One elegant 19th century mansion. One intimate CBD dining room. Two Good Food hats.
Ballarat's standout restaurant scene has once again been recognised in The Age Good Food Guide, with one chef's hat awarded to both:
- fine dining experience Babae at Hotel Vera (710 Sturt St)
- the chef-led, produce-focused Underbar (3 Doveton St Nth)
This is Underbar's ninth consecutive hat.
Described as "exceptional yet unfussy dining”, Underbar was also featured in Good Food’s 100 Essential Victorian Restaurants list.
Babae co-owner David Cook-Doulton said his restaurant's third consecutive hat confirmed its place among Victoria's best.
"We've always wanted Babae to be an intimate, provenance-driven degustation experience," David said.
"The design-led space is relaxed and personal, and guests can chat easily with the chefs as they cook. That connection is what makes a night at Babae memorable."
Unveiled on 12 October, The Age Good Food Guide is an annual showcase of Victoria's best restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars.
Each venue is scored out of 20 — 10 points for food, 5 for hospitality, 3 for setting and experience, and 2 for value.
Venues scoring 15 or above are awarded one hat; those scoring 16 or 17 receive two hats; and those between 18 and 20 receive three hats.
In the 2027 edition of The Age Good Food Guide, Underbar achieved a score of 15.5/20 and Babae 15/20.
