The 27 best cheap eats in Daylesford

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.

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!

The staff are friendly and attentive, making sure your experience is nothing short of wonderful. Even during busy hours, they maintain a welcoming vibe, ensuring that guests feel valued and comfortable. Even gave us a complimentary brownie for our Babymoon 🥰

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

It barely got to five degrees by lunchtime when we visited Daylesford. The walk from the car to Bistro Terroir was bracing but a piping hot bowl of French onion soup soon dispelled the chill in our bones. This was followed by the four course set menu with matched wines which was an absolute delight! The atmosphere was relaxed and pleasant and Stephen and Tao looked after us in exemplary fashion, thanks guys. We are keen to return with our two gastronome daughters to share and relive this wonderful experience.

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.

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!

We booked a table and still got shoved behind a curtain next to the kitchen while empty tables sat untouched all night. Service was sloppy — my soup came with no spoon, wine arrived after I’d already finished eating, and we had to beg them to fix a wobbly table. Then came the “$55 steak” — barely 200 grams, bland, and took nearly 50 minutes to arrive. Worst value for money I’ve had in a long time. Total rip-off.

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 🤤🤤🤤)

Located at the heart of the charming town of Daylesford, Wine speaks has earned itself a must do when visiting the town. It houses the best varieties of wines and delicacies in town. Many kinds of cheese and preserved meats are sold here. One can even find the best chips in the world here. With the wide range of food ranging from butter, jam, spread, fancy drinks, ham, cheese, biscuits, imported chips, fashionable household decors to the best wines. You named it they have them. You can even sit down and enjoy the wines and jamon here at the cosy seats in the shop. The staff are attentive and eager to serve. There are many interesting food stuffs and kitchen decors you can find here. I enjoy wondering in the shop every time I visit the place. Never once leave the place without buying something be it cheese or wines. If you can only go to one place in Daylesford, this is the place to be !

They have quite varied range of local wines and cheeses. We had a good time here while waiting for our coach to the train-station back to Melbourne. Good service by the staff.

Wide selection of wines especially fr the oocal wineries. Cheese and anh condiment to go with your wines too. The place to shop at in Daylesford if you want quality.

Lovely little deli, the GF and I had a small board of cheeses and dips with a few wines each. This place has a great vibe and a great selection of deli meats, cheeses and of course wines. Sat by the window and people watched. Highly recommended this place and I would go back again

Cute little place with great variety of cheese and wine! Super helpful and friendly staff who helped us pick a bottle of wine

Walked by a few years ago and glad I popped in! Always great to visit everytime I'm in Daylesford for a glass of wine and a snack with window seats looking over the town centre. Lovely selection of wines for sale also in store.

Atmosphere felt nice when we walked in. We ordered some ham & cheese to take away which was lovely. Unfortunately the staff member we dealt with was unfriendly, non engaging & spoke down on us when speaking to us about the cheese. Made us feel not welcome. Other places like Cliffy's Emporium & Larder restored our faith in great customer service.

The food is amazing and the coffee is really good. I got the Turkish eggs and it was so delicious. I would absolutely go back again just for that meal. The roti was perfect. Unfortunately, the service was very slow. Staff were super nice but coffee and food took a long time to come out (20min for coffee). Still, I wasn’t in a hurry so it wasn’t a dealbreaker. The vibe inside is really warm and welcoming. However it is a bit chaotic near the counter. I wouldn’t want to be sitting there during busy periods. Verdict: very good. Would happily go back.

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! 😋🍪

THE BEST BRUNCH I HAVE HAD IN RECENT TIMES - the perfect place to stop on a road trip around the area. Delicious, thoughtfully served, well proportioned servings at a reasonable price. Located within a quirky emporium! Would certainly visit again! **The above is a retrospective entry. Attended this venue on 22/08/2025**

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!

Cliffy's is a must stop when visiting Daylesford. The food and coffee were delicious. simple menu, but the meals are made to perfection, and very filling. It is an experience. The staff are super friendly, and welcoming. The ambience was unique and charming, a slice of history. Gift shop within the cafe. It is Recommended to make a booking ahead of time or order a head, it gets very busy, very quick, but it is well worth the wait. Will definitely return.

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

We had the four-course dinner and really enjoyed it. The staff were friendly and explained each dish nicely. All the food was tasty😊 I’d love to come back next time I visit the area.

We had the pleasure of dining at The Surly Goat while visiting friends in Daylesford recently for a wedding. The décor is simple, fresh, warm and welcoming. The head chef Dave is to be congratulated on his imagination and skill combining produce and flavors to deliver some of the most delicious and refined dishes I have had the pleasure of consuming and the wine pairing was spot on. The staff are all friendly, welcoming and professional. It was the perfect place to relax for the afternoon and catch up with old friends. This is a must have dining experience when in Dalesford but booking is essential.

Fantastic meal, everything was soooo tasty, well presented and the owners so attentive. We went with the feed me but also added the chicken wing. I forgot to take a photo of the main meal, the wagyu with beautiful sour dough bread , or the wonderful dessert. We started with a beer and the averna amaro spritz and had a lovely Spanish red during dinner. We finished with a couple of cognacs to have with the dessert. The grilled cabbage, marrow and mussels I also forgot to take a photo of, which was a shame as it was superbly presented. If in Hepburn you must go to the surly goat!

An absolute gem — easily one of my top five restaurants of 2025! The Surly Goat is a true dining experience, not just a meal.

Lucky to have scored a table after a long drive! Enjoying cozy dinner vibes on a chilly winter evening. 🙏 🥔 Potato cake 🐓 Red curried prawn & spanner crab filled fried chicken wing 🥔 Hash Brown ‘okonomiyaki’, cabbage, carrot, sesame, tonkatsu sauce 🥬 Adsum Farmhouse cos lettuce & buttermilk dressing 🥩 ‘Altair’ grass fed Wagyu, nori butter, water cress salad and chips 🐓 Crumbed Loddon Estate Chicken thigh, grilled lemon & cos lettuce 🍟 Chippies - Caper salt and saus special Delicious food and a cozy atmosphere - we can’t wait to come back!

Came from Melbourne and second time in Daylesford. Saw this place with great reviews but unfortunately we all had the most disappointing dining experience we haven’t had in a while.. I actually have not written a negative review for a restaurant that I have been to until now. starters were honestly terrible. Candied kumquats were overly sweet and could not taste any other elements but sweetness. The croquettes were EXTREMELY SALTY (you can see how much sea salt flakes on the croquettes) I tried my best to shake them off but it was still very salty. We paid extra to try the oysters.. the foam was bitter and tasted strange in general. We were so confused at the flavours presented and I saw the other table ordered the oysters as well. I was observing their reaction and I don’t think they were very impressed either. Then came the creamed celeriac. it didn’t taste bad but flavours were just flat. Main course lamb was cooked nicely but I was not a fan of the flavour of anchovy mixed with lemon. It came with super thick slices of sourdough (why? To soak up sauces?) however it was cold.. dessert was okay but not impressive Overall there was no balance of flavours at all for the dishes and we were so disappointed and confused by the high ratings Service was okay the waitress was friendly in general but did not ask us how the meal was at all and just left the bill at the end and quickly walked away For $98pp it was not worth and we have had much better with this price One of us was a chef in Melbourne CBD and he was also confused by the flavours presented that night. Upon checking this restaurant has an AGFG chef hat award and I don’t doubt the standard of this award because we have been to many restaurants with this award and they were all great so far but unfortunately this was not the case. Maybe we were unlucky with this menu or maybe it was a different chef.. but we won’t be back again unfortunately

Very bad dinner experience... we went there because of the good reviews but we were so disappointed... from the 3 appetizers, the duck liver parfait with a VERY sweet biscuit... the Sydney rock oysters with strange n bitter foam. By the way, the cauliflower cheese n truffle croquettes is normal. The main course was lamb, there is a piece of lamb belly and another piece of lamb together with the chicken paste which tastes no good... The whole dinner was not good as what the reviews said. I can only rate it 4 out of 10....

Went here recently on a rainy weekday. Staff were very friendly and approachable. I tried their paddle that was non- alcoholic so my daughter could try it too. My daughter did not find one that she fancied, but i’m glad that they also gave us a free taste of their non- alcoholic spiced apple. My daughter loved it so much! We took home a few bottles of it and so as their other ciders. I had tried the Spiced cider warm as well with my friends and we all enjoyed it! I wish bought more of it! We will definitely come back here during spring or summer time!

What a wonderful visit we had today. We were greeted so warmly on arrival, informed that the ciders were all gluten free & choices for a gluten free meal was not a problem. Even our pooch Miss Rosie enjoyed a doggie bowl of water. The meals & ciders were amazing, we had a fabulous visit. Thank you so much for your friendly service. Kind regards, Michelle & Rob. 🌟

This place is beautiful and if you like cider and happens to be in Daylesford, you need to check this place. I am not a cider person but my friends enjoy it and they bought some to take home so that's a good sign! I like the pizza 🍕 as it's soft and thin. The staff are friendly here.

Set in a beautiful surrounding this place offers quality pizzas, a cosy restaurant, friendly staff and if course one of the best ciders I've ever tried. The cider tasting paddle is an excellent way to sample them all.

Great range of ciders, highly recommend the tasting paddle. Very disappointed by the pizza though. Overpriced, small and poor presentation. We ordered the puttanesca pizza to share, $29 +$3 to ADD anchovies (which is a key ingredient of puttanesca). Wood fired pizzas being served on a dinner plate does not match the presentation expected for such a nice venue. Means some of the ingredients slide towards the centre, should be served on wooden pizza boards. The base itself was average. Place has potential, but until the food offerings are reviewed/changed, I would only recommend coming for drinks.

Visited in September but we’re still talking about the spiced cider and spiced apple we had there. Service was friendly and wasn’t at all busy mid-week. Wanted to upload a photo of the food menu as I couldn’t find one when I had been looking this place up! I can see that a sample menu has been added to the website though.

This is the place to be in Daylesford for cider tasting. We had pizzas, cheese platters, olives, a variety of alcoholic & non-alcoholic ciders for lunch. The garden was cute, wish it wasn't raining. Otherwise it would've been a great place for kids to run around!

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.

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.

Lovely staff, really warm and kid friendly. Great menu, delicious meal and very glad we made an impromptu stop here for dinner.

This is my third visit here and every time is absolutely amazing. Great service, super friendly and oh my word, the wagyu cheeseburger was the most phenomenal burger I’ve ever eaten - melting your mouth goodness. Drinks are just as good. Can’t recommend them highly enough and every time we’re out this way, we always make our way there.

Staff were lovely and the outdoor (dog friendly) area out the front was very comfortable. We brought our own rug and asked if he was ok on it, on the seat. My partner had two beers (one was a Guinness), neither of which he loved. I had a red wine, which was easy to drink. The potato donut was nice, we also had the wagyu cheeseburger. For a $30 burger and a few fries, we were underwhelmed. It wasn’t bad, we just didn’t think it was anything special. Even though it was cold outside (no heating), we were pleased we were there, inside seemed quite cramped and quite noisy. Grand Final long weekend may have added to how busy and loud it was, we were happy to call it as soon as we finished eating and head back to our accommodation.

Decided to check out GRAIN on our visit to Daylesford as it was a nice sunny day, perfect for a beer. We ordered the beer tasters which were great, however was very disappointed with the food. Ordered a vegan tofu burger which cost $30 and basically looked like a kid made it. All I could taste was mustard and there was only a thin piece of tofu. Bread tasted stale and chips were undercooked. I expected a lot more from this place, the atmosphere and decor made it seem like the food would be great, but unfortunately I would not recommend for food.

We ordered four dishes to share and each one was delicious, especially the potato doughnuts and special crumbed fish dish of the day! I expected good food based on the ratings but they were above my expectations. Service was prompt and friendly. If you prefer indoor low table seating best to put a note on your booking.

One of my favourite places in Daylesford to visit. And now with coffee! I'm quite particular about my iced long black, I've been dissapointed enough times now that I carry my own vanilla syrup. Now, I did need to use my own syrup but the coffee was delicious! Full bodied, strong..chocolate undertones all the stuff! The girls in the morning are friendly with loads of local knowledge and suggestions for places to visit etc. Robby behind the bar at night is perfect. Friendly and engaging. Happy to suggest a drink for the non beer drinker. Next is the kitchen... I visited a couple of years ago and I'm so happy to say that the chef that bought you the burgers is still there and is now extending his offerings... I was lucky enough to sample the mushroom donut. If you get the chance... please try it. So good with its full earthy mushroom flavour but perfectly balanced with the ricotta mousse ontop. I can't wait to come back... don't change a thing.

We sat inside & found it a nice place to be as we spent a few hours there. Decent variety of tasty beers. We shared a few sides & the food was fine. Everything was quite reasonably priced. Loved the selection of 70s-90s music that was played. Toilets could have used a bit of upkeep as they weren't the cleanest. That was the only minor issue & we'd certainly return.

Good beer selection to try and find your favourite. We tried some of the share plates for dinner and each dish was delicious.

Almost a year on, this review is long overdue—but a must nonetheless. We celebrated our anniversary at Lake House Daylesford, and we were glad we did. We stayed in the Waterfront Pool Studio, with its beautiful view, direct pool access, and great sense of tranquility. Dining at the Two Chef Hat Lake House Restaurant was a true experience. We enjoyed the four-course à la carte dinner, and the food matched its award-winning reputation: presentation was just beautiful, every dish thoughtfully crafted, and the flavours—highlighting fresh local produce—were spot on for us. The service was great—attentive without being overbearing. The full country-style breakfast the next morning, followed by an enjoyable walk around the lake, was the perfect way to close out an unforgettable stay. Thank you Lake House Team! We’re already considering reliving this experience at Lake House Daylesford.

What an absolutely sensational dining experience - truly beautiful from beginning to end. The attention to detail in the service and in the quality and presentation of the dishes was unlike anything we have experienced in years! We will return without hesitation when we are next in the Daylesford area :)

Such a stunning location and beautiful place, the vibes were so good and everything so well kept. I could not recommend Michael enough, he was so absolutely lovely and made the experience 100 times better, a kind and warm soul who take great care of his clients. Not only does my body feel nourished but so does my soul, absolutely recommend.

It’s our first time at the lake house - we stayed for 2 nights celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary everything is almost perfect - to start with is the customer service of all the staff are brilliant hats off - food and wine are amazing the rooms the atmosphere the location was exceptional! and yes we are planning to go back! thank you everyone! we had a lovely time!

Lake House restaurant brings forth a truly excellent menu with a few options for each course (so somewhere midway between degustation and à la carte) that harmonises delicate flavours with simple complexity (or complex simplicity). Laid back, experienced staff. Conducive atmosphere. Highly recommended.

I celebrated my 50th birthday at The Lakehouse and it honestly exceeded my expectations. The place is beautiful, the service was amazing, and the food was incredible. It was such a real treat—a perfect spot for a special occasion! Thank you!!

The Lake House is stunning, surrounded by nature, gardens, and calm water views that make you instantly unwind. The Spa area and infinity pool overlooking the lake are absolutely breathtaking. A perfect day trip to relax and recharge. 🌿✨

You'll never get tired of this place! It's always lively, but the staff are super efficient. Kudos to the team for a fantastic dinner on a chilly, rainy night! 🐚 Chilli Mussel 🥖 Garlic Bread 🦑 Calamari Tiganita 🍝 Smoked Salmon Fettuccine 🍕 Chicken tandoori Pizza 🍰 Tiramisu 🍰 Sticky Date Pudding I'm obsessed with the chilli mussels - I'll be back for them! And thanks for letting me keep the sauce. One chance for a 📷 before indulging in that delicious garlic bread in chilli mussel sauce.

A hidden gem. Great experience @ Rubens. Travelled on a Friday night from Melbourne looking for good food. Was able to book 8pm sitting. Food was fresh, tasty and delicious. Promptly served. We had Seafood Chicken with scrumptious white sauce . Salmon steak was equally as good and vegetables and salad crisp and tasty. Cocktails were great also.. recommend the one with grenadine, mango and banana purée. Bravo to staff and owners.

Exceptional food and service. Food could not be fresher, tastier or better presented. 10/10 from starters to mains. Wide selection and all absolutely amazing. Oh and so reasonably priced. Thanks to the lovely staff for a memorable time. We will be back..again!!!! Deb & Nance

Exceptional steak and Greek style salad. A lot of variety of drinks. The service was friendly and helpful. Very quiet as we were the only customers. Overall great place to eat worth its money.

A Must-Visit in Hepburn Springs! We had a fantastic dining experience at Rubens @ Hepburn. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel welcome with their friendly and attentive service. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a cozy fireplace inside and a lovely outdoor seating area surrounded by nature — perfect for a relaxing meal. The menu offers a great selection of gourmet pizzas, pastas, risottos, and hearty mains. We tried the Rubens signature pizza and the seafood fettuccine — both were packed with flavour and generously portioned. The arancini were perfectly crisp on the outside and creamy inside. There are also plenty of options for vegetarians and those with dietary requirements, which was appreciated. What really stood out was the consistency and care in both food and service. Even during a busy evening, everything arrived hot, fresh, and exactly as ordered. Highly recommend booking ahead — it’s a popular spot for good reason. Whether you’re a local or just visiting the Daylesford/Hepburn area, Rubens is a must-visit for quality Italian-style dining.

We tried Rubens for lunch, nice cozy place. Service is good, we changed tables a couple of times and they were very accomodating. We ordered Salmon Croquettes, Spaghetti Marinara, Tandoori Chicken and Spicy pizza and shared Sticky date pudding. The Spaghetti marinara was the star of the show, arguably one of the best we had. Pizzas looked good but taste was ok. Sticky date pudding was also ok. We spent 170$ between 4 of us which included 2-3 drinks. So all in all reasonably priced

Best Italian Dining Experience Ever! 🍝✨ We dined here as a group of 5 adults and 5 kids, and every single dish was absolutely outstanding! We tried: 1. Pesto Spaghetti 2. Sicilian Spaghetti 3. Pumpkin Risotto 4. Gnocchi 5. Margherita & Veg Pizza 6. Seafood Chicken We travelled all the way from Perth while visiting Ballarat and Hepburn Springs, and this restaurant truly exceeded our expectations. Every dish was bursting with authentic flavour, and the service was warm and super prompt. A hidden gem in this beautiful part of the world — highly recommended, especially for vegetarians! 🌿🍕🇮🇹

Very versatile, food, second hand and new things for sale, from cutting boads and blankets, pet treats and tools, very delicious cookies, baked goods, and smoothies. A fermented stall and veggie and fruit vendors. A bid for everyone or a 2 hour brows and converted with stall holders over a coffee and a fresh baked vegan gluten-free cookie

Such a great market. Great food and shops with all the flavours of a market. The daylesford gin and honey were good. Clubbed with the heritage train ride make a perfect weekend activity

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🤣

Nice little cafe with great food options. We had the congee, which was very tasty and seasoned well. It had similar seasoning and taste to an authentic one, but they had their "Pancho" twist on it. This is our second time here visiting, and the congee has always hit the spot! Keen to try their other foods! Great vibes and a good selection of drinks as well! Highly recommend if you're looking for a unique place to eat in Daylesford.

We ate here in n the recommendation of our son, a local. So glad we did - it was terrific! Pancho is not in the main run of expensive cafes in the middle of town, and relies on fantastic food and great service to bring customers the extra 200 metres to eat. The coffee a food and the food excellent. My partner had the hot cheese salad roll (sounds odd, but a wonderful surprise) and I had the pulled pork roll. Both were excellent and some of the nicest cafe food we have had. Staff were really friendly and competent. Lovely country atmosphere without the touristy vibe. We will be back!

Pancho Cafe in Daylesford is a hidden gem for food lovers! The menu offers a fantastic variety of dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The flavors were spot-on, with every dish beautifully presented and packed with taste.

Absolutely! Here's a review using your opening and the dishes you enjoyed: **What a lovely little cafe** with such a beautiful, concise menu and huge, well-balanced flavors. We enjoyed the chicken congee and sardines on toast - both were absolutely beautiful. The congee was comforting and flavorful, with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice. The sardines were fresh and vibrant, complemented beautifully by the pile of fresh herbs. Pancho Cafe is a must-visit in Daylesford for a delicious and memorable meal.

Small cozy cafe with good selection of brunch and great service. It was my first time to be asked “ Would you like hot milk or cold milk with your tea” How thoughtful. My Turkish egg dish was served with perfect boiled eggs. Nothing to complain here.

This is definitely a gem for the best coffee. Their coffee is smooth and nice to drink. Their food is nice. Roasted lamb is really good, super soft and tasty. This cafe design is very pretty with a very long stairs. They have seating upstairs, downstairs and outdoor. They also have some desserts too and looks really yummy. Staff are very friendly. Will definitely come back for their egg menu. Plenty of parking nearby.

The roast peach and tomato toast (with Jammy eggs and added white anchovies) was a real standout. Turkish eggs were also delicious.

Friendly smile and prompt counter service from the team as we arrived for lunch. Well cared for space, plenty of team that kept the service flowing. Returned for a cuppa and a scone after finishing the second half of the market before heading home. Good range on the menu, reasonably priced and the team friendly and helpful.

Thoroughly enjoyed my experience for brunch at the Maze Cafe. Food was so delicious, coffee was great and the service was lovely. They have done a great job of making the cafe feeling homely and welcoming, which is exactly what you’re after when in Daylesford. Would certainly recommend!

Had breakfast here this morning with my partner and kids. Very kid friendly venue. Such a cool atmosphere too, love all the retro/vintage chairs and tables. Breakfast was super fresh, tasty and full of flavour. We had the big breakfast and smashed avo, can highly recommend both! Coffee was brilliant too and the kids loved their milkshakes. Great variety of food, heaps to choose from. Chilli jam was to die for!!! I made to purchase some on my way out. Lovely staff and great vibe. I’ll definitely be back!

I have severe allergies & thought I wouldn’t be able to eat with my friends for lunch. These ladies made me the best lunch from fresh whole ingredients & it was amazing! I haven’t been able to eat out in so long, they made my day. My friends also absolutely loved their lunch! Amazing place & absolutely lovely people!

Met the owner, mother and daughter owned and run. So family business. Super friendly, great old fashioned country service. A big shout out for milk shakes, best I’ve ever had. I must location for coffee too.

Cute space, but unfortunately coffee smells weird. The price was overpriced but tasted good.

Forgot it was school holidays when we stopped in here a couple of weeks ago and to say it was hectic busy is an understatement. The customer service here is amazing, everyone who served or spoke to us is lovely, I'm surprised they had any energy left to be so nice after the crazy day they had. We ordered the orange cake and the red velvet lamington. They were both amazing, whoever the baker is, they're in the right profession. Hot chocolate and coffee were good and we will definitely be back.

The signage out front across the rooftop did a great job at grabbing our attention and calling us in. Lots of varieties of different delicious looking foods. I think we were expecting many more meats than what were available so it wasn’t quite what we expected, but still nice. Kids enjoyed some Belgium chocolate.

Quality items but also some everyday. Think mini supermarket. Fruit, vegetables, hot roast chickens, meat, deli. Wide variety of different regional soft drink and juice brands. Little cafe (outdoor seating only), does hot and iced coffees and little cakes. God place to pick up picnic items. However, of course like any store like this the prices can be more for items (because often they are local boutique or small batch brands) than your average Coles\IGA. I like it for treats. And yes for those offended by such things - it’s CARD only. Oh and despite what some other reviews might say as a payback because they don’t take cash - many of the brand are not at the Coles down the road (a few are but most no).

We drove past this place and had to have a look. So pleased we did as they have a great range. In fact, we could have gone quite nuts in there. We bought gnocchi for tea, (amazing), sweets and sauces for gifts, and some post gnocchi dessert, (which was also amazing). We’ll definitely be back.

Have shopped here a few times, living in one of the nearby towns. A decent selection of products not found in most grocers. My only concern is the card only business model in a rural area, and subsequently noticing on my last visit the card terminal displaying a “surcharge applies” or “surcharge may apply” when spending $70-100 on average here and not once being asked if I would like a receipt. While I can understand the appeal of using card only, reducing staff errors, automating banking / cash up and all the rest I don’t understand why a surcharge is needed or frankly if it’s legal. You price your products to factor in staff labour, utilities, wastage, ect… I would love to know if you do in-fact charge card surcharges or this was a default setting left on by error ?

CASH IS OBVIOUSLY NOT KING IN THIS SHOP... The pie i bought was great 8/10 Service was great So many other bits of produce available there and the veg looked fresh TAKE YOUR CARD

Refuses to accept cash! The signage on the door was very difficult to see (so much stock to look at as you enter, no one looks at signage on doors which were ajar) and the sign at the registers were below waist height and not visable. If they only accept card payment, a few simple bold signs around the store, that is clear and to the point (not a 2 paragraph sign in small font) would be much clearer to see & pre-warn tourists and shoppers ahead of arriving at the registers and emptying baskets. Was very close to simply leaving all groceries on the counter as it was very frustrating. I’m not the only customer this occurred to and I’ve heard a few others previously walk out due to no clear indication until you attempt to make payment. Also one of the most expensive grocers in Victoria - 2nd one is IGA maxi Castlemaine - & it’s the same owner! No surprise! Will refuse to shop here again. For a small, tourist focused town, having a business refuse to accept cash is poor business practice for the many tourists visiting and also the locals.

$3.80 for a small coffee, great value!!

Heard lots of good things about this restaurant, that it is the best in Daylesford! And certainly did not disappoint! Came in on Saturday for dinner and the place was packed! We had the martinis to start and absolutely delicious with Galivanter gin from nearby Ballarat distillery. We ordered the chefs selection which allowed us to try most of the items on the menu. Love the cod crudo, beef tartare and ricotta gnudi. A shame we didn’t get to try the lamb. Definitely recommend any foodie to try this place!

We didn’t manage to get a table for lunch so we booked for 3pm. We decided to try the chef menu. It came no were 3 entrees, 4 mains plus a salad and leek vinaigrette. Out of the 3 entrees, the ham hock terrine was super delicious. I like the olive focaccia bread too. For the main, I love the chicken best. It was slow cooked in red wine, the rich flavor blended in so well and the chicken was cooked to perfection without the meat being too soft. The rare beef was pretty good too. The Cod Brandade seems a bit dry but tasted ok. We finished the meal with the sinful creme caramel. It texture was so smooth that it melt in the mouth. There was no fancy presentation but the food was really good. Advance booking is needed.

My hubby and I enjoyed a fantastic Saturday night at Bar Merenda. The food was an absolute standout, the flavours that the very talented chef put in every dish we ate was first class. Entrees of a green vegetable tart and a beef tartare were awesome and the pink snapper was the best fish we have eaten in a restaurant. Good fun service- can’t fault these guys just book now!

Offer foods that delight your palette. We ordered food for sharing. Daylesford is for relax and cold environment. Perfect for a big family and suitable to bring your babies too. Clean toilet too named WC, Water Closet for british english background.

The food was good, enjoyed the beetroots, roast pork and pig’s head croquettes. The Jamon ham wasn’t particularly impressive. Ordered the special mutton chops which were too fatty us unfortunately. The service was good to start with but experience an U turn after we declined to pay extra tips on top of 10% extra charge for Sunday. Not sure if this is the “bar of the year” quality, but some dishes worth to try.

Outstanding food, drinks & experience. Lovely atmosphere and delightful waitress, very knowledgeable and friendly. Would highly recommend.

Amazing experience for dinner. Staff were exceptional, and went above and beyond for service. Food was seriously exceptional. Recommended wine was top tier and tied the whole evening together. Will absolutely be back!

One day is not enough to see it all. Wow . I totally love it. There's a café where you can take a break and a bite. The staff are wonderful, happy and friendly. A big shout out to Kathy who was The Cherry On Top. Thank you so very much. Totally appreciated .. You. Your kindness meant so much in a world full of grumpy service. 🎉🎖🎉🏆

If you’re heading to Daylesford and think you’ll just “pop in” to the Mill Market—think again. I had to physically usher my mum and sister out after hours of wandering, because we could’ve happily spent the whole day there. This place is a treasure trove. Yes, the vintage wares are incredible—retro furniture, vinyl records, quirky knick-knacks—but it’s not just a nostalgia fest. There’s modern giftware, a garden section with charming outdoor pieces, and even a cozy little café for when your legs give out from browsing. There are toilets on site. One moment I was admiring vintage crystal ware, the next I was face-to-face with a shelf of ventriloquist dolls that were equal parts fascinating and creepy. (Seriously, they looked like they had stories to tell—and not all of them wholesome.) Whether you’re a collector, a curious wanderer, or just someone who loves a good rummage, the Mill Market is a must. Just be warned: time disappears in there.

The Amazing Mill Markets in Daylesford is a treasure trove of vintage and antique goodies, spread over 6 acres with 300+ car spaces. Discover unique items, retro fashion, collectibles and more at this massive indoor market, open daily from 10am-6pm, with an onsite cafe to refuel"

We visited these aptly named markets 7 years ago in 2018 and we had to revisit again. Being from Perth, WA - we don’t have anything that remotely resembles these incredible markets. So much variety and such quirkiness. We only had 2 hours here but easily spend a couple of days going through everything. We were concerned Our 2 young teenage boys wouldn’t last half an hour but even they found interest and lasted 1.5 hours before they got bored and wanted out. Thankfully the cafe onsite managed to placate them for a tad longer (although the sausage roll did take 20 minutes…) but their nougat made up for it and was amazing! Love the Eiffel Tower and gorilla out front! Will try to squeeze in another visit before we head home.

Just so much, you will need hours if you can spate it. Its huge, has a cafe as well. Easy access to building though some stalls are a tight fit if you have mobility aids or pram.

I have never been anyplace quite like this. I could spend all day and still have not explored all their is to see.

Always a fun and interesting visit to the mill market. So many interesting stalls, really something for everyone. There is a cafe if you wanted to have a meal or a snack. This day though we were just there for a wander. It is always nice to spot something that brings up a memory. For me there was a Humphrey B Bear coin operated machine, where you can insert a coin and make Humphrey dance. I have very fond memories of this as a child. There is a large selection of ventriloquist dolls, if that's your thing. You should also enjoy the sculptures outside the building aswell. There are bathroom facilities so you really can spend a few hours.

Nice little Chinese restaurant found in Daylesford. Food is not too bad, some hit and miss. The honey chicken was very nice while the dumplings (dont think they are home made) and noodles are so-so. Different price in Chinese and English menu for the same dish. Overall we had quite a pleasant experience there.

Great find at Jackie’s on Vincent in Daylesford! Wasn’t sure about Asian fusion, but wow, the dishes (check my photos!) were unreal. Super sweet staff, too. Awesome food spot, totally recommend!

My husband and I stumbled across this place our first night in Daylesford and came back two nights later because we were still dreaming of their dumplings! Made fresh in house and absolutely incredible! Portions are very generous and a beautiful cosy atmosphere. Staff were friendly and attentive. We weren't super impressed by the calamari but the Asian cuisine was amazing, especially the must order dumplings! We will definitely be back 😊

The food in this small town is considered quite acceptable, and the service is notably swift. Furthermore, the portions are rather generous, to the point that we were unable to finish them.

Objectively horrible experience. Visiting town, saw the reviews and it seemed nice. Got seated next to another couple near the fireplace. Within 2mins of being seated we and the other couple were bumped from our seats for a group of 16 that rolled in with no booking (confirmed by server). Mentioned to the server it’s ok but gave her a word that I hope to be served before the big group as we were in first and only wanted 2 mains. Well, after being moved we waited, waited, lo and behold the group of 16, despite no booking, gets served all of their meals one after the other. We were served our skewers entree, which bad service aside, was still average, not marinated, just some dry chicken breast with a basic peanut sauce. After waiting, locking eyes with the front of house lady a couple of times and the server (the young server was lovely) we still didn’t get our food as the large group kept getting theirs. I’m unsure if it matters but the large group were of similar ethnicity to the restaurant operators. I hope that wasn’t the issue! In the end, I was frustrated with being bumped from our seats and then abandoned for a large group, so my friend and I got up and left, cancelling our mains. You don’t treat customers like that! Uploaded invoice so there’s no claim of a fake review. If you go here I hope your experience is better than ours.

This place is an absolute gem! If you're looking for delicious, authentic Asian fusion food served up fast and fresh, look no further. The menu is packed with flavorful dishes — everything we ordered was spot-on. You can really taste the care and tradition in the cooking. It’s a true family-run spot, and that warm, welcoming energy comes through in both the food and the service. Despite how busy it gets (and trust me, it gets busy), the staff is incredibly efficient and friendly. Our food came out lightning fast, and the service never skipped a beat. Perfect for a casual dinner, a family meal, or a quick lunch — this is the kind of place you'll find yourself coming back to again and again. Highly recommend!

🥰This restaurant is absolutely fantastic! The ambiance is cozy and charming, perfect for a delightful dining experience. The cuisine is absolutely outstanding, with delicious dishes that are freshly prepared and bursting with flavor. The salmon was beautifully cooked, the spicy beef was tender and flavorful, and the vegetables were fresh and crispy and all organic. The service was impeccable, with staff who are attentive and friendly. I would highly recommend this restaurant to friends and family, and I can't wait to return. Excellent job, keep it up!

Had a really good dinner at the Taj Mahal Authentic Indian restaurant in Daylesford. We had the butter chicken and the eggplant and potato curry which were absolutely delicious. The Taj Mahal is an absolute find.. a hidden gem and do yourself a favour, give the Taj Mahal a go.. you will not be disappointed.. excellent service at very reasonable prices

This place has one of the best Indian food I’ve eaten in Victoria by far! Lovely ambiance, lip smacking food! Mango lassi was the best I’ve had by far. Pani puri was to die for. Butter chicken was spot on. We loved everything we had. Price was very reasonable too. Definitely visiting again when we visit Daylesford.

Food was yum! Worth travelling for, the wait stuff/manager was always going up to the tables and making sure everything was ok and if there was anything anyone needed.

We are visitors to Daylesford and really wanted some Indian food. We ordered food online and had it delivered. It was wonderful, just what we needed, it was nice and hot and the food was delicious. Thankyou Taj Mahal, that is the best curry I have had for a long time, well done!

Nice Indian restaurant. Interior was good, warm and inviting. They had an unusual serving robot and attentive staff. Their prices were good and wine selection more than satisfactory. Their dishes were very good, perhaps slightly hotter than some others. All good.

Ordered Veg Biriyani; it was dry, yellow-red coloured rice without any flavour and without any veggies in it.. Potion wise was too small, not sufficient for one person also.. Service and ambience was good; but food quality turned the mood off.

So good! Easy to see why this place has so many good reviews. The food is incredible and the service is just so friendly and welcoming. Best butter chicken I’ve ever had, everything else was great and the prices are very reasonable. Our server was so attentive and kind. We love Indian food and this place ticked all the boxes, it can be hard to decide where to eat in a town with such great options but Taj Mahal should be up the top of your list!

Terribly sorry but kitchen needs a little work. Just under 1 hour wait for breakfast. We were the only people in the garden area. Bacon was missing on my breakfast. When bacon came out it had been removed off someone else's order as it had avocado on it as well. No salt and pepper was offered for our table. When the waitress was asked for salt and pepper, a knife fell on the ground. Sadly she didn't return with a clean one. Asked if we were OK with the dirty knife. We will not return.

Decent cafe. Coffee was average. Avo toast was good. Chilli eggs had ridiculous amounts of chilli. I get that's what the meal is but it lacked balance. It's a serviceable experience but would like to see more pride taken with the details to up the overall vibe.

Having arrived a bit later into Daylesford, we found Hotel Frangos / Koukla open for dinner. Great tasting pizza, pasta, entrees and cocktails. The staff were superb and friendly as well, with plenty of seating indoors.

Good quality food worth its money. The service was a bit "I can't be bothered" bug the place itself is clean and welcoming.

Waited almost an hour for our order while watching several tables who came in after us being served. When queried the staff, only to be rudely told that they are very busy. No apology. Finally decided to leave after waited another 5 min and witness another table who just came in, receive their breakfast. When gave the feedback to the presumed manager, we got the same excuse. So glad we left because we found an amazing cafe across the road with our beautifully presented breakfast served with a smile, all within 10 min!

Waited 45 mins for simple breakfast. Noone came up and said anything or offered another coffee. Another table walked out I was about to pay for coffees when our breakfast finally came. Meals were very average eggs barely cook and bacon was rubbish, If we weren't so hungry we would have left. It wasn't even very busy. You can do better guys.

Rude waitstaff, the rolling of the eyes seemed to happen when a question was asked or to find out where our food was after a 1 hour wait. Extremely long wait time for our breakfast we ended up leaving my 2 year old toast with an egg never came. Staff drinking coffee in front of everyone dont get me wrong they are allowed to drink however please attend to your tables first or have some what of care in a customer service role.

Dined in the Beautiful courtyard close to the fountain. Waitress that served us was very attentive and very helpful. Not a huge menu, so it made selecting what to eat quite easy. Food was good. My only comment is the table top was dusty due to the nature of the surrounding ground which was filled with gravel. Will be back!

We went here for our 15th wedding anniversary. Great service, really enjoyed the meals (especially the steak and pork belly) and the bartender made us beautiful mocktails. It was quite loud. Obviously a popular place. But we could still hear one another. Would recommend.

Firstly, the designs of the building and atmosphere are so interesting. The food and coffee are great. The Staff and the service are very amazing and friendly. Secondly, pet friendly place. My furbaby is my family, I feel like they accept it our thoughts. They also have a nice garden to walk around with my furkid. It's very important for me to make all of us happy. Furthermore, this place very highly recommended.

We were at The Virgin Kitchen yesterday (30th August) at around 6.50pm and was told by a white male bald waiter who wears glasses that there’s an hour wait despite there were plenty of empty tables available by sight. We walked out of the restaurant and made reservation online at 7pm, and there are plenty of available spots between 7-8pm online as well. We walked back in right after and told the same waiter we made reservation. He didn’t check our names or the time of reservation, instead he took menus and showed us to an empty table which was available from the time we first entered the restaurant 10 minutes ago. Hence the reason why this reservation showed that we didn’t attend the dinner but we did. I also paid attention to customers who came after us. Most of them are walk ins and I am quite certain that they did not make reservation online. I hope to bring this to your attention that we did not feel welcome in the first place by the bald waiter and felt being discriminated despite we were ready (and we did) to spend for an expensive meal. Food was great, service needs to be improved. First impression counts.

A beautiful dining experience for our wedding anniversary. I picked this place last minute and it didn't disappoint. The staff, food, ambience were 10/10. As a fussy vegetarian they also had more options for me then I thought initially. We also received a complimentary drink which was a nice touch. Would recommend and come back :)

celebrating an anniversary dinner, we decided to dine here on thursday night. we loved the setting, ambience and the friendly, communicative and accomodating staff. lots of options available. we ordered the steak and the gnocci, and some drinks which were all so delicious. thank you for such a special time!

I love a good full breakfast… and coming from the London I find it very hard to find comparable ones here in Australia. This full brekkie took me back my fav spot in London, everything was spot on. If I come back to Daylesford it will probably be for this breakfast 😆 great job guys and gals… really really impressed!

Stopped in on whim in between a fully planned itinerary - didn’t leave for hours! Sensational food that surprised and delighted with real care for flavour and service. Maitre d’ was superb and cared deeply about the experience. He was the perfect host. Staff shone. Cocktails were great 🙌🏻

We went down without a booking on the Thursday night before ANZAC day, they were able to seat us at the bar, which ended up being an awesome outcome. Luke the bartender was great to chat to, giving us suggestions of wineries and distilleries to visit in the area and his cocktails and drink recommendations were on point. Food was delicious, the pork belly was a highlight. They were able to cater for my coeliac partner as well with no issues.

Out for dinner with my family, we decided to share a variety of dishes on our night at Betel Boy and we’re so glad we did. Everything was fresh, vibrant, and full of flavour. We had the fried rice, Chinese broccoli, dumplings, and crispy chicken wings (which my son found hilarious when they turned out a bit too spicy for me!). The standout for me was the pork belly on a cauliflower purée, rich, tender, and beautifully balanced. Every dish was cooked with care and served with a smile. A great spot for a relaxed and delicious meal. Make sure you stop here—you won’t be disappointed

We came here last year ordered the fried rice and Massaman curry (the best curry). It was sooo tasty and we were dreaming about it all the time. This year we came here and ordered the same dishes. (+Parfet & choc fondant) It was delightful dinner and never disappointed at all. The wait staff are also helpful and friendly. We will come back here again next year!

We recently had lunch at Betel Boy, and it was easily one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in a while. Every dish we ordered was packed with flavour, perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented. We tried the Penang curry with rice, Barramundi fish, and the standout Korean chicken ribs—each dish offering a unique flavour profile that made the meal feel like a culinary adventure. The Penang curry was rich, creamy, and aromatic, with just the right amount of spice. It was perfectly paired with steamed jasmine rice, which absorbed all the curry goodness and made every bite satisfying and comforting. The Barramundi fish was cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The freshness of the fish was clear, and it was served with a light, tangy sauce that elevated the dish without overpowering it. But the highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Korean chicken ribs. Sticky, crispy, and bursting with bold Korean flavours, they were addictive from the first bite. The glaze was sweet, savoury, and spicy in just the right balance, and the meat was fall-off-the-bone tender. The service was warm and efficient, and the ambiance was modern and welcoming—ideal for a relaxed lunch. In short, Betel Boy delivered on all fronts. Delicious food, great atmosphere, and memorable dishes. We’re already planning our next visit!

Amazing cocktails, food , service and decor. I wish , I had visited this venue on the first day of my 6 days in Daylsford, I would have returned to try the entire menu.

Ordered 2 delicious zingy cock/mocks with a spicy tasty curry. I love the spring rolls what a hit! Y'all do not dissapoint on the cocktails and mocktails. Staff are super consistent no matter who's running about! Thank you for your friendly tentative service. :) demolished food and first drink, so no pics sorry! Came here a year ago and the consistency is valued! Will be back for sure.

Coffee is decent, breakfast rolls are delicious! We got a tandoori wrap and some sort of mushroom and capsicum and salami roll and it was absolutely delicious! Will definitely drop by, next time we're in the area!

This is a fabulous stop for morning/arvo Coffee & something sweet, or lunch. Great service and tasty food. Well worth the stop.

This general store is an absolute gem. We stayed nearby for a few days and probably wound up stopping by once daily. The cafe has a delicious range of inventive and classic sandwiches, plus great coffee and gorgeous sweet treats. The store has everything you could possibly need if you're staying in a local guesthouse, from a good selection of grocery items to heat-and-serve meals to interesting gifts (I'm still regretting that I didn't grab the gorgeous Kip & Co slipper-boots!) A particular shout-out to the charming young woman who was working there the day my daughter and I first stopped by -- she was capable, friendly and a real asset to the place.

Wow! What a hidden gem! Away from the hussle and bussle of Daylesford main shopping centre, This is the perfect Cafe. Great coffee, amazing fresh food and staples. The service is excellent and friendly. They really care and take pride in the experience. Inside is cosy and eclectic, with that old school feel. There is also outside dining where you can watch the world go by at a relaxed pace. Highly recommend this wonderful store!

Stopped in for a late lunch after a massage and couldn’t believe how delicious everything we got was! Salad roll was super fresh despite it being a bit later, the homemade sweets were amazing (carrot, walnut and pineapple muffin!!). Keeping this one in the memory bank!

I gotta say, theres this Bannana and sticky date Muffine they got, and, It had to be the best Muffin i have ever had! It was so tasty and delicious!!^ :) 3 smiles!! Customer service has allways been the most, Ive lived in hepburn for 39 years.very lucky to have a store like this!thankX

Sachin looked after us very well. Such a welcoming and warm place to stop for a snack or coffee, only 5 minutes North or Daylesford.

This is the best hot chocolate place in Victoria by a long shot!!! The shop itself is such a welcoming and calming place to sit down and have a drink. The lady (I didn’t catch her name) was so friendly and nice. Me and my wife drank it in under like 2 minutes it was so good we had the “deluxe experience” This place is our favourite and we will be stopping by here every time we are up in Daylesford 🙏🏽🙏🏽

The hot chocolate is so delicious! Although it is little bit expensive, absolutely the best and most amazing hot chocolate have ever had! We ordered the milk chocolate and chili cinnamon chocolate. i can recomend to everyone who comes to Daysford😎

This place, the hospitality and of course the hot chocolate are absolutely first class. The attention to detail demonstrates the love Arkie puts into every cup, packet and her customers. Hot chocolate is an occasion, a holiday, a moment of bliss, love in a cup. Do yourself a favour, go into the shop or buy online. You won't go back to the mass produced stuff again. Thank you for raising the bar on hot chocolate in Australia.

The best hot chocolate and brownie I have ever had! We order the deluxe experience, a hot chocolate with whipped cream, chocolate crumble and toasted marshmallows, with it came an extra little jug of cream! This experience was phenomenal, 100% recommend!!

My daughter bought this hot chocolate for us to try it at home during her trip to Daylesford. We’ve been experimenting with different types of milk. It’s so rich and delicious 👍

Great hot chocolate and such a cute property. Price is justified for the quality and taste of the hot chocolate and marshmallows! Lady working there was very nice, definitely will go back!

The hot chocolate and the vibe was everything. But, the lady serving was not the vibe because she suggested buying the cylindered hot chocolate powder saying that it was the same price as the packet, which turned out to be different. So if you buy the hot chocolate powder be aware of the prices.

We were very surprised walking into this distillery, blown away by the decor. Would describe this place as a hidden gem in Daylesford. Very friendly staff, going through the herbal liqueurs, having different effects on the body, full of flavour, delicious brandy tawny. The story behind this distillery gave that extra appreciation behind there products. Tasted the most smooth vodka I've ever had, great quality, had to buy a bottle. Honestly best I've tasted before. Would highly recommend coming here.

We loved this distillery. We walked in and blown away by the space, decor and ambience of the tasting room. After having a look at some great gift ideas we were seated comfortably on some couches and an informative and generous tasting began. Honestly we could have nearly bought everything we tasted between us. This is a must and in the top three of our visit to Daylesford.

Michele and I called in today after purchasing a port for Father’s Day a few hi ups but we got it sorted so we thought we would call in and say thank you WOW 🤩 what a surprise the atmosphere was amazing what a venue to sit back and enjoy, I would not call it a tasting it was a journey and we were lucky to have the owner Susanne take us through the experience explaining every detail of the range of Gins, vodka, tawnys and liquors. It would have to been one of the best experiences we left a little bit lighter in the bank but we are looking forward to sharing them with friends by the open fire Thank you Susanne and Rodger Paul Levey and Michele East

My partner and I dropped by just as we were leaving Dalesford and we are so glad we did! Sue and Roger were wonderful - they spent time talking about their beautiful liqueurs with us. The smoked malt whiskey and liqueur plums were my favourite! I order a bit of everything and had it delivered to Sydney. Thank you so much Sue and Roger for your hospitality and for sharing your stories with us. Asthika & Prakhar

Best tasting EVER! Staff were amazing!! All alcohol was so nice. The vodka tasted like water.. Dangerous. I will always recommend this place to anyone visiting around Daylesford!! Thank you for a lovely experience

We had a wonderful time tasting the wide variety of herbal liqueurs, gins and tawny here. The couple that runs this distillery are wonderful and took their time explaining each tasting to us! The distillery itself is cozy and warm, with lots of vintage decor.

We visited Terra Australis Distillery on the weekend and can only describe our experience as magical. Roger guided us through our elixir tasting. Speaking with him felt like speaking with an alchemist, his extensive knowledge of plants and the skill and care taken in turning them into delicious liquors was both fascinating and enjoyable. It is a rare thing to meet someone so proficient in their craft and this is why Terra Auatralis should be a must visit for anyone coming to the region.

Right from the outset, let me put it out there the chips were close to perfect. Best I have had in years. I'd go back just for the chips. seriously. The chicken was a little dry, tbh. However, the service was good and food priced reasonably.

Got takeaway late Saturday afternoon - a roast chicken, chips and salad meal. Chicken was moist and tasty, the large chips were a very generous serve and hit the spot - perfectly cooked and seasoned. Really enjoyed our meal and felt it was reasonably priced as well

Love this place! We ordered chicken drumstick and pieces, it is simply amazing, tasty and juicy! Owner is extremely friendly and professional. 10/10 best business in town. Absolutely love it!

The prices have gone up since the previous owners and the quality has gone down. My order has been put to the back of the queue twice as I watched those that ordered after me given their meals. And I was on a work lunch break. Attention needs to be given to the productivity as I saw my order sitting in the Baine Marie while more orders were taken. As a result my food was soggy. The chips really need attention. Please improve the quality. Yellow chips are the cheapest you can get for a reason. I really want to support this business. I hope they are listening.

I absolutely adore this place, I come here often and have to say even after the owner has changed the food has still stayed the same. The fried chicken is my personal favorite, really good with some chips!! 🍗🍗🍗

I come up from near Geelong prospecting quite regularly, and stopping here on the way home is an absolute necessity!!! Fantastic food, and the most wonderful staff and service too! I am genuinely envious of Daylesford residents for this place alone! Go support a wonderful local business!!!

Absolute best takeaway chicken schnitzel and chips and grilled chicken burgers around. Huge serves and great value for money. Awesome dim sims, too. Salads and gravy, though, are meh.

Came here for a quick bite with the family and we are glad we did. We ate in and ordered 3 small pizzas and a kids pasta. Pizzas were made with fresh dough and were very tasty. My littlest wasn't able to finish the pasta but it looked tasty. Good value but pity they weren't licensed as a beer with the pizzas would have been great.

Absolutely the best pizza I’ve ever had. Been going here for few years, can’t fault the pizza it is delicious, so fluffy yet crunchy crust at the same time. The staff are so friendly as well always the same three when I go in. Even the pasta is delicious as well. And the garlic bread is amazing. 100% recommend!

I moved to Australia four years ago, and since then it’s been hard to find a really good pizza that has vegan cheese—or one without cheese that still tastes amazing. I finally found it at Sophie & Bill’s! I’ve walked past this place many times because it often looks quiet and the restaurant itself is quite simple, but don’t let that stop you. It was a Monday night and my first choice for dinner was closed, so I looked for pizza options and saw a review for the Vege Grill. Something told me to give it a try—and I’m so glad I did! I ordered a small pizza without cheese, and it was incredible. The crust was beautifully thick, full of flavour and toppings, and every bite was satisfying. I’ve already gone back and ordered it again! If you’re in the mood for pizza, definitely stop here—it's absolutely worth it.

We tried the Sophies special pizza which was not too bad and looked nice. Generous in filling and affordable cost. However, they use processed shredded ham and my partner ended up with a stomach ache. In general, pizzas are better when they use leg ham instead of processed ham....

I love it!!! Thanks so much I didn’t expect to to love the prawn and scallop pizza as much as I did. My usual go to was the Prochuto I ordered that as well but didn’t enjoy as much as the seafood pasta. The Prochuto was a bit salty but other than that all good. Cash only place guys! If you are going to visit please bring cash. The restaurant really gives off the warm local food place, looks like a mum and pop shop. The food I enjoyed it. We also ordered dim sims on the side. Was here for an event the bordealis light show.

So I read d google reviews and I have ordered veg Pizza n pasta both, nd it was amazing. On of the best pizza and pasta I ever had. Yum yum, I will visit again

Wow you have to try the pasta we had the calabrese penne and it was absolutely delicious. Home made and made to order with all fresh and very tasty ingredients. 10/10