Best restaurants in Daylesford, Victoria

Not sure where to eat in Daylesford? One-half of the duo behind the Daylesford edition of the Produce to Platter books, Jonette George has a few firm favourites from the region. Here’s her list of the best restaurants in Daylesford, Victoria:

1. The Convent Gallery

“This mansion was first built as a private pad for the gold commissioner during the 1860s Gold Rush, then transformed into a convent before becoming a gallery – it’s absolutely beautiful. Come for the art, stay for a café-style lunch or some afternoon tea.”

Bad Habits Café

The Bad Habits Cafe enhances the cafe atmosphere with a high atrium ceiling, peaceful palms filtering light, art-filled spaces, brightly painted walls and pleasant coffee bean aromas.

The most recent addition, the Altar Bar brings to life a contemporary and stylish bar and lounge that offers guests a fabulous selection of cakes and light snacks, cocktails, refreshments and an extensive wine list.

Address: 7 Daly St, Daylesford

2. Sault Restaurant

“One of Daylesford’s best restaurants, Sault is set on a spectacular 125-acre estate against the backdrop of the Wombat State Forest with beautiful views overlooking our own lake and fields of lavender.

Indulge your culinary senses with sumptuous cuisine, lovingly prepared by Sault’s team of Chefs. Only a 70-minute drive from Melbourne, Sault provides the perfect setting for lunch, dinner or that special occasion.”

Sault Restaurant

Take advantage of the surrounding countryside and enjoy a meal at Sault Restaurant; boasting 180-degree views of the Lake, lavender and the forest through their large Bay windows, and they also keep everything clean and safe using fire safety hood cleaning so they can avoid accidents when cooking.

The seasonal Australian menu showcases the fabulous regional produce, with most of the herbs sourced from their very own gardens, as well as many of their vegetables and fruits.

Address: 2349 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Sailors Falls

3. Cliffy’s Emporium

“An institution – a provedore with all sorts of local produce. It’s housed in an old Australian building with a big old verandah, and it really honours the old-style Australian café. The food is fantastic.”

Cliffy’s Emporium

An iconic 1950s-styled cafe in the heart of Daylesford, with locals and visitors alike pulling up stools at one of the original long timber counters or sitting outdoors under the shade of the verandah and grapevines.

Cliffy’s has that hard-to-come-by, rare character and history that welcomes its visitors to a warm and home-like space.

Order from the menu and indulge in the local produce; cheese, meat, eggs, oil, honey and preserves. Order the eggs with a side of roasted sumac tomatoes and marinated roast mushrooms, or the go-to charcuterie plate featuring local cured meats, cheese, olives and pickled vegetables.

Address: 30 Raglan St, Daylesford

4. Lake House

“You just cannot go to Daylesford without dropping in here – it’s hardly a best-kept secret, but absolutely worthy of its reputation. Have a champagne breakfast, some lunch or dinner, or even stay the night – it’s right on the lake and beautiful.”

Lake House

Cutting edge, the Lake House has a seasonally focused menu matched with an internationally acclaimed wine list. With produce often hand-picked for a morning delivery, and a policy that focuses on constantly developing direct relationships with their nearby growers and producers.

The on-site five-acre farm is currently dedicated to vegetable gardens, a working barn for future classes and workshops, three hoop houses, a glasshouse, an orchard of 300 trees, an existing rejuvenated olive grove and a half-acre vineyard.

Address: 4 King St, Daylesford

5. Galley Diner

Galley Diner

The American obsession of burgers, beers, and ribs has landed in Daylesford with the 50s-styled Galley Diner.

Generous servings, friendly service and a buzzing atmosphere this burger joint is definitely worth a visit. We hear the fried chicken burger is a must!

Address: 105 Vincent St, Daylesford

6. Boathouse

Boathouse Restaurant

Located on the banks of Lake Daylesford, guests can take in the exquisite water views from any vantage point. The Boathouse restaurant provides year-round comfort with easy meals in a relaxed dining environment.

Bring along some old bread and feed the ducks whilst watching paddle boaters make their way around the lake.

Address: 2 Leggatt St, Daylesford

7. Wombat Hill House

Wombat Hill House

The cafe sits amongst the recently renovated 1940s caretaker cottage, right in the heart of Daylesford’s Botanic Gardens.

Serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch in the casual country-style cafe, perfect for all-day grazing in the enchanted gardens, by the open fire or under the heated pergola.

Eat in, take away, grab a coffee whilst walking the dog, order a picnic or draw a stool up at the bar and enjoy the cafe’s simple seasonal food.

Address: Wombat Hill Botanic Gardens, Daylesford

Want to know more about visiting Daylesford? Check out our detailed Daylesford guide here.