After another heated competition, The Shared Table has won the title of Ballarat’s Best Pie for 2026. The Shared Table’s Sher Wagyu Reuben pie has come out victorious, beating out 29 other savoury and sweet pies from local venues competing for the crown.
The Shared Table’s Sher Wagyu Reuben pie weaves locally-sourced ingredients into a tried-and-true flavour profile.
The result? Braised wagyu with pastrami flavours, sauerkraut, cheese, dressing and pickles in a rye flour pastry.
The awards ceremony was held on Saturday 1 August at Itinerant Spirits and hosted by MasterChef Australia semi-finalist and Good Chef Bad Chef co-host Tim Bone.
The judging panel included Tim, Kara Monssen (Herald Sun food and wine editor), Alejandro Saravia (acclaimed Melbourne chef), Richard Cornish (veteran food writer) and Cr Ben Taylor (City of Ballarat Deputy Mayor).
Other winners on the day were:
- Overall 2nd place: Ballarat’s Best Pie: Cookie Cult’s Struck Gold & It’s Sticky pie
- Overall 3rd place: Ballarat’s Best Pie: The Buninyong Hotel’s Sri Lankan chicken curry pie
- Best Savoury Pie: The Shared Table’s Sher Wagyu Reuben pie
- Best Sweet Pie: Cookie Cult’s Struck Gold & It’s Sticky pie
- Best Bakery Pie: Sovereign Hill’s slow-cooked blade steak pepper pie
- Brilliantly Unexpected Pie: Flying Chillies’ pandan flower pie
Throughout August, Ballarat’s best eateries, bars, and bakeries will be showcasing their competing pies for the public to experience for themselves.
Not only can you try The Shared Table’s Sher Wagyu Reuben pie, but pick up a Ballarat’s Best Pie map from the Ballarat Information Centre or download a digital copy at visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie to taste your way through the 30 honourable competitors. Last year, more than 20,000 pies were sold across the city, supporting the very best of regional produce, craftsmanship and culinary imagination.
For the second-year running, every pie lover can become a critic with the chance to have their say by voting for the People’s Choice Pie. Simply scan the QR code at participating venues or head to visitballarat.com.au/ballarats-best-pie, and go into the draw to win a luxury Ballarat escape for two valued at over $1200.
Voting closes 31 August, with the winner announced in early September.
The Hon. John Pandazopoulos, Tourism Midwest Victoria Chair, said:
“Ballarat’s Best Pie has firmly established itself as a highlight of our event calendar, attracting visitors and showcasing the strength of our local hospitality sector.
From traditional favourites to inventive flavour combinations, Ballarat’s Best Pie celebrates the producers, chefs and venues that make our region a compelling destination each August.”
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves , said:
“With the official judging wrapped up, it’s now the community’s turn to take on the tasty task.
The People’s Choice Pie gives everyone the opportunity to vote for their favourite pie, so grab a map, plan your pie-tinerary and make the most of this delicious celebration of local talent.
Whether you’re a classic meat pie fan or keen to try something new, every vote counts in deciding the People’s Choice winner.”