Hatted Restaurants of the Yarra Valley
The Yarra Valley ‘Hatted’ restaurant is a dining experience that is the ultimate in gastronomic delight. A pure extravagance, a culinary exploration, a finely crafted experience of taste, texture and tenacity.
The Hatted restaurants of the Yarra Valley are creations unto themselves. With local produce of exceptional freshness and savour, the Chefs of Oakridge Wines, TarraWarra and Levantine Hill have a world of flavours to play with. Their plates are full of alchemy, and their ‘theatre’ of dining is unforgettable. Add the finely crafted selection of their estate wines, and you have a symphony of dining pleasure.
When the annual Good Food Guide is released, these three dining institutions are perpetually Hatted – and 2020 is no exception. Here are three extraordinary Yarra Valley Hatted restaurant experiences to enjoy. Reservations are essential.
Oakridge Wines
Oakridge’s sublime hatted Restaurant showcases the best Yarra Valley produce. Inspired by their surroundings, and leading the kitchen team is Executive chef Aaron Brodie, whose
respect and appreciation of the Yarra Valley are celebrated in his relationships with the region’s many producers.
With a commitment to only using ingredients that are locally sourced or grown in the
restaurant kitchen garden, Aaron’s hyper-local approach to cooking, exceptional culinary skills and the creative freedom embedded in Oakridge’s philosophy promises an exciting evolution for Oakridge restaurant.
Tarrawarra Estate
Head Chef Joel Alderdice started his career as an apprentice at Tarrawarra and over the past decade, he has honed his craft at some of Melbourne and the Yarra Valley’s best restaurants. In December 2021 he returned to Tarrawarra as Head Chef.
The restaurant is led by manager Darren Fraser and together they present a menu to guests that is inspired by local producers and is ultimately delicious.
The Estate has a strong commitment to sustainability. TarraWarra’s desire to reduce waste and environmental footprint aligns with Joel's values and cooking vision while maximising taste and
presentation. Complementing wines that champion the region’s cool climate, the menu reflects the ethos that ‘whatever is growing is what’s going – with each plate a reflection of the produce from which it is made. The garden represents the soul of the kitchen, and the team wouldn’t have it any other way.
Levantine Hill
Meticulously crafted food perfectly matched to cellar wines – that’s how Levantine Hill has earned its unmistakable reputation for excellence and been awarded a Chefs Hat repeatedly. Their Mediterranean-inspired menu combines time-honoured traditions of the Jreissati family’s ancestors with a contemporary celebration of local terroir. Hand-select your desired dishes and number of courses for All Day Dining with gorgeous views across the vines, or opt for sophisticated degustation in the signature dining room. This customisation of your culinary experience at Levantine Hill reflects their passion for elevation and perfection. Parking for helicopters included!
