Where to get Pyrenees wine and great food in Ballarat

The Pyrenees is Ballarat’s very own wine region.

It’s just 40 minutes away and produces some exceptional wines, renowned for their ability to complement great food.

This is the reason why our chefs, restaurateurs and sommeliers choose to put Pyrenees wines on their wine lists.

Those who travel know that choosing a local wine to go with local food is a way to truly taste a region.

Food and wine lovers Kate Davis and Richard Cornish (Good Food writer) from Plate Up Ballarat have chosen their top places to eat in Ballarat where you will be able to order some fine Pyrenees wine with an equally great meal.

Lola at The Provincial Hotel

The beautiful bistro in the historic Provincial Hotel by the Ballarat Train Station serves wonderful breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The chef is French and incredibly skilled.

Look out for French dishes such as terrine and steak frites.

121 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat

Ragazzone

Wonderful, inventive modern Italian served in a fun dining room with a menu based on great ingredients and fresh handmade pasta.

The staff are really good.

Do not miss their crab cracker starter.

319 Mair Street, Ballarat

Webster’s Market and Café

One of the most popular places in town for breakfast and brunch with more substantial offers such as baguettes and delicious cheese platters.

Casual yet stylish.

61 Webster Street, Ballarat

L’espresso

A smooth and delicious café with a European feel, come here for the great coffee, browse the music collection and join the Ballarat locals for breakfast, brunch or great little lunches.

417 Sturt Street, Ballarat

Hydrant Food Hall

Set in a light, bright transformed warehouse of a space, it is the place to come for all-day breakfast, a healthy lunch or some tasty snacks to go with a glass of wine.

We love the croquettes and prawn tacos.

3 McKenzie Street, Ballarat

Mitchell Harris

A wine bar and the cellar door of Pyrenees winemakers Mitchell Harris, right in the heart of Ballarat.

This has been a favourite since they opened up in this 140-year-old produce store.

Expect a warm welcome and a compact, wine-friendly menu of snacks and bigger dishes.

38 Doveton Street North, Ballarat

Johnny Alloo

Named after gold rush era restaurateur, this smart but casual diner offers great breakfast and brunch – try the house smoked salmon – but at night turns slightly more serious with cocktails and a seasonal produce-driven menu.

When the weather is warm, dine in the Maple Garden.

32 Drummond Street North, Ballarat

Eclectic Tastes and Pantry

This beautiful old corner building by a broad bluestone and cedar-lined avenue is a meeting place for locals who like the better things in life, from good coffee, good food and great wine.

It’s a cafe by day and bistro on Friday and Saturday nights with crab linguine and pork belly evergreen favourites.

2 Burnbank Street, Ballarat

Craig’s Royal Hotel

The atrium dining room at this beautiful and historic hotel is worth going to just for the historical ambience.

The service is as refined as the plush lounge and the food (main picture) is suitable for a good night out or a fine dining experience.

10 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat

Mr Jones

Damien Jones is one of the most accomplished chefs cooking Thai food in this nation and we are grateful he continues to do so in Ballarat.

In this intimate dining space and outside deck, the air is filled with the aromas of coconut, kaffir lime, lemongrass and the galangal he uses in his authentic yet modern Thai menu.

42 Main Road, Bakery Hill

The Forge Pizzeria

Sometimes you just want a really good wood-fired pizza topped with great ingredients like prosciutto and rocket or even prawn and chorizo.

Fast, fun and family-friendly, this is a great place for a quick bite or a longer multi-course meal with entrees and great salads.

14 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat

Saigon Allee

Highly regarded modern Vietnamese that goes beyond pho and rice paper rolls with dishes such as barramundi steamed in banana leaves and sizzling beef cubes stir-fried in Jack Daniels.

Fun staff and great old Saigon themed décor.

30 Armstrong Street North, Ballarat