Chef’s guide: Best places to eat, drink in Victoria’s Strathbogie Ranges
Escape the gloomy Melbourne winter with a day trip and some great pizza, wine or an antipasto plate in Victoria’s north. Fowles Wine’s head chef picks her favourite places to eat and drink in the Strathbogie Ranges.
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Mely & Me
Mely & Me only opened last spring but already it’s a crowd favourite and is my pick for best breakfast in town. Its modern fit out is complemented with great coffee, smoothies, and meals made from fresh local produce. If you can’t get enough of a fix there, they offer take home meals like lasagne, or homemade cake for the sweet tooths.
74 Binney St, Euroa
Northern Republic
A cosy space with a country feel, Northern Republic has a top-notch menu and wine list making it the perfect spot for a nibble on an antipasto plate and a drink, or more hearty fare in winter. I can’t go past the San Daniele prosciutto with gnocco fritto and gorgonzola sauce. Just a warning though: Northern Republic is one of those places where lunch can magically turn into dinner.
17 Kirkland Ave, West Euroa
Bank Street Pizza
Bank Street Pizza serves moreish wood fired pizza within its beautiful gardens. Eat in or take away, I often find myself here for pizza after a huge weekend always struggling to decide between Cal’s Capriccosa or The Faz. Not only do you get great service but the pizzas are loaded with delicious local produce. Call and book a table — perfect for groups and parties.
5 Bank St, Avenel
Harvest Home
Harvest Home is a wine bar, cafe, and boutique accommodation and is my favourite meeting place for Friday night drinks and bar snacks where local wine, beers and spirits reign supreme. Serving wonderful food (the crumbed cauliflower is simple but delicious) with excellent service it also caters for weddings and events. Restored in the 1870s, the country hotel maintains its traditional charm.
1 Bank St, Avenel
The Daily Dose
Tucked in within the Avenel Pharmacy, The Daily Dose is just what the doctor ordered if you’re after morning or afternoon tea, house-made cakes and pies. For those more health conscious there are plenty of lighter options, yet everything is delicious. My favourites are the homemade sausage roll and jelly slice.
2 Queen St, Avenel
The Muse
The drive into Mitchelton Winery through the stunning vineyards is enough to take your breath away. The menu at its restaurant, The Muse, is inspired by fresh local produce sourced from the region. The oak smoked Goulburn River trout is my favourite. The food philosophy supports local, sustainable and ethical farming methods. It’s the perfect spot for a dinner treat with friends.
470 Mitchellstown Rd, Nagambie
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Adele Aitken is head chef at Fowles Wine, a family-run boutique winery located in the Strathbogie Ranges.
The cellar door and cafe is open daily 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day).
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