Think of Melbourne and, more often than not, you think of food. Australia’s south-eastern city is usually called the foodie capital of the country. Itis home to a range of cuisines and cultures, reflected in the many restaurants, cafés, bars and bakeries that dot the city. The city’s chef hatted restaurants -- the country follows a system of hats and not Michelin stars -- underline a rich culture of fine dining. It is also home to a popular cooking reality show, MasterChef Australia. And while you can’t go wrong with food here, it is well worth a trip to the city’s neighbouring countryside which has put Melbourne firmly on the food map. Home to some of the freshest, organic produce, regional cuisine is the star of the show here. The Yarra Valley, an easy day-trip from Melbourne, has several wineries which offer delicious food, besides good wine. Further ahead is the Mornington Peninsula, with its coastal views. Daylesford is home to renowned restaurants such as the Lake House. Brae in Birregurra is on the list of the world’s 50 best restaurants. If you’re in Melbourne, you can get a taste of regional fare at the Queen Victoria Market — a sprawling heritage food market with Victorian-style architecture. Spend your day browsing through stalls laden with fresh produce, seafood and more. Outside, cosy restaurants and coffee shops line the sidewalk. Food walking tours are a popular option with visitors. If you plan your visit around March, you can take part in the Regional Longest Lunch — a series of lunches that take place at picturesque countryside locations in and around Victoria and Melbourne (www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au). The meals highlight regional produce, and are an excellent way to learn about the local food and culture.

Lûmé – South Melbourne

Dining at Lûmé is an experience for the senses. This two hatted restaurant, helmed by Chef Shaun Quade, is located in a quiet Southern Melbourne suburb, but don’t let the façade fool you. The kitchen serves up 7-, 14- and 16- course tasting menus that look deceptively simple but are crafted with finesse. The menu is seasonally driven, with plenty of ingredients sourced locally, such as the strawberry-fed duck or eggplant with summer fruits. Try the artichoke bread with sour corn honey, or,Quade’s signature dish—pearl on the ocean floor. Don’t forget to sample the non-alcoholic beverage pairing with each course. The bartender whips up unique concoctions using native ingredients such as wattleseed, dry banana, strawberry verjus and mountain pepper. Website: www.restaurantlume.com

Oakridge Wines – Yarra Valley

This picturesque vineyard is the ideal setting for lunch as you drive further into Victoria’s countryside, offering expansive views of the valley.Chefs Matt Stone and Jo Barrett epitomise farm-to-table dining, with dishes such as fresh jersey curd, spaghetti squash drizzled with olive oil and spiced eggplant. Everything on the menu is sourced from local producers in the Yarra Valley. Website: www.oakridgewines.com.au

Coombe, the Melba Estate

Yarra Valley Located on the grounds of the estate of the famous opera singer, the late Dame Nellie Melba, this is another great spot for sampling regional cuisine with a European flair. Flaky pear tarts, goat’s milk curd paired with warm bread, freshly-shucked oysters,farm potatoes and the local catch of the day make up some of the dishes. End your meal with the Peach Melba, a popular dessert in Australia. It is also known for its high tea spread. Website: www.coombeyarravalley.com

Green Olive at Red Hill — Mornington Peninsula

One experience you shouldn’t miss out on is dining at a localfarm.GreenOlive farmis home to a large olive grove, several farm animals and a restaurant with a rustic view. The place is very popular with families stopping by for lunch. Home-style tapas and sharing platters make up the menu. Getthe crispy tomato flatbread, beetroot hummus dip and olive tapenade, ending with the rhubarb crumble for dessert. Wash it down with homemade raspberry or lemon cordial. You can even pick up handmade jams, relishes, olive oils and natural soaps from the store here. Website: www.greenolive.com.au

Jackalope Hotel – Mornington Peninsula

Located deep in the countryside, this modern, new hotel is home to the restaurant, Doot Doot Doot, offering a fivecourse tasting menu that is almost entirely seasonal. The ingredients mostly come come from the hotel’s back garden. Vegetarians won’t be disappointed with the spread. During summer, you can find dishes such as heirloom carrots with poached quince, pumpkin tortellini, and eggplant-turnip with corn and miso cream. The seafood dishes are just as good. Website: www.jackalopehotels.com

Arzoo Dina is a Mumbai-based freelance writer

comment COMMENT NOW