A tucked-away double shopfront on a Ballarat backstreet is home to Mr Jones, a modern Thai restaurant that has earned a 14.5 out of 20 rating from the Good Food Guide — a score that reflects both the ambition and the execution of owner-chef Damien Jones, whose culinary pedigree and travels across Asia form the backbone of an exciting, contemporary menu.
A Chef with Serious Credentials Behind Mr Jones
Damien Jones trained under celebrated Thai cuisine authority David Thompson, and that classical foundation is evident throughout his menu — though the cooking at Mr Jones is anything but rigid. Jones channels his extensive Asian travels into dishes that roam across Thailand and beyond, bringing creativity and personal flair to each plate. The restaurant's unassuming exterior, the Good Food Guide notes, gives little indication of the vibrant dining experience inside.
What to Expect on the Menu
While à la carte ordering is now available, the multi-course banquet format remains the most complete way to experience what Mr Jones offers. Highlights from the current menu include:
- A ma hor snack built on mandarin, combining chicken, prawns and peanuts into a sticky, punchy, tangy bite.
- A karaage-style dish that swaps the usual chicken for Western Plains pork, marinated in soy, ginger and garlic, deep-fried and served alongside pickled ginger and a ginger-brine mayonnaise.
- A gaeng som kingfish curry described as bright and sharp, balancing tamarind sourness with galangal and red chilli heat.
- A dessert of crème brûlée given an earthy, nutty character through the addition of black sesame seeds — a playful East-meets-West finish.
The kitchen's willingness to reinterpret both Asian and Western classics without losing coherence is a recurring theme across the menu, and a clear strength of the restaurant's identity.
Seasonal Specials and What to Know Before You Go
Mr Jones is not a static dining destination. The restaurant uses its social media channels to promote seasonal offerings, including ramen-only nights and take-home curry options during winter. Diners are encouraged to check in regularly for these limited-run specials, which add another dimension to an already dynamic offering.
The rating of 14.5 out of 20 places Mr Jones firmly in the "worth a detour" category for food lovers visiting or living in regional Victoria. With its blend of serious technique, inventive flavour combinations and a relaxed, approachable format — including the option to dine alfresco — the restaurant makes a compelling case that regional dining in Australia continues to punch well above its weight.
