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About
The Red Lion Hotel is Ballarat's premier restaurant and entertainment facility with something for everyone. Whether you're after a delicious meal in the relaxing atmosphere of Leo's Restaurant, a spot to catch all the sports and racing action in the Simba Sports Bar, a coffee and cake with friends in the cafe, or a great place for drinks after work, The Red Lion is the place to meet.
PRICE RANGE
USD 6 - USD 28
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
CUISINES
Australian, Bar, Grill
FEATURES
Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Free off-street parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Street Parking, Digital Payments, Live Music, Playgrounds, Family style, Sports bars
Reviews (490)
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LanguageEnglish
Traveller rating
246
155
44
19
25
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Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

It’s easy to see why and how The Red Lion sits atop the pile. Engaging and knowledgeable staff, great background music but you can still talk and a range of food as wide as the country. The beer is cold to and when you match...the food to the price this place shines. I haven’t been here for some years but if you find yourself in town either for a night or a day you’ll need to eat. Do it hereMore

Date of visit: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago

Ordered the Pea and Ham soup, omg this was disgusting..full of fat, absolutely no taste what so ever. The curry was also revolting, I couldn’t finish either of them because they were just tasteless, I won’t be going back, tired of getting revolting food.

Date of visit: September 2023
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Reviewed 19 October 2023

After a very long day out we called in for dinner. Excellent service from the moment we entered the bar. Nice table for two even though we hadn’t booked. Maddie served us, no rushing at all. The meals were enormous, shamefully I wasn’t able to...eat all of mine. Nachos and Chicken parmigiana, both really tasty.More

Date of visit: October 2023
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Reviewed 24 July 2023

I booked a table for two for 6pm Sunday night. Got there at 6.10pm showed us to table 18 right in front of the fire. We where so toastie. Bottle of water on the table in 2 min. Odered drinks and food. Drinks arrived maybe...5 min. Food about 10 min as they where busy. My wife ordered the Barra. I ordered the Nasi Goreng. Both big measl . It was a great night and will be back again. Did I mention plenty of off street parking that is flood litMore

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 15 July 2023 via mobile

The better half and I ate here two nights in a row. First night's meals were pork belly bao buns, steamed dumplings, and 400g porterhouse. My steak was cooked spot on they way I liked it. Nice flavour. The better half said her dumplings were...yummo, and boa buns were pretty good. Second night's meals were bao buns again and some spicy wings. The mains were s&p calamari and hoisin beef. My calamari was a bit of a letdown as I did not expect it to be crumbed in a stir fry. Sorry that doesn't go down well as it starts to get soggy. I couldn't finish it. A bit of a bugga. The better half liked her hoisin beef. She had it for lunch the next day, what was left over and said it tasted even better. Staff were friendly, a shout out to Mitch, he was super helpful. The place is busy and a little loud. The beer was cold. 8/10 We will go back if we are in the area.More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 6 July 2023

Monday night and the restaurant is full, generating a warm atmosphere, staff were professional and friendly. A large menu gave us plenty of options, food was excellent, and good drink options. Food was delivered in a timely fashion. What a great spot.

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 24 June 2023

A fabulous meal and very nice surroundings , lots of people but the areas are separated enough to not notice noise on a friday night . Food was great with well cooked steak ( rare ) waitress was VERY good !! Thanks again from Mum...& MeMore

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 9 June 2023

Absolutely disappointing and disgusting. We found two blonde hairs in our food, pork buns where well over cooked and the crackle was like rubber, chicken burger was dry and tasted like fish, kids Nugent's also tasted like fish would have been better to have aldi...Nugent's, the kids Parma was over cooked and so was the sqid. For the $100 we paid it was absolutely horrible we left with our plates almost full. So disappointing we will never be back!More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 28 May 2023 via mobile

Great pub with really extensive wine list at a broad variety of prices. Manager and staff super friendly and professional...nothing was too much trouble. We ordered the specials, Barramundi and Beef cheeks, both of which were presented well and delicious. Very popular spot with a...good mix of locals and tourists like us! Would highly recommend this place but make sure you book!More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 19 April 2023 via mobile

Very good value for money and great food. Reasonable price drinks also. Alaya who served us was extremely good with a very nice personality and seemed to really be enjoying her job. Meticulous in setting tables and serving. Highly recommend this for an evening meal...and presume it’s similar n the day time.More

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed 12 April 2023

Great little spot. Friendly staff. Reasonable proces. Extensive menu - we chose the Dim Simms, the Wedges, and the Pork Belly. Yum

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed 19 January 2023

Great food Excellent Service and staff The staff acknowledge you on taking your seats Water is places on the table straight way. Service is both pleasant and efficient. Staff make sure you are enjoying your meal. It is not the first time we have been...there and have always enjoy the meal and serviceMore

Date of visit: January 2023
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Reviewed 29 December 2022

On holiday's in Ballarat and discovered this gem of a place. The staff were friendly and the meal was delicious, it was that good we went back a second night. The kid friendly playground was great, giving a nice family night

Date of visit: December 2022
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Reviewed 2 November 2022 via mobile

What a cool pub. Great spot for breakfast, lunchor tea with a nice play space for kid’s can’t wait to return another time .

Date of visit: October 2022
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Reviewed 1 November 2022

Friendly, prompt service, decent prices, and nice pub atmosphere. We had a lovely meal of fish and chips washed down with a cold beer. Doesn’t get much better than that! Will visit again.

Date of visit: October 2022
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Questions & Answers
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Annette G
31 May 2016|
AnswerShow all 5 answers
Response from Travelrep77 | Reviewed this property |
I would say they would be able to accommodate you.
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Lance Q
29 March 2016|
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Response from robertsK7851XM | Reviewed this property |
Not as far as I know
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THE RED LION, Ballarat - Updated 2023 Restaurant Reviews, Menu & Prices - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about The Red Lion

The Red Lion is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 4
  • Value: 3.5
  • Atmosphere: 3.5