Yarra Valley is an hour’s drive from Melbourne and home to winery cellar doors, fine diners with impeccable credentials and innovative produce-focused eateries. There are also artisan cheesemakers, off-grid accommodation facilities and one of Australia’s premier gin distilleries in Yarra Valley.
Start off your day of tasting right with breakfast at Round Bird Can’t Fly – their delicious ricotta dumplings and delicate crab omelette are far beyond any average cafe fare!
1. Heartswood
Just an hour from Melbourne, Yarra Valley boasts an outstanding dining scene to match its world-famous wines. Savor long lunches in stunning winery restaurants with breathtaking vineyard views such as Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering or Meletos at Stones of Yarra Valley – or visit 1309 Balgownie Estate where Chef Aaron Brodie serves a hyperlocal menu from nearby farms – or dine in sleek glass-walled restaurant buildings designed to accentuate its stunning surroundings such as Tokar Estate Immerse or Levantine Hill!
Yarra Valley offers many fantastic cafes, providing welcoming country settings that serve hearty ‘farm table’ fare. Or enjoy cheese platters and wine at Yarra Valley Dairy Cellar Door; or indulge in gourmet picnic baskets at one of many cosy countryside cafes around Healesville.
Heartswood Cafe can be found inside the former Colonial Bank building in Yarra Glen and boasts a trendy and happening vibe that focuses on seasonal produce. Offering chilli scrambles, citrus waffles and pressed brisket benny, Heartswood offers delicious meals perfect for breakfast or lunch service. Dinner options at this restaurant feature seasonal two and three-course menus, such as Tuesday Pizza Night or Thursday pasta nights. At Heartswood you’ll also find Yarra Valley Dairy, home of young winemaker Jayden Ong (co-owner of Melbourne laneway diner Cumulus Inc). His entire range of labels and favourite local wines can be sampled here in an industrial shed environment; with delicious pairing options such as canned Iberian fish, oysters and local rainbow trout. Plus you can take a tour of production.
2. Hutch & Co
Yarra Valley is world-renowned for its world-class Chardonnay and Shiraz wines, but is equally celebrated for the top restaurants offering delectable food to complement them. Feast at exquisite winery restaurants such as Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering or Meletos at Stones of the Yarra Valley or 1309 at Balgownie Estate for memorable views; or indulge in comforting country cafes like Heartswood or Innocent Bystander for hearty farm table fare and countryside cafe fare!
Hutch & Co is the latest venture from Melbourne transplants Nick Panagopoulos and Rob Salha (both former financial industry professionals). Boasting pale American oak walls and ceilings, Hutch & Co features a dining area designed to host parties both large and small.
The modern-Mediterranean building was carefully designed to take full advantage of the beautiful surroundings, providing guests with an environment in which they can unwind with a bottle of their favourite wine and dine on delicious cuisine created by our head chef – from starters and desserts, as well as vegetarian and vegan options!
Enjoy the eclectic atmosphere while sipping cool-climate Yarra Valley wine while sitting at the bar and sipping cool-climate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir from their cellar door while sitting back at their bar and dining on local fare from Nashville cauliflower salad with smoked jalapeno cream to mussels in OWL beer – or try gluten-free and vegan options here as well! And while you’re there don’t forget to sample their specialty: local Yarra Valley Pinot Noirs that perfectly pair with the delicious food options on offer here.
3. Oasis Berry Farms
Experience the finest produce and wines of the Yarra Valley by dining at stunning winery restaurants with breathtaking views, such as Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering or 1309 at Balgownie Estate. Or drop into one of Healesville’s cozy cafes serving rustic country fare or enjoy fine pub meals; for something different try gourmet picnicking in scenic spots such as Coombe Yarra Valley’s gardens or Puffing Billy dining car – with gourmet picnic experiences just waiting to happen!
Oasis Berry Farms provides visitors with an unforgettable family-friendly experience, offering visitors the opportunity to pick their own fresh berries. Open from December through March, visitors can purchase 500g punnets and 1kg buckets of juicy blueberries that can be eaten immediately on-site, made into jam, or added into baking at home. Furthermore, visitors can take advantage of facilities such as Jurassic Trail, play area, picnic tables, shaded areas as well as enjoy various facilities available at this family-friendly farm.
the Yarra Valley offers everything from casual dinner spots and high tea venues, to hosting product launches, special events and group celebrations. Enjoy breathtaking vineyard views while dining from an extensive wine-matched menu and adding on activities like grape stomping or wine blending to your experience.
Isabella’s at Rochford offers deliciously authentic food that draws its inspiration from local producers, designed by Executive Chef Raki Andriana to showcase seasonal produce while perfectly complementing Rochford’s internationally acclaimed wines. Additionally, there are alfresco and private dining areas to meet guests’ needs, providing romantic settings or accommodating larger groups.
4. Yarra Valley Dairy
Enjoy cheese at this charming dairy restaurant! With their extensive menu of gourmet toasties to melted cheese hotpots, there’s sure to be something delicious on the menu to suit every cheese craving! Furthermore, they provide wines from boutique wineries in the area – this makes an ideal spot if you’re searching for something different and special.
The Yarra Valley boasts an abundance of dining options, from fine-dining establishments and chic bars, to family-run cafes and sunny brunch spots. There are world-renowned restaurants and cozy bars, to family run cafes and family run cafes offering hearty fare at reasonable prices, winery eateries with long lunches that you can linger over, ‘hatted’ restaurants boasting stunning vine views, winery cafes offering wine tasting experiences, winery eateries with long lunches or winery restaurant dining options as well. You can even book your own private table for special events or group events!
At Yarra Valley Dairy, this stunning restaurant fuses tradition and modernity seamlessly. Offering seasonal two or three course menus that showcase local food artisans, this spectacular venue provides guests with a memorable dining experience. Food at this romantic spot is always made from fresh ingredients and perfectly complimented by wines produced in Yarra Valley. Open every evening of the week for dinner – including Tuesday Pizza Night and Thursday Pasta Night – service is exceptional and atmosphere truly romantic. Visiting with children? They offer a fun grassy area for them to play on while you enjoy your meal – much like Willy Wonka’s factory without Veruca Salt’s annoying personality! Though not the busiest location, its charm lies in being less bustling; furthermore, you can purchase their delicious cheeses made right there and taken home as souvenirs; their selection is impressive!
5. Jayden Ong
Jayden Ong isn’t your average cellar door; instead it provides a casual and playful space to pair quality local produce with wines from the Yarra Valley. Food offerings at Jayden Ong include elegant finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jams, composed vegetable dishes, charcuterie sliced to order and charcoal-grilled meats; vegan and vegetarian options are also available! Open Friday-Sunday from drinks and dinner.
Visit Healesville Wine Cellar for an exceptional Yarra Valley wine experience and exquisite service, beautiful floral displays and the soothing sound of classical music playing through speakers. Their extensive wine list showcases four ranges produced onsite in addition to regional legends, compelling internationals and hard-to-find cult wines – you won’t want to leave here empty-handed!
Yarra Valley boasts an unparalleled dining experience, from world-class winery restaurants with breathtaking views to intimate bars and sunny cafes offering delectable “farm table” fare. Enjoy leisurely lunches at amazing winery restaurants such as Eleonore’s Restaurant at Chateau Yering; Meletos at Stones of the Yarra Valley and 1309 at Balgownie Estate for unforgettable meals with stunning panoramas.
Yarra Valley is an ideal setting for weddings, with scenic vineyard views and luxurious buildings providing the backdrop. Marquee options abound; many wineries also provide product launches, private functions and group celebrations with delectable menus paired with world-class wines from their winery – add extra elements such as tasting sessions or cellar tours to enhance the event experience!