Nectar Kitchen & Bar blends creative cooking, inspired by the Mediterranean, with a lively bar culture, delivering a menu designed for relaxed social dining. Expect colourful share plates, seasonal produce and bold flavours that keep things interesting from first bite to last. The bar shakes up inventive cocktails while the wine list champions Australian favourites. Inside, the space hums with energy, making it perfect for casual dinners, celebrations or spontaneous nights out. Nectar offers flavour, fun and a welcoming atmosphere in equal measure.

The Arborist, located at 75 Little Malop Street in Geelong, offers a refined dining experience that fuses Modern Australian cuisine with Middle Eastern influences. The menu, curated by head chef Michael Welsh, emphasises share-style plates designed to showcase a variety of flavours and textures. Signature dishes include baked halloumi with saffron and honey, lamb kofta with yogurt and pomegranate, and roasted chicken with almond hummus and preserved lemon. The venue's design features natural materials and an arboretum-inspired palette, creating an inviting atmosphere that complements its culinary offerings. The Arborist is open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, with rooftop drinks and snacks available on Friday to Sunday afternoons.

An hour drive from Melbourne, Geelong is home to Emerge Dining, a Modern Australian restaurant specialising in premium steak. Unlike many steak-focused restaurants, the Emerge menu is expertly prepared 100% gluten free dishes - accredited by Coeliac Australia.  Signature dishes are the Beef Wellington, and dry aged rib eye steaks with the beef obtained from Sher Wagyu in Ballan, Victoria.

Osteria Fiorenza captures the warmth of traditional Italian dining, using premium local and imported ingredients. Think handmade pasta, rustic sauces and generous hospitality. The menu celebrates classic recipes and quality produce, from silky pasta dishes to slow-cooked meats and fresh seafood. Inside, the atmosphere is cosy and inviting, echoing the charm of a neighbourhood trattoria. A thoughtfully curated wine list highlights Italian varietals that pair perfectly with the kitchen’s bold flavours. Fiorenza offers comforting Italian food served with genuine warmth.

Sailors' Rest was built in 1913 as a home away from home for sailors who docked at the nearby Geelong waterfront. Stop by for views of the water and enjoy the eatery's Modern Australian cuisine. There is an all-day breakfast menu, plus a lunch and dinner menu known for its diverse fresh seafood offerings, from fettuccine marinara to a fisherman's basket. Sandwiches, wraps and steaks are also on the menu.

Felix brings refined dining to Geelong with a modern take on French classics, championing premium ingredients and elegant presentation. Dishes lean seasonal and thoughtfully balanced, with fresh seafood, expertly cooked meats and vibrant vegetables sharing the spotlight. The dining room feels polished yet relaxed, making it equally suited to business lunches, celebrations or a memorable evening out. A curated wine list complements the kitchen beautifully. Felix delivers confident cooking with a sense of occasion that elevates every visit.

Alma Restaurant, located at 93–95 Ryrie Street in Geelong, offers a contemporary take on South American cuisine. The menu features dishes such as snapper ceviche, grilled chorizo with heirloom potato, and roasted half chicken with Peruvian marinade. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, including dishes like grilled corn with chipotle and “cheese,” and grilled broccoli with brown “butter” and chili. Desserts include vanilla flan with dulce de leche and almonds, and grilled pineapple with coconut sorbet and finger lime. The restaurant is open for lunch Friday to Sunday and dinner Wednesday to Sunday.

It's not every day you get to dine in a 100 year old reinvented boilerhouse, but at 1915 in North Geelong, you can experience it first hand. This original dining and events space is full of character, shaped from its past when it used to power the woollen mills. Book a table and try your way through the menu of classic pizza combinations and seasonal mains that showcase the local produce with a modern European flavour. The spacious 1915 is also an ideal function and events space with a dedicated events team able to help plan your next special event.

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Open daily from 12pm-late

Recess Bar + Eats, located at 247 Moorabool Street in Geelong, is a vibrant, Coeliac Australia-accredited gluten-free venue offering a dynamic dining and entertainment experience. The downstairs eatery serves a diverse Modern Australian menu, including dishes like buttermilk fried chicken, pumpkin gnocchi, and braised beef cheek. Upstairs, the bar features a playful cocktail list and hosts weekly drag shows and DJ nights on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 PM. Open Tuesday to Saturday, Recess also offers bottomless brunches and dinners, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors seeking a lively atmosphere and safe dining options.

Fantome Wine Bar & Restaurant casts a moody French spell over Geelong's Ryrie Street, where candlelit corners and velvet banquettes epitomise romance. Modern bistro plates land with buttery finesse - duck confit that crisps to golden heaven, steak frites with peppery bite, or charred octopus draped in herb oil that tastes like summer holidays. Award-winning cocktails flex clever twists on classics - it's elegant yet cheeky, and where nights are properly indulgent.