Where city’s top chefs go for a country counter meal and beer

Make the road trip worthwhile at these star chef-endorsed regional treasures— spanning pubs, breweries and bars.

Looking for a decent feed while on the road this summer?

Melbourne’s top chefs have revealed their hit-list of the best places to pop in for a counter meal and coldie across regional Victoria.

From treasured country pubs, new-age breweries and bespoke bars— there’s bound to be something delicious for everyone.

Come for the beer, stay for the food.

Bandolier Brewing

This awesome local microbrewery makes delicious craft beer. My favourite is the copper ale, but the porter is also really nice. Bandolier’s courtyard set-up is perfect for the warmer months and regularly has themed nights. It makes for the perfect spot to catch up with friends.

28 Mason St, Warragul

— Hogget Kitchen owner and head chef Trevor Perkins

The new-look Healesville Hotel is the perfect after-work meeting place for a pint and parma.

Healesville Hotel

Since the relaunch, the Healesville Hotel has been killing it, always serving up great pub meals, particularly the chicken liver parfait, which is possibly the best I’ve had in Victoria in a long time. The Tuesday pasta deals are amazing and, as a local, we can’t go past happy hour.

during the week. It is a wonderful after work meeting place to grab a pint of beer or a glass

of local wine to decompress after a long day.

256 Maroondah Hwy, Healesville

— Locavore Nights chef Jessie Rae Crossley

Fried chicken is a must, but Jetty Road also makes some neat meals that pair nicely with beer.

Jetty Road Brewery

This place is one of my go-to spots on the Peninsula. The kitchen has a great range of snacks and staples. The best part? Everything has been designed to complement the beer. My favourite is the Burner IPA, a robust West Coast IPA with aromas of stone fruit and pine, balanced by a sturdy malt backbone and firm bitterness. It pairs superbly with the signature JFC (Jetty Fried Chicken) – is there anything better than a great serve of fried chicken?

12-14 Brasser Ave, Dromana

— Jackalope executive chef Michael Wickham

American bar snacks are the game at Loosie’s Diner

Loosie’s Diner

This place is a must and right up my alley – pull up a seat at the bar and order away. There are heaps of American bar snacks to start off with such as buffalo wings, (chicken) tenders and guacamole. Then, order one of their great burgers. My favourite is the chilli burger, washed down with a Coors on tap. With a steak night on Wednesdays and BBQ pork nights on Thursday, Loosie’s is definitely worth a visit.

97 Beleura Hill Rd, Mornington

— My Kitchen Rules contestant 2024 Liam Watt

There is always something new on the menu at The Western in Ballarat.

The Western Hotel

The Western always has a great selection of beers on tap, but I often opt for a non-alcoholic option – their zero per cent gin and tonic is fantastic. It’s the perfect drink to sip in their courtyard. Food-wise, I’m torn between their classic parma, which are consistently good, and the ever-changing specials menu, which always offers something exciting. The Western is a true Ballarat institution with a warm and inviting atmosphere, the perfect spot for a catch-up.

220 Lydiard Street North, Ballarat

— Meigas owner and chef Jose Fernandez

The Grapes Hotel is an old-school pub where you’ll find a lot of familiar faces.

The Grapes Hotel

This old-school pub is a real gem to walk into. It’s the right venue for a fantastic pot of cold crisp lager in a chilled glass. You’ll be surrounded by familiar faces and newcomers, both young and old. The food focuses on comforting classics. There’s no fancy jus here, just gravy, mashed potato with a few lumps and a good pork sausage. Perfect.

121 Grant St, Ballarat

— Mr Jones owner and chef Damien Jones

Sorrento’s Koonya Hotel is a seaside pub with all the spoils.

Koonya Hotel

This is the spot for a pub meal and a cold beer. Overlooking the beach, it has a laid back vibe and delicious food. My favourite is the eight-hour, slow-cooked pork ribs served with grilled corn. Team this with a Coopers beer for best results. The team is dedicated to serving great food and creating an atmosphere that always keeps me coming back for more.

1 Esplanade, Sorrento

— Bardo and Sardo Sorrento chef, co-owner Nika Perc

Steak and veg are hard to pass up at the Kyneton Hotel.

The Kyneton Hotel

Allison and Sam run an awesome pub with a great selection of beers on tap and also pour a great range of local wines. Our Monday food and beer match consists of a porterhouse steak sandwich and a pint of Cooper’s Pale Ale.

98-100 Mollison St, Kyneton

— Marchesa head chef and co-owner Daniel Whelan