Petrel Hotel

81 Pakington St, Geelong West VIC 3218, Australia
+61 3 5229 1151
$$$ Restaurant or cafe , Bar , Indoor lodging
(211 Reviews)

The Petrel Hotel, located on Pakington Street in Geelong West, blends the casual warmth of a neighbourhood pub with the polish of a well-curated dining spot. It operates as a restaurant, bar, and indoor lodging, making it a convenient all-in-one destination for locals and visitors alike.

Inside, the atmosphere strikes a balance between buzz and comfort. The interior fit-out feels thoughtfully designed, with an inviting vibe that suits both relaxed dinners and small gatherings. It’s a place where work friends can unwind after hours or where locals drop in for a midweek meal without fuss. Evenings tend to carry a lively energy without tipping into overwhelming noise, allowing for both conversation and the soundtrack of a busy neighborhood venue.

The menu leans into classic pub fare that’s been elevated with care. Dishes like schnitzel stand out for their generous portions and quality, drawing repeat visitors who appreciate the juicy, well-cooked chicken breast. Other hearty options — from pork chops to baked scallops — come presented with attention to detail and consistency. Salad accompaniments and sides, such as chips and coleslaw, serve as reliable staples to round out meals. While some dishes may feel assertive in flavour, there’s enough variety to find something that fits your palate.

Service plays a significant role in the overall experience here. Attentive and polite staff help maintain a welcoming feel, which complements the comfortable, unpretentious setting. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner or a casual drink, the team’s approachability adds to the laid-back vibe.

Petrel Hotel is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a classic Australian pub environment with an updated twist — great for casual meet-ups, after-work drinks, or a no-fuss dinner. Visitors looking for late afternoons or early evenings tend to find the right blend of activity and accessibility. Its position in Geelong West means it fits seamlessly into the local rhythm, making it a familiar spot for residents and a straightforward choice for travellers seeking local hospitality without the formality.

Popular for
Good for solo dining
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Plenty of parking
211 Reviews
Eliza Dodd

07 Jan 2026

Fantastic experience. Had wanted to go for ages, and heard great things. It did not disappoint. Went with my work friends and we all got the schnitzel with chips and coleslaw, highly recommend. The atmosphere was great, the fit out of the hotel is so well done. The staff were friendly. I will definitely be back.

Matt. Hollett

28 Dec 2025

Food is absolutely fantastic. Wonderful mix of classics presented well and beautiful delights. Had the baked scallops and then the pork chops for main and was thoroughly happy. Beautiful presentation, bustling vibe and lovely staff.

Martha Dillon

27 Dec 2025

This would have to be the best schnitzel I have ever eaten & I keep going back for it. I highly recommend getting an add on of peppercorn sauce and also try the bangers and mash. The schnitzel is SO BIG and SO JUICY.

Sam Nicholls

09 Dec 2025

Had dinner here and overall it was a decent, relaxed visit. We ordered the cos hearts with green goddess dressing and parmesan crisps, a 300g scotch steak with chips, salad and garlic butter, and the potato, leek and parmesan croquettes. The steak was cooked well and I enjoyed it. The salad was fresh and worked well with the meal. The croquettes were too strong in flavour for me and were the only part I didn’t enjoy. Service was steady and the atmosphere suited a casual pub dinner.

Jacyntha Yoong

26 Oct 2025

Don’t be fooled by the exterior - the food is a beautiful mesh of pub classics but refined. The servers were super polite and attentive, and the environment was a vibe. The highlight was the chicken schnitzel for sure it was perfectly juicy chicken breast (a rarity) and cooked well.

Clare A

24 Oct 2025

Came here on a week night and it was lovely. Service was very friendly, food was yummy and love the interior design. Will be returning!

Jono Roland

04 Oct 2025

Best chicken schnitzel and steak in Geelong! Espresso martinis were perfect and the beers and wine also outstanding. Highly recommend.

Matthew G.

04 Oct 2025

I visited the Petrel Hotel with my boss while we were staying overnight in Geelong for work. The venue was recommended to us by a local friend. From the outside, it doesn’t immediately stand out, but once inside, it was lively and welcoming, with many people enjoying drinks and spending time together. We started with drinks and then requested a table. The staff were very helpful, professional, and accommodating, and quickly seated us. For food, I ordered the lamb shoulder, which was beautifully prepared — tender, full of flavour, and clearly cooked with care. My boss enjoyed a local craft beer, which he was very happy with, and the overall menu felt well thought out and approachable. The service throughout the evening was excellent, and the atmosphere inside was warm, relaxed, and very family-friendly, with a great mix of people that added to the experience. Overall, it was a very enjoyable visit with good food, good drinks, and a welcoming environment. I would happily return and recommend the Petrel Hotel to anyone visiting Geelong.

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