The Yarra Valley, with its breathtaking views and wine history, is a wine lover’s dream and a foodie’s heaven. With its mix of award-winning wineries, boutique restaurants and local cafes, the valley has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting the cellar doors of the big wineries or dining amongst the barrels, the Yarra Valley will impress you with its food and views. In this guide, we’ll look at the top restaurants in the Yarra Valley, what makes them so good, and what makes them the perfect wine and captivating food match.
Table of Contents
Wine and Food Matching in the Region
The Yarra Valley is renowned for its cool climate wines, and it’s one of Australia’s best wine regions. From Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to sparkling wines, the valley’s winemakers produce some of the best, often matched with seasonal menus designed by local chefs. The connection between wine and food here is strong, with restaurants offering customised menus to match the wine experience. A glass of wine with fresh local produce takes any meal to the next level, whether you’re having a multi-course meal at a fine dining restaurant or a casual lunch at a local cafe. Places like Levantine Hill, Yering Station and Rochford Wines are where you can find matched food and wine to complement your journey through this beautiful region.
Restaurants and What They Offer
Greasy Zoe’s
Greasy Zoe’s is a Yarra Valley icon, offering a completely customised food experience. Known for its seasonality and sustainability Greasy Zoe’s serves a daily changing menu based on what’s in season. Located in the heart of Yarra Glen Greasy Zoe’s is a minimalist and modern dining experience perfect for foodies with dietary requirements or anyone who loves food.
No.7 Healesville
No.7 Healesville brings a bit of modernity to the Yarra Valley dining scene. This contemporary restaurant combines wood-fired pizzas, local produce and a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant serves fresh seasonal dishes perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with family and friends. Whether you’re having a glass of wine or trying their Grazing Menu No.7, Healesville will fill and delight.
De Bortoli
Locale at De Bortoli is Italian food through and through. Seasonal menus and farm-to-table dining are at the heart of Locale—Mediterranean-inspired dishes to match De Bortoli’s award-winning wines. Wood fired pizzas or multi course meals, Locale is modern dining with rustic charm. It’s a must-do if you’re in the Yarra Valley.
Emerald City
Emerald City is a boutique restaurant that reflects the Yarra Valley’s love of local produce. Mediterranean inspired dishes are the focus here and only the best seasonal ingredients are used. The wine bar has an extensive list of Yarra Valley wines to match the food. Perfect for an intimate but casual dining experience that showcases the region’s fresh produce.
Levantine Hill
Levantine Hill is a multi-award-winning winery restaurant with beautiful dining areas and great food. This is a food and wine experience like no other, with the best produce matched with our exclusive releases from the cellar door. Dining at Levantine Hill is an experience in itself, with vineyard gorgeous views and a multi-course menu that celebrates wine and seasonal produce. Intimate dining or special occasions where every dish is paired with the perfect glass of wine.
1309 at Balgownie Estate
1309 at Balgownie Estate is a Yarra Valley fine dining gem with views and dishes made from the freshest ingredients. Beautiful dining spaces to enjoy a multi-course meal with a focus on modern dining. Private dining options also available, perfect for special occasions. On the Melba Highway, 1309 combines the valley’s natural beauty with culinary excellence.
Yering Station
Yering Station is one of the valley’s institutions, and the restaurant is just as impressive. With vineyard views, Yering Station is the place to treat yourself to a foodie experience. The menu features fresh seasonal produce and an extensive wine list of our own wines. Whether it’s a weekday lunch or a multi-course dinner, Yering Station is sophisticated yet relaxed for any occasion.
Oakridge
Oakridge is a Yarra Valley institution with a focus on sustainability and seasonal produce. The kitchen garden supplies most of the fresh produce, and the menu changes regularly to reflect the season. It’s not just about the food, it’s about dining amongst the barrels in the winery and food, wine and place.
Quarters at Huberts Estate
Quarters at Huberts Estate is a casual family friendly dining space with a focus on local produce and comfort food. Known for its modern twists on old favourites Quarters is perfect for a more laid back meal with some of the estate’s cellar door drops. The restaurant is also family friendly with a menu to suit all ages so it’s a great spot to grab a casual lunch after you’ve been out and about in the valley.
The Stables at Stones
The Stables at Stones is a historic dining experience with a modern twist. Located in a beautifully restored barn the restaurant has intimate dining spaces to enjoy a menu inspired by the valley’s best produce. Whether you’re dining amongst barrels or in the outdoor restaurant space The Stables has both atmosphere and great food.
Stones of the Yarra Valley
As part of the Stones precinct Stones of the Yarra Valley, it offers casual and fine dining. With vineyard views and a focus on fresh produce, a glass of wine in their wine bar or a multi course meal Stones of the Yarra Valley will deliver.
St Huberts
St Huberts is a winery restaurant where casual meets fine dining and food and wine matching. Seasonal menus so you can taste the regions best produce with the estate’s wines. Great spot to stop for a meal along the Melba Highway.
TarraWarra Yarra Valley Winery Restaurant
TarraWarra Estate has one of the valley’s most stylish winery restaurants. A dining experience that’s food, art and wine. Menu features bespoke dishes made with seasonal produce paired with the estate’s wines. Dining here is more than just about the food it’s about the Yarra Valley’s history and culture in the landscape.
FAQ
Why is the Yarra Valley a food and wine lover’s heaven?
Award winning wineries and fresh seasonal produce. Stunning views, bespoke food and wine matching. A must see for foodies.
Are there family friendly dining options in the Yarra Valley?
Yes many restaurants in the Yarra Valley, Meletos Café and Quarters at St Huberts Estate to name a few have family friendly areas and menus.
Which Yarra Valley restaurants have private dining?
1309 at Balgownie Estate and The Stables at Stones have private dining.
Can I book food and wine matching at Yarra Valley restaurants?
many wineries in the Yarra Valley, Yering Station and Levantine Hill, to name a few, have food and wine matching where you can taste the region’s wines with bespoke seasonal menus.
What kind of food?
The Yarra Valley’s dining scene is known for its contemporary Australian cuisine, often featuring Mediterranean-inspired dishes, fresh produce, and Italian food.
Related articles about Yarra Valley
