From lavish lunches to a true farm-to-table experience, these top restaurants highlight Daylesford’s burgeoning dining scene.
In Victoria’s stunning spa country, there are endless incredible things to do in Daylesford, including indulging in its renowned dining scene. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce, many restaurants boast their own kitchen gardens or partner with nearby farms to create seasonal line-ups bursting with flavour.
Whether you’re seeking a lavish lunch with breathtaking vistas, a modern twist on pub classics, or an Asian-fusion degustation experience, Daylesford has firmly established itself as a haven for food lovers. Here’s a round-up of some of the best restaurants to explore during your visit.
The shortlist
Fine Dining Gem: Lake House Restaurant
Best Date Spot: Sault Restaurant
Best Farm-to-Table: Du Fermier
Lake House Restaurant
Lake House Restaurant offers a light-filled space for a relaxed yet elegant dining experience. (Image: Lisa Cohen)
Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Daylesford, Lake House Restaurant exudes sophistication and serenity, under the leadership of Alla Wolf-Tasker AM. The multi-course fare is crafted from the finest Australian ingredients, much of which comes directly from their nearby Dairy Flat Farm (think: lemon thyme gnocchi with pine mushrooms, broad beans, and brown butter). Guests can opt for an additional farm tour, deepening the connection to your meal.
For a complete escape, indulge in rejuvenating treatments at the onsite spa—one of Daylesford’s top things to do. Better yet, extend your visit by staying in the venue’s luxurious accommodation, surrounded by peaceful nature.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Refined
Review: 4/5
Location: 2 Leggatt Street, Daylesford
Kadota Restaurant
Each meal is served in a traditional Kaiseki style.
Blending Japanese precision with local flavours, Kadota Restaurant exemplifies the Japanese concept of omotenashi—offering honest service and food. Helmed by Chef Aaron Schembri and Front of House Director Risa Kadota, Kadota beautifully reflects Aaron’s Daylesford roots and Risa’s Japanese heritage. The restaurant curates an intimate dining affair that combines the best of both worlds.
Kadota’s menu features traditional kaiseki-style dining, with six-course classic and seven-course luxury dinner options. A reduced five-course selection is also available for lunch, with add-ons, sake pairings, and curated beverages to enhance the experience.
Cuisine: Japanese Cuisine
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Refined
Review: 5/5
Location: 1 Camp Street, Daylesford
Sault Restaurant
Sault is set in a gorgeous country setting. (Image: Pauline Morrissey)
Framed by gorgeous fields of flowers, Sault Restaurant delivers an exquisite culinary journey with its expansive bay windows framing sweeping views of the countryside. Its refined modern Australian menu evolves with each harvest, showcasing regional produce, much of which comes straight from the restaurant’s own kitchen garden, including herbs, vegetables and trout smoked on site.
Guests can indulge in three to four courses, or opt for the impressive seven-course tasting, complete with wine pairings. Each beautifully plated dish is a feast for the eyes and perfect for capturing an Instagram-worthy moment.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$-$$$$$
Atmosphere: Refined
Review: 5/5
Location: 2349 Ballan-Daylesford Road, Sailors Falls
Farmers Arms Hotel
Farmers Arms Hotel has retained its heritage charm.
Steeped in history and charm, the Farmers Arms Hotel is Daylesford’s oldest pub, serving locals and travellers alike since 1857. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or settling in for a hearty meal, this revamped heritage-rich venue welcomes you in with vintage features and a warming fireplace—adding to the pub’s comfort and camaraderie.
The seasonal menu offers a creative take on classic pub fare. Signature favourites include the duck sausage with mash or the porterhouse steak with shoestring fries and Cafe de Paris butter. Pair your meal with one of their curated local wines or craft beers.
Cuisine: Classic Pub
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Casual
Review: 4/5
Location: 1 East Street, Daylesford
Bistro Terroir
Dine on classic French fare at Bistro Terroir.
Bringing a touch of French flair to Daylesford, Bistro Terroir is an intimate neighbourhood gem helmed by Michelin-trained Chef Matthew Carnell. With its moody interiors and a tucked-away courtyard, it offers an inviting space for a relaxed yet elegant dining experience. The menu highlights classic French dishes like duck liver parfait and steak frites, with a focus on in season ingredients and rotating mains.
To elevate your meal, pair it with a selection from their expertly curated wine list, featuring bottles from Victoria and France, perfectly complementing the French-inspired cuisine.
Cuisine: French Cuisine
Average price: $$$
Atmosphere: Moody
Review: 5/5
Location: 6/8 Howe Street, Daylesford
Boathouse Restaurant
Indulgence meets artistry in every plate.
Perched on the banks of Lake Daylesford, the Boathouse Restaurant offers a serene and sophisticated gourmet indulgence with stunning water views from every seat. Whether you’re enjoying lunch or dinner, the venue’s warm indoor space is ideal for cosy winter meals, while the outdoor deck becomes a sun-soaked haven during the warmer months.
Diners can choose from two to four-course dining options, with complimentary dinner rolls and an amuse-bouche on arrival. Dishes include the likes of pork tenderloin with tiger prawn, dutch carrot, potato gratin, and garlic white wine sauce.
For a special touch, their in-house sommelier is on hand to help pair your meal with the perfect wine.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Average price: $$$$
Atmosphere: Casual
Review: 4/5
Location: 1 East Street, Daylesford
Jackie’s on Vincent
Far from your typical local Chinese restaurant, Jackie’s on Vincent brings a unique fusion of Asian and Western flavours to Daylesford, reflecting Chef Jackie’s Chinese heritage and Australian culinary influences. The cosy, intimate setting, paired with dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, creates an inviting, homely vibe that keeps diners coming back for more.
Situated on Vincent Street, this well-loved spot is ideal for a delicious meal (think: tempura honey king prawns and scallop and shiitake wontons) followed by a relaxing stroll through Daylesford’s picturesque town centre.
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Average price: $$
Atmosphere: Casual
Review: 5/5
Location: 1/123 Vincent Street, Daylesford
Du Fermier
Chef Annie Smithers curates meals that hero local produce. (Image: Supplied)
Tucked away in Daylesford’s neighbouring town of Trentham, Du Fermier offers a flavourful exploration akin to enjoying a meal in someone’s home. With its cosy, French farmhouse-style ambience, this beloved restaurant is helmed by Chef Annie Smithers, who crafts produce-driven dishes using ingredients harvested from her own garden.
Without a set menu, diners are treated to a surprise multi-course meal, often featuring local meats, fresh vegetables, and classic French flavours. With only a few service days each week, it’s wise to book ahead to secure a spot. Opt for the matched wines for an extra indulgent touch, and be sure to visit during the spring and summer months when the kitchen garden is in full bloom.
Cuisine: French Cuisine
Average price: $$$$$
Atmosphere: Rustic
Review: 5/5
Location: 42 High Street, Trentham
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