7 Perfect Plates To Devour In The Murray Region, As Chosen By You

The region boasting Australia’s longest winding river, The Murray, is filled with some of Victoria’s most impressive scenic outlooks. However, the area's natural beauty is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this destination's holiday-worthy credentials.

If you're a big fan of food (like us) you'll be happy to know there are towns filled with farm-fresh food and local brews along this winding water source. From hatted restaurants to local wineries, consider this your gateway to the best things to eat and drink up and down the river, we've teamed up with Visit Victoria and Visit the Murray to help you find the perfect plates in this stunning part of the state.

The Italian: Vegetariano Panino

When it comes to eating fresh locally grown produce in the Murray region,  we can't go past The Italian in Mildura. Located in the town's centre, the local deli and cafe is the place to go for incredible paninis, great coffee and cannoli made fresh daily. Our pick on the lunch menu is the vegetariano panino filled with lashings of luscious rocket pesto, roasted eggplant, bullhorn peppers, cheese and more. Make sure you leave room for the cannoli—they're seriously good.

Trentham Estate Winery: Murray Cod Fillet

Taste the flavours of the Murray region at Trentham Estate. Sitting on the banks of the Murray River,  the winery is an idyllic spot for an afternoon of wine tasting. Swing by the cellar door to sample its award-winning wines before heading to the on-site restaurant. While the menu changes seasonally, the Murray Cod fillet is a mainstay—served with salsa verde and roasted baby chats (give us a whole bowl of those!)—is a must.

The Province: Quail Pappardelle

If you’re searching for one of the best bowls of pasta in Victoria, head straight to Mildura and book a table at The Province. Here, delicate, handcrafted pasta is the star, with the quail pappardelle with portobello mushrooms, marsala, and reggiano parmigiano a solid 11/10. If you have any room left after the main, the salted caramel panna cotta with chamomile tea gelato is also a standout. 

Riverbank Moama: Filet de Boeuf

Perched on the edge of the Murray River in the Echuca Moama region, Riverbank is the place to go if you want to start your day right with dishes like roasted banana waffles served with butterscotch, vanilla seed ice cream, candied pecans and orange toffee. If you're after something a little more luxe, order the filet de boeuf featuring grain-fed beef, porcini dust, onion soubise, Paris butter, cauliflower and truffle cappuccino, pommes puree, duck fat carrots and shiraz bone marrow reduction. And make sure you book a table on the deck to immerse yourself in the magic of the Murray. 

Andy's Kitchen: A Little Bit Of Everything

Tasty modern Asian eats are on the menu at Andy’s Kitchen. Another Mildura must-do, this place is all about relaxed vibes and big flavour. This is the kind of place where you want to try a little bit of everything. Start with Chinese pork dumplings and char kway teow, before moving on to Korean BBQ beef with bulgogi sauce. But whatever you do, don’t skip the salt and pepper fried pork chops. 

The River Deck Cafe: Brunch

Just a short stroll from Albury Botanical Gardens, The River Deck Cafe boasts a menu driven by native ingredients with produce sourced from farmers across the Albury Wodonga region. Brunch is where it’s at here, with buttermilk hotcakes, smashed avo on turmeric bread and Slivercreek sourdough crumpets with whipped ricotta, all worthy of your stomach space. Our tip? Order a few dishes and share them with your brunch crew.

Thirsty Devil: All Of The Beers

While technically not served on a plate, this South Albury microbrewery punches well above its size and is worth a mention in this list. Pouring tasty craft brews Wednesday through Sunday, Thirsty Devil is the place to sip your way through a selection of tasty cold ones. There's an aromatic pale ale, a creamy red ale, a chocolate-infused porter, spicy ginger beer, and a crowd-pleasing mid-strength ale all on the lineup—all pair perfectly with the venue's selection of pizzas.

Bistro Selle: Goat Ragu

Located in Albury’s CBD, Bistro Selle is the ideal place to go if you're in the mood for cosying up in a chic European-style bistro with your crew. Our pick at this charming regional haunt? A bowl of goat ragu filled with ricotta, marjoram and rocket—and your favourite glass of wine, no less. Head Chef Tara Davis has curated a concise, seasonal menu that warrants multiple visits. Other standouts include cocoa nib pasta, pecan and pecorino brussels sprouts and duck liver parfait.

Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Visit Victoria and Visit the Murray as part of the "Stay close, go further" campaign. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.

Images: Top: Trentham Estate sourced via Instagram; In-article: Riverbank Moama via Instagram; The River Deck Cafe via Instagram.