Best places to eat and drink in Buninyong
This sleepy country town near Ballarat has plenty to offer when it comes to delicious eating and drinking.
Food
Don't miss out on the headlines from Food. Followed categories will be added to My News.
This sleepy country town near Ballarat has plenty to offer when it comes to food and drink.
The Shared Table owner and chef Di Ray shares her top places to make the most of your visit.
Best place for coffee and breakfast
Maggie and Kate
This locally owned cafe nestled in the heart of Buninyong has delightful smiles, delicious coffee and an array of house-baked goodies – with plenty of dairy and gluten-free options. With an all-day breakfast, brunch and refreshing smoothies, it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite on a busy day. The homemade sweets, slices and biscuits are made in-house using locally sourced ingredients. Grounded Pleasure’s drinking chocolate is the perfect drink for warming up on chilly Buninyong mornings.
4/403 Warrenheip St
Best counter meal
The Crown Hotel
This pub was the first inland Victorian hotel to get its licence in 1842. Now it’s the oldest, continuously licensed hotel in the regions. Gorgeous and stately, the double-storey building is tucked away 15 minutes from central Ballarat. They’ve got the classics covered: think juicy steaks and parmas with hot chips, washed down with beers on tap. Don’t forget a side of good ol’ country hospitality, generous serves and a cosy vibe that’ll make you feel right at home.
508 Warrenheip St
Where I stock my pantry/fridge
Buninyong Gift House
This place stocks wonderful locally made jams, chutneys, sweets and sauces. Buninyong’s own Saltbush Kitchen champions bush foods in its sea salts and seasonings. Local gift hampers are also available, and the owners often hosts fun, creative workshops. It’s a one-stop shop for all things delightful and unique.
408A Warrenheip St
Where I take the family
Red Door Pizza
Just about all places in Buninyong serve delicious family-friendly options but Red Door Pizza is one of my favourites. It makes wood-fired pizzas from scratch using Italian ingredients and fresh produce. Desserts are from Maggie & Kate and Ballarat gelataria Il Piccolo. The pizza menu is diverse, from classic crispy potato and rosemary to unique creations like slow-cooked beef and marinated mushrooms topped with apple, rocket, onion jam and Meredith Dairy goats cheese.
401 Warrenheip St
Something a bit fancy
The Shared Table
This is the only fine dining restaurant in Buninyong – so sorry it’s my own. Our restaurant connects local suppliers and their products with enthusiastic diners to create unforgettable dining experiences. The limited menu features homegrown products such as Black Cat truffles and Springmount black garlic, as well as surprising dishes like tofu doughnuts, mochi gnocchi and dolmades made with Ballan Butchers’ lamb and Saltbush Kitchen pepperberry.
317 Learmonth St
Third time unlucky: Why Taco Bell failed to take off in Australia
It failed to expand down under in the ’80s and ’90s, and now Taco Bell’s most recent attempt to break into Australia has again flopped. So, why didn’t it ever take off?
The ‘snot block’ slices not good enough for French pastry cut
They may be a go-to for bakery lovers with a sweet tooth, but Banana Boogie’s vanilla slice is a victim of some old-school foodie snobbery by the French, says Matt Preston.