Best Meals Outside The Big Smoke

Best Meals Outside The Big Smoke

Melbourne has long been renowned as Australia's foodie capital, considered by many as the country's culinary mecca. Luckily, Melbourne's vast and rich culinary options aren't limited to the CBD, with plenty of delicious flavours and tastes to be found outside the big smoke.

Here are some of the top eats outside the CBD according to the dining experts at OpenTable.

Royal Mail Hotel: Following the farm-to-fork mantra, the Royal Mail Hotel offers diners a variety of fresh produce that has been grown in the impressive kitchen gardens, orchards and olive groves. At the Royal Mail Hotel, fresh eggs and produce is sourced daily to ensure the freshest ingredients are plated up. To make the most of your dining experience, we recommend indulging in the Royal Mail Hotel's signature eight course Chef's Tasting menu with matched wines.

The Lakeside Mill: Located about 50 kilometres outside Melbourne's CBD, The Lakeside Mill offers modern Australian cuisine that caters well for vegetarians, vegans and coeliacs alike. Be sure to try the O'Connor flank steak sandwich complete with smoked tomato sauce, farmed cheddar, caramelised onion, bacon and steak fries to really satisfy your hunger pains.

Coombe Yarra Valley: A wonderfully chic winery and restaurant that offers visitors picturesque garden backdrops across seven acres. The restaurant is situated in The Melba Estate which was once home to Dame Nellie Melba. With the restaurant offering an impressive spread of delicious dishes, created from local produce there is something for everyone. We recommend you make the most of this picture perfect location and have a wine with your meal.

Harbour View Restaurant: With impressive views of Port Phillip Bay, the SYC Marina and Sandringham Harbour, this venue is set to impress. Melbournians can enjoy the open air and water views while tucking into fresh seafood dishes including oysters, salmon, snapper, prawns and king fish. If you're dining as a duo, we recommend you try the seafood plate for two; which is carefully crafted by the restaurants chefs daily. Harbour View Restaurant also boasts an impressive dessert menu, featuring mouth-watering dishes and a tasting plate for those who can't decide!