Where Chefs Eat: Emerald City’s Joel Alderdice Has the Keys to the Yarra Valley

Like most wine regions, the Yarra Valley is flush with exceptional eating and drinking, from the sun-dappled tasting room at Oakridge to the architectural grandeur of Levantine Hill. But there’s nothing quite like Emerald City, which has four seats and zero windows.

The tiny restaurant is hidden up the back of Cavanagh’s Whisky Bar & Alehouse. Pull back a velvet curtain and you’ll find owner Joel Alderdice – a former head chef at Bar Liberty and Tarrawarra – plating up 12- to 16-course dinners featuring tempura veggies, hibachi-grilled meats and the famous rainbow trout he created at Tarrawarra.

Originally from Healesville, Alderdice moved back and opened the tiny restaurant in  2024. Predictably, it’s been booked solid since. On his days off, here’s where he eats, drinks and generally has a good time. 

Favourite bakery: Yarra Valley Artisan Baker in Wesburn. The sourdough is 10/10 and the caneles are a must. 

Go-to breakfast spot: Watts River Cafe and Store for Japanese-inspired breakfast and lunch options, lovely staff and a huge outdoor area.

Best coffee: Natures Cakes. My order is a double espresso, and the Basque cheese cake is spot on.

The best place to eat solo: Herd Bar and Grill. Sit at the bar and have all the snacky food options and a local wine or tap beer. 

The best place for a casual dinner: Monroes Burgers and Beers. The burgers are so good and they usually have fun weekly specials. My go-to is the Swine Time or Nashville hot chicken.

The best takeaway to eat by the water: Cheese Monger Sophie. Her sandwiches and cheese selection are epic. Take them to Maroondah Dam for a picnic with a bottle of wine from Barrique Wine Store. 

Favourite place for special occasions: The restaurant at Jayden Ong Winery. The service and drinks list are next level. The food is driven by exceptional produce and charcoal cooking.

The best place for a drink and a snack: Cavanaghs Whisky and Ale House, obviously. 

The best place to take kids: The Yarra Valley Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

Best spot for date night: Barrique Wine Store is my favourite place to hang out in Healesville. Amazing staff and drink selection, great tunes from vinyl, weekly producer tastings and a food truck on Fridays. 

Best place with a view: The deck at Tarrawarra Estate for a glass of chardonnay.