Best places to eat and drink in Gippsland

By Lana Bogunovich

Renowned for its local produce and beautiful wineries, Gippsland is a food destination that leaves a lasting impression on even the most discerning palettes. Get a taste of the region with our top places to wine and dine.

For café comforts 

If it's country comfort you're after, pay a visit to Udder & Hoe in Kilcunda, a café and deli offering a range of delicious foods, homewares and coffee. 

In Lindenow, The Long Paddock is a bakery-meets-bistro, while Raw Harvest Café in Newborough is ideal for the health-conscious visitor.  

• Be sure to try: The Long Paddock’s famous Sunday roast cooked in the 100-year-old woodfired oven.

For fine dining

Gippsland’s fine dining scene is proving to be a destination in its own right. Charming and historic, Tinamba Hotel has elevated traditional pub fare to a whole new level.  

In Paynesville, delicate seafood flavours are paired with elegant presentation at the award-winning Sardine Eatery & Bar. Meanwhile, Neilson’s Kitchen in Traralgon showcases their modern take on rustic country cuisine. 

• Be sure to try: the degustation menu at Sardine Eatery & Bar, which includes the chef’s personal favourites and a few exclusive dishes.

For exotic flavours 

If you’re in search of exotic flavours, you'll find them in Gippsland. Brandy Creek Estate hosts regular paella feasts and all-you-can-eat Brazilian ‘churrasco’ barbecues, while the Asian-fusion flavours sing at Little Prince in Traralgon. At Claypot Curry House, you can pick your own ingredients from the garden to be used in traditional Sri Lankan curries.

• Be sure to try: Little Prince’s famous dumplings, but leave room for dessert – the salted caramel, peanut and popcorn sundae is a local favourite.

For exceptional dining views

With its sparkling coastline, Gippsland has no shortage of stunning vistas. Grab a seat at the lakefront Metung Hotel for fresh fish and chips. In Lakes Entrance, Sodafish is a floating restaurant that sources its seafood from neighbouring fishing boats.

In Warragul, Hogget Kitchen’s vineyard views are the perfect accompaniment to a charcuterie platter and glass of red wine.

• Be sure to try: the sourdough-battered fish and potato cakes from Sodafish.

For seasonal ingredients

Gippsland's restaurants celebrate their local ingredients with gusto. The Grove Gippsland changes their menu seasonally, while Peppermint Ridge Farm in Tynong North grows a variety of Australian edible plants.

Café by day and restaurant by night, Northern Ground in Bairnsdale does the region’s food bowl justice with its beautifully presented dishes. 

• Be sure to try: a Tour and Taste Event at Peppermint Ridge Farm.

For top tipples

A visit to Gippsland would be incomplete without trying a local beverage or two. Start at Lightfoot & Sons for a wine tasting on the sun-drenched deck.

In the charming heritage town of Loch, Loch Brewery & Distillery offers tastings of beer and spirits made on site. In Traralgon, The Benjamin on Franklin is a jazzy bar serving up classic and seasonally-led cocktails.

• Be sure to try: a gin tasting flight in Loch Brewery & Distillery’s outdoor garden, featuring gins made from native Australian botanicals.