Get away! Destination restaurants worth leaving Melbourne for

Let the worries of the work week slip away as you enjoy exceptionally prepared dishes and stare out over the vines at the Mornington Peninsula’s Ten Minutes by Tractor.

There are a number of dining options on offer, but whether you go a la carte or for the tasting menu, you can’t put a foot wrong with executive chef Hayden Ellis’ sophisticated menu which makes the most of local and seasonal produce. From the indulgent scallops married with pickled seaweed and ostrecia caviar to the gamey goodness of dry aged duck with braised cabbage and spiced cherries, this is quality dining with fabulous views. Add paired wines to complete the dining experience, because this is a winery after all!

Dish Cult’s top pick: Five course tasting menu ($165) or eight course tasting menu ($240)

Head to Victoria’s spa country and get comfy at Daylesford’s Farmers Arms Hotel.

You can’t miss the vine-covered, red brick walls of a building that dates back to the 1850s. Go inside and you’ll be welcomed with friendly service, refined pub classics and an extensive list of local brews to boot.

Pull up a seat at the bar, sink into one of its cushioned booths or, if you have a four legged bestie, the beer garden is the spot for you. Like all good (gastro)pubs, the menu is produce driven, highlighted by the miso glazed jap pumpkin, seaweed, pea tendrils granola with lemon tahini through to the local porterhouse served with the holy trinity of wedges, salad and red wine jus.

Roast pork belly, housemade apple and cranberry relish ($38)

Set on the Great Ocean Road, Aireys Pub has soothed salty, beach weary bodies since 1904. Transformed over the years, most notably when the Ash Wednesday fires razed it to the ground, today its three spacious dining areas and deck with sea views are firm favourites with locals and tourists alike.

Aireys’ large wooden outdoor tables are THE place to soak up live music on Saturday nights. Grab a paddle of beer from the on-site microbrewery or a glass of local wine and settle in. With a menu ranging from char-grilled sardines to pizzas, there really is something for everyone.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Free range Bannockburn chicken parmigiana ($29)

If you’re after an immersive dining experience, look no further than Brae. Dan Hunter’s farm-to-table fine diner has received more awards than we can list here, and for very good reason. The degustation menu reflects the seasonal changes of the restaurant’s organic farm, but what never changes is the impeccable food and service.

Each dish, be it veg-forward with late summer produce or the memorable melt-in-your-mouth pork jowl grilled with smoked eel, is accompanied by lively, intuitive and informed wait staff.

In the mood to splurge? Level up with matched wines or brilliant non-alcoholic beverages. And really treat yourself by staying the night in one of Brae’s six bespoke suites.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Set menu ($310 pp) with matched wines recommended (+$190 pp)

As you drive up the gum tree lined driveway, you’ll know you’ve arrived at one of the Yarra Valley’s most picturesque vineyard restaurants, Zonzo Estate. Light, airy and with accents of natural timber and polished concrete floors, it’s the ideal place to unwind and indulge in a glass or three of vino.

The menu is classic Italian with dishes designed to share, so order up! The creamy burrata atop thinly sliced Wagyu bresaola should definitely be ordered alongside one or two of the 20 strong list of wood fired pizzas, add in a pasta or a slow cooked lamb main as well as a dolce number to finish and you’ll think you’re in Tuscany.

Dish Cult’s top pick: ‘Gnocchi al burro e salvia’- Handmade gnocchi with burnt butter, sage and parmesan ($26)