Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Ballarat

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Ballarat? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Wayward Winery

5.0

5 (136)

$41 to $100

Winery

Ballarat

About the restaurant

WAYWARD WINERY

Nestled at the beginning of the Pyrenees Wine region , Wayward offers an incredible view of the Pyreness Ranges and our established Vineyard.

Australian inspired cuisine using local seasonal produce with an emphasis on cooking with fire.

Open 11am - 4pm Friday to Sunday
EMBR Nights 6:30pm - 10pm Friday & Saturday Nights

*please note tables of 8+ will be required to take our Chef Selection options and all tables of 10+ are required to pay a $30pp deposit*

For function enquires please email us at info@waywardwinery.com.au

Top review

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Amazing dinner with amazing service and food. One of the best dinners we have had for quite some time. Would thoroughly recommend this fantastic venue. Great value for a delicious experience. Well done!

Discover more

Experience

$69pp Chef's Selction

Experience

$85pp Chef's Selection

Experience

EMBR Night Dinner

Johnny Alloo

4.9

4.9 (329)

$41 to $100

Dining Bar

Ballarat

About the restaurant

Cafe by day, modern Italian diner by night. Speciality coffee, a thoughtful wine list, hearty, yet refined food & an exciting cocktail menu are on show amidst an iconic 1870's building that pays homage to a 60's design aesthetic.

Top review

Sean

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Found this place a couple of years ago when visiting Ballarat. The found is outstanding and I can’t recommend it more highly

Sip Champagne Bar

4.9

4.9 (98)

$41 to $100

Wine Bar

Ballarat

About the restaurant

Welcome to SIP Champagne Bar, the epitome of elegance and effervescence!
At SIP Champagne Bar, we believe that every moment, big or small, is worth toasting. It's a place to create memories, celebrate life's victories, toast to love and revel in the company of friends and family. We offer an experience that transcends the ordinary—a place where the art of living is celebrated in every glass!
As you immerse yourself in the refined, art deco-inspired ambiance, we invite you to explore our French-European influenced morsels, chat with our knowledgeable staff, and let us know how we can make your time here exceptional, your experience is our priority.
Our extensive selection of the finest champagnes and sparkling wines include classic French labels to exquisite boutique producers, there is something to suit every palate and occasion.

Top review

Eliza

Dined 5 days ago

We had such a fantastic experience at Sip. The service was second to none, we were spoilt. The venue was 3/4 full but the staff made us and every table feel like they were the only customers in the bar. I was impressed with the value, the 4 French Champagne tasters were delicious, and it's fun! We shared the mozzarella sticks which were very yummy. The venue fitout is so cool, such a vibe, we felt so boujee. I have already booked in again for next month. I want to try more food this time around, can't wait!

Black Cat Truffles By Liam Downes

5.0

5 (142)

$101 and over

Modern Australian

Wattle Flat

About the restaurant

Discover Black Cat Truffles by Liam Downes, an idyllic farm in Victoria's central highlands, a short 15-minute drive from Ballarat's CBD. Specialising in Black Perigord truffles in winter and tuber aestivum in summer, our sensory journey includes truffle experiences and cuisine by chef Liam Downes in our 24-seat restaurant and gardens.
Whether for a Friday long lunch or a three-hour truffle experience with a chef's degustation, our offerings cater to diverse preferences. Emphasizing a farm-to-plate philosophy, we prioritize ingredient sourcing from our farm and the local landscape. Join us for a culinary adventure, delighting in the freshest flavours of the season.
Our commitment to sustainability and local partnerships ensures each dish reflects the region. The lush landscapes surrounding our farm contribute to a truly immersive experience, inviting you to connect with nature and indulge in truffle-infused creations.

Top review

Naomi

Dined 4 days ago

Had the 6-course degustation. It was outstanding. Dining room felt very small and intimate (like I was eating in someone's home), and the food was excellent. The truffle hunting dogs on-site were a very cute little bonus as well.

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Experience

Chef's Selection

Experience

Friday Winter Truffle Hunt

Experience

Meredith Wine Tasting

Saigon Allee

4.7

4.7 (27)

$40 and under

Vietnamese

Ballarat

About the restaurant

Enjoy a modern twist to Vietnamese cuisine in an industrial style restaurant, in the heart of the restaurant precinct of an historical and picturesque town. Modern Vietnamese Restaurant in Ballarat

Top review

Anthony

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Fantastic restaurant, everything made here is incredible! I highly recommend either the veggie or seafood spring rolls, and all their mains are great. They also make a fantastic Bahn Mi if you're a fan of them! Definitely one of my favourite restaurants in Ballarat.

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Experience

Share Food The Traditional Vietnamese Way

Meigas

4.7

4.7 (508)

$40 and under

Spanish

Ballarat

About the restaurant

Meigas, a Spanish establishment located in Ballarat, is a must-visit for foodies seeking a delectable dining experience. The establishment boasts a cozy and lively atmosphere, complete with Latin music that transports diners to a tapas bar in Barcelona. The interior design is quirky and eclectic, with vintage artifacts adorning the walls. Prices are reasonable, making it accessible to a wide range of customers. Reservations are essential, as the place is always packed.

The menu features a variety of Spanish dishes, including marinated olives, peppers with goat cheese, potatas bravas with chorizo, Spanish omelette, spinach and cheese croquettes, fried sardines, meatballs in almond sauce, and pulpo galicia. The paella is a must-try, but be sure to call ahead to avoid the 45-minute wait. The sangria is refreshing, and the Spanish hot chocolate is creamy and rich.

Top review

Richard

Dined 5 days ago

Our favourite place to eat in town. Food is always exceptional and a brilliant variety. Authentic flavours and wonderful atmosphere.

Pancho

4.7

4.7 (485)

$40 and under

Latin American

Ballarat

About the restaurant

A standout intimate Latin American eatery situated on a bustling dining corridor in regional Victoria, focusing on dishing up some of the best Central and South American flavours this side of the globe.
The Pancho experience was created to be fun, exciting and accessible for all. Coupled with friendly and personal service and lively atmosphere your dining experience will take you on a journey to discover some of the best Latin American Eats.

Top review

Nick

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

The food was absolutely delicious, and the service was attentive and helpful.

Betel Boy

4.7

4.7 (329)

$40 and under

Asian

Daylesford

About the restaurant

New kid on the block, Betel Boy is serving you inspired pan asian food & cocktails in a contemporary and energetic venue, located on the iconic main street of Daylesford, Victoria. At the helm, Head Chef Chris combines thoughtfully sourced ingredients supplied by regional growers with his talent for Thai flavours and the result is some truly delicious fair. Sticky Bao Buns, drunk dumplings, sour salads top the menu. Wash it down with a Daylesford beer on tap, a cheeky cocktail or choose from the extensive wine list featuring local growers. Step in and be seduced by the vibe and surrounds of a considered space and service that makes you feel like you’ve been going there for years. Afterwards you can slip out the back to Boy-Bar, where the music is a little louder and the cocktails a little stronger.

Top review

INGRID

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

Great experience. Friendly staff. Cool interiors and ambience definitely leaning more to bar/club vibe. Lovely food especially if you like it spicy. Good value for money considering what other restaurants near charge.

Farmers Arms Hotel Daylesford

4.3

4.3 (96)

$41 to $100

Pub

Daylesford

About the restaurant

For 165 years, the Farmers Arms Hotel has been a gathering place for Daylesford locals and travellers alike. Nowadays, it has evolved into one of the biggest supporters of local producers, showcasing wild and farmed ingredients from around Daylesford and the best of the region. With over 1,000 TripAdvisor reviews, it's easy to see that it's not your average pub. Come expecting delicious cocktails, 16 wines by the glass and 12 beers/ciders on tap. Leave with a full belly and a desire to move to Daylesford - that way, the Farmers Arms will always be 'your local' in both proximity and spirit.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 5 days ago

Succulent food & delicious local Pinot Noir created a great night with friends. Open fire & AFL in the front bar topped off a great night. Elle was very professional, personable & accomodating in catering for my dietary requirements.

Flying Horse

4.3

4.3 (237)

$40 and under

Bistro

Ballarat

About the restaurant

Located 5 mins minutes from Ballarat CBD the Flying Horse Entertainment Venue offers a 120 seat bistro with a new look menu including a $21 senior menu, kids menu, state of the art kids play space and function facilities. Available 7 days a week.

Offering ample parking facilities from small to large vehicles including buses with front door access for motorised scooters and wheelchairs.

With TAB, KENO and Live Entertainment the Flying Horse offers a safe and friendly environment for families and friends to enjoy, any day of the week.

Top review

Natalie

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

Food was great, service was lovely. The kids play area is amazing.

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