The Best Restaurants, Bars and Cafes in Regional Australia

Ageing Like Fine Wine

Meet Angus Vinden, a Hunter Valley winemaker who’s blending grapes with creativity, tradition with irreverence, and winemaking with… self-portraits? Vinden’s wine labels feature a photograph of him, taken every year, showing the toll, the triumph, or whatever the season had to throw at him. The result? A label that’s as much a snapshot of his…

22 hours agoByNatasha Bazika

Pubs Victoria

How Romsey Got Its Pub Back

It usually takes decades of residency or generational legacy to be considered a true local in small country towns. But husband and wife pub owners Alex and Ashleigh Gorman fast-tracked their local status by taking over not one but two country pubs in northwest Victoria and entrenching themselves in their adopted community. “We bought the…

20 November 2024ByPhoebe Hartley

Pubs Victoria

Japanese Dining Pop-Up Coming to Portsea Hotel This Summer

The iconic Portsea Hotel on the Mornington Peninsula is set to host a refined Japanese dining experience this summer. From 3-19 January 2024, the historic venue will transform its secluded Bertrand Bar into an intimate pop-up, featuring a set-menu by Chef Yukio Ozeki of Towsville’s acclaimed Terasu restaurant. With a breathtaking backdrop of Port Phillip…

6 November 2024ByJohn Taylor

Pubs

Where to Find the Best Country Pubs in Victoria

If you're travelling around the state of Victoria, there's no doubt at some point you're going to need to make a stop for a rock-solid parma, or a pot of the coldest beer available—and for that, you're going to need a pub. And why not get one at one of the best country pubs in…

27 October 2024ByBen Tyers

Pubs Victoria

The Best Pubs in the Yarra Valley

Amidst the picturesque landscapes of Victoria's Yarra Valley, a haven of Yarra Valley pubs awaits, each embracing the region's unique blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary excellence. Beyond the renowned vineyards and sweeping vistas, the Yarra Valley boasts an inviting array of pubs, some even dog-friendly. These Yarra Valley pubs are more than mere…

25 October 2024ByBen Tyers

Food & Drink History

Reminiscing About Sizzler–Australia’s Favourite Steakhouse Paradise

If you’re under the age of 30, the word ‘Sizzler’ probably doesn’t mean a great deal. But for those of us lucky enough to grow up during the 90s, this chain of steakhouses was one of Australia’s great dine-in experiences. At least that’s how I remember it. Also Read: All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Hut, We Have to…

23 October 2024ByTobias Handke

Food & Drink Pubs South Australia

Where to Find the Best Parmis in Country South Australia

Editors note: I have absolutely no interest in getting into the parma/parmi debate. That's your business. The abbreviations or slang used in articles on The Local Rag are true to the author of the article you're reading. Nothing quite beats hitting up your local and getting stuck into a pint and a parmi. Whether your…

22 October 2024ByTobias Handke

Food & Drink Victoria

This Meeting Spot Between Melbourne and Bendigo Offers Homestyle Asian Cuisine With a Difference

From an unassuming shop front in a business centre in the heart of Gisborne—the gateway to the Macedon Ranges in Victoria—Stephanie Zhou and her husband, Stephen Rocard, run an Asian fusion eatery with a difference. Positioned about 50 kilometres from Melbourne and 100 kilometres from Bendigo on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country, The Flying Pigeon offers…

22 October 2024ByPhoebe Hartley

Food & Drink Victoria

In Appreciation of Delgrosso Apple Juice

Juice has always been a treat for me, so much so that even now, I rarely grab a bottle off the supermarket shelf. Similar to the rebranded Cookie Monster's statement that cookies are a "sometimes food", for me, juice—more specifically apple juice—is a "sometimes drink". If I'm honest, I don't remember drinking a lot of…

9 October 2024ByBen Tyers

Agriculture Food & Drink Victoria

The Farm Gate Championing Mornington Peninsula Produce

On the back roads of Dromana, amidst acreages and farmland sits Torello, a farm gate, produce shop and grocer all rolled into one. Established back in 2017 by long-time grocers, farmers markets and produce advocates Sophie and partner Mark Brancatisano. The shop has steadily built its reputation and loyal customer base by serving the highest…

7 October 2024BySimon Cassar

Pubs

Where to Find the Best Country Pubs in New South Wales

If you’re travelling around the state of New South Wales, there’s no doubt at some point you’re going to need to make a stop for a rock-solid parma, or a pot of the coldest beer available—and for that, you’re going to need a pub.

1 October 2024ByBen Tyers

Pubs

The Best Country Pubs for Sale in Australia Right Now

Many of us have dreamed of owning and tending bar at our very own pub in the country. And that reality could come true sooner rather than later if you buy one of these country pubs for sale right now. Country pubs in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and the rest of Australia can often…

19 September 2024ByBen Tyers

Food & Drink

Where to Find the Best Meat Pies in Australia

The meat pie is synonymous with Australia. Described by NSW Premier Bob Carr as Australia's 'national dish', the meat pie has been held in the hand of hungry Aussies for more than 100 years, with evidence of Sargent's producing meat pies way back in 1891. Popular pie manufacturers around Australia include Four 'n Twenty, which…

6 September 2024ByBen Tyers

Food & Drink Victoria

South Australian Bakery Takes Out the 2024 Great Australian Vanilla Slice Triumph Merbein

The vanilla slice is an icon. The classic 'snot block' can be found, and enjoyed thoroughly, in any small town bakery around regional Australia. With so many options all around Australia, it's hard to pinpoint exactly which vanilla slice is the best. That is, of course, unless you pay attention to the annual Great Vanilla…

26 August 2024ByBen Tyers

Pubs Victoria

The Best Pub on the Mornington Peninsula Is Nowhere Near the Beach

In a region where pubs swing between gentrified bistros or pokie-ridden saloons, the Mornington Peninsula's options for a classic tavern are few and far between. However, if you travel up past the hills Arthurs Seat into Main Ridge you'll find The Pig & Whistle. Not related to the Queensland chain nor the outpost with a…

12 August 2024BySimon Cassar

Food & Drink

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