One of Geelong's most beautiful venues, TonTon's elegance is mirrored in the food.
Pushing the boundaries of what we understand the cafe experience to be, TonTon is one of the newest venues to join the Geelong hospitality scene, gifting locals and tourists alike another bright new dining spot.
As majestic as the name suggests, this striking all-day and night spot arrives courtesy of local Chef Aaron Sheedy, whose past credits involve A Spot For Joe and Barwon Edge Boathouse.
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Serving local quality produce, handcrafted into honest simple dishes made with passion and love, TonTon was once home to a local institution called Darriwill Farm, but the fresh, new fit-out has ensured a decadent new dining experience.
Oozing charm, the outrageously beautiful venue has sophisticated textures, warm timber, a stone counter, marble benchtops and neutral walls with a pink, brown and beige colour palette, symbolising elegance and sweetness. There are also plenty of private nooks, tables and bar seating, ideal for both group brunching or date nights.
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Taking the Ton from High-Ton, the cafe operates from 6:30am to 3pm on weekdays and 7am to 3pm on weekends, and it’s here that TonTon provides exactly what the locals needed.
While changing regularly with seasonal and local produce, the brunch menu includes the usual suspects with a personal twist: there are hotcakes with vanilla bean ice cream, fresh berries, honeycomb, bee pollen and syrup; benedict on sourdough with bacon, poached eggs, zucchini pickle chip, hash brown and hollandaise; a mushroom medley with ricotta, asparagus and hazelnuts; avocado on sourdough with heirloom tomato, celery leaf pesto and Meredith Goats Cheese; and a Big Brekky, complete with sourdough, bacon, cherry tomato, Asparagus, mushrooms, hash brown and two eggs cooked your way. You’ll also find classics like toasted granola, house-spiced banana bread and eggs on toast.
Catering to those that prefer lunch meals, afternoon delights include a vibrant and nutritious sticky palm pork belly; orange and beet cured trout; a southern fried chicken brioche sub served with crispy potatoes; and our favourite, the lamb ribs complete with baba ganoush, moghrabi, pomegranate, herbs, butter lettuce and lemon.
The bar is high, but with chef Sheedy at the helm, diners are in good hands.
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After dark, the mood changes as the operation melts into dinner service on Friday and Saturday nights. With dimmed lights, a new menu is placed on the table, with dishes such as pork belly, pan fried market fish, sticky eggplant, ricotta gnocchi (with tomato, sugo, basil and parmesan) and braised lamb shoulder taking the spotlight. Broccolini, potato gratin and Botanical Brew focaccia feature as some of the sides, while Fig Leaf panna cotta and ginger poached peer stand out as dessert options.
If you prefer to indulge in a simple evening of snacks and cocktails, TonTon serves the likes of marinated olives, mushroom, leek and thyme croquette, and Saganaki.
Again, these items change regularly depending on the season but the quality remains the same. There’s a vast selection of vegan or vegetarian dishes while the menu is also overflowing with gluten-free goodness.
Designed to share, it’s clear the goal is to create a nurturing space that incorporates local, organic and ethically-sourced ingredients into its menu wherever possible.
To drink, there’s an indulgent focus on cocktails with the likes of the TonTon whisky sour, The Gimlet, Chilli Margarita and Espresso Martini on offer, among others. Of course, there’s also coffee, beer, wine and spirits, plus all your favourite non-alcoholic options.
A welcome addition to the region, TonTon really is the kind of place you’ll want to linger.
TonTon is located at 9/65 Barrabool Rd, Highton Village. Bookings can be made by calling 0455 280 120 or walk-ins are welcome.
