Best Restaurants in Geelong Taking the Hospitality Scene to the next Level!
Geelong is experiencing a boom in the restaurant scene along with its arts. With the wave of urban revitalization, this place is reinventing its dining culture by refurbishing the buildings and driving an influx of new cafes, restaurants and bars.
So, if you want to enjoy a nice outdoor dinner, instead of cooking in isolation at home or you wish to look for delivery or takeaway alternatives to save the efforts, scan our list of the best restaurants in Geelong before making any decision.
1. Bistrot St JEAN
A French eatery hidden in the lanes of Geelong, Bistro St Jean is driven by passion. Recognised for serving the most delicious baked oysters, they offer French-inspired bistro-style meals at the most unbeatable prices. Their selection of imported and local wines to pair with your dishes decorated in the wine cellar present you with a slice of Paris.
Website: http://bistrot.com.au
Contact: +61 (03) 5298 2408
2. The Hot Chicken Project
If fried chicken is your jam, this is the spot where you can shove yourself with a lot of it. Order a lot of gin, wine or beer and spicy chicken wings and burgers. And if for any unusual reason you don’t feel like eating chicken, you can opt for a wholesome fish sandwich. If you prefer to relish the food in the convenience of your home, they are also open for takeaway.
Website: https://www.thehotchickenproject.com
Contact: +61 (03) 5221 8977
3. Zigfrids
Offering a fresh take on the traditional Middle Eastern food with a modern Australian twist, Zigfrids serves a menu that apprehends nothing of pretentiousness but is worth experiencing with your group. We suggest their popular ricotta dumplings with pine nuts, quail, slow-cooked lamb shoulder and baba ghanoush. If you wish to enjoy some after-work drinks on a soothing night, their beer garden with a cosy balcony is the best place to enjoy a wide-ranging drink list and get rid of your stress.
Website: http://zigfrids.com.au
Contact: +61 (03) 5221 1555
4. Restaurant IGNI
Tucked away in the back alley within Geelong CBD, Igni is a little two-hatted eatery offering delicious surprises to its guests. Igni means fire in Latin, and true to its name, this restaurant provides a lick of flame to every dish that comes out of its kitchen. Smell the sweet smoke while entering its doors and enjoy their set course menu while dining in the intimate settings.
Website: https://www.restaurantigni.com
Contact: +61 (03) 5222 2266
5. Rook : Sri Lankan Fusion
Offering Sri Lanka’s unparalleled cuisine, Rook is settled in a prime location on Malop Street in the heart of Geelong. The restaurant offers laid-back vibes and a relaxing atmosphere where families can enjoy the warmth of each other’s company. Their menu consists of humble but eccentric Sri Lankan touch including dishes like Sri Lankan Egg Benedict, Rook’s big breakfast and String Hoppers. To apprehend the true taste of Sri Lankan culture, ask for some Ceylon tea before you finish your meals.
Website: https://www.rookgeelong.com
Contact: +61 (03) 5222 7905
6. Tulip Bar & Restaurant
Putting a strong emphasis on picking ingredients from local farms, Tulip offers you an opportunity to support the community while dining at this modern enticer. The menu involves shared-food, which means you can sample everything while bonding with your people and celebrating the moments. Their signature dishes like kangaroo tartare or pistachio and duck terrine offer an explosion of flavours in your mouth. Delish!
Website: https://www.tuliprestaurant.com.au
Contact: +61 (03) 5229 6953
7. ALMA Restaurant
Bringing the flavours of South America to Geelong, Alma is a fancy restaurant taking modern Australian dining one level up. Accentuating on scouting locally sourced ingredients from market gardens and farms, the dishes here are served in an unadulterated way. We recommend their scallop or snapper ceviche paired with a delectable beverage and ending your meal with sweet treats like almond & citrus panna cotta.
Website: https://www.almarestaurant.com.au
Contact: +61 (04) 9801 2622
8. The Arborist Geelong
Another spot serving modern Australian cuisine inspired by Middle-eastern flavours, The Arborist, is a sister venue to Zigfrids. They have created a benchmark for the self-sufficiency of upcoming eateries. Offering a humble menu including tasty dishes like roasted beetroot salad, baked halloumi and slow-cooked pork belly with a carefully curated beverage list incorporating craft beers, wines and cocktails, they make sure you get an extraordinary dining experience.
Website: https://www.thearboristgeelong.com.au
Contact: +61 409 749 489
9. Osteria Fiorenza
A private restaurant offering genuine Italian cuisine at its daintiest, Osteria Fiorenza is warmly lit, producing a comfy environment reminiscent of Italy. If you are walking around Geelong, you’ll not repent your decision to dine at this place. The ample portions offered at a reasonable price, including dishes like antipasto or pici with seafood will make your mouth drool. Don’t forget to end your meal with delightful tiramisu. Purchase a gift voucher for your group and book well in advance to avoid the wait as they are currently in high demand and have limited seating.
Website: https://osteriafiorenza.com.au
Contact: +61 424 540 576
10. Frankie
Serving Asia-inspired cuisine, this is one of the premium venues in Geelong. With carefully revamped space, you’ll find elegant banquet seating, booths and cosy chairs. They also have two rooms dedicated to functions featuring the same seating arrangement, which can be altered to suit the event needs. Their menu includes specialities like dim sum, lamb, pork ribs and Korean fried-chicken ribs. They also serve an exotic cocktail menu with a unique wine list that you can enjoy to the fullest!
Website: https://frankiebar.com
Contact: +61 (03) 5223 1228
While thinking of dining out or placing an order using a food delivery app, use this guide to know which restaurants in Geelong are open to satisfy your cravings for different cuisines, sometimes even worth a drive from Melbourne.
