The best pub in the Yarra Valley is a hard one to narrow down. It is not just about the food or the drinks. It’s also about the atmosphere. Having the right feel and the right location is important for a good pub. Here are some places to consider for a great meal.
Nancy’s of the Valley
There are a wide range of restaurants in the Yarra Valley. Some are fine dining, some serve traditional fare and others are fun and casual. Many of these quaint restaurants are located in converted winery buildings. Whether you are a foodie or a wine lover, a Yarra Valley restaurant is a great way to experience the region’s gastronomy.
Heartswood Cafe is a local favourite. It serves a number of small dishes and drinks, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is seasonal and focuses on locally sourced produce. Guests can enjoy the cafe’s cosy setting inside a heritage building or out front on an umbrellaed deck.
TarraWarra Estate is another fine dining option. Their cellar door has a circular skylight and an elongated wooden bar. A great way to sample their wines is with the wine sommeliers. If you prefer the outdoors, there is a large patio under the native peppercorn trees.
Yering Station is another good choice for a Yarra Valley restaurant. This light and contemporary eatery overlooks lush fields and grazing cattle. With huge glass windows, it has a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.
Goldy’s Collingwood
If you want a great dram of beer, a hearty pub meal or a great cocktail, you’ll find all of this and more at Goldy’s in Collingwood. Located just a few blocks from Melbourne’s CBD, this old fashioned tavern is a hidden gem.
There are two main areas in this historic pub – the dining room and the bar. The bar boasts a small but impressive tinny list and serves some tasty steaks. They even offer a dog friendly section for you and your furry friend.
It’s also a good place to watch the game. Their extensive menu offers up all the usual suspects such as burgers, fish & chips, and steak. You can have it by the glass or the bottle, and they even have a vegan option.
In addition to the beer and food, you can enjoy an undercover beer garden. On a sunny afternoon, this area was filled with people and puppies alike. While you’re there, you can check out their collection of board games.
What’s really cool about this pub is the fact that they are keeping the old-school charm. The dining room has a quaint atrium out the back. The bar features a nice selection of tinnies from various Australian brewers.
Fondata 1872
Fondata 1872 is a restaurant that features rustic Italian cuisine. It’s located on the Kangaroo Ground in the Yarra Valley. The venue features a wine bar, tasting room, and a large lawn area. Whether you’re looking for a corporate event, or a place to celebrate a special occasion, you’ll find the perfect setting at Fondata.
With a range of private dining options, couples can host their wedding at the winery. Guests can choose from an a la carte menu or Tuscan-style feasts. From casual cocktail meals to multi-course feasts, the kitchen team at Fondata works with each couple to create a wedding they’ll cherish.
With a menu that is made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, couples can rest assured that their wedding will be filled with flavor. Chefs use only the best local produce and premium wines, so the food at Fondata is sure to delight.
Aside from the main dining room, the property also has the Terrace Room, which can accommodate 45 guests. It features a private balcony, and it’s separated from the main dining area by a barn door.
Healesville Hotel
If you want to taste the best food in the Yarra Valley, you will want to eat at the Healesville Hotel. It is a country pub with a relaxed vibe and a fantastic dining experience. The menu features local produce and seasonal dishes.
The restaurant offers a five course tasting menu for lunch and dinner, with two options at each sitting. A sommelier pairs the menu with wine.
You can enjoy a meal in the restaurant’s dining room, or at the bar. The kitchen is open from 12 midday to late.
In the bar, you can find a range of fancy wines and bar bites. You can get a platter of cheese boards to share, or have a bottle of fancy wine to yourself. This is a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
The Healesville Hotel is also home to a butcher shop and cafe. The butcher shop serves local produce and sauces. There are plenty of snacks to choose from, including locally farmed trout cakes.
Healesville Hotel is one of two long-standing pubs in the town. Other popular places to eat include the Innocent Bystander, which is an old-school watering hole. Originally owned by a local businessman, the Innocent Bystander is a great place to get a quick bite to eat for lunch or to sample the bar’s finer offerings.
Yering Station
If you’re looking for a great restaurant in the Yarra Valley, you need to check out Yering Station. This iconic brand was first planted in 1838, and it’s now a winery with a spectacular wine bar restaurant.
In addition to the vineyard, you’ll also find a dining room, cellar door, and a cafe. The restaurant’s menu includes hearty dishes, including roast duck breast with carrot puree and leek. You’ll also find desserts like chocolate parfait with honeycomb tower.
Yering Station’s dining room is expansive and offers panoramic views of the Yarra Valley. You can enjoy your meal with friends and family, and take in the impressive architecture.
The restaurant also features a unique wine barrel-shaped booth and helipad. There’s even a chapel underneath century-old oak trees.
For something a little more casual, check out the Sweetwater Cafe. Open seven days a week, this cafe is perfect for a brunch or lunch. Also, it serves breakfast to in-house guests.
There’s a wide selection of wine available for purchase. Try Yering Station Reserve Shiraz Viognier, which is one of the best examples of the blend in Australia.
Coombe Yarra Valley
Located in the Yarra Valley, the Coombe Yarra Valley is an excellent place to sample some of the region’s finest wines and cuisine. It’s also a quaint little spot with a lot of charm. You’ll find it about 5 minutes north east of Coldstream. Aside from the winery, you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant, providore or bar. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a sit-down lunch or a full-blown dinner, you’ll find it here.
Probably the best way to experience the area is to take a tour of the property. The tour is a great way to learn about the history of the Coombe and the estate itself. On the wine front, you can expect a tasting or two of the wines produced by the estate.
The other notable feat is the fact that the Coombe Yarra Valley restaurant is an award-winning establishment. In fact, it was the recipient of the Restaurant of the Year Award in 2006. Moreover, it has an excellent decor and a great service staff.
Eleonore’s Restaurant
If you are looking for the perfect dining experience in the Yarra Valley, you need to visit Eleonore’s Restaurant. This elegant fine dining establishment in the heart of the wine country focuses on world class wines, local produce, and exquisite taste combinations. It’s also an excellent destination for a dinner date or a group gathering.
You can dine in the plush old world decor of an 1850’s chateau. The menu features contemporary Australian and European dishes. In addition to the restaurant, you’ll find a deli and butcher’s shop in the same building.
Guests can enjoy a five course tasting menu at Eleonore’s Restaurant, or try one of their ‘Chef’s Table’ dinners. The chef changes their menus every night. Their kitchen team uses local and seasonal ingredients, and sommeliers match the best wines with the menu. Whether you’re a fan of meat or vegetarian, you’ll find something you’ll love at Eleonore’s Restaurant.
There are plenty of other Yarra Valley restaurants and pubs to enjoy, too. The region has a range of taverns and cafes to suit any budget and tastes.
Yarra Valley Dairy and Oasis Berry Farms
When it comes to eating, the Yarra Valley is a food lover’s paradise. Not only is it home to some of Australia’s finest wineries, but it also boasts an abundance of local produce. Whether you’re looking for brunch, dinner, or simply a delicious snack, there is a Yarra Valley food destination for you.
Among the many restaurants in the Yarra Valley, one that stands out is Heartswood. This popular brunch spot is located in the old Colonial Bank building in Yarra Glen. The restaurant uses a thoughtful menu, and the team specializes in sustainable sourcing.
Another Yarra Valley favourite is Hutch & Co, a hip brunch spot that offers pressed brisket benny and other brunch favorites. For a unique twist, try the Son In Law Eggs, which combine pork belly with chilli caramel.
If you’re craving a delicious dessert, head to the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. They produce 400 different chocolate products, and they offer a free tasting.
You can explore the gardens of the Yarra Valley while you’re there, as well. Yarra Valley Gardens are ideal for picnicking, and the 7.5-acre weeping tree garden is a beautiful sight.