L’Espresso

This low-lit Euro-style diner has earned its stripes as a Ballarat institution. It opened as the record store Black Swan nearly 40 years ago and has gradually evolved into a sophisticated all-day Italian cafe. Expect generous dishes such as ocean trout salad with chickpeas and crisp capers,or gnocchi with taleggio and prosciutto. The one drawback? It’s only open for dinner on Fridays.