Barragunda Dining, Mornington Peninsula: Restaurant review

The spectacular Barragunda Estate is set among 400 hectares of wild coastal bushland and is now a philanthropic foundation by pub barons the Morris family. At its heart is a serene 40-seat garden-to-table restaurant overseen by chef Simone Watts, who commands the four-course tasting menu using the best produce from the property. Seasonal vegetables sparkle in freshly picked baby crudités dunked in burnt leek-top sabayon, or “all kinds of carrots”, shredded, pickled, roasted and dressed in chamomile honey. A flaky Danish pastry might be stuffed with smoky eggplant, while blushing black Angus beef is deepened with snow apple and curry leaf. Dessert offers a final surprise, perhaps figs with malted barley parfait and bright milk sorbet. The details, from custom pottery to jars of ferments, pickles and preserves, are beautifully curated, and there’s a buzz in the room suggesting something special is happening here. An exciting new player has entered the chat.

Price Guide

$$$$

Bookings

Essential

Wheelchair Access

Yes

Opening Hours

Lunch Fri-Mon

The Gourmet Traveller Team

Gourmet Traveller is Australia’s trusted authority on food, travel and luxury lifestyle, bringing the latest news and trends to life through quality journalism, enticing recipes and evocative photography. For more than 55 years, it has been inspiring and informing Australians with the best in cooking, dining, travelling and shopping. Our critics bring the expertise of years of critical eating, drinking and writing to the table. Plus, as the country’s leading title in the luxury sector, Gourmet Traveller works closely with Australia’s leaders in the travel and hospitality industries to give our readers exclusive access. The Gourmet Traveller legacy is one of trust, prestige and relevance.

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