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Dining Hotspot: Kyneton's the New Black


Previously a sleepy country town, Kyneton, in Victoria's beautiful Macedon Ranges, is fast becoming a hot spot for Melburnians and city-slickers from further afield looking for a relaxed, indulgent weekend away. Foodies have begun to take pilgrimages here as a rite of passage, and the town is abuzz with some of the best new restaurants to open in Victoria in recent years. In fact, it boasts four eateries listed in the Age Good Food Guide, two of which have received a coveted Chef's Hat and are in the same street, no less.

It wasn't so long ago that Piper Street, now the epicentre of such incredible cuisine, was a deserted ghost town struggling to survive. The town's fortunes seemed to change in 2005 with the opening of Annie Smithers' Bistrot, which in turn opened the floodgates to allow a whole new breed of restaurants in. The town's uniquely artsy, laidback vibe makes for an eclectic, vibrant mix, the best of which we've compiled for you below. So pack your bags and don't forget the elastic-waisted pants - a weekend of great eating awaits.

1
 
Royal George Hotel
Kyneton
Since earning its first Good Food Guide Chef's Hat in 2008, the Royal George hasn't looked back and, having managed to retain it every year since, is now definitely the big man on Piper Street and the one to beat. This fine diner just keeps coming up with the goods and offers plenty of surprises to keep things interesting. The seven-course truffle degustation is a decadent, truffly treat-and-a-half if you've got the dosh as well as the dash.

2
 
Mr Carsisi
Kyneton
After leaving the Royal George, chef Matthew Fegan kept it local and worked at another great Kyneton eatery, Pizza Verde, before opening this little gem with his wife and restaurant manager, Clare. The menu at Mr Carsisi is a mix of Middle Eastern mezze and mains, and the cool, quirky space (a converted iceworks) with its great verandah is the perfect spot in which to enjoy them. Breakfast is full of Turkish surprises and is a brilliant time to get a taste of Mr Carsisi.

3
 
Annie Smithers' Bistrot
Kyneton
Sure, it's the restaurant that first put Kyneton on the map as a dining destination back in 2005, and sure, it's consistently earned itself a Chef's Hat every year since, but Annie - the chef and the restaurant - is not resting on her laurels. The messiah of Kyneton's beloved Piper Street and a former protegee of Stephanie Alexander, Smithers still pulls the crowds to this intimate 35-seater restaurant with her classic French cuisine.

4
 
Star Anise Bistro
Kyneton
A refined bistro set in a cute cottage complete with bay window, bullnose verandah and fireplace, this is a truly intimate dining experience - just six tables. But if you can get in to the Good Food Guide-listed wonder, you won't regret it, as the menu is filled with contemporary gems cooked with love by chef Emma Chapple and served by her husband, Chris.

5
 
Little Swallow Cafe
Kyneton
Little Swallow sits on Piper Street looking for all the world like a cool, inner-Melbourne cafe transported to a country town, yet it fits perfectly with Kyneton's emerging cafe culture and caters to a breakfast and lunch crowd who love it for its organic produce and fair-trade coffee. The free-range eggs and Istra ham are winners for breakfast, as are the house-made baked beans.

6
 
Dhaba at the Mill
Kyneton
Located in the old flour mill, Dhaba has been welcomed with open arms by the locals for its wholesome, authentic Indian and its all-you-can-eat special on Sundays. It's a place that's big on community, and locals are fiercely loyal to it. It can get pretty busy at times - and they don't take bookings - but if you get in you'll be extremely glad you did: It doesn't feature in the Good Food Guide and the Age Cheap Eats for nothing.

7
 
Pizza Verde
Kyneton
This buzzing pizza joint is yet another Piper Street winner to be listed in the Age Good Food Guide, bringing the town's tally to a formidable four. The pizzas are well worthy of the hype, with thin crusts and brilliantly put-together toppings. The retro decor adds to the cool-kid vibe this place has going for it.

8
 
Chai Baby!
Kyneton
Something of an antidote to the cafes popping up all over town, Chai Baby is one for the tea lovers. It does do a mean coffee for the hardcore fiends, but otherwise it's all about the chai at this eclectic, boho little space away from the bustle of Piper Street on the considerably quieter High Street. Check it out on a break from the excellent homeware-, antique- and op-shopping to be done in Kyneton.

9
 
Inner Biscuit
Kyneton
A kitschy and cute cafe that wouldn't be out of place in inner-city Melbourne, Inner Biscuit channels your nanna to bake some organic sweet things to die for. Coffee and a buttery ginger slice should be on the itinerary for any trip to Kyneton.

10
 
Flouch's
Kyneton
One of the newest additions to Piper Street's buzzing heart, Flouch's is a sophisticated but relaxed spot with a French bistro vibe where you can get a casual meal at any time of day. Not to be missed is the signature lemon tart.