New places to eat out in Ballarat

From totally brand new to firm favourites in new digs, there's a bunch of new eat options in and around Ballarat.

The newly-restored Blackwood Pub is ticking all the boxes right now. From the duo behind Melbourne restaurants Cargo and Berth comes this self-proclaimed "haven in the hills". Take the scenic drive to the mountaintop village for quality pub fare, local beers on tap, plenty of gluten-free options plus dog-friendly outdoor dining. You'll find the circa 1868 pub at 1 Golden Point Rd, Blackwood.

The former owners of The Provincial Ballarat have worked their magic on the historic Buninyong pub. The Buninyong Hotel has just reopened its doors following an extensive interior renovation by local couple Simon and Gorgi Coghlan. Its new vibe is described as being "where tradition and modern hospitality meet in a location that feels like home". Think nostalgic pub menu showcasing quality local produce, eclectic wine list and extensive range of beers and ales, alfresco dining in the charming beer garden, plus crackling log fires in the cooler months. The circa 1885 building is regional Victoria's oldest continually licensed hotel. It's open for lunch Friday-Sunday from 11.30am, plus dinner Wednesday-Sunday from 5pm. You'll find The Buninyong Hotel at 508 Warrenheip St.

Coming in hot is Ballarat's newest hidden gem courtesy of TV host and MasterChef Australia alum Tim Bone. A long-time favourite at the city's farmers markets, Tim's Toasties is now open at 1 Opportunity Close, Delacombe. You'll find it tucked away among the modern warehouses and factories.

Boutique Turkish food truck Woodside Food and Co (pictured above) is opening a cafe, Near East Kitchen, in Ballarat's Bridge Mall on 18 March. Think an ever-changing menu of Middle Eastern-inspired flavors with a modern edge, plus delicious coffee and fresh baked treats. Check it out at 78 Bridge Mall.

Ballarat chef Lilly Wright is putting her own spin on the classic meat pie. The Flying Chillies founder is the force of nature behind Not Your Grandma’s Pantry. "I love pies but let’s be real – most of the time, we play it safe," Lilly said. "We get lazy, predictable and comfortable with the usual flavours, afraid to shake things up. That’s why NYGP was born – my alter ego that refuses to settle, that demands creativity, brings something new that brings the unexpected." Lilly's opening line-up of bold and tasty pies includes beef rendang pie, Indonesian lamb curry pie, Mum’s curry laksa pie, breakfast pie, Japanese beef curry pie, vegan beef and gravy pie, and Cambodian fish amok pie. Not Your Grandma’s Pantry is open for grab-and-go pies every Friday and Saturday from 9am-2pm at 6 Coliseum Walk in the Bridge Mall.

The newly-restored Blackwood Hotel is ticking all the boxes right now. From the duo behind Melbourne restaurants Cargo and Berth comes this self-proclaimed "haven in the hills". Take the scenic drive to the mountaintop village for quality pub fare, local beers on tap, plenty of gluten-free options plus dog-friendly outdoor dining. You'll find the circa 1868 pub at 1 Golden Point Rd, Blackwood.

If you love Meredith Dairy's famous goat cheese, do we have some news for you! From the team behind this cheesy delicacy comes the new Meredith Farm Store. The paddock to plate cafe is brimming with local produce including goat cheese, honey and capretto, along with a tasty seasonal menu and Fieldwork Coffee. Meredith Farm Store is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9am-3.30pm at 30 Staughton St, Meredith.

Truffles and wine? What a mighty good time! Wattle Flat's Black Cat Truffles just got even better with the addition of Meredith Wines' on-site cellar door. Visitors can now enjoy Meredith Wines' guided tasting flights, wines by the glass and bottle plus – of course – seasonal food offerings from the very talented Liam Downes. You'll find Black Cat Truffles and Meredith Wines at 150 Howards Rd, Wattle Flat.