Chilly days and fireside dining are the quintessential Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges experience.
When winter arrives, the Yarra Valley & Dandenong Ranges are ready with roaring fires, warm-you-up wintry experiences and delicious food and wine that make winter days and nights a celebration of cool. There are plenty of places where you won’t need to tear yourself away from the hearth!
Where can you experience fireside dining? Check out our suggestions below:
Paradise Valley Hotel, Clematis
A local favourite, Paradise Valley Hotel is owner-operated with community, sustainability and local produce at its core. Discover the award-winning, contemporary bistro, well-stocked public bar, stunning views and a leafy beer garden to enjoy on warmer days.
Season Restaurant @ Cloudehill Gardens, Olinda
At Seasons, the welcome is warm, the food is generous and the fireplace has a way of drawing people in. Settle in with a pre-dinner drink, take in the peaceful woodland surrounds and enjoy a dining experience that feels relaxed, friendly and just the right amount of indulgent.
Rochford Wines, Coldstream
At Isabella’s Restaurant at Rochford Wines, winter is best enjoyed beside the fireplace with a glass of Yarra Valley wine in hand. Settle in for tender meat dishes, hearty vegetarian options and generous desserts, thoughtfully paired with Rochford’s award-winning cool climate wines. Mulled wine tastings bring an extra cosy touch, making this a relaxed and delicious way to spend time in the Yarra Valley.
With rolling hills beyond the windows and dramatic winter skies overhead, fireside dining at Fondata 1872 feels especially warm and inviting. The fireplace has been a central part of these historic buildings since 1872, bringing comfort, character and a lovely sense of occasion to the dining room. Settle in with a glass of local wine, enjoy a seasonal meal and let the afternoon unfold at an unhurried Yarra Valley pace.
Babajis Kerala Kitchen, Warburton
Curries on a cold day, beside an open fire. You’ve got us! South Indian restaurant, Babajis Kerala Kitchen, can be found on the entry to Warburton and boasts two open fires. You’ll also often find a roaring fire pit beside the river on clear days.
My Little Kitchen, Healesville
Daytime dining at My Little Kitchen is light, bright, warm and toasty when the open fire is roaring. Local fare is featured on the seasonal menu, and the coffee is to die for. Tucked away in Healesville, it’s a great spot to drop in and shed your layers.
Sutherland Estate, Dixons Creek
A cellar door with an open fire? Yes, it’s true. Romantic and full of ambient charm. A visit to Sutherland Estate (which hosts weddings and special events, and has accommodation you won't want to leave) is something to warm the heart and soul. Award-winning wines and views across the valley are all part of the experience.
Yarra Valley Grand Hotel, Yarra Glen
An iconic hotel on the main street of Yarra Glen, the Yarra Valley Grand Hotel has several open fireplaces to keep you warm in winter. Check out the hearty meals, craft beers, local wines and country hospitality and enjoy some toe-tapping live music (most weekends) for some awesome winter vibes that will keep you toasty warm.
Coldstream Brewery, Coldstream
The original brainchild of four local friends, Coldstream Brewery opened its doors to beer lovers and diners in June 2007. The restaurant and bar are housed in a charming old brick building in the heart of Coldstream. The restaurant serves fresh, informal, locally sourced food for lunch and dinner, washed down with Coldstream beers and ciders plus a well-stocked bar that supports other Yarra Valley producers. Their fireplace adds to the charm and keeps diners warm and cosy on winter days and nights.
SOUMAH of Yarra Valley, Gruyere
SOUMAH of Yarra Valley have a beautiful fireplace in their Piazza Bar, where, on weekends, they offer food and wine tastings. This area is not bookable, so make sure to get there early to secure this popular spot. Enjoy wines by the glass, delicious snacks and an amazing wine tasting experience at this stunning winery.