It might be the little sibling to Gladioli in Inverleigh but Tulip,in the heart of Geelong West,is a destination-worthy diner in its own right. The decor's sharp,pared-back Scandinavian sensibility gives the smart,contemporary food the perfect blank canvas. Chefs Graham Jefferies and Matt Dempsey tip their hats to fashion without over-thinking things,from salt-and-vinegar puffed pork crackling to octopus with chorizo,roasted red capsicum and glossy squid-ink wafers,dusted in fennel pollen. Lightly cured kingfish with sea succulents and salty dashi powder balanced by yuzu cream and sharp bursts of pink grapefruit is a tribute to the sea,while pork belly goes Japanesque with the clarifying crunch of shredded kohlrabi,a bonito and mirin dressing and eggplant cream. To finish there's a brilliantly textural chocolate pavé,and the slick waiters will always have a good suggestion to linger over from the all-Victorian wine list that's as smart as Tulip itself.

And … Grab a pre-dinner cocktail at the bar.

THE LOW-DOWN
VibeCity-slick.
Best bitSome keen prices.
Worst bitUncomfortable wooden chairs.