Nik's Tavern
499 High Street
Finding authentic Greek food in Melbourne is easy; locating creamy hummus and fresh seafood in Victoria's country- side is more of a problem. Luckily for the residents of Echuca - about 21/2 hours' drive north of Melbourne - Nik cooks a menu full of favourites, with changing daily specials. Chicken and beef kebabs (A$16) and simple fish dishes provide the mainstay, while large sides of rice and potatoes add a wholesome garnish. Nik serves unpretentious food in a terraced Victorian property, which is popular with tourists staying in the Murray River town.
Oscar W's
101 Murray Esplanade
Oscar W's is not only the best restaurant in Echuca, it has also been voted one of the best restaurants in Australia. Over-looking the Murray River and the passing paddle steamers, Oscar W's interior is part gastro pub, part brasserie. It serves contemporary Australian cuisine, which means far-ranging influences from the Middle East through to the Mediterranean. Start with zucchini flowers with yabbie mousse and grilled garlic yabbie, dill and fennel salad (A$17), before trying the house speciality, char-grilled Porterhouse filet (A$36.50). Twice-cooked boned duck with sherry sauce (A$33) is also a speciality, and dessert-lovers shouldn't miss the mini-pavlova with dark chocolate sauce and minty double cream (A$12.50).
Beechworth Bakery