Greasy Zoe’s makes Delicious 100, attests success to local produce

A Hurstbridge restaurant has made Victoria’s esteemed Delicious top 100 list for the second year in a row. Greasy Zoe’s owners explain their secrets to success. VOTE FOR YOUR NO. 1

Zoe Birch and Lachlan Gardner at Greasy Zoe's. Picture: Josie Hayden

A two-person team is making waves in Hurstbridge with their humble 15-seater eatery Greasy Zoe’s awarded a place in the Delicious 100 list for the second year running.

The popular Nillumbik restaurant was ranked 33rd on the reviewer hot list.

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READER’S TOP 100: CAST YOUR VOTE

It jumped 37 spots compared to last year, with its warm homely feel and local produce its secrets to its success, according to owner Zoe Birch.

“We think eating here is basically like eating at home — it’s a super casual and warm environment,” she said.

“We’re a tiny business — there are only two of us here, so we really appreciate the acknowledgment we’re getting.”

Greasy Zoe's grilled oca is one of their favourite dishes.

Opening in May 2017, Ms Birch said Greasy Zoe’s was “produce driven”, with a daily changing set menu on offer.

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“We use local produce grown by small farmers of the Nillumbik and take seasonality and locality to a whole new level,” she said.

“We’re very passionate about food and want this to come across in everything we dish out.”

Ms Birch works in the kitchen while business and life partner Lachlan Gardner handles the floor.

She said they worked well as a team.

“We took a little while to have a real vision when we set up, but in 2018 it became clearer, we became more focused and haven’t looked back.”

Greasy Zoe’s is at shop 3/850 Heidelberg-Kinglake Rd.