When visiting Daylesford, it’s easy to be drawn to its well-known fine dining establishments, but if you want to dine like a local, here are a few standout spots.
We’ve chosen a few excellent dining establishments that capture the town’s unique charm, relaxed vibe, and love of great food. Whether you’re in the mood for a long, leisurely meal or a quick bite in a rustic setting, here are our must-visit favourites:
Cliffy’s Emporium – Rustic Charm & Hearty Brunch
30 Raglan St, Daylesford
Once an old general store, Cliffy’s Emporium is a Daylesford institution. With its vintage charm, shelves stocked with local produce and artisan goods, and a relaxed café setting, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch.
The menu is all about simple, high-quality ingredients, with dishes that celebrate regional flavours. Whether you’re sitting inside among the rustic decor or enjoying the sunshine at an outdoor table, Cliffy’s is the quintessential country café experience.
What to Try:
- A strong, locally roasted coffee to kickstart your day
- House-made breakfast bowl with seasonal fruit & yoghurt
- A Cliffy’s classic country breakfast with local bacon, mushrooms, and eggs
A meal at Cliffy’s is the perfect way to start a relaxing Daylesford weekend.
Daylesford Hotel – Classic Pub Dining with a Twist
2 Burke Square, Daylesford
Built in 1914, the Daylesford Hotel has been a local favourite for over 100 years, offering the perfect blend of country charm and modern hospitality in the heart of Daylesford. Recently renovated, the hotel now welcomes guests with a fresh new look while maintaining its signature warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Public Bar is the lively centre of the hotel, where both locals and visitors gather to unwind. Whether you’re enjoying a pint after work, indulging in a casual pub meal with the family, or sipping a spritz with friends, the vibe is always friendly and welcoming.
For those seeking a more refined experience, the Bistro offers a charming, intimate setting with soft lighting and full table service. It’s the perfect place for grown-up gatherings and special occasions when you want a bit more from your dining experience.
In the mood for something more relaxed? The Daylesford Hotel serves up delicious wood-fired pizzas through their convenient drive-thru service. Simply pre-order online and pick up your meal hassle-free.
What to Try:
- Chicken Parma in the Public Bar
- Steak cooked to perfection in the Bistro
- Wood-fired pizza from the drive-thru
Whether you’re enjoying a casual meal in the Public Bar, a sunset dinner on the balcony, or a special night in the Bistro, the Daylesford Hotel has something for everyone, with great food, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Boathouse Daylesford – Lunch with a Lake View
2 Leggatt St, Daylesford
Situated on the serene banks of Lake Daylesford, The Boathouse Restaurant offers breathtaking water views from every angle. Whether you’re enjoying lunch or dinner, this elegant yet relaxed venue provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. In the cooler months, cosy up indoors and take in the peaceful scenery, or, when the weather warms up, dine al fresco on the expansive outdoor deck, soaking up the beauty of the lake.
With a focus on year-round comfort, The Boathouse combines stylish cuisine with relaxed yet professional service, making it the ideal place to savour a glass of wine and share a memorable meal with family and friends.
What to Try:
- Greenhill Lamb – a local delicacy served at some of Australia’s finest restaurants
- Lava cake – a must-try dessert that’s sure to delight
- Opt for the 3-course dining option to experience the full range of sophisticated flavours
With its lakeside location and laid-back atmosphere, The Boathouse Daylesford is a fantastic spot to unwind while enjoying exceptional food and drink.
Larder Daylesford – Brunch, Lunch & Local Flavours
57A Vincent St, Daylesford
For breakfast or lunch, Larder Daylesford is an essential stop and a true local institution. The menu showcases the best regional ingredients, with a rotating selection of seasonal dishes that change throughout the year. Breakfast favourites include local free-range eggs paired with Istra bacon and chorizo, Mexican farm-style beans, and buttermilk hotcakes. Lunchtime offerings feature crowd-pleasers like the chicken burger with sriracha mayo and the Larder B.L.A.T.
What to Try:
- Apple pie porridge, perfect for a cool morning
- Johnny’s chilli scrambled eggs, a zesty twist on a classic
- Cult-favourite chicken burger with sriracha mayo
For an authentic local experience, Larder Daylesford serves up some of the freshest, most vibrant meals in town, highlighting the very best of the region’s produce.
Sault Restaurant – Fine Dining with a Stunning View
2349 Ballan-Daylesford Rd, Sailors Falls
For a special dining experience, Sault Restaurant is one of the most picturesque spots in the region. Set on a beautiful estate with rolling lavender fields and a tranquil lake, Sault offers an elegant menu that showcases seasonal, locally grown produce with a focus on refined, modern Australian cuisine.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy exceptional food in a breathtaking setting, Sault is a must-visit. The tasting menu is a fantastic way to experience the chef’s creativity, while the carefully curated wine list highlights the best of Victoria’s wine regions.
What to Try:
- 7 course tasting menu for a curated dining experience
- A glass of Macedon Ranges Pinot Noir or Chardonnay
With its beautiful views, impeccable service, and outstanding food, Sault is the perfect choice for a long, luxurious lunch or a romantic dinner.
The Surly Goat – A Hidden Gem for Food Lovers
3 Tenth St, Hepburn Springs
Opened in 2016, The Surly Goat is a fun, local restaurant and bar tucked away in a quiet backstreet of Hepburn Springs, away from the main tourist strip. Originally serving the kind of food and wine you’d enjoy on your days off, it has since evolved into a standout dining spot.
Now offering a daily changing prix fixe four-course menu, The Surly Goat focuses on seasonal ingredients and sustainability, with 8 to 10 dishes that highlight local produce. The restaurant works closely with small-scale regenerative producers, sourcing much of their fruit, vegetables, dairy, eggs, and meats from the region.
Their wine and beverage menu also highlights local, regenerative options, perfectly complementing the evolving dishes.
What to Try:
- The prix fixe menu, featuring the best seasonal produce
- The fabulous selection of local wines
With its focus on sustainable, local food and a welcoming atmosphere, The Surly Goat is a must-visit in Hepburn Springs.
Dine Like a Local in Daylesford
Daylesford boasts a vibrant and diverse food scene, offering everything from cosy cafés and charming pubs to elegant dining experiences and hidden gems. Whether you’re craving fine dining at Sault, a rustic brunch at Cliffy’s Emporium, a relaxed dinner at The Surly Goat, or a classic pub meal at the Daylesford Hotel, there’s something to satisfy every craving. For a lakeside dining experience, head to The Boathouse Daylesford for stunning views and sophisticated cuisine, or enjoy the local delights at Larder Daylesford with fresh, seasonal dishes.
No matter where you choose to dine, you can expect exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a focus on fresh, local ingredients—a true reflection of what Daylesford dining is all about.
