BALLARAT’S NEW AND SOON-TO-OPEN DINING DESTINATIONS

Babae

From fine dining experiences to artisanal wineries and vibrant bars, Ballarat's food scene in Victoria Australia is flourishing with exciting new ventures. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds with these standout additions to the city's growing gastronomic landscape that showcases the region’s exceptional produce and culinary prowess.

BABAE

Ballarat’s newest 26-seat fine dining experience is already making waves, championing the region’s best growers and producers. Located inside Hotel Vera and led by Culinary Director Tim Foster, Babae's menu showcases dishes reflecting the season with ingredients meticulously sourced from produce grown in the Goldfields region.

With over a decade of experience in regional Victoria's culinary scene, including tenure at the renowned Healesville Hotel and ownership of the award-winning Source Dining, Tim Foster brings a wealth of expertise to Babae. Expect a contemporary interpretation of classic cooking techniques paired with curated wine selections, including barrel samples and small production releases from across Victoria.

Open for dinner Thursday to Saturday | Lunch Friday to Sunday.
Hotel Vera, 710 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350

SIP CHAMPAGNE BAR

New champagne bar Sip takes inspiration from the chic bars of Paris where owner Lauren Irwin was first captivated by the elegance of French hospitality. Housed in a luxurious Art Deco space on Sturt Street, Sip offers a unique selection of champagnes and sparkling wines carefully paired with French-European cuisine. From classic labels to boutique producers, Sip Champagne Bar promises an unforgettable experience where every moment is worth toasting.

Open Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm-11pm | Thursdays and Sundays from 12pm-7pm
428A Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350

MAGNOLIA RESTAURANT

Led by head chef and owner Anjal Joshi, Magnolia is a semi-fine dining experience in the historic township of Beaufort - just a half hour drive from Ballarat.

Magnolia fuses tradition and innovation in every dish to create modern European cuisine paired with nearby Pyrenees wines. Each dish at Magnolia is crafted entirely from scratch, devoid of pre-made ingredients, ensuring a unique and unforgettable dining experience that reverberates with Anjal's passion for culinary excellence.

Open Thursday to Saturday 5pm-9pm | Sunday 12pm-5pm
Located at 12 Lawrence Street, Beaufort

FLYING CHILLIES

Flying Chillies, a beloved staple of the Ballarat market scene, has found a permanent residence in Bridge Mall. Here, owner Lilly Wright showcases her mastery of Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine, offering a menu that reflects a vibrant fusion of both cultures.

Notably, Flying Chillies proudly features Ballarat's Best Pie for 2023 – Babi Pongteh - a tantalising dish of nyonya braised pork in fermented soybean sauce. A Ballarat must-try.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am-3pm
6 Coliseum Walk, Bridge Mall, Ballarat

WHAT’S NEW AT THE GOODS SHED
ITINERANT SPIRITS, NOLANS AND BOOM TIME DUMPLINGS

Situated within the historic 160-year-old Goods Shed in the train station precinct, Itinerant Spirits offers a multi-spirit experience like no other. Their world-class distilling operation crafts three distinct spirits – Gallivanter Gin, Vansetter Vodka, and Wayfarer Whiskey – using locally-sourced grains, botanicals and natural volcanic spring water.

Delve deeper into their unique distilling methods through spirited masterclasses such as the Explorer Session, which not only allows guests to sample craft spirits but also learn about the raw ingredients sourced from across western Victoria. Complementing the spirits, the 140-seat venue delights with a selection of pizza, pasta, cheese, and charcuterie boards along with share plates from neighbouring restaurants Nolans and Boom Time Dumplings.

The Goods Shed is open Monday to Friday 7am-10pm
200 Lydiard St N, Soldiers Hill VIC 3350

THE TURRET BAKEHOUSE

Discover an array of freshly baked bread, pies and pastries at The Turret Cafe. Renowned for their extensive toastie menu, the Turret has expanded its offering to include an in-house bakery.

The Turret Bakehouse is open 7am to 3pm daily.
802 Sturt Street, Ballarat VIC 3350

PANCHO

Image Credit: Liam Neal

Pancho, the beloved Latin American bar and eatery, welcomes the new year with a new, spacious location adjacent to renowned cocktail bar and social club Renard. Nestled on one of Ballarat’s vibrant dining corridors , Pancho stands out as an intimate destination, renowned for its authentic Central and South American flavours.

With a focus on creating a lively and accessible dining experience, Pancho invites patrons to indulge in empanadas and margaritas, promising a journey of vibrant Latin American eats in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Open every Wednesday-Thursday from 5pm | Friday-Sunday from 11.30am until late
213 Mair St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350

MT COGHILL VINEYARD

Small batch winery Mt Coghill Vineyard will soon unveil its new cellar door, marking an exciting chapter for owners Tracey and Adam Adamczyk who took over the 20-year-old vineyard in 2020.

After years of meticulous planning and construction, visitors can soon enjoy the fruits of their labour amidst the original 100-year-old roof trusses from the iconic Kodak House in Collins Street, Melbourne. The new space promises an array of experiences, from tastings of their cold-climate rosé, pinot noir, chardonnay and sparkling wines; to indulging in local produce platters, food and wine events and food trucks, all set against the backdrop of Mt Coghill's picturesque vineyards.
970 Coghills Creek Road, Coghills Creek VIC, Australia