Chosen by the Geelong locals who read Morning Post — not critics, not paid placements, not an algorithm.
Named most often
Emerge is a steakhouse in Geelong, on Little Ryrie Street. The venue describes itself as a steak lover's dream and notes that it caters for gluten free diners. Several readers named it, and Mark calls it his favourite restaurant. It suits anyone who wants a proper steak dinner, including those who need to avoid gluten.
“Favourite restaurant Emerge!” — Mark
Also picked by Sylvia, John, Lyn, Tim — and 1 more.
“We all agree it's best value for money .. Food fresh delicious and so well priced.” — Carole
Also picked by Frances, Desma, Carol.
Brunenzo's is an Italian restaurant in Newcomb that also works as a pizza place. Its website describes authentic Italian pizza, pasta and more, which sums up the offer plainly. A few readers named it when asked about their favourite places to eat around Geelong. One of them, Dawn, mentions she gets out to plenty of restaurants with her social group, so it suits a relaxed meal with friends.
“I go to so many with my social group... Geelong has sooo many.” — Dawn
Also picked by Jo, Alanna.
Mith Thai is a Thai restaurant in Geelong West, and a few readers name it as a favourite. One says that of all the choices around, this is the place she likes best. The venue describes its food as authentic and traditional, with pad Thai, green curry and tom yum on the menu. You can dine in, take it home or have it delivered, which suits a relaxed night out or a quiet meal at home.
“Many to choose from but I like Mith Thai in Pakington St best.” — Lariane
Also picked by Deb.
Sailors Rest is a seafood restaurant and cocktail bar in Geelong, and it describes itself as a waterfront spot serving globally inspired dishes built around locally sourced seafood and fresh produce. It opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A few readers have named it, and one says it is where she likes to bring friends visiting from Melbourne, which makes it a sensible pick for showing off the town over a relaxed meal.
“My favourite restaurant to take my Melb friends.” — Debb
Also picked by Bron.
Picked by Helen, Maree.
The Fork and Flower is a cafe in Moolap, set at the Geelong Flower Farm. It offers casual sit-down breakfast and lunch every day of the week, with dinners, including takeaway, on Thursdays and Fridays. The venue also runs a produce pantry and catering packages. Readers who named it clearly like it, and it suits a relaxed morning out or an easy lunch with family or friends.
Picked by Cathy, Beth.
The Valley Inn is a pub in South Geelong that describes itself as a Geelong institution and a favourite with the locals. It says it has something for everyone, and a few readers seem to agree. One of them, Lesley, calls it her favourite place to eat. It suits an easy, unfussy pub meal, the kind shared with family, friends or neighbours.
“My favourite eating place is the valley inn.” — Lesley
Named by 2 readers.
Close to home
Every place a reader named, grouped by where it is. A number shows how many readers named it.
By the plate
Buckley's (Breakwater), Bull and Shark, Cafe Pallet, Hidden Frog (Mannerim), Lipstick, The Yards
Questions people ask
Emerge in Geelong CBD was named more often than any other restaurant by Geelong readers — 6 of the 76 locals who told us their favourite place to eat. Cucina One Twelve and Brunenzo's came next.
The 11 restaurants at the top of this page are the ones named most often by Morning Post readers who live in Geelong. The neighbourhood lists show where they eat close to home — Geelong CBD, Geelong West, Belmont have the most favourites.
In the city centre, readers named Emerge, Caruggi, Sailors Rest, The Arborist, The Wharf Shed most often.
By the number of favourites readers named: italian (Cucina One Twelve), bar (Sailors Rest) and cafe (The Fork and Flower).
Every restaurant here was named by a Morning Post reader as their favourite place to eat in Geelong. We count the names by hand, rank by how many readers named each one, and refresh the page every month. No restaurant can pay to appear, and no critic decides the order.
Monthly. This is the November 2026 edition. A restaurant moves up as more readers name it, so the order changes over time.
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