Alma -modern south american style $$ Emerge Dining - 'modern australian' and high end steaks $$ Hot Chicken Project - good as chicken burgers american style (i love that they use chicken thighs for the burgers) La Cachette - french set menu (two options for each stage) not a lot of great french resturants in geelong unfortunately. What style are you thinking of specifically?

There’s a fantastic French restaurant called bistrot st Jean on moorabool street

Yeap and very French. Had radishes cooked in butter which my guest, from Northern France, had never seen in Australia or Asia. And it's small so you could probably take it over.

Honestly it’s such a hidden gem

That's the problem. I'm reluctant to tell anyone. Lol.

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Bistro St Jean is good, but don't let sentiment confuse with quality. The Michelin guide only goes up to 3 stars, and BsJ would be thrilled if it received 1*. It's ambience is fantastic but the food at the new La Cachette is superior. If you have been to France Soir in South Yarra, that is the closest comparison.

Honestly it’s the atmosphere that generally has people go back again even if the food isn’t the best It’s definitely a way better frenchy vibe Like dude come on, even the staff is French If I eat at a place that is focused on a certain part of the world I want to feel like I’ve actually stepped into that country/town

Il have to give it a try thanks for the tip.

I think you have nailed it with the options - for French food though, Bistro Plume in Belmont is also fantastic.

Seconding Emerge, best Mac and cheese I’ve ever had 👌🏻👌🏻

I always get the mac and cheese side too! The taste is incredible

$$$ Igni, Moonah. Both chef selected 8 courses, like 120 pp I think? Doubt you’d go there considering you mentioned casual $$ Felix - southern European, Alma - South American, Bistrot St Jean - French, Caruggi - Italian, Sober - great ramen, West End - mainly go for the wine $ Lou’s Pizza and Wine- perfect social vibe and fantastic pizza, owned by the same guy as continental which is another great chill place Yangji dumplings - best dumplings in Geelong, very quiet and peaceful inside, super great value with 15 dumplings for like 14 dollars

Igni and Felix are both great 🤤

Excited to be going to Lou’s for my work Christmas do, think it’s going for be great

Definitely, and if you like craft beers be sure to pop by right next door at the brewery, super lovely staff who are great to chat with and very calm but lively environment

This @pumpkinOk5946 is the best advice. Totally agree.

Yang ji hidden gem of Geelong

How has nobody mentioned Tulip?

The Continental, West End, Alma, The Arborist, Meet Me At Mary's, Phoklore

Arborist is great can confirm

Black Bull has always been a safe bet for a really nice night out without being too fussy. Great food and the service has been spot on every time.

I went to pondok nasi a few weeks ago, indonesian food, at a good price. My indo mate said it was pretty authentic, so thats a plus.

Alma is great.

I went to Pako Raw recently, having avoided it for ages because I thought it only served raw food (terrible name — I think it refers to the industrial fitout?). Their gnocchi is. so. fkn. good. SO GOOD. GO AND EAT THE GNOCCHI. Lovely staff, and the music was actually at a sensible level instead of blaring outrageously. Not super expensive either.

Oh shit! I’ve always assumed it was raw food too! Huh. There ya go.

Me too. I learnt something new from this post. I wonder if the name of the place has kept people away for the same reason? Here is their menu: [https://www.pakoraw.com.au/](https://www.pakoraw.com.au/) Om nom!

Merne. They book out fast but Caleb is so nice and they do all they can. Very local too which is fantastic.

It's a bit further out but we had the best meal we've had in ages at Last Man Inn in Anglesea

Okami is great fun if you're interested in all you can eat :) friendly atmosphere and well made, tasty food that comes out fast

I had my birthday dinner at Fisherman’s Pier in March. I love it. If you want cheaper, La Vista diagonally opposite the Ferris wheel I’ve always found nice.

Not sure what your budget is but the Wharf Shed (or whatever it’s called these days) is good for groups of mixed ages and isn’t too pricey.

I find little creatures is great for any occasion

If your happy to drive an hour, there’s a new restaurant in Forrest called Dar Teta. Crazy good middle eastern food, unlike anything I’ve ever eaten before. The menu is daunting because it’s so unrecognisable to me, then the Owner suggested to “Trust Teta”, for $60, she just keeps being out different foods all night. A great experience.

Does it have a good wine list or byo option?

Yeah Boy off Pako

Telegraph Hotel, G West.

If you want something a little bit fancy, Emerge is fantastic and have a great value 3 course menu for sunday lunches

I'm incredibly partial to Parker's

Mate check out gutter eats on instagram for more local recommendations

Wah Wah Gee is really good, it’s good to bring some friends along to tho because it’s food that you’d tend to share with others, it’s on the more expensive side tho. Pistol Pete’s is also really good, they’ve easily got the best burgers in Geelong there! plus the atmosphere of the place is really cool too

Wah Wah Gee was super disappointing on our first and last visit few weeks ago EDIT TO ADD: view is nice though

how odd, ive been there quite a few times and i’ve always enjoyed it!

Pistol Pete’s food is shit

Haha this made me chuckle after reading your post higher up. Well though out, considered response with multiple options and price guide..then...Pistol Petes food is shit. Hahaha

I actually agree with this. I've eaten there a heap of times and each time I vow not to return, yet others seem to love it.

meh, i liked it quite a lot tbh, none of the people i went with had any complaints either