The Arborist

Those tracking Geelong's culinary pulse point straight to this Little Malop Street stunner. The Arborist delivers a masterclass in modern Australian share plates with a distinct Mediterranean lean. Think brilliant, light-filled architecture—a dynamic backdrop for serious cocktail craftsmanship. The seasoned move? Start upstairs at the rooftop bar with a flawlessly balanced strawberry sour or passionfruit gin fizz. Then, head down to the main dining room and hand over control with the "Feed Me" option. Discerning eaters consistently pack the house for these chef-selected mezze spreads—blistered apricot and baked halloumi, rich lamb kofta, whipped cod roe, and show-stopping whole crispy fish. Fast-paced, buzzing, and unapologetically bold. Book ahead, snag a table al fresco to soak up the laneway energy, and let the kitchen do the heavy lifting.