The Rusty Spud: A Flavorful Oasis in Ballarat Central

Top categories (Drinks / Item-Menu)
Most orders: $1–20

Welcome to The Rusty Spud, a delightful dining gem nestled in the heart of Ballarat Central, Australia. Located at 21 Peel St N, this charming restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. With a phone number easily accessible at +61 497 406 592, The Rusty Spud invites you to experience its warm atmosphere and inviting decor.

At the core of The Rusty Spud's appeal is its menu, which centers around the beloved baked potato. Here, you’ll discover unique variations that elevate this humble dish. Customers rave about the "Vote For Pedro," a loaded baked potato that brims with a medley of flavors—cheese, mexibeans, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, corn chips, and spring onion unite to create a satisfying and playful feast for the senses, all for just A$16.90. Another popular choice is the "Base Model," offering a hearty combination of cheese, coleslaw, sour cream, and spring onion for A$14.90—a true comfort food that never disappoints.

The ambiance at The Rusty Spud plays a significant role in enhancing your dining experience. The restaurant boasts lovely decor and a welcoming atmosphere, inviting you to linger and savor each bite. Customers have noted the generous serve sizes, ensuring that you leave with a full stomach and a happy heart. The restaurant also features a delightful kids' area replete with toys and coloring activities, making it an ideal spot for family outings.

In terms of beverages, The Rusty Spud offers classic soft drinks like Fanta, Coke, and Sprite, each priced at A$4.90, as well as refreshing bottled water. Should you wish to indulge further, consider pairing your meal with a fragrant cappuccino, highly praised by patrons like Katie Cunningham.

What truly sets The Rusty Spud apart, however, is the personal touch. As Deanne K aptly states, the owner and staff exude warmth and hospitality, making every visit feel special. The restaurant also showcases local artwork and homewares for sale, adding an artistic flair that complements the culinary experience.

With a focus on flavorful dishes and a commitment to customer satisfaction, The Rusty Spud offers a dining experience that is both enjoyable and memorable. Whether you’re in the mood for a comforting baked potato or a quick bite to eat, this eatery checks all the boxes. So, gather your friends and family, take a trip to Ballarat Central, and discover what the buzz is all about—your taste buds will thank you!

Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in

Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining

Accepts credit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments

Deanne K

13/10/2025

Great local place to eat, generous serves. No vegan cheese/sour cream options but you can omit whatever you can't eat very easily. Great kids area with toys and colouring in, great decor

Rod Turner

13/10/2025

I think I’m in love with the Rusty Spud! The food and decor are divine. The prices are low too. You gotta try this place!!!

Katie Cunningham

12/10/2025

The Rusty Spud - Not only does it have a truly lovely atmosphere, vibe and Owner, but it also has the most delicious meals The "Base Model" was absolutely delicious and very filling! That and yes, a lovely Cappuccino, was perfect for a latish Lunch. So go and take a look and a taste, and I definitely will say that you will not be disappointed!

Anthony Carrick

25/09/2025

I've only been once, but the meal was flavourful and though it was an unusual combination (egg Benedict), it worked well. The one lady seems to do everything (food and coffee making), but does a great job! And there's small homewares and art for sale too.

Clinton Robinson

21/09/2025

I ordered a sweet potato from here and a bowl of nachos and they were expertly prepared in a very timely manner. The wait time was clearly outlined as they need a little extra time to cook the new batch of sweet potatoes, which allowed me time to finish off some other errands before picking up my meals. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Although this was a takeaway order, the sit down area was well laid out and would look as though it would be an inviting area to sit down and enjoy a meal. Lovely artwork for sale was displayed on the walls as well as a range of gifts available for purchase. I would strongly recommend getting a baked potatoe or bowl of nachos from here. I will be back to sample more from the menu.

Justin Chan

09/08/2025

The space and lighting here were absolutely amazing! So good that I don't even need to edit / filter my photos. The food was a great balance of heavy and light, warm and cool. It was very filling though - me and my friends had a big breakfast before coming here for lunch, and the four of us could only manage to finish two of their spuds. They have "Tight Tuesdays" deals - great bang for your buck - and you can change the potato out to sweet potato for just +$1 (I thought it read $7 because of the font but the lady kindly corrected me and made sure I wasn't scammed haha) We got the Bacon is for Life spud and the Mexican one, but if we were more hungry we would have wanted to try the Italian Stallion as well!