Delicious 100: Top Geelong region restaurants revealed

An unheralded Geelong region eatery has upstaged some highly fancied rivals to surge into the state’s top 50 restaurants. Here’s what makes them so special.

Geelong region food lovers need to look no further for a great dining experience, with three local eateries named among Victoria’s top 50 restaurants.

Famed Birregurra eatery Brae came in at number 7, Aaron Turner’s Igni was ranked nine and La Cantina at Common Ground was listed at number 38 in the annual Delicious 100.

La Cantina. Picture: Alison Wynd

Head chef of La Cantina Glenn Laurie said the Freshwater Creek restaurant was dedicated to serving rustic, “Nonna style” Italian food.

The eatery is part of the popular Mulberry Group and is based on small farm at the Common Ground Project.

“It’s 100 per cent Italian. It’s regional, rustic food. Proper traditional Italian,” Mr Laurie said.

He said the restaurant’s farm location ensured the menu centred around seasonal produce.

“Because of the style of the food we do, it’s about respecting the ingredients and it’s great that the customers can walk out to our kitchen garden and see the stuff we are using.

“They can have broad beans and see that that’s where our broad beans come from.

“It’s nice for people to have that connection to produce in its primary form.”

La Cantina venue manager Lolo Hanser. Picture: Alison Wynd

Mr Laurie said the seasonal menu changes regularly, allowing customers to enjoy produce at its best.

He said one of the popular dishes was the la porchetta – consisting of a rolled pork belly.

“That doesn’t come off the menu,” he said.

“But, we change the menu three or four times a week as things run out and it gives us a good opportunity to give the garden a rest.”

Geelong CBD French restaurant La Cachette was ranked in the top 100.

Originally published as Delicious 100: Top Geelong region restaurants revealed