Best Authentic Restaurants in Waurn Ponds

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

ItalianFrenchIndianJapaneseBarbecueKorean

Regions

Geelong

Neighbourhoods

BelmontGeelong City CentreGeelong WestHightonNewcombNewtown

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

15 restaurants available nearby

1. Anh Chi Em

4.8

Exceptional(189)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Vietnamese • Highton

Booked 16 times today

Anh Chi Em is an authentic Vietnamese restaurant in Highton. Their menu is based on family recipes, and they use fresh herbs and vegetables from their family-owned farm. Reviewers consistently praise the food's freshness, authenticity, and delicious taste. The service is also highly rated for being friendly and personalised. The restaurant's modern decor and ambience add to the overall dining experience.

2. Bistrot Plume

5.0

Exceptional(6)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Belmont

Booked 4 times today

## Bistrot Plume: A Taste of France in the Heart of Belmont Bistrot Plume is a charming restaurant and cafe that brings the authentic flavors of France to Belmont. Nestled in a cozy space, the restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual gathering with friends. The menu at Bistrot Plume is a celebration of French cuisine, featuring classic dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Start your meal with a selection of delectable entrees, such as the escargots à la bourguignonne or the foie gras torchon. For your main course, indulge in the succulent steak frites, the aromatic coq au vin, or the delicate seafood bouillabaisse. And don't forget to save room for dessert, where you can savor the rich chocolate mousse or the decadent tarte tatin. Bistrot Plume's extensive wine list complements the menu perfectly, offering a wide range of French and international wines to suit every palate. The knowledgeable staff is always happy to help you choose the perfect wine pairing for your meal. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening out or a casual lunch with friends, Bistrot Plume is the perfect destination. With its authentic French cuisine, warm atmosphere, and friendly service,

3. I Ragazzi

4.7

Exceptional(61)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Newtown

Booked 6 times today

A small intimate Italian/Sicilian restaurant focusing on Casalinga style (home style) pizza and pasta dishes. Italian cocktails and delicious wines.

A photo of Malt Shovel Taphouse Geelong restaurant

4. Malt Shovel Taphouse Geelong

4.6

Exceptional(490)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Modern Australian • Geelong City Centre

Booked 1 time today

At Malt Shovel, we still remember our first craft beer. A life-changing moment. A world of floral hops. A world of toffee malts. A world of discovery, refreshment and satisfaction. Craft beer was here and things would be the same again.At Malt Shovel Taphouse Geelong the focus will be on authentic stories and flavours that make craft beer so unique. It will have a changing roster of great beers combined with great people and great food. **Please note** Inside bookings are a combination of low tables are high tables and chairs. Bookings of 10+ will be on a high table. All bookings outside are required to order at the bar.All Friday-Sunday bookings of 20+ prior to 8.30 will be required to choose one of our group menus please send us an email to confirm these options.Kitchen: Sunday-Wednesday 11.30-3pm then 5-approx 8.30Friday & Saturday 11.30am-3 then 5-approx 8.30

5. Centra Hotel

4.7

Exceptional(84)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Geelong West

Booked 5 times today

Centra Hotel is a family owned and run historic corner hotel, conveniently located in the Geelong CBD.Boasting an impressive selection of wine, cocktails, and serving the best in Italian fare, Centra is a popular dining choice for both Geelong locals and visitors to the region.If you’re looking to have larger groups for dinner, the Private Dining Room can accommodate up to 14 guests, and the building’s multiple indoor & outdoor event spaces can be set for groups of up to 30 for full à la carte service upon request.After a space for a stand-up event? We can host groups of up to 120 people across multiple spaces for your event. Head to www.centrahotel.com.au/functions to check out the available event spaces and the function booklet.Please Note: -Some areas in the building are not Wheelchair Accessible.-Smaller bookings may be subject to a maximum 2-hour sitting time.-Non-Refundable deposits to hold larger bookings may apply.We look forward to seeing you soon.Team Centra.

6. Iska Hawker Grill

3.8

Excellent(5)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Southeast Asian • Geelong West

Booked 1 time today

Welcome to Iska Hawker Grill, your destination for authentic Southeast Asian street food in the heart of Geelong. We specialize in delicious, charcoal-grilled dishes inspired by the vibrant hawker markets of Asia. Every bite is infused with bold flavors and a touch of tradition, from smoky satays to sizzling skewers. At Iska, we bring the street food experience to you—fresh, flavorful, and fired to perfection. Come join us for a culinary adventure!

A photo of Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar 2.0 restaurant

7. Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar 2.0

4.4

Awesome(53)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Geelong West

Booked 1 time today

Michael Bong didn’t come to Japanese cooking along the obvious route – he’s Korean, for one – but now that he has, he’s certainly making the most of it. Tomodachi Izakaya & Bar on Little Malop Street in the centre of Geelong is a tribute to the corner bars of Tokyo, with a focus on the charcoal grill and the skewered mates that come off it. That results in top-notch pork belly, beef and chicken thighs for the meat-eaters and salmon, prawns and scallops for the fish fans as well as beancurd and vegetables for the vegetarians. Aside from the grill, there is also an astounding array of sushi and sashimi dishes, octopus pancake balls, salt and pepper squid, alongside dessert options and a long cocktail menu that befits all the best, boozy backstreet izakaya joints in Japan. Take trip into Geelong town centre for a Japanese meal to remember at Tomodachi on Little Malop Street – just remember to book your table before you arrive, as they do get crowded.

A photo of Bo Thai Waterfront Geelong restaurant

8. Bo Thai Waterfront Geelong

4.1

Excellent(9)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Thai • Newtown

Bo Thai Waterfront Geelong is a restaurant located along the picturesque Geelong waterfront. Offering traditional Thai flavors with a modern twist, the restaurant provides an exceptional dining experience that captures the essence of Thailand. With its contemporary decor and panoramic views, Bo Thai Waterfront creates a relaxing and inviting atmosphere for diners. The menu features a wide array of Thai dishes, from classic favorites like Pad Thai and Massaman Curry to unique specialties crafted by the restaurant’s talented chefs. Each dish is prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic and flavorful experience. Guests can complement their meals with a selection from the extensive wine list, craft beers, or signature cocktails. Whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner for two or a gathering with friends and family, Bo Thai Waterfront Geelong offers an unforgettable dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine, exceptional service, and breathtaking views.

9. BBQ Legend

4.0

Excellent(1)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Korean • Geelong City Centre

Owner chef Michael Bong from South Korea opened BB chicken in 2019 and now it has been renovated for Korean BBQ. Chef Michael Bong trying his best to bring up all the ingredients, plates, kitchen dishes, bbq system, furnitures shipped all the way from Korea to Geelong to provide authentic and cozy korean bbq experiences for all the guests. All the sauces and side dishes is making in the kitchen and trying our best to provide best quality meat such as Marbling 5,6,7 waygu beef / YG Grade beef / authentic marinated beef ribs and pork neck. Please come and experience new and authentic Korean BBQ in geelong town!

A photo of The Village Door Cafe restaurant

10. The Village Door Cafe

4.4

Awesome(221)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• European • Geelong City Centre

Booked 2 times today

At The Village Door, we offer a small taste of Europe, with hearty meals, great coffee and sweets to die for. Experience authentic home made recipes with genuine European chefs from all different backgrounds, prepared fresh in our kitchen – made with love.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Joel
Victoria •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing pub, food is awesome, service is fast and efficient. We dine at Malt Shovel Taphouse regularly and it consistently impresses our expectations.
More info
Malt Shovel Taphouse GeelongPrice: Expensive• Modern Australian• Geelong City Centre
•
4.6
B
Ben
Victoria •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My wife and I had an amazing experience at Bistrot Plume. The food and service was exceptional and we will definitely be recommending this venue to our family and friends.
More info
Bistrot PlumePrice: Moderate• French• Belmont
•
5
C
Charlotte
Victoria •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
So free of pretension and stuffed with excitement and flavor. It was one of the most amazing, full-flavored food you had to eat. The staff was friendly and welcoming. We had a fantastic time!
More info
Centra HotelPrice: Expensive• Italian• Geelong West
•
4.7
L
Libby
Victoria •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Loved having lunch in the outdoor area. The service food and ambiance was excellent. I would highly recommend Anh Chi Em 👍
More info
Anh Chi EmPrice: Moderate• Vietnamese• Highton
•
4.8
V
virginia
Hawaii •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 8, 2025
Eaten a lot of gnocchi over the years and this would probably be the best. Husband had seafood marinara and equally impressed. lovely staff. very busy and understandable
More info
I RagazziPrice: Expensive• Italian• Newtown
•
4.7

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