Out of the City: Kyneton’s Best Food Finds

It's no exaggeration to say you can fill a weekend's dining itinerary without straying from Kyneton's quaint Piper Street. A mere hour from Melbourne's CBD, the country town is just one of many visit-worthy spots nestled within the Macedon Ranges area. Kyneton itself is home to mineral springs, the Campaspe River, beautiful gardens and more. But for foodies, Piper Street is the main drawcard.

Brunch and coffee options are many, but there are two standouts. Little Swallow Cafe is the spot for excellent coffee and locals can be seen meeting here for a cup at all times of the day. Annie Smithers Bistrot can be enjoyed for any meal, but the breakfast here is a treat. A more sophisticated dining experience, this is the place if you want brunch to feel a little special. The leafy garden courtyard is delightful on a sunny morning and delivers that great balance between country surrounds and food that would hold its own in the city; there's nothing quite like a fresh country hen's egg from down the road, poached and served with zucchini and corn fritters, citrus, herb and gin cured salmon, garden rocket and hollandaise.

If you've had an early breakfast (it would be a wise strategy), you'll have plenty of time in the day for lunch as well. This need not be limited to dining in. If the sun is shining, many young Melburnians will whiz through town on their way to Turpin or Trentham Falls — both popular and spectacular swimming holes that are gaining popularity year on year through whispered tip-offs. You'll see them stop in at the Kyneton Bakehouse or Piper Street Food Store for supplies, and with good reason. The bakery claims to be Victoria's fourth best, while the Food Store is a haven for gourmet picnic fare, fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks, condiments and deli items.

If tailgating the hipsters doesn't appeal, there are wineries aplenty in the area for an afternoon tipple with some stunning views. The modest and homely Hanging Rock Winery boasts a view of the Rock and happily pours tastings of their award-winning wines, while both Kyneton Ridge and Gisborne Peak do tasty wood-fired pizzas if you can find the stomach space for it.

Back on Piper for dinner (let's hope you’ve managed some kind of non-food-related activity in-between), you're once again spoiled for choice. Mr Carsisi is an award-winning Middle Eastern restaurant with modern flavours and smooth service. Stick to the mezze options (ideal for sharing) and you shan't go wrong. The Royal George Hotel holds a chef hat and offers fine dining in the Wedgewood room (ooh la la) or a more casual experience in the bar and grill. Or, if you fancy something more aromatic, Dhaba — which began as a food truck and now resides in The Mill on Piper Street — is the place for superbly honest, authentic Indian cuisine.

It's not often one can actually achieve the best of both worlds, but here is a pocket of Victoria that holds country charm and purity of air with a food scene that would hold up solidly in the very centre of Melbourne. A day trip here will have you planning your swift return.