As the premier dining destination in one of Geelong's most highly anticipated renovations, this place had some weighty expectations. Happily, it meets and surpasses every one of them.

The location alone sets the tone for what is to come at Baveras: an easy meandering walk out over the water to Cunningham Pier, fittingly one of the best pieces of real estate in Geelong housing some of the best cuisine to be had in town.

Chefs Matt Dempsey (formerly of Pettavel Winery restaurant) and Graham Jeffries are in charge of the menu at Baveras and it is an artisanal affair. The temptation looms for all chefs with a location like this to sit back and let the views bring in the customers. Dempsey and Jeffries want no part of this thinking. Their menu is an elegant balance of modern Australian influences paired with a sensitivity to local and seasonal produce that is much more than just pandering to the current zeitgeist.

The culmination of all these factors is a fine diner firing on all cylinders. Decor, views, service, drinks and food all come together seamlessly, and this new venue is still finding its feet. All other fine diners in the area should take note: the warning shot has been fired.

Chef: Matt Dempsey & Graham Jeffries

Payment methods accepted

Opening hours

Wed-Fri & Sun
12:00pm -3:00pm

Wed-Sun
6:00pm -late