Diners' Choice: Best Service restaurants in Geelong

OpenTable

Updated 05 August 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best service in Geelong? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Frenchys Bistrot at Empire Grill

4.9

4.9 (51)

$A41 to $A100

French

Geelong City Center

About the restaurant

Set within the iconic Empire Grill on MacKillop Street, Frenchys Bistrot marks a new chapter for one of Geelong’s most celebrated dining destinations. This evolution brings together the timeless elegance of the Empire Grill with the craft, warmth, and culinary precision of a classically trained French chef.

Frenchys Bistrot introduces a refined yet welcoming French dining experience, shaped by years of dedicated hospitality and a loyal following. The menu embraces authentic French technique, seasonal produce, and the charm of a true bistrot, all while honouring the Empire Grill’s longstanding reputation for excellence.

The name Empire Grill remains as a symbol of heritage and prestige, while Frenchys Bistrot becomes the restaurant’s new heart — a place where tradition meets reinvention, and where guests can rediscover an icon through the lens of French culinary artistry.

Top review

Harris

Dined 5 days ago

A wonderful dining experience at Frenchy’s Bistrot in Geelong. The food was beautifully prepared, full of classic French flavours, and every dish felt thoughtfully put together. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, the service attentive without being intrusive, and the whole evening had that relaxed little-Paris-bistro feel. A lovely spot for a special dinner or simply when you’re in the mood for excellent French food. Definitely one of Geelong’s standout dining experiences — we’ll happily return

Sir Charles Darling Hotel

4.8

4.8 (245)

$A40 and under

Pub

Geelong City Center

About the restaurant

We are a traditional family run pub that has resisted the urge to become upmarket and overly prententious, offering restaurant quality food at pub prices.

You will be lucky to find a busier pub or even restaurant on weekdays than ours.

Our 300g Porterhouse steak has become a Geelong icon, offering unrivalled quality at a very competitive price. Couple that with our Parmi's and it become obvious why we have such a wide range of customers, with many choosing to have birthdays an general gatherings here.

Let our customers tell you what they think of our pub:

“super friendly staff… food was amazing …fabulous pub … lots of locals … steak cooked to perfection …awesome staff … good family atmosphere … nice beer garden … our favourite pub … staff are lovely … really good food … best pub for a steak ... what an unreal find … couldn’t believe the prices” And the comment that comes up the most – “we’ll definitely be back”

Top review

kevinGold

Dined on 3 Aug 2026

Lovely country pub with fantastic food and atmosphere. Staff excellent. High recommended

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4.7

4.7 (256)

$A41 to $A100

Gastro Pub

Geelong West

About the restaurant

Welcome to Geelong's oldest pub the Petrel Hotel!
We are a food focused pub and restaurant offering generous and genuine hospitality from the walls of a historic building.
Head chef Molly Fuge brings local and international flavours together with classic pub dishes like the signature Chicken Schnitzel with Garlic Butter and Slaw, The Petrel Cheeseburger and Lemon Herb Crumbed Rockling+ Chips. Oysters shucked to order with and perfect Steaks from local producers await you!
Join us in our light filled dining room dressed with paintings and treasures that nod to Australian pubs and county homes. Our grand wooden bar sits at solidly offering a home to wine with a focus on smaller Australian producers with a few international gems nestled between. Ice cold beer taps flow and simple considered cocktails line the bar.
The Petrel Hotel team awaits you to sit, sip, eat and enjoy.

Top review

Lee

Dined on 5 Aug 2026

This place would have to be the best pub in Getroit, hands down. The staff a charming and witty. Food is top quality and the place is a mix between montana ranch and a ski lodge. Love it!!

Frankie Geelong

4.7

4.7 (996)

$A40 and under

Pan-Asian

Geelong City Center

About the restaurant

frankie. Bar and Eatery.

A premier Geelong venue specialising in cuisine from all parts of Asia (Pan-Asian-Fusion), a killer cocktail menu and unique local wine list.

Our strikingly beautiful and large venue spaces are all sophisticated, elegant arrangements of banquet seating, booths and soft, comfortable chairs. We have two stunning levels, both available for private functions (big or small) or casual dining and drink experiences.

Check our website or socials for further information.

Most reservations have a 2 hour time limit.

We do not have high-chairs, so please send a note with your booking if you need space for a pram.
Table decorations and your own cake are welcomed!

We cant wait to see you!

Team frankie.

Top review

kriss

Dined on 19 Jul 2026

Frankie’s Asian Fusion delivered a fantastic pre‑show dining experience. The menu offered an impressive range of innovative, beautifully plated dishes, each cooked to absolute perfection. The bright, modern interior added to the sense of energy and occasion, making it a great spot to start the night. Drinks were a standout as well — creative, well-balanced. My husband and I had a thoroughly enjoyable visit from start to finish and I'd recommend for groups as well. RAD music!!

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Experience

Bottomless Brunch

Anh Chi Em

4.7

4.7 (287)

$A40 and under

Vietnamese

Highton

About the restaurant

Anh Chi Em - Vietnamese Cuisine is a traditional Vietnamese restaurant with a modern look, located in the heart of Highton, Geelong. We offer both dine-in and takeaway options, focusing on serving our customers delicious, authentic Vietnamese dishes crafted from our own family recipes. Our dishes feature fresh herbs and vegetables sourced from our family-owned farm, ensuring the highest quality and flavour. Whether you're looking for a cozy dine-in experience or a convenient takeaway, Anh Chi Em is dedicated to providing a memorable experience in the vibrant Highton area of Geelong.

Top review

Paul

Dined on 6 Aug 2026

Great food, lovely presentation. attentive staff. Five of us all loved our meals.

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Experience

BYO Tuesday ($10 Corkage per Bottle) 🍷

Tutti

4.6

4.6 (111)

$A40 and under

Café

Geelong West

About the restaurant

Nestled within the vibrant Geelong Arts Centre on Little Malop Street, Tutti is perfectly positioned within Geelong's cultural hotspot. This café offers fresh, healthy, and seasonal produce, with all ingredients sourced from within an 80 km radius. The menu includes a wide range of options, from gluten-free and dairy-free dishes to vegetarian and vegan meals, all prepared with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Top review

Marlene

Dined 3 days ago

The food here is exceptional. And the staff friendly and attentive. It’s a great choice before a show.

Centra Hotel

4.6

4.6 (157)

$A41 to $A100

Italian

Geelong West

About the restaurant

Boasting an impressive selection of wine, cocktails, and serving the best in Italian fare, Centra is a popular dining choice for both Geelong locals and visitors to the region.

If you’re looking to have larger groups for dinner, the Private Dining Room can accommodate up to 14 guests, and the building’s multiple indoor & outdoor event spaces can be set for groups of up to 30 for sit-down events upon request.

After a space for a stand-up event? We can host groups of up to 120 people across multiple spaces for your event. Head to centrahotel.com.au/functions to check out the available event spaces and the function booklet.

Please Note:
-Not all areas in the building are Wheelchair Accessible.
-Smaller bookings may be subject to a maximum two hour sitting time.
-Non-Refundable deposits and set menus are required for bookings of 20 or more.
-A surcharge of 1.5% is applied to all EFTPOS transactions.
-A surcharge of 15% is applied to all sales on all public holidays.

Top review

Fiona

Dined on 3 Jul 2026

Staff were very attentive and the food and drinks were perfectly prepared and delicious.

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Popular dish

Seafood Linguine

Franca's

4.1

4.1 (29)

$A41 to $A100

Italian

Geelong West

About the restaurant

Franca's is an Italian-inspired restaurant where good food and great company come first.
A fresh perspective on timeless traditions, it's a place built around the simple pleasure of eating well.
The menu features seasonal produce, handmade pasta and pizzas.
Every dish is rooted in a deep respect for simplicity, letting quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Our kitchen brings together experience from modern dining and traditional Italian homes, united by a shared passion for food that genuinely connects people.
From the soft terracotta tones to the relaxed, welcoming layout, every detail at Franca's is designed to make you feel at home — comfortable, unhurried, and well fed. Whether you're stopping in for a quick bite, settling into a quiet dinner, or gathering with family and friends for something special, there's always a place for you at our table.
We welcome large groups! For parties more than 20, please call Franca’s on 03 5244 7790

Top review

Kaavya

Dined on 25 Jul 2026

The Restuarant manager Jesse was great! We may have even ordered a dish extra because we could not say no to him! He was lovely and he knew the dishes and his recommendations were great! Dishes were super rich! Kids loved their pizza too! I would love a view from the restaurant and it was all closed.

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4.6

4.6 (119)

$A41 to $A100

Italian

Newtown

About the restaurant

I Ragazzi is a modern Italian restaurant in the heart of Newtown Geelong, inspired by the warmth of Sicilian hospitality and the tradition of cucina casalinga—home-style cooking made with care. Our menu celebrates hand-crafted pasta, thin crispy pizzas, seasonal produce and classic Italian flavours, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list and signature cocktails. Whether you’re joining us for a relaxed date night, a long lunch with friends or a special celebration, you’ll find welcoming service, beautiful interiors and food designed to be shared. Our new, larger venue also offers private dining and event spaces, bringing people together over generous Italian hospitality.

Top review

Lee

Dined on 31 Jul 2026

They never disappoint. Keep up the goodness you lot! Thank you.

Malt Shovel Taphouse Geelong

4.6

4.6 (527)

$A41 to $A100

Modern Australian

Geelong City Center

About the restaurant

At Malt Shovel, we still remember our first craft beer. A life-changing moment. A world of floral hops. A world of toffee malts. A world of discovery, refreshment and satisfaction. Craft beer was here and things would be the same again.

At Malt Shovel Taphouse Geelong the focus will be on authentic stories and flavours that make craft beer so unique. It will have a changing roster of great beers combined with great people and great food.

**Please note**
Inside bookings are a combination of low tables are high tables and chairs. Bookings of 10+ will be on a high table.
All bookings outside are required to order at the bar.
All Friday-Sunday bookings of 20+ prior to 8.30 will be required to choose one of our group menus please send us an email to confirm these options.
Kitchen Hours - Open 7 Days A Week:
Lunch: 12PM-3PM
Dinner: 5PM - approx 8.30PM

Top review

Riki

Dined on 27 Jul 2026

Great meals, excellent value and packed with flavour. Cheerful staff and a very attentive experience. Will be back for sure!

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