Five of a kind: regional newies

Terre

Opened in late December in the beautifully historic Tuerong homestead on the grounds of Dromana Estate, Terre brings a French slant to dishes that serve as canvases for the incredible local produce of regional Victoria. Choose a table on the terrace to dine on herb-crusted Flinders Island beef or summery goats' cheese panna cotta with basil and tomato. Local wines compete with a selection from Italy and France.
Details: Terre, 555 Old Moorooduc Road, Tuerong; 5974 3155; opening hours Wed-Thur and Sun noon-3pm, Fri-Sat noon-3pm and 6pm-9pm; terre.com.au.

Brae

When Dan Hunter set up shop in Birregurra following his recent defection from The Royal Mail, curiosity was piqued. How would the star chef run his own place? On offer is a multi-course menu put together each day from Hunter's stunning kitchen garden. Think prawn dust seasoning delicate asparagus, or an unforgettable salt grass lamb and grilled lettuce. Wine and food pairings are exemplary.
Details: Brae, 4285 Cape Otway Road, Birregurra; Thurs dinner from 6.30pm; Fri-Sun lunch from noon, dinner from 6.30pm; Mon lunch from noon; braerestaurant.com.

Tani Eat & Drink

It's a little bit country, a little bit rock'n'roll: a focus on local produce hasn't stopped this Bright newie from pushing a few culinary boundaries. Graze on Asian-accented small plates of quail with fermented vegetables and red miso, or chicken wing, congee, chrysanthemum and mushroom. There is a set menu option, a great bar and inspired bar menu (tofu donuts anyone?) - all of it within cooee of Bright's beautiful river and riverbank parkland.
Details: Tani Eat & Drink, 100 Gavan Street, Bright; 5750 1304; Mon and Wed-Thur 6pm-late; Fri-Sun noon-late; tanieatdrink.com.au.

Du Fermier

She garnered a huge following at her hatted restaurant in Kyneton, Annie Smithers Bistro, and now Smithers is taking a country sidestep at du Fermier. Come for rustic, French-inspired food that runs the gamut from terrine and baguettes to confit duck leg, much of the produce plucked from her garden or sourced locally and designed to share. Cakes and breads are baked daily and all of it is brought together by a thoughtfully curated French wine list.
Details: Du Fermier, 42 High Street, Trentham; 5424 1634; Thurs and Sun 10am-3pm; Fri-Sat 10am-3pm, 6pm-9pm; dufermier.com.au.

Tulip

Serious hospitality nous is behind the newly opened Tulip, bringing together Gladioli chef Matt Dempsey with chef and friend Graham Jeffries. The food is elegant, allowing hero ingredients to shine: perhaps sweet heirloom carrot salad with creamy goat curd or rich pork belly with sober kohlrabi and white eggplant puree. The decor is Scandi chic-meets-country-table, and the wine list an all-Victorian affair.
Details: Tulip Bar and Restaurant, Shop 9/111 Pakington Street, Geelong West; 5229 6953; Mon-Fri 11.30am-late; Sat-Sun 5.30pm-late; tuliprestaurant.com.au.