The food and drink scene in Ballarat, Victoria, is thriving and diverse, offering visitors a rich vein of experiences beyond the town's historic gold rush past. With its central location just over an hour's drive from Melbourne, Ballarat has seen a surge in wine bars, specialty coffee shops, and creative collaborations between producers. Some notable establishments in Ballarat include Cobb's Coffee, which offers single origin and house blends by Melbourne-based roaster Rumble Coffee, along with simple yet delicious dishes like three-cheese toasties and classic roast chicken sandwiches.
Renard, with its mod 1960s vibe and smart bar snacks like local Salt Kitchen chorizo, offers cocktails driven by Aussie flavors and an extensive wine list. Pencilmark Wine Room, a cozy wine bar in Ballarat, serves familiar hits executed with precision, unique dishes like gigantic buckets of chicken, and features a poppy, punk art makeover while showcasing regional produce. Underbar, Chef Derek Boath's micro fine diner, has transitioned to minimalist blondwood tables and a bigger, bolder menu featuring delicate set custards, sticky ebi prawns, and decadent desserts.
These establishments collectively showcase Ballarat's vibrant dining scene, blending classic Australian flavors with innovative techniques and presentations, contributing to the town's evolving culinary landscape.