Victoria’s dining scene is a rich tapestry of global flavours, cutting-edge innovation and deep-rooted culinary heritage. From Melbourne’s laneway gems and fine-dining institutions to regional treasures in the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula, the state offers a feast for all palates.
Local produce shines on menus celebrating paddock-to-plate philosophy, with Chefs embracing sustainable, seasonal ingredients. Whether it’s Modern Australian, authentic Italian, boundary-pushing Asian fusion or relaxed coastal fare, Victoria delivers world-class dining in diverse, atmospheric settings.
Here is a snapshot of delicious Readers’ Choice Award-winning dining destinations in Victoria to put on your radar, as voted by you!
Winner Modern Australian – Metro
Embark on a multi-sensorial experience where the ordinary is transformed into the extraordinary at Strato Melbourne – Bar and Restaurant on Normanby Road in Southbank. Start your evening with a drink at Strato Bar & Lounge where you take in 360-degree views across the city, then head to the dining room to find a menu that evolves with seasons, inspired by air, water, ice, earth and living things.
Expect dishes such as crab timbale to start with grapefruit and lemongrass vinaigrette, before delving into tender beef short ribs, seasoned with garlic, ginger and green onions, served with Asian slaw; or miso-glazed King salmon with ginger carrot purée and bok choy.
Winner Asian – Regional
Grab your spyglass and follow the clues to find Fook Shing restaurant on Piper Street in Kyneton. This venue, named after an infamous Chinese detective posted to the region during Victoria's Gold Rush, celebrates all things Asian from hanging red lantern lights to exposed brick, polished wooden floors and red table settings.
Take a seat beneath the portrait of Detective Shing and delve into vibrant plates designed for sharing such as crispy five-spiced quail to begin, following on with crisp master stock duck, spiced plum sauce and sides of Asian greens and steamed jasmine rice.
Winner Café – Metro
Expect authentic Sri Lankan fare Burgher-style at Ceylon Girl's Café & Bar on Skye Road in Frankston. This family-friendly café sets a warm and welcoming vibe of polished wood floors, dark blue walls adorned with traditional artwork and panels of greenery; ideal for lingering over a coffee and Sri Lankan or Continental breakfast bite, through to an intimate dinner.
Kickstart your culinary journey with an entrée of tandoori chicken tenders and a side salad, then delve into an authentic Ceylonese pork curry with raita, condiments and roti; or creamy cheese garlic prawns with steamed rice.
Winner European – Metro
Inspired by Napa Valley’s rolling hills and verdant vineyards, Basq on Wirraway Road brings a new dining destination to Essendon Fields. Whether stopping in for a coffee break or lingering over a long lunch, take time to relax in Basq’s rustic interior of stacked stone, wood panelling, circular pendents and potted palms, ideal for catch-ups and celebrations.
Savour each mouthful and sip as you forget about time for a while and delve into 23-hour smoked Wagyu brisket, slow-cooked to perfection and served with parsnip purée, grilled onions and chimichurri, or spaghetti with blue swimmer crab, lemon dill velouté and fermented chilli.
Winner French – Regional
Located on the banks of Lake Daylesford with exquisite water views from any vantage point, the Boathouse Restaurant on Leggatt Street is a sophisticated dining venue for lunch and dinner. Take in stunning vistas from a warm and cosy indoor area for Winter catch-ups, or soak up the sun on the outdoor deck and seating area during warmer months; expect year-round comfort with stylish food and professional service as you enjoy a glass of wine with family and friends.
Dive in with a starter such as orange-braised pork belly, fennel, apple, chutney and lingonberry jus; for the main, think plates like lobster and herb risotto with peas, asparagus and herb huile de piment, or dry-aged duck breast, roasted vegetables, beetroot purée and confit prune.
Winner Italian – Metro
La Camera Southgate offers a touch of Italy among riverside treetops in Southbank. With two balconies offering views of the Yarra River and iconic Flinders Street Station, La Camera’s balmy alfresco areas are ideal for pre-theatre meals, business lunches or group get-togethers. Inside this family-owned and operated venue, vintage photographs, warm lighting and booth seating create a cosy yet versatile setting that interchanges between airy and casual by day to chic by night.
An extensive menu showcases an array of authentic Roman-style dishes, all made using fresh produce – pasta lovers are in heaven over plates like Nonna Chiara’s pork and veal lasagne, or pick up a slice of Gustosa pizza, with mozzarella, Napoli, salami, Italian sausage and caramelised onion.
Winner Japanese – Regional
Lovingly crafted Japanese flavours are on the plate at Kadota restaurant on Camp Street in picturesque Daylesford. This warm and inviting venue is the passion project of owners Aaron Schembri and Risa Kadota, whom the restaurant is named after, who met while working at some of Japan’s finest restaurants.
They have brought their passion for captivating food, drinks and hospitality from Risa’s hometown of Okayama to Aaron’s hometown of Daylesford; expect to be blown away by dishes such as a crisp tart shell crafted from potato, topped with prawns, wild fennel pollen and a hint of wild mustard.
Winner Pub Food – Metro
Find a decidedly modern take on food and drinks while maintaining old-school charm at Collingwood watering hole The Fox Hotel on Wellington Street. This cunningly versatile pub turned modern eatery projects a relaxed, welcoming vibe with rustic charm from recycled timber and well-worn brick, while a rooftop deck beckons on balmy days for chilling out with a bite and brew.
From a menu of pub classics with a twist, kick start your meal with salt and pepper squid, mountain pepper and aioli; then slice your knife into perfectly cooked hanger steak with garlic butter and sides of French fries, salad and seed mustard pan gravy.
For all Victorian Readers’ Choice Award-winners, click here.
