What is it? Greasy Zoe’s is an intimate produce-driven restaurant hosted on the outskirts of Melbourne. It’s spearheaded by the naturally creative and ever-resourceful chef Zoe Birch (ex-Courthouse Hotel and Healesville Hotel) and her intelligent hosting partner and sommelier, Lachlan Gardner. Together, they’re co-curating an exceptional – and distinctly Australian – dining experience.
Why we love it: Birch and Gardner stick to the hyperlocal brief by championing small Victorian producers, described on the menu as Our Family. This might not sound earth-shatteringly different from other sustainability-focused restaurants on this list, but what Birch does with these raw materials is nothing short of epic. The ‘cheese’ course, for example, comes in the form of a toasted wattle seed and brown sugar-filled croissant, topped with 24-hour cheese and a well of wattleseed syrup.
Time Out tip: Definitely opt in for the wine pairing and be sure to chat to Gardner about each drop. His remarkable knowledge is an unmissable part of the experience.