It’s no secret that Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is one of the state’s leading cultural venues – it’s the only public art museum in north-central Victoria, and boasts significant collections of ceramics and Indigenous art. But did you know it’s also home to a buzzing café that’s fast cemented itself as a go-to foodie hotspot?
Elsewhere at SAM opened in March 2023, with a focus on seasonality, sustainability and showcasing locally sourced ingredients and produce. The all-day menu is a smorgasbord of dishes that celebrate the wealth of diversity within the region; the Wagyu beef sando with melt-in-your-mouth meat from Sevens Creek Wagyu is a highlight, while the free-range eggs are sourced from Kinross Farms, which has locations across northeast, central and western Victoria.
Many of the items are also a reflection of the global flavours and nationalities found within the Greater Shepparton region. There's okonomiyaki (a Japanese pancake), Peking duck crepes, Vietnamese clay pot and a heavenly Nordic-inspired crumpet with salt-cured salmon, crème fraîche, caviar, dill and a poached egg. And if you’re after more of a DIY situation, you can build your own bowl using a huge variety of proteins and toppings.
Leading this culinary charge are owner-operators Ricardo Vilsson Mullor, Jono Chan and Alaina Tuckett, while the head chef is Sean Cameron – who recently made the top four in Food Service Australia’s Chef of the Year competition. Together they're dedicated to offering a quality hospo experience that supports the wider community and entices visitors from right across the state.
And with spectacular views across Victoria Lake (the outdoor patio is the perfect place to kick back with a coffee, juice or even something a tad stronger), a cabinet full of gluten-free treats and even a special menu for dogs (think a lactose-free puppuccino), it’s easy to understand why Elsewhere at SAM is such a crowd-pleaser.
For more info, head to the website.