Whether it is a heritage-listed building or simply oozes historical charm, there are a plethora of venues around the country that offer the opportunity to dine amongst history and splendour.
From former brothels to gaols and classic country pubs, diners can choose their surroundings to suit the occasion; here are five venues where you can bask in history as well as embark on a memorable culinary journey:
Historic Gippsland Watering Hole
Discover an historic pub in a picturesque coastal location at Kalimna Hotel on Hotel Road in Kalimna. Opening in 1886, this Gippsland watering hole boasts a warm and welcoming bistro along with live music, wood-fired pizza and a courtesy bus for those who need a lift.
Expect a family-friendly menu to tempt all tastes from starters of spicy plum pork skewers with Asian-style slaw to pub classics like beer-battered local fish, served with chips, salad, tartar and lemon; perhaps pick up a slice of Chef’s favourite pizza – Napoli, cheese, spinach, prawns, semi-dried tomatoes and chorizo, or the porky pig with pork belly, crispy bacon, chorizo, caramelised onion, housemade Jack Daniels BBQ sauce and cheese.
Discover Historic Charm
Renowned for exceptional food and service, visit Club Savoy on Myrtle Street in picturesque Myrtleford to refuel and recharge after a day spent exploring the Victorian High Country. Discover the charm of this historic establishment, relish in delectable cuisine and embrace the warm and welcoming ambience which has made this a well-loved destination for locals and visitors alike.
With a legacy spanning more than 65 years, expect to devour starters like mushroom and pumpkin arancini, served with Napoli sauce and shaved Parmesan; moving on to pasta plates such as chilli prawn fettuccine with capers, tomatoes, rocket, garlic and onion, or Scotch fillet, cooked to your liking, with Diane sauce, seasonal vegetables and garlic and rosemary potatoes.
Bendigo Tradition Since 1877
A Bendigo tradition since 1877, the Golden Vine Hotel on King Street is a much loved local music venue along with dishing up a fabulous menu of pub classics, gluten-free and vegan choices. Nestled in an historic building, find a cosy vibe indoors or head to the beautiful undercover beer garden and chill out amongst recycled timber, hanging and potted greenery as you sip a cold one and contemplate starters like spring rolls and sweet chilli sauce.
For the main, opt for tender lamb cutlets with mashed potato and gravy, or beer-battered fish and chips, tartar sauce and salad; burger lovers chow down on Southern fried chicken, bacon, pineapple, Swiss cheese, mixed lettuce and chipotle, while those gluten-free can choose a bun-less beef burger and chips, or grilled fish, salad and chips.
Ivy-covered Bluestone Walls
Enjoy great food and coffee inside the ivy-covered bluestone walls of historic Gaol Café Kilmore on Sutherland Street. This well-loved eatery has a dog-friendly courtyard with stunning gardens to soak up rays on balmy days, while indoors, artwork and gifts tempt diners in surrounds of latticed windows and potted greenery.
Stop in early for a caffeine fix and the Governor’s breakfast of bacon, sausage, poached, scrambled or fried eggs, baked beans, grilled steak, hash browns, spinach, sautéed garlic mushrooms, smashed avo, tomato, toast, Hollandaise, relish, pancakes, doughnut, maple syrup, ice cream and coffee.
Celebrating Italian Immigrants
Celebrating Melbourne’s history of Italian immigrants and evolution into a cosmopolitan culinary city, Luci is a contemporary Australian restaurant housed within the grand hall of the Equity Chambers Building on Bourke Street. Its art deco-style dining room – designed by Bates Smart – provides a sophisticated backdrop to the Mod Oz menu with Italian accents.
From buffet breakfasts to long lunches and romantic dinners, there is something to tempt all tastes such as starters of cured trout tartare, pear, Davidson plum and purple potato crisps; memorable mains such as marsala-glazed spatchcock are sure to entice, served with nudja, sweet corn, carrot, apricot and shallot sauce. Finish decadently with almond and fig tart, blackberry and vanilla ice cream.
