It's pubs like this that make travelling in country Victoria so great. Built in 1865, the Criterion was restored in 2013 and is one of Sale's best spots for a meal. Here they keep things local, with dishes such as pale-ale-battered Lakes Entrance shark and the signature parma with Maffra cheese, doubled-smoked Gippsland ham and beer-battered chips.
It's a good spot for a drink, too, with $2 pots and wine during happy hour (5pm to 6pm) on Friday and Saturday, and live music at weekends. The rooms here are also recommended.