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Restaurant

Ballard’s

915 High St, Thornbury VIC 3054, Australia

Recommended by 40 people

Updated

Find Ballard’s

915 High St, Thornbury VIC 3054, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 406 095 604
HoursMonday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About Ballard’s

Skip the usual High Street circuit—this Thornbury wine bar turns plant-based cooking into a feast that reliably wins over stubborn carnivores. Northside locals steer visiting friends straight into the multi-course 'feed me' spread. Out come mac and cheese croquettes, charred potato skewers, and warm focaccia torn to swipe through whipped burnt eggplant. Unfussy pours from small-scale Aussie makers keep step as plates land across snug tables in the dim, buzzing room.

  • Multi-Course 'Feed Me' Feast: Ten sharing courses hit the table in rapid succession, from charred potato skewers to whipped burnt eggplant and warm focaccia.
  • Omnivore-Approved Cooking: Rich, textured vegetable dishes consistently win over dedicated carnivores and out-of-town guests.
  • Low-Intervention Wine List: The drinks list champions small-scale Australian producers and easy-drinking drops tailored to the food.
  • Moody Wine Bar Energy: Dim lighting, snug tables, and switched-on service give the dining room an easy neighborhood pulse.
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What's On at Ballard’s

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose Ballard’s

Six distinct reasons diners trust Ballard’s for inventive plant-based dining and lo-fi pours—book your table early to experience it.

  • Abundant Multi-Course 'Feed Me' Tasting Menu

    The kitchen serves a generous 9- to 10-course tasting feast that delivers high variety and exceptional value without leaning on tired plant-based clichés.

    We did the feed me and everything was amazing and you get to try 10 dishes for a very reasonable price.

    Carrie Lee

  • Genuinely Satiating Vegetable Cookery

    Dishes are crafted with substantial texture, depth, and volume, ensuring diners leave genuinely full rather than needing a second dinner.

    the quantity of food was so generous it was difficult to finish.

    Connell McGrath

  • Soulful Low-Intervention Wine List

    The cellar showcases character-driven, minimal-intervention bottles from small Australian makers instead of conventional commercial labels.

    Drinks list is full of great small-scale, minimal intervention Aussie wines to satisfy upmarket boozehounds like myself.

    Matt Sharp

  • Moody, Unpretentious Wine Bar Ambiance

    The Thornbury space blends the casual warmth of an intimate neighborhood haunt with mood lighting and relaxed, attentive hospitality.

    The restaurant has a fantastic dark and moody atmosphere that I absolutely loved.

    Possum Ball

  • The Go-To Neighborhood Showcase for Visitors

    Locals consistently rely on Ballard’s as the premier culinary destination to highlight Melbourne's creative dining identity to visiting travelers.

    If I ever have people visiting, it’s the one place in Melbourne I would take them - and so have many outstanding food memories from here.

    Saskia Tabea

  • Effortless Dining with Devout Omnivores

    Complex seasonings and robust execution easily win over skeptical omnivores and meat-eating family members without culinary compromises.

    My family are not keen on vegan food, but this restaurant was enough to make them change their minds.

    Anthony Vanderbyl

Most-ordered plant-based highlights and multi-course staples at Ballard’s.

  • 'Feed Me' Tasting Menu

    The feed me menu is honestly one of the best meal I had in Melbourne.

    Vittoria Nardone

  • Focaccia with Whipped Eggplant Dip

    The home made focaccia with whipped burnt eggplant dip was so delicious.

    Brenda Pavichievac

  • Lion's Mane Mushroom Steak

    It's better than the reviews say! Complete butter melting in my mouth moment.

    Shenae Lazaro

  • Mac & Cheese Bites

    Stand out dishes were the macaroni cheese bites, the BBQ potato skewers and the celeriac & lentil salad.

    Miso S

Other favorites

Inventive desserts, side dishes, and mixed drinks that round out the dining experience.

  • Lemongrass Tart

    Oh, the lemongrass tart was to die for!! Don’t sleep on dessert.

    Veda Jarasius

  • Cocktails

    It's such a cool, cozy vibe in the restaurant and they make awesome cocktails too.

    Georgia

  • Panna Cotta

    Sunday roast and panna cotta dessert unsurprisingly did not disappoint.

    Ada Jean

  • Baby Carrots

    The baby carrots were perfectly cooked, toothsome but not overdone. Paired perfectly with a fried bread crumb and creamy base, these stood out as one of my favourites.

    JD Blacklock

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the food entirely plant-based?

Ballard’s is fully plant-based, serving an inventive vegan menu and drinks that appeal to both dedicated vegans and omnivores alike.

How does the 'feed me' tasting menu work and is it filling?

The popular 'feed me' set tasting menu is quite substantial, featuring 9 to 10 sharing plates that leave most diners very full, though à la carte plates can also be ordered.

Should I book a table in advance?

Given the venue's popularity and intimate layout, making a reservation ahead of time is recommended.

What is the seating layout like?

Tables indoors can be closely spaced, so space can feel tight when multiple dishes arrive at once. There is also a cosy rear courtyard for outdoor seating.

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