worth ordering and even more so, savouring, so make sure not to rush every bite no matter how hungry you may be. Overall our time at the Wombat Hill House was made all the more perfect by the incredibly kind, hard-working and glowing team of chefs and waitresses/waiters which help make this café into the gem that we found it to be and we extend our deepest gratitude and thank you for creating such a wonderful stamp on our day, we will definitely be reoccurring visitors.

We visited Wombat Hill House cafe for brunch and it was such an enjoyable dining experience. The conservatory is a beautiful light-filled space, the service was warm and friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious. We ordered via the QR code on the table and our food and drinks came out quickly. The big breakfast was hearty and flavourful, and the French toast was fluffy on the inside and deliciously crisp on the outside, served with a sweet vanilla mascarpone and poached pear - yum!

Staff are lovely and relaxed. I got a cosy table by the fire and loved the atmosphere. Thank you for your great service during peak hour on a saturday morning! Everything looks so yum and it's a very cosy winter escape!

Located in Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens. A rainy day can't dampen our spirits when there's dessert and coffee to be had after a stroll in Botanic Gardens. 🍰 Carrot cake 🍰 Basque cheesecake

My husband & I enjoyed a double birthday Saturday lunch at Kadota at the end of March. Lovely entry & Japanese themed garden. The decor inside was very tastefully done in typical Japanese style. We had the 5 course set menu. It was tasty with clean, clear Japanese flavours. But the portions were small & especially the chicken main though tasty was a small piece of chicken. That was disappointing especially when it was a pricey meal! We have had tasting menus at 2 hatted restaurants before & the portion size of each course were not this small. My husband was still a bit peckish after the meal ! The waiting staff were very cordial & friendly & Risa was lovely to talk to as well.

From the moment I entered Kadota, I knew I was in for an exceptional experience. The set menu offered a wonderful journey through Japanese cuisine, with every dish prepared with great care and attention to detail. The service was outstanding, professional yet warm and welcoming, making the evening even more enjoyable. Every dish was explained clearly, including the ingredients. The unique cocktails were creative and perfectly complemented the meal, adding an extra touch to the experience. I had an amazing night with my friends, and I can highly recommend Kadota for anyone looking for a truly memorable dining experience.

Brilliant! We’ve had the pleasure of dining at Kadota half a dozen times over the past couple of years. It is always exceptional. So much love is put into every aspect of this restaurant. We’re so lucky to have a restaurant of this calibre 30 minutes away from Castlemaine.

We had a wonderful anniversary dinner at Kadota. Risa and her team were amazing and very sweet helping us mark the occasion. The food was exceptional - we opted for the "short" course menu, which was more than sufficient - although we also could've happily eaten more delicious dishes!

We spent a lovely evening at Kadota on the Saturday of the long weekend. Every touch point was amazing. We had the 10 course set menu with the wagyu course. I had the Japanese plum wine vodka martini and a dessert wine with dessert. Apologies for the poor quality pics but hopefully they convey the skill, care and love shown with each course. Did I mention how absolutely delicious these dishes were? Haven’t uploaded all of the shots I took. Only one truly minor comment the final dessert was a little too theatrical for me with the flower pot and dry ice - but it conveyed the sense of pride the restaurant has in what it ‘brings to the table’. Yup - couldn’t help it. If you’re in Daylesford or anywhere in the vicinity - especially for a special occasion- I’d highly recommend.

I’ve been to Kadota twice now, and both visits have been exceptional. The first time was with my husband for a special occasion, and it was everything we hoped for elegant, beautifully presented dishes and an atmosphere that made the night feel truly special. The staff were warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcomed. What really stood out was the delicate balance and refinement of the food. Each dish allowed the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine, without relying on heavy sauces or overpowering seasoning. It’s the kind of Japanese cuisine that respects simplicity and precision. I returned with a friend of mine who is Japanese and a true food lover, someone who has enjoyed great Japanese food both in Japan and Melbourne. She was so impressed and kept mentioning how much she loved the experience, even days after our visit. That kind of lasting impression says a lot. I really think Kadota is a rare find, thoughtful, authentic, and beautifully executed. Highly recommended for anyone who appreciates quality Japanese cuisine!!

Took my wife to Kadota Daylesford for a birthday dinner and it was easily the best vegetarian set menu I have had in Australia. We booked well in advance as they sell out quickly and spent a wonderful 4 hours there from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. What sets Kadota apart is how thoughtful their vegetarian menu is. At $200 per person it felt fairly priced and never like an afterthought compared to the meat menu. Every course was beautifully paced and explained. Our waiter Risa was excellent and shared the history of the restaurant and her husband’s culinary training in Japan. The food was exceptional. Highlights included delicate miso with enoki and nori oil, smoky eggplant with shiitake and sesame, and a standout shio koji braised king oyster mushroom. The progression of flavours was clever and balanced with each course arriving just when you were ready for it. Desserts were the real surprise. Kadota served three of them, not one or two. Carrot ice cream with tarragon and bee pollen, a parsnip and adzuki creation, and finally a pumpkin, pine nut and burnt honey pie. All unique, all brilliant, and a perfect finish. Service, storytelling and food quality made the evening memorable. Highly recommend Kadota for anyone seeking fine dining in Daylesford, vegetarian or otherwise.

It was a lovely, warm, traditional looking hotel with lots of character and wonderful ambience on a chilly evening when my friend and I arrived late for dinner service recently. Our plane was delayed so by the time we arrived to our hotel in Daylesford it was after 8pm and we could not find anything else open. We had a pasta, salad and chicken pot pie. We demolished all of it. Everything was soo delicious.

Very nice place to have a fine dining. The food is great with quality and price is very friendly as well. Waiter and waitress are nice and professional with years of experience. Overall a fantastic place to come and enjoy your night with loved ones.

Had a pleasant Sunday lunch here, we were five and we enjoyed the food (t-bone, pork roast, duck confit were all excellent), very good recommendation by the staff. Great service.

Wow greens have never tasted better, thank you all for your excellent hospitality and beautiful atmosphere, I had such a relaxing cosy meal by the fire. I can't get over these gluten free pizzas best in the area so stoked to see after a year the food is still amazing. This cocktail was so smooth and creamy thank you!! Loved everything!! Thank you!!

Incredible atmosphere. Warm and cosy with enough table to seat everyone a few fireplaces to keep your arm. Food incredible, pizzas are professional, woodfired bases are high quality. Service is not table service, order st the bar. But doesn't take away from how smiley and attentive everyone is.

Today was cold but we decided to go in Daylesford. We walk and passed DH outside was the menu and they having some meal and beers for Oktoberfest. We order and unfortunately the food we want was sold out and we got mushrooms pizza, nice beer and Campari spritz. Don’t know how but the pizza ( if you want to called that) was cold and tasteless, the mushrooms were black🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️. Very disappointed. Sorry guys 😞

Wandered in on a frosty night - despite some initial confusing where the table we were waiting for was Poached by another group, we were seated without too much delay. We had the steak. Cooked perfectly, the meat tender and delicious - came with a beautiful red wine Jus. Also had the chicken schnitzel. Likewise, very tasty and no complaints at all. Friends had the pie as well with no complaints.