Regional Cuisine
There are myriad attractions in the "spa country" region of central Victoria - not least of which is its range of gourmet temptations.
At Shizuka Ryokan, we offer guests the four-course Japanese banquet dinner and also the izakaya tapas-style casual dinner as parts of the total Japanese experience. However, we also appreciate that guests will perhaps want to explore some of the other culinary opportunities available in this local area which is blessed with many quality eateries of various styles.
We therefore take this opportunity to highlight some local culinary offerings. As our staff are often asked for their opinions and recommendations, we offer the following brief appraisals of a few of the many dining options available locally.
These comments and opinions are necessarily subjective, but are intended to highlight some of the many options available across the wide spectrum of style and price. Please check with the outlet directly as opening hours can vary.
So here, in alphabetical order, is some food for thought. Enjoy!
DAYTIME - breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee
CHOCOLATE MILL A great place to stock up on delicious house-made chocolates and, whilst visiting, why not have a hot chocolate at the out-door cafe.
CHOWDER HOUSE A funky and buzzy cafe serving casual yet delicious breakfast and lunch. Service is friendly and fast.
CLIFFY’S EMPORIUM Eating at Cliffy’s is akin to being let loose in a lolly shop, as you dine amongst the wide range of gourmet goodies available for sale. Cliffy’s offers a very friendly and foodie-friendly environment with a small yet innovative and ultimately very satisfying menu.
FARMERS ARMS HOTEL The unpretentious exterior, front bar and lounge shouldn’t deter diners from trying an excellent dining room, coupled with very friendly and efficient table service, a buzzy atmosphere and an extensive local wine list. It has been previously awarded one chef's hat in The Age "Good Food Guide". Lunch on weekends only.
GOURMET LARDER A premium deli and licenced cafe in Daylesford's main shopping strip.
GRACENOTES CAFE Excellent quality and value for coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch and occasional dinners, this new addition to the culinary scene is located in the block opposite and just down the hill from the Visitor Information Centre at 1/123 Vincent Street Daylesford - near the "Village on Vincent" shops.
LAKE HOUSE Widely reputed to be one of the best regional restaurants in Victoria, this fine dining restaurant offers commanding views from its vantage point overlooking Lake Daylesford. Its huge cellarand wine list is also noteworthy.
MERCATO @ DAYLESFORD Mercato is a relative newcomer winning many friends amongst locals and visitors alike for its fine dining menu, good local wine list, friendly service and also for its very warm and comfortable ambience. Lunch on weekends only.
RED STAR A large room offering an extensive menu for breakfast and lunch in casual homely surroundings.
SAULT Extensive menu available, offered in a beautiful and spacious conservatory styled room overlooking a lake and the rolling fields of lavender. About ten minutes beyond Daylesford towards Ballan. Lunch on selected days only.
PEPPERS SPRINGS RETREAT - DECO RESTAURANT Deco is a formal fine dining room in an elegant environment offering an accessible menu and good wine options. The Springs Retreat also has a casual café with outdoor garden eating available.
THE OLD MACARONI FACTORY – LUCINI’S PASTA CAFÉ This pasta café offers simple home style fare within the restored environment of Australia’s first pasta factory and location for the feature movie “Love’s Brother”. Lunch on selected days only.
TRATTORIA – AT LAVANDULA The rustic, stone buildings and colourful fields of Lavandula Swiss-Italian lavender farm form the perfect backdrop for this café a little off the beaten track but well worth the trip.
AFTER DARK - dinner, drinks
CLIFFY’S EMPORIUM Eating at Cliffy’s is akin to being let loose in a lolly shop, as you dine amongst the wide range of gourmet goodies available for sale. Cliffy’s offers a very friendly and foodie-friendly environment with a small yet innovative and ultimately very satisfying menu. Dinners on Saturdays only.
FARMERS ARMS HOTEL The unpretentious exterior, front bar and lounge shouldn’t deter diners from trying an excellent dining room, coupled with very friendly and efficient table service, a buzzy atmosphere and an extensive local wine list. It has been previously awarded one chef's hat in The Age "Good Food Guide".
GOURMET LARDER A premium deli and licenced cafe in Daylesford's main shopping strip, now open some nights.
GRACENOTES CAFE Excellent quality and value for coffee, breakfast, brunch, lunch and occasional dinners, this new addition to the culinary scene is located in the block opposite and just down the hill from the Visitor Information Centre at 1/123 Vincent Street Daylesford - near the "Village on Vincent" shops.
THE GRANDE A recently renovated old style building featuring innovative middle eastern cuisine.
LAKE HOUSE Widely reputed to be one of the best regional restaurants in Victoria, this fine dining restaurant offers commanding views from its vantage point overlooking Lake Daylesford. Its huge cellarand wine list is also noteworthy.
MERCATO @ DAYLESFORD Mercato is a relative newcomer winning many friends amongst locals and visitors alike for its fine dining menu, good local wine list, friendly service and also for its very warm and comfortable ambience.
PALAIS Casual dining and bar coupled with a noisy club atmosphere enhanced by the impressive roster of visiting musical, comedy and other stage acts.
SAULT Extensive menu available, offered in a beautiful and spacious conservatory styled room overlooking a lake and the rolling fields of lavender. About ten minutes beyond Daylesford towards Ballan.
PEPPERS SPRINGS RETREAT - DECO RESTAURANT Deco is a formal fine dining room in an elegant environment offering an accessible menu and good wine options. The Springs Retreat also has a casual café with outdoor garden eating available.
THE OLD MACARONI FACTORY – LUCINI’S PASTA CAFÉ This pasta café offers simple home style fare within the restored environment of Australia’s first pasta factory and location for the feature movie “Love’s Brother”.