Everywhere good to eat in Ballarat

Kambei is a superb restaurant not too far from Ballarat’s CBD. Don’t let the plain exterior fool you, the interior is muted and intimate, making it ideal for a romantic dinner for two.

Highlights at Kambei include delicate kingfish sashimi, black cod in miso, and tempura eggplant. The service here is polite and efficient, making the dining experience here an authentically Japanese one.

When you’re in Kambei, you’ll want to try the Tasting Menu (available Friday and Saturday only). Gets the Dish Cult thumbs up!

Perched on the foreshore of Lake Wendouree, the Boatshed has been part of the Ballarat food scene for years. It recently underwent a major refurb; today it is all dark wood, ornate tiles, and sparkling chandeliers.

On the food side of things, the Boatshed has a gorgeous breakfast menu (try the brioche French toast with orange honeycomb, grilled banana, and butterscotch sauce.) There are small, large, and shared plates to choose from for lunch or dinner too. Share the Japanese fried chicken with sriracha mayo with your mates, or if you don’t feel like sharing then order up the battered Northern Territory barramundi fillet with chips and salad.

Wondering what you should order at the Boatshed Restaurant? Dish Cult recommends the $22 Mount Martha mussels with chilli, garlic, tomato, and toasted sourdough.

This wonderful little European deli is at the top end of Sturt Street. The Marios family have been providing European fare to locals for the past 20 years in their cosy deli.

The breakfast and lunch menu boasts simple yet hearty fare. The Barcelona eggs come with Manchego cheese and Pico De Gallo. Lunch could be a good old-fashioned corned beef sandwich with all the trimmings, or a mushroom bruschetta.

The deli here is outstanding; you will definitely want to order from their wide cheese selection before you go.

What should you order at the Olive Grove? Dish Cult recommends the $16 Turkey Club toasted sandwich.

The menu at this old-school front bar and bistro will take you back to your childhood – if you grew up in country Australia in the 1970s that is.

As the name suggests, this pub has a touch of Ye Olde England about it, from the stag’s head mounted on the wall, to the title of the menu (Main Bill of Fare).

We suggest the prawn cocktail (70s-style, of course, with dressing just like Granny used to make) for entree, homemade rissoles with creamy mash, veg and gravy for main, topped off with sago pudding with honey for sweets.

What should you order at the North Britain Hotel? Dish Cult recommends the 36.90 Crumbed Lamb Cutlets.

For a little bit of New York City in regional Victoria, then Dyers Steak Stable is a must-try. The interior is dark and intimate, and the extensive wine list is sure to please.

The menu here is simple, because they know what they do best and what they do best is steak. There are a few classic entrees on offer, such as a plate of Oysters Mornay or Duck Liver Parfait. Sides are clean and simple (oven-roasted potatoes, tomatoes and veg.) The sauces are amazing – the Bearnaise is particularly good.

Order some old-school drip filter coffee to finish off your meal, or take your sweet time over a glass of Port.

What should you order at Dyers Steak Stable? Dish Cult recommends the $45 Aged Porterhouse Steak.

This tiny Vietnamese kitchen in the heart of Ballarat’s CBD is the perfect spot for a filling and cheap lunch or dinner.

The Chicken and Beef Pho is fragrant and delicious, served with lime, chilli, basil and bean shoots on the side. You may struggle to slurp your way through the enormous serve. For something lighter on a warmer day, the prawn rice paper rolls with sweet, smokey dipping sauce are ideal. And if you are super hungry, the crispy skinned chicken, served with fresh salad vegetables and rice, is just the ticket.

Just one thing to bear in mind – they only accept cash. But happily there is an ATM just over the road.

What should you order at Saigon Vietnam Noodle House? Dish Cult recommends the Chicken and Beef Pho.