12 Ballarat cafes for epic farm-fresh indulgence

Vegan, paleo, gluten-free, kid-friendly, creative – whatever your brunching needs, the best Ballarat cafes deliver with locally refined flair.

Sure, the Victorian Goldfields city of Ballarat promises beautiful streetscapes with storied, heritage buildings and a glut of cultural assets — but its local cafe scene is just as alluring. Serving up masterful technique, fresh seasonal ingredients, stellar caffeine fixes and endlessly endearing ambience, the best Ballarat cafes should be experienced one meal at a time. Here, a roundup of the finest.

The shortlist

Best coffee: Cobb’s Coffee
Best pastries: 1816 Bakehouse
Best for dietary restrictions: Hydrant Food Hall
Hidden gem: Shep St Sandos

1. Eclectic Tastes Cafe & Pantry

a spread of food at Eclectic Tastes Cafe & Pantry, Ballarat — Refuel with a hearty brunch filled with locally sourced ingredients. (Image: Eclectic Tastes Cafe & Pantry)

Perched near the shores of Lake Wendouree, Eclectic Tastes Cafe & Pantry has won local hearts with its range of patisseries since 2016, nailing everything from berry muffins, cheesecake and pecan tarts to vegan apple cake. Run by the team behind Eleanora, one of the best Ballarat restaurants, it does an excellent job of showcasing local produce and homemade goodies, such as handmade sourdough crumpets served with whipped ricotta, freeze-dried raspberries and honey from Backyard Beekeeping Ballarat. Once you’ve consumed as much as physically possible from the brunch and patisserie selection, pick up a few gourmet treats for the road from the Ballarat cafe’s retail section — pralines from chocolatier Koko Black and pantry staples from Melbourne’s From Basque With Love are always heavily stocked.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with strong Pan-Asian influences

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Inviting

Review: 4.5/5

Location: 2 Burnbank St, Ballarat

2. Nolans

having breakfast at Nolans cafe in Ballarat — Enjoy generous servings from the scrumptious menu at Nolans. (Image: Supplied)

Shining a light on native ingredients, while supporting local Victorian farmers and suppliers, the team at Nolans nail every meal of the day inside The Goods Shed, a sleek events venue. The coffee is silky-delicious (and there’s a cart serving up takeaways for two hours from 6.30am on Monday and Tuesday), the fit out is sumptuous New York-bistro plush, and the menu excels creatively. Think a fried chicken Benedict with chipotle hollandaise, a fried pastrami and egg roll with burnt onion jam, a smoked salmon bagel with lemon myrtle cream cheese and a sourdough pizza with vodka nduja and hot honey.

Cuisine: Modern Australian with international influences

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Classy

Review: 4.5/5

Location: The Goods Shed, Lydiard St North, corner Nolan St, Ballarat

3. Fika Coffee Brewers

coffee and breakfast at Fika Coffee Brewers, Ballarat — The aptly named cafe translates to ‘coffee break’. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Located in a plum position in central Ballarat, this atmospheric little spot does a great line in brunch. With Tassie oak-inflected interiors rendered in clean lines that complement its Scandi name (which means coffee break in Swedish), Fika Coffee Brewers utilises St Ali beans to serve alongside imaginative menu items. Have fun choosing between the likes of Dr Marty’s Crumpets (with whipped ricotta, ruby grapefruit and pistachios), the Tradesman egg and bacon roll with special sauce, sardines on toast with dill, fennel and garlic aioli, and the crowd-pleasing pulled pork roll with slaw and cheddar.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Hipster

Review: 4.5/5

Location: 36A Drummond St North, Ballarat

4. Yellow Espresso

brunch at Yellow Espresso, Ballarat — Relaxed brunch offerings at Yellow Espresso. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Beloved by locals for its laidback ambience and reliable culinary chops, Yellow Espresso is a Ballarat cafe with plenty to offer. The staples are nailed, including pancakes stacked with blueberries and strawberries, homemade muffins, avocado on toast and corn fritters, but the gang often splices things up with clever additions such as the Biscoff smoothie bowl topped with one of those addictive golden cookies. Grab a spot by the window for a side of people watching, too.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Relaxed

Review: 3.5/5

Location: 13 Sturt St, Ballarat

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5. Hydrant Food Hall

brunch at Hydrant Food Hall, Ballarat — Homemade hash brown topped with poached eggs. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The menu at Hydrant Food Hall, located in a quiet laneway off one of the CBD’s main stretches, changes seasonally, spanning inventive dishes beyond great avo on toast. Think a homemade ramen with pork bone broth, a calamari rice bowl with pickled cabbage, or a breakfast board dressed in granola, mini escargot, an array of fruit and more. The team is also able to cater to lots of different dietaries, from dairy-free to nut-free and gluten-free.

Kids aren’t left out of the equation here either. In fact, we’d be surprised if the grown-ups weren’t a bit partial to hot picks including rainbow-coloured pancakes with marshmallows and fruit, and the kids waffle with vanilla ice cream and sprinkles. For little ones hyped up by a sugar high, there’s also a children’s activity play bag ($2.50) available to keep them occupied.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Family-friendly

Review: 4/5

Location: 3 McKenzie St, Ballarat

6. 1816 Bakehouse

bread and pastries on display at 1816 Bakehouse, Ballarat — Get your fill of fresh sweets at 1816 Bakehouse. (Image: Visit Victoria)

An artisan bakery, patisserie and cafe next door to The Forge Pizzeria on Armstrong Street North, 1816 Bakehouse is a temple to all things dough. Take your pick of pumpkin loaves, semi-sourdough focaccia loaded with fetta, basil and olives, Nutella and pistachio cruffins, savoury and sweet pies and fresh sandwiches — all meticulously handcrafted daily.

Cuisine: Bakery

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Bustling

Review: 4/5

Location: 18 Armstrong St North, Ballarat

7. Shep St Sandos

lush greenery around Shep St Sandos cafe in Ballarat — The lush cafe is decorated with indoor plants. (Image: Shep St Sandos)

King of the humble toastie, Shep St Sandos has turned the practice of jamming cheese and other tasty morsels between two slices of sourdough bread into an art form. House favourites include the mushroom melt, katsu chicken, and Reuben.

Beyond toasties, the coffee shop’s limited menu changes almost daily. Find a range of sweets, plus your obligatory caffeine fix. The cafe roasts its own beans, and the baristas pour a mean brew, too.

Cuisine: Modern Australian, specialising in toasties

Average price: $

Atmosphere: Lively

Review: 4/5

Location: 8 Shepperd St, Ballarat

8. Websters Market & Cafe

people dining at Websters Market & Cafe, Ballarat — The casual diner on Webster St serves up a solid all-day brunch menu. (Image: Indie Lane Photography)

On Ballarat’s historic Webster Street, housed within a heritage corner store, lies Websters Market & Cafe. Having built up a loyal following of regulars, this Ballarat cafe serves up a solid all-day brunch menu with all the classics, alongside coffee from famed Melbourne roastery Industry Beans. The indecisive bruncher can have it all with the breakfast board (including honey and vanilla yoghurt with nuts, seeds and seasonal fruit, plus smashed avo and goat’s cheese on sourdough, a poached egg and more), or you can keep it simple with a panini or bagel.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Casual

Review: 4/5

Location: 61 Webster St, Ballarat

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9. Clothesline Cafe

a food spread at Clothesline Cafe, Ballarat — The menu at Clothesline Cafe is an inviting ode to the unconventional. (Image: Visit Victoria)

There’s something a bit visionary about the set-up at Clothesline Cafe. A renovated old weatherboard home on a corner block among residential streets, this aesthetically pleasing and impossibly cool venue belongs among the pages of a design magazine. There’s caramel leather banquette seating, walls painted in a smoky grey, angular ceiling lights, and an impeccably landscaped courtyard. The menu too is an inviting ode to the unconventional: an Asian chilli scramble with house made sauce, gyros with house made tzatziki and more. You’ll find coffee from Melbourne roastery Code Black here, too.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$

Atmosphere: Cosy

Review: 3.5.5

Location: 202 Humffray St South, Bakery Hill

10. Cobb’s Coffee

three cups of coffee at Cobb’s Coffee, Ballarat — Cobb’s Coffee works in collaboration with Melbourne’s Rumble Coffee. (Image: Cobb’s Coffee)

Showcasing the handiwork of Melbourne coffee roasters Rumble Coffee, Cobb’s Coffee works in partnership with the caffeine aficionados to deliver excellent AM stomach lining. While that liquid gold is undoubtedly a star attraction, there’s also a high-quality range of fresh sandwiches to tempt you. We recommend sinking your teeth into the HCT, consisting of ham, cheddar, mozzarella and homemade tomato relish, or perhaps the leek and cheddar variety with added mozzarella and Dijon mustard. Whatever takes your fancy, fluffy rustica sourdough utterly melts in your mouth with every bite.

Cuisine: Sandwiches

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Slick

Review: 4/5

Location: 2 Lydiard St South, Ballarat

11. The Turret Cafe

breakfast plates at The Turret Cafe, Ballarat — Pick from a range of delectable all-day breakfast options. (Image: The Turret Cafe)

Step inside one of Ballarat’s prettiest heritage buildings to sample the delights of The Turret Cafe. Filling the bones of a restored 1890s home, this Ballarat cafe is a lovely pick for all-day breakfast classics delivered in a stately yet welcoming environment. Pick your poison out of mushroom bruschetta, zucchini and corn fritters, a beautiful Farmers Garden of seasonal produce and smashed avocado, and even The Turret itself: a potato rosti with chorizo, veg, a poached egg and hollandaise.

Cuisine: Modern Australian

Average price: $$-$$$

Atmosphere: Refined

Review: 4/5

Location: 802 Sturt St, Ballarat

12. Earl’s Deli

a sandwich plate at Earl’s Deli, Ballarat — Earl’s Deli makes homemade spins on McMuffins. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Craving a jumbo sandwich? The team at Earl’s Deli, doing their thing down a totally unassuming laneway, feel you. Whipping up jam-packed sandos that demand full mouth extension to devour, the Ballarat cafe works with peak local produce to evolve its menu regularly. From a buttery egg mayo and lettuce mix, to gourmet grilled cheese and homemade spins on McMuffins, the menu is flavour-crammed and also dotted with sensational roastery. Grab a perfectly blended Inglewood Coffee Roasters’ concoction to help wash down all the culinary goodness.

Cuisine: Sandwiches

Average price: $-$$

Atmosphere: Trendy

Review: 4/5

Location: 11 Davey St, Ballarat

Discover the best restaurants in Ballarat

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge.

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea. You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet, the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery, Arc One Gallery, Outre Gallery, Caves Gallery, Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary, allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria. The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement, Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar, or larger ones, such as The Toff, Forum and Palais Theatre, for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.

12 Ballarat cafes for epic farm-fresh indulgence

Vegan, paleo, gluten-free, kid-friendly, creative – whatever your brunching needs, the best Ballarat cafes deliver with locally refined flair.

The shortlist

1. Eclectic Tastes Cafe & Pantry

2. Nolans

3. Fika Coffee Brewers

4. Yellow Espresso

5. Hydrant Food Hall

6. 1816 Bakehouse

7. Shep St Sandos

8. Websters Market & Cafe

9. Clothesline Cafe

10. Cobb’s Coffee

11. The Turret Cafe

12. Earl’s Deli

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