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. For scenic views of the Lakes Entrance and farm-fresh local produce, pull up a chair in Albert & Co’s cafe.

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. 

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. 

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.

For seasonal ingredients

Gippsland's restaurants celebrate their local ingredients with gusto. Be sure to try Peppermint Ridge Farm in Tynong North, which 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. 

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. If south Gippsland is on your agenda, drop into Dirty Three Wines to sample their renowned Pinot Noir.

In the charming heritage town of Loch, Loch Brewery & Distillery offers tastings of beer and spirits made on-site. For something a little different, visit Bandolier Brewing for a quirky beer cocktail or head to Gurneys Cidery to sample refreshing ciders overlooking Mount Nicoll.

For local produce 

Gippsland is bursting with fresh local produce to be enjoyed. Make a day of it with your family at the Alpine Trout Farm. Here, you can catch your own in true Australian style and pop it on the barbeque later.

At Macca’s farm, fresh produce can be eaten, purchased or picked in abundance. Another way to support the region’s farmers and small businesses is at the Warragul Farmers Markets, hosted every third Saturday of the month from 8:30am to 1pm.