Australia

6 best restaurants in Geelong for international flavours

Here are the best places to eat when you're looking for international cuisine in Victoria's second largest city.

A group of people tuck int a meal at Wah Wah Gee.
  • Samantha Alleman
  • October 2019

Geelong is rapidly emerging as a diverse, multicultural and vibrant dining hub. Here is a culinary insider guide to the bayside destination.

Wah Wah Gee

This cool waterfront restaurant on Cunningham Pier offers up Asian-fusion dishes that are great for sharing. The extensive menu includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and onion and garlic-free options but you can’t go past their fabulous Thai red curry. If you get decision fatigue, simply ask for the Feed Me option (AUD $55 per person) and the staff will choose for you.
Cunningham Pier, 10 Western Beach, Foreshore Road, 03 5222 6377, wahwahgee.com.au opens in new window

Zigfrids

If you experience FOMO when ordering, you’ll love the sharing plates at this stylish Middle-Eastern dining hall and bar in Geelong West. Much of the produce is locally sourced, with Zeally Bay bread from Torquay, eggs from Stonehaven and cheese and seafood from Drysdale. The leek and feta croquettes, fried school prawns and ricotta dumplings are great for wandering forks but keep the whipped cheesecake to yourself.
66 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 03 5221 1555, zigfrids.com.au opens in new window

A Middle-Eastern inspired beetroot salad at Zigfrids
Zigfrids combine a passion for local produce with big Middle Eastern flavours.

Bistrot St Jean

Situated on busy Moorabool Street, Bistrot St Jean has been giving locals a taste of French savoir faire since 2014. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a cosy night out, the menu includes authentic home-style dishes such as baked oysters, gnocchi à la Parisienne and onion soup.
239 Moorabool Street, (03) 5298 2408, bistrot.com.au opens in new window

Alma

In the neighbourhood of Geelong Gallery, this chic restaurant filled with striking artwork specialises in contemporary Australian food with a South-American twist. Seafood fans will love the freshly shucked oysters, grilled octopus, kingfish ceviche and Alaskan king crab. Pick a South-American-inspired side, such as plantain chips or manchego empanadas but be sure to save room for the sopapillas – scrumptious fried pastries flavoured with cinnamon, caramel and chocolate.
93-95 Ryrie Street, 0498 012 622, almarestaurant.com.au opens in new window

A South-American inspired pork dish from Alma.
Find contemporary Latin American flavours at Alma.

Bistrot Plume

Did someone say soufflé? Geelong can’t get enough French cuisine and Bistrot Plume, located in the suburb of Belmont, is a popular option. With a modern take on a rustic aesthetic (think wooden floorboards and whitewashed brick walls), it’s the perfect setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Their three-course shared feasts on Sundays shouldn’t be missed – expect cured meats, mussels, croquettes, sautéed greens and a decadent dessert.
56A Mt Pleasant Rd, 03 5245 8483, bistrotplume.com.au opens in new window


Igni

Chef Aaron Turner’s Igni is considered one of the country’s top contemporary Australian restaurants and was awarded two hats in The Australian Good Food Guide 2019.
Ryan Place, (03) 5222 2266, restaurantigni.com opens in new window

Looking for more great eats in Geelong? Check out the 5 best new restaurants in town you have to try opens in new window.

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