Daylesford - a food lover's paradise

In addition to the spas and the pampering, the Daylesford region has long been known to Melbourne people as a foodie haven, The region offers its visitors a range of dining experiences that are second to none for a country town of it's size. Originally settled by Swiss and Italian immigrants during the Gold Rush, the influence of Europe in relation to quality and service of food is evident.

Most famed is the restaurant at The Lake House. Executive Chef Alla Wolf Tasker has long delighted patrons with exquisite food and a great wine cellar. Its a true fine dining experience whilst overlooking lovely Lake Daylesford. Local produce features on the menu and the restaurant has won many awards over the years.

Another quality meal can be had at " The Farmer's Arms" an old pub situated on a major intersection as you come into Daylesford from Woodend. Its typical pub bistro ambience with wooden tables and chairs but you can count on an exciting culinary experience with some Middle Eastern/European influences. Save room for the desserts. Rabbit is often on the menu here and always presented in an innovative style.

Other good quality eateries include Mercato and Frangos + Frangos.

Daylesford and its twin town Hepburn Springs, just 3kms down the road, also abound with cafes and inexpensive eateries. Rubens in Hepburn Springs has a distinct Mediterannean theme with the Monday and Tuesday pasta /pizza nights excellent value. Other eateries in the village include Cosy Corner, Chowder House, Red Star Cafe, the Jasmine Thai and Lucini's at the Old Macaroni Factory. Fine dining is available at Deco at Peppers Springs Retreat and the dining room at the Grande, a new boutique hotel.

In Daylesford's Vincent Street, The Gourmet Larder serves up breakfasts and lunches Koukla does wood-fired pizzas. For morning/afternoon teas, light lunches with a view is the light-filled cafe at The Convent Gallery, high on Wombat Hill, just below the Botanical Gardens. For casual absolute waterfront/lakeside dining, The Boat House cafe is popular for the view.

A must do experience in Daylesford for all foodies is "Cliffy's Emporium" Located in an old store, it has the original wooden floors and counters, packed to the rafters with gourmet food items, most of which are sourced locally. Cliffys also does brekkies, lunches. Dinners are a special experience - seated at an eclectic collection of chairs/tables, there is no menu. Diners enjoy whatever happens to be good that day...what's been freshly delivered..and generally a real treat.

Lavandula, around 5 km from Hepburn Springs provides northern italian style cuisine In summer, you can dine outside overlooking the lavender farm.

In addition to dining, foodies can take home many gourmet delights from the Daylesford area. The treats include Tuki smoked trout, jams and sauces from Country Cuisine, Des O'Toole's honey, bags of fresh spuds straight from the farmer, lavender scones from Lavandula, Belgian style hand made chocolates from the Chocolate Mill, berries from Musk Berry Farm, olives, organic vegetables and pork from Wessex Saddle Back pigs from Fernleigh Farms, Istra smallgoods (eg bacon and hams) in High Street, Musk (just outside Daylesford). Holy Goat Cheese produce a variety of hand made styles of chevre from certified organic goat's milk. Many try the spicy local sausage, which are made from beef & pork marinated in garlic, claret and spices and then forced into bullock skins and tied off individually. These sausages, known as Bull Boars are available from local butchers and many cafes. All of this and wine too with a number of cellar doors within 20 - 25 kms! These include Ellender Estate and Big Shed Wines. Slightly further afield and you have many excellent wineries in the Macedon/ Heathcote area - an easy day trip from Daylesford.

A good web site to read more about Daylesford's food delights is that of Daylesford Macedon Produce which has many of the local producers as its members. Daylesford Macedon Produce

There is a Farmers Market at the Primary School in Vincent Street  Daylesford on the first Saturday morning of each month with over 40 stalls selling fresh, local produce.