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Boutique hotels

Self-catering properties

Daylesford Eating, drinking and dancing

Restaurants

(+61 (0) 3 5422 2039)

Annie Smithers' Bistrot

Inside a gorgeous bluestone building in Kyneton, blue wicker chairs and traditional bistro tables hint at what you’re about to experience. Annie is another top-notch chef who’s taken her old-school French technique to the country and created a true destination restaurant. The menu is laced with classics – steak tartare and duck confit, for example – prepared from local produce. Lovers of fine cheese and wine will also appreciate the savvy selection of regional and imported varieties.

72 Piper Street, Kyneton, Victoria 3444

(+61 (0) 3 5348 2363)

Frangos & Frangos

You’d never expect to find somewhere as cool as this – all polished concrete surfaces and classic bentwood chairs – in a country town, which is why Frangers (as the locals call it) attracts a stylish crowd. The menu has a blend of contemporary Euro flavours from breakfast right through to dinner, and there’s an excellent wine list.

82 Vincent Street, Daylesford, Victoria 3460

(+61 (0) 3 5348 3329)

Lake House

If it weren’t for the views over the lake and gum trees, you’d think you were back in Melbourne dining at one of the city’s finest restaurants. Everything is exquisite, from the plush room to the skilful service, but it’s what comes out of the kitchen that truly impresses. Chef Alla Wolf-Tasker oversees the fine-dining menu dominated by the region’s best fare, including local eel, trout from Tuki Farm, pork from Fernleigh Farms and Holy Goat cheeses.

King Street, Daylesford, Victoria 3460

+61 (0)3 5348 3373

Perfect Drop

This one-hatted eatery is a favourite among locals for its laid-back, loungeroom vibe, strong regional wine list and stellar share plates that use local, seasonal produce to drool-inducing effect. Standout tastes include smoked eel fritters, cinnamon-spiced duck, and slow-roast suckling pig, which works a treat with a glass of pinot noir from nearby Ballarat.

5 Howe Street, Daylesford, Victoria, Australia

Bars

(+61 (0) 3 5348 2982)

d’bar

One of the few places where you can get a late-night drink – at least on the weekend – is also the best bet for some music. On Friday nights a jazz combo plays, while DJs take over on Saturday. Don’t expect a big one though; it’s all rather laid-back and grown-up.

Level 1, 74 Vincent Street, Daylesford, Victoria 3460

(+61 (0) 3 5348 4849)

The Palais

This fine 1920s art deco ballroom is a beaut place to catch a band. There are regular performance nights and acts playing covers, but must-see national and international bands stop by too.

111 Main Road, Hepburn Springs, Victoria 3461

Cafés

(+61 (0) 3 5438 1778)

Breakfast & Beer

Yet another rustic building that harbours a hip eatery and bar. Folks rock up early to B&B for appetising brunch dishes such as salmon, hash browns, goats cheese and rocket drizzled with lemon oil, and later in the day for a cold one (there’s close to a hundred beers from all over the world), cocktails and a spot of dinner. The menu, featuring local produce, has a distinct touch of the Med about it. One of Daylesford’s star acts.

117 Vincent Street, Daylesford , Victoria 3460

(+61 (0) 3 5348 3279)

Cliffy’s Emporium

Cliffy's is something of a town institution. Stock up on regional produce and preserves in the popular adjoining rooms or enjoy a simple meal, a coffee or a glass of wine. The menu, written on a brown paper bag, isn’t long but there’s usually a locally baked pie, some charcuterie, baguettes – maybe with home-made corned beef and relish – a couple of salads and a hot dish.

30 Raglan Street, Daylesford, Victoria 3460

(+61 (0) 3 5348 4022)

Harvest Cafe

Virtually everything on the menu here is either organic or bio-dynamically produced, and some of the dishes are available in gluten-free and vegan options (as an example, a TLT is tempeh, lettuce and tomato on toasted sourdough). It’s a relaxed place, with a kids’ playground, and Lemon Tartz catering, located on site, can make up hampers and picnic baskets.

29 Albert Street, Daylesford, Victoria 3460

(+61 (0) 3 5348 2363)

Koukla

It’s always busy in this cosy, rustic eatery, with its slightly shabby-chic vibe and excellent casual bites – the wood-fired pizzas are particularly good. During the summer, the outdoor tables are hot property, while the fire burns bright on cold winter days.

82 Vincent Street, Daylesford, Victoria 3460

+61 (0)3 4373 0099

Wombat Hill House

Alla Wolf-Tasker of acclaimed Daylesford fine-diner Lake House has restored a 1940s caretaker's cottage in the heart of the Botanic Gardens into a country-chic cafe and food store, surrounded by fragrant kitchen gardens. Come in the morning for brioche French toast, lunch on duck pies and stylish salads, or arrive early Sunday evening for a relaxed glass of wine, olives and pizza.

Daylesford Botanic Gardens, entry off Central Spring Road, Daylesford, Victoria

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