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Restaurant

The Retreat Geelong

9 Retreat Rd, Newtown VIC 3220, Australia

Recommended by 6 people

Updated

Find The Retreat Geelong

9 Retreat Rd, Newtown VIC 3220, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 3 5261 9600
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

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About The Retreat Geelong

A converted vintage post office sets the stage for elevated French-leaning plates and tailored cellar pours in Newtown. Behind the white weatherboard facade, sunny dining spaces wrap around an open kitchen where orders move at an easy clip. Guests hand over decisions to the Trust The Chef tasting or plot their own spread—think crisp gougères, duck cassoulet, and rib eye paired with bone marrow Paris mash. The resident sommelier works tableside to match regional finds and classic vintages to each course, stretching lunch effortlessly into an afternoon affair.

  • Historic Post Office Setting: The former weatherboard post office features bright, distinct dining rooms and an active open kitchen.
  • Curated Sommelier Service: In-house sommelier tableside guidance pairs boutique regional bottles and classics with each dish.
  • Trust The Chef Menus: Multi-course tasting formats allow the kitchen to steer course selections across seasonal mains and desserts.
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What's On at The Retreat Geelong

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

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Diners Choose The Retreat Geelong

Discover why diners choose The Retreat Geelong for curated chef menus, expert wine pairings, and memorable celebrations.

  • Curated 'Trust The Chef' Menus

    Guests can leave course decisions entirely to the kitchen with curated multi-course offerings that deliver generous portions and standout value.

    We opted for the “Trust The Chef” menu and were thoroughly impressed in both the quality and value.

    Vanessa Treacy

  • Effortless Dietary Accommodations

    Kitchen and service staff cater seamlessly to large parties, including bespoke plant-based requests and tailored dish adjustments.

    Dietary requirements were accommodated without fuss.

    Megan Herbert

  • Dedicated Sommelier Pairing Guidance

    Dedicated tableside sommelier Cam guides diners through matched pairings and wine list selections with engaging, thorough expertise.

    Cam the sommelier was very knowledgeable explaining all our wines to our group.

    Leanne Onley

  • Elevated French-Inspired Dining

    Diners experience elevated French-inspired dishes such as confit duck and classic entrees served in an inviting, light-filled venue.

    As a lover of French cuisine, I couldn’t go past the shallot tarte tatin and confit duck cassoulet.

    Jo Ruffin

  • Comfortable Setting for Group Celebrations

    The converted post office offers an inviting, comfortable acoustic environment where guests can converse with ease during family milestones.

    the noise level was quite ok particularly for me as I have problems hearing at the best of times.

    Russell Williams

  • Historic Venue to Share with Visitors

    A transformed historic weatherboard facade conceals multiple distinct dining rooms and an open kitchen layout that captivates visiting guests.

    We visited with Melbourne friends and couldn't be more impressed. Great food in all courses, good advice on wine and the service was exemplary. Couldn't believe the wonderful changes from the old post office.

    David Deahl

Signature dishes and tasting menus praised by diners

  • Duck three ways

    Duck three ways was the wow dish. Amazing technique, taste, ingredients and uniqueness.

    Mery

  • Trust The Chef menu

    We opted for the “Trust The Chef” menu and were thoroughly impressed in both the quality and value.

    Vanessa Treacy

  • Mushroom ragu

    the mushroom ragu. All of them were so delicious and filling!

    Candace Van Krieken

  • Prawn cocktail

    A playful dish of whole prawns, supported by diced prawns in a house made Marie Rose sauce

    Mery

Other favorites

Appetisers, sides, and signature drinks that complement your dining experience

  • Shallot tarte tatin

    shallot tarte tatin

    Jo Ruffin

  • Marrow Paris mash

    marrow Paris mash as a side

    Grace Buckley

  • Gougeres

    Gougeres, crunchy firm outer with soft smooth filling.

    Mery

  • Peach cocktail

    I also had a peach cocktail and it was heaven!

    Jo Ruffin

Beyond the menu

Thoughtful details and personalized touches that elevate your dining experience at The Retreat Geelong.

  • Tableside Sommelier Wine Consultations

    Tableside sommelier Cam personally walks parties through custom wine pairings, explaining provenance and profiles tailored to each dish.

  • Curated 'Trust The Chef' Set Menus

    A flexible multi-course tasting format where diners surrender menu selections to the kitchen, with options to seamlessly upgrade across courses.

  • Bespoke Recipe & Dietary Adaptations

    Kitchen staff readily customize sauces and execute tailored plant-based courses to seamlessly accommodate dietary preferences and requests.

  • Repurposed Heritage Post Office Dining

    Diners enjoy an intimate open-kitchen layout set within a restored weatherboard local post office with acoustics suited to relaxed conversation.

Before you head over

Helpful dining tips and planning advice for your visit to The Retreat Geelong.

  • Book Ahead for Dinner

    Secure a reservation in advance, particularly for evening dining, as table availability fills up quickly in the intimate repurposed dining room.

  • Communicate Dietary Requests Early

    Let the kitchen know your plant-based, allergy, or dietary preferences ahead of time; staff and the chef accommodate adjustments and sauce modifications smoothly.

  • Order 'Trust The Chef' for Easy Decisions

    If you prefer a simpler dining experience, opt for the curated 'Trust The Chef' multi-course menu paired with tableside sommelier selections.

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