20 September 2024
6 mins Read
Whether you’re after a seafood feast, hearty pub lunch or a fine dining experience with an elevated wine list, there are plenty of Port Fairy restaurants to choose from. Got your heart set on having dinner somewhere special? Be sure to follow the cardinal rule of visiting a coastal holiday hotspot and make a booking or you’ll risk missing out.
The Merrijig Inn’s famous restaurant is much more than a place to eat, it’s a local institution. Chef Tanya Connellan has cooked professionally for more than 30 years, and it shows.
Merrijig Kitchen is a local institution. (Image: Visit Victoria)
An ever-changing menu enables Tanya to showcase whatever is flourishing in her kitchen garden or local growers and producers bring to the table, whether that be organic asparagus grown nearby in Warrnambool or crayfish caught in the seas just off Port Fairy.
Let the good times roll at Merrijig Kitchen. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Once you enter the cosy dining room you’ll be treated like an old friend. So kick back, relax, order a bottle of Victorian red and let the good times roll.
Nab an outdoor table in the garden. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Quaint
Location 1 Campbell Street, Port Fairy
Found inside the Oak & Anchor Hotel, this bar and restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a top spot for dinner and drinks, rain or shine. Choose something light like grilled halloumi and a grain salad or go all-in by sharing the slow-cooked lamb shoulder or beef brisket (both perfect for splitting between two diners). Can’t decide? Hand the reins to the chef by opting for the three-course feasting menu. Add a gin and tonic made with Gallivanter Gin from Western Victoria and you’ve got yourself a party.
Dine in style at Sidro Bar & Restaurant. (Image: Joanne O’Keefe @missfarmerjojo)
Cuisine: Classic pub-style cuisine with a modern twist
Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Relaxed and inviting
Location: 9 Bank Street, Port Fairy
This much-loved eatery is well known for producing some of the best seafood dishes in the region. Open for lunch and dinner, make a booking well in advance to make sure you don’t miss out, especially if you’re visiting on the weekend or other busy periods. From Bass Strait scallops to yellowtail kingfish and Bellarine mussels, you’ll be treated to the greatest hits of the Australian seafood scene here. Not sure what to order? You can’t go wrong with the Seafood Chowder, a signature dish that consistently gets rave reviews.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Price: $$$
Atmosphere: Casual elegance
Location: 57 Bank St, Port Fairy
A little corner of Port Fairy that was once home to a coffin maker and an undertaker is where you’ll find this aptly named cult pizza joint and bar. Its bluestone walls, old fireplace and shelves decorated with bleached animal bones signal this isn’t your average pizzeria.
Slip into the rustic and classy setting at Coffin Sally.
Craving something salty? Order the ‘A Salted’ for a hit of Napoli with mozzarella, peppers, anchovies, olives, capers, parsley and chilli. Prefer something simpler? The Fior Di Sally’s simple flavour combo of fior di latte mozzarella, cherry tomato, extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil will do the trick.
Coffin Sally isn’t your average pizzeria.
Cuisine: Italian
Price: $$
Atmosphere: Rustic and cosy
Location: 33 Sackville Street, Port Fairy
The simple yet delicious flavours of Tuscany can be found on the Victorian coast thanks to this friendly, little trattoria on Bank Street. Start with some antipasti then move on to Tuscan culinary greats like Risotto dell’Orto (garden vegetable risotto) or Pollo Alla Pizzaiola (chicken thigh in Napoli sauce with mozzarella). All the usual Italian sweet suspects can be found on the dessert list (tiramisu, pannacotta, affogato) too. Bellissima!
Dine on Tuscan flavours at Bottega Toscana.
Cuisine: Tuscan
Price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Rustic and cosy
Location: 26 Bank Street, Port Fairy
Established way back in 1844, the Caledonian Inn is a Port Fairy landmark well worth visiting and the good news is that you don’t need to be staying at the inn to enjoy lunch or dinner at The Stump. Serving hearty pub fare like steak sandwiches, beef burgers and chicken schnitzels, the Stump excels at delivering all the country pub classics you’d expect from one of the state’s oldest pubs.
The Stump serves up hearty pub fare.
During summer, make the most of warmer weather by perching yourself at an outdoor table to enjoy some ales and a meal in the sunshine. In winter, head to the dining room to feast by the warmth of the rustic fireplace.
Perch yourself at an outdoor table to enjoy a meal.
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Charming
Location: 41 Bank Street, Port Fairy
Food and wine lovers should not miss experiencing a meal at Conlan’s Wine Store. Make a lunch or dinner booking at this popular spot and you’ll be treated to carefully crafted dishes and an exceptional wine list worth paying a bit more for.
Conlan’s Wine Store evokes a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Housed in a heritage building full of character, this restaurant and retail store stocking wine and gourmet produce is a must-visit whether it’s for brunch, lunch, dinner or takeaway wines and treats.
Make a lunch or dinner booking at Conlan’s Wine Store.
Pro tip: leave room for dessert (the affogato made with Market Lane Coffee is top-notch).
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Price: $$-$$$
Atmosphere: Sophisticated yet relaxed
Location: 34 Bank Street, Port Fairy
Bangkok may be more than 7000 kilometres away, but you can still get the flavours of Thailand at this friendly neighbourhood favourite. Treat your tastebuds to a spicy and sour seafood Tom Yum, coconutty jungle curry or light and fresh larb gai (chicken salad). Then cool down with some black sticky rice topped with Thai custard and coconut milk. Can’t be bothered leaving your accommodation? Order takeaway for delivery right to your doorstep.
Cuisine: Thai
Price: $$
Atmosphere: Casual
Location: 55 Bank Street, Port Fairy
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