Press PLAY to hear Emilia Fuller’s full review

Alma 

93-95 Ryrie St

Geelong

With the taste of summer flirting with us every now and then, my must-try list for the season has climbed to the top of my notes, and over the weekend I went chasing a Geelong sunset with a good feed along the way. 

The space is bright and modern, art splays on the walls, and the service is precise without being precious.

The staff are guides, from recommending a cocktail to pointing out the best sunset vantage points around Geelong.

Alma operates with a regional confidence – part of a vibrant Geelong hospitality ecosystem, not trying to imitate Melbourne’s high-glamour scene, but owning its own warmth and craft.

The restaurant has been a significant part of Geelong’s culinary scene since its opening in 2017 and has gained a reputation that precedes it.

The restaurant is headed by Jesse Hughes, who serves as both the director and head chef. Hughes is a highly acclaimed chef in the region and was recognised as the Best Chef in the Geelong Otway Region in years gone by. 

Start with something crisp and bright, like the patacones with romesco. Our waiter explained that patacones are fried plantains, and the romesco was roasted capsicum and almonds delivering that spicy, roasted-nut sauce to drag the patacone through. 

Then the inevitable pull to have seafood by the sea in snapper ceviche, a coastal moment that’s clean and citrus-bright, warming slightly with a smoked-tomato aguachile kick, creamy avocado, and pops of corn for texture.

Aguachile typically is made with prawns, doused in a lime-chilli blend then served with cucumber, onion & avocado. The key part of aguachile that they keep traditional here is tossing it and serving it immediately after. 

The roast half chicken in Peruvian marinade brings warmth and depth, a centerpiece that invites you to slow down and share, while the 350-gram Sher Wagyu (Ballan in central Victoria) rump cap is a proper showstopper-rich, seared to a crust, and begging to be savored.

The crispy potato with garlic and parsley butter is the kind of comforting, indulgent side that reminds you good technique can elevate even simple things. 

The meal I had sounds very meat heavy but they actually have an entirely vegan menu too.

The pricing and portions sit in that sweet spot between thoughtful dining and relaxed evenings.

For two cocktails, two starters, two mains (and a fancy steak for one of them) and sides it was just over $200 making it a little pricier for Geelong but fairly on par with a nice restaurant in Melbourne. 

So, I know the thing you’ve been waiting to find out is that lookout spot.

I know exactly where it is because the staff pinned in on my maps – that’s the level of local service we’re talking about here.

I won’t give her exact favourite spot away but anywhere in Eastern Park is a great spot to sit above the beach and watch the sunset go down / digest the meal you’ve just had from Alma. 

Images: Supplied