Venture Off the Beaten Path to Discover these 5 Dining Destinations

Sometimes we need to take the road less travelled and venture off the beaten path to experience all that life has to offer.

While we all have our favourite tried and true dining destinations, there are so many hidden gems awaiting adventurous foodies who are willing to take a chance on wandering away from the norm. Here are five venues to put on your culinary roadmap:

Serving hungry and thirsty locals for almost 150 years, Tinamba Hotel on Tinamba Seaton Road is one of Gippsland’s finest dining destinations. From the first-class ambience of the dining room, lounge and conservatory, to the relaxed atmosphere in the Amba Bar and outdoor verandah, this hotel exudes country hospitality to all who enter.

 

Using the finest, locally grown produce and working with the most talented Chefs in the region, expect to find dishes such as venison ragu, pea purée, pancetta and mustard leaves to start; before duck leg, braised cabbage, fondant carrot and pomegranate jus. The menu is paired with a mix of local wines and international favourites; if beer is what you are after, Tinamba has the best local beer on tap.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavours and lively atmosphere of South Gippsland at Kernot Food and Wine Store on Loch-Kernot Road in Grantville. Live music on Sunday creates the perfect backdrop to enhance your dining experience as you chill out in classic country surrounds either alfresco on the corner deck, or indoors amongst corrugated iron counters, shelves groaning with local produce, wine and knick-knacks and blackboards proclaiming specials of the day.

Early risers fuel up with zucchini fritters, avocado, relish and a poached egg, while the later crowd chows down on wood-fried pizza slices such as the Kernot special – mozzarella, shaved ham, salami, olives, mushrooms, onion, capsicum and garlic, on a tomato base. Perhaps wrap your hands around an open steak sandwich with caramelised onion, maple bacon, fried egg, tomato, sharp cheese, rocket and relish on a Turkish roll.

Whether dining out for a special occasion or just needing a break from cooking, Gregory's Café-Restaurant on Bank Street in Port Fairy is a well-loved local eatery. A simple, yet chic décor with hanging lights and intimate tables, invites lingering over a Mod Oz menu crafted by local born and bred Chef Brett Holmes, with more than 30 years' experience, in partnership with his wife Carole.

 

Dishes like seafood curry with prawns, scallops, fish, mussels and squid in a coriander curry sauce, served with steamed rice, are sure to tempt all tastes; or devour Otway pork belly, rolled with apple, cranberry and sage stuffing, served with scallop potatoes, broccolini, carrots. Madeira and sweet soy jus. Gluten-free choices such as Peking duck risotto are also available.  

Tantalise taste buds at locally-loved dining destination Whitney's Restaurant & Bar on Forest Road in Orange. Nestled in The Remington hotel, this expansive venue exudes an elegant vibe of plush purple velvet chairs to relax in with a cocktail of choice; while the dining area features bright yellow, aqua and lime green chairs, moody lighting and splashes of greenery.

 

Presenting Modern Australian cuisine crafted by highly-skilled Chefs, start with housemade lobster raviolo and saffron beurre blanc, or duck prepared three ways with house crouton and grapes. For a mesmerising main, delve into char-grilled sirloin with roasted bone marrow, shaved cured egg yolk and choice of sauce such as red wine jus; or signature sous vide lamb rump hanging kebabs with rosemary and garlic marinade and seasonal vegetables.

Step into Anatolia Restaurant on Gartside Street for a taste of the Mediterranean in Wanniassa. Offering a unique atmosphere perfect for any occasion, sip on fine wines and bespoke cocktails as you enjoy live music at the weekend in warm and welcoming surrounds of leather banquettes, softly glowing wall lights and circular pendents adding a romantic vibe, ideal for date nights for family celebrations.

 

Relish expertly-crafted kebabs, mezes and housemade dips, before succulent char-grilled chicken, robust steaks and tender lamb cutlets; perhaps start with pan-seared lemon and garlic butter scallops, crusted with sesame and drizzled with honey soy glaze. Move onto mains such as lamb cutlets seasoned with thyme, rosemary, garlic and sea salt served with fondant potato and sides of cauliflower and sweet roasted Dutch carrots.