What should I order at The Arborist?
The Arborist
Lamb Backstrap
Frequently mentioned as a highlight dish, praised for being well-seared, tender, and not too fatty, with well-balanced flavors and generous portions.
Spiced Pumpkin
Noted as a surprise star dish that pairs amazingly well with mains, described as having a wonderful balance of honey sweetness, ras el hanout, and roasted almond flakes.
Ricotta Gnocchi
Described as beautiful and delicious, indicating it is a standout vegetarian option on the menu.
Bass Strait Scallops
Recommended by reviewers for being very tasty and well-executed, often noted with kimchi and burnt butter accompaniments.
Potato Croquettes
Highlighted as a fantastic snack option, praised for its texture and flavor with saffron and saltbush.
Baharat Lamb Shoulder
Mentioned positively for its caramelised yoghurt accompaniment and flavorful preparation.
Oysters - Champagne, Hibiscus Granita
Recommended for their freshness and unique presentation, noted as a favorite starter.
Whipped Cheesecake with Rhubarb and Shortbread
Described as delightful dessert with only minor critique on the rhubarb preparation, overall a sweet finish to the meal.
Duck Crown
Well-executed dish mentioned alongside other favorites, appreciated for its preparation.
New Pork Dish (specials menu)
Praised for amazing flavor and great sides, highlighting the kitchen’s creativity on specials.
Steak
Recommended as a fallback choice when the originally desired dish was unavailable, noted for being perfectly cooked and flavorful.
Hours
| Monday | 12 to 10 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 12 PM to 1 AM |
| Saturday | 12 PM to 1 AM |
| Sunday | 12 to 10 PM |
About The Arborist
The Arborist is a restaurant in Geelong, Victoria serving lunch and dinner with a focus on dine-in service, cocktails, wine, and small plates. Reviewers consistently praise the food quality, especially the feed me option, lamb shoulder, halloumi, and other seasonal dishes, along with attentive service. The atmosphere is described as cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, and the restaurant also offers outdoor seating and rooftop seating. It is popular with groups and solo diners, and reservations are recommended, especially when it is busy.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Halal food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- High chairs
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Arborist known for?
The Arborist is best known for its feed me option, which reviewers say delivers a strong selection of seasonal dishes and generous flavor. Standout items often mentioned include halloumi, lamb shoulder, pork belly, and lamb kofta, with many guests calling the food beautifully presented and well cooked.
What dishes are most recommended at The Arborist?
Reviewers repeatedly highlight the halloumi, lamb shoulder, pork belly, and lamb kofta, plus dishes like apricot and halloumi, bass Strait scallops, ricotta gnocchi, and spiced pumpkin with goat cheese. The feed me option is also a common recommendation because it lets diners try several of the kitchen’s most praised plates in one meal.
What is the atmosphere like at The Arborist?
The atmosphere is described as cozy, romantic, trendy, and upscale, with both indoor dine-in seating and outdoor or rooftop seating available. Reviews mention it can get quite loud when busy, so it suits groups and date nights, and it also works for solo dining when you want a more relaxed meal.
Is The Arborist good value, and what is the price range?
The Arborist is in the A$60 to 140 range, and reviewers often say the experience feels reasonably priced for the quality of the food, drinks, and service. Guests describe the meals as satisfying and the cocktails and wine list as strong, which helps justify the higher-end price point in Geelong.
Do you need a booking at The Arborist, and when is the best time to go?
Yes, bookings are strongly recommended, and some reviews say reservations are a must because the restaurant can be very busy. If you want a quieter experience, booking inside may be better than outdoor seating, since guests noted wind on the deck and a louder room when the restaurant is full.
Is parking available at The Arborist?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does The Arborist have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Arborist offers vegan options.
Is the food at The Arborist halal?
Yes, The Arborist serves halal food.
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