Dining in the Barossa Valley. It’s a bit hard to know where to start, so why don’t I begin with who’s next door to us at Seppeltsfield Vineyard Cottage within walking distance, and work outwards?!
…and if it’s too far to walk, we offer our guests complimentary transfers on one night of their stay!
1. Hentley Farm restaurant
Well, not only can these guys offer amazing food, the theatrics offer the wow factor too. These photos, courtesy of food blog dbites, showcase rosemary infused oysters. The talented young chefs offer food combinations that you would never have dreamt of and the result is extraordinary. The most frequent comment from our cottage guests (many who have dined internationally at top restaurants) is WOW!
Make sure you read their website carefully before booking, as it’s not a la carte dining. The Discovery menus are constantly changing depending on what’s in season and what lovely fresh produce their neighbours and friends may have dropped off!
Check dbites Hentley Farm dining experience blog here for a comprehensive trip through Hentley Farm’s Discovery Menu.
Open Thursday to Sunday for lunch and Friday and Saturday nights for dinner. www.hentleyfarm.com.au
2. Fino at Seppeltsfield
Still within walking distance is Fino at Seppeltsfield Winery. Located in the stunningly revamped Seppeltsfield Cellar door which started out as a Bottling Hall in the 19th Century, the menu and wine list are from the very best produce the Barossa has to offer.
On a sunny day dine outdoors on the beautiful terrace, in winter grab a seat by the awesome fire. On a hot summers day dine in the space under the Centenary Cellar where Seppeltsfield’s 100 year old ports are housed. The menu is succinct, mouth watering and delicious. Carefully chosen dishes that reflect the passion and attention to detail of Fino’s owners. Fabulous coffee too. Make sure you have a glass of our Seize the Day Shiraz Cabernet while you are there!
Open every day for lunch and dinner Friday and Saturday nights. www.fino.net.au
Read John Lethlean’s review of Fino in The Australian, July 11 2015 here >>>
3. Appellation
A long time favourite since Jim and Helen Carreker established Appellation in 2005, having spent more than ten years researching and ultimately selecting the Barossa Valley and the stunningly beautiful Marananga hilltop site for their Australian food and wine venture. Appellation offers an environment that soothes the senses. Carpet underfoot ensures quiet dining and easy conversation. The food always delights. Harvesting from their kitchen garden, baking their own breads, butchering and curing their own meats is how things are done here. A great feature of Appellation is that you can combine the possibility of degustation and a la carte dining for each table. Enjoy a glass of our Seize the Day Rosé for a pre dinner drink on their terrace where you will experience some of the Barossa’s best sunsets. A 5 minute drive from the cottage.
Open nightly for dinner all year with exception in Winter. Check their website for details. www.appellation.com.au
4. 1918 Bistro & Grill
A perennial with the Barossa locals as well as guests who return! In 1992 an enterprising group of locals turned this lovely 1918 Tanunda villa into the Barossa’s first bistro grill, a friendly and generous place where Barossa winemakers could entertain their guests and visitors could relax after a hard day’s wine tasting. In 1998 Tanya and Sid King visited 1918 as guests, 17 years later, in 2015 the opportunity arose for The King Family to be the new custodians of this fine home of Barossa hospitality, and they do it so well. Modern Australian tastes and flavours are borrowed from Asia and the Middle East, and there’s a genuine willingness to please. Open fires in winter, beautiful garden & verandah dining in summer. A 12 minute drive from the cottage.
…and did I mention you can enjoy our Seize the Day Shiraz Cabernet at 1918 too?!
Another great thing about 1918, they are open for lunch and dinner 7 days. www.1918.com.au
5. Vintners Bar & Grill
Vintners Bar & Grill is yet another favourite with Barossa locals and one of the Barossa Valley’s longest operating restaurants. Vintners specialises in giving a modern twist to both new and traditional ingredients from across South Australia. Located next to the Barossa Farmers Market, the team at Vintners are treated to a first-hand look at the local produce changing with the seasons. Host Rami Heer is a delight and her detailed knowledge of local and imported wines from Vintners’ extensive list allow guests to savour the Barossa in the glass as well as on the plate. The restaurant is surrounded by vineyard and also caters beautifully for al fresco dining or by the fire in winter, always a favourite spot on a cold Barossa night!
Lunch 7 days 12.00 to 2.30pm. Dinner Monday to Saturday 6.30 to 9pm. www.vintners.com.au
These five restaurants are just a start to dining in the Barossa Valley! Peter and I highly recommend all of them. For more dining options, visit www.barossa.com
A future blog will include where to get the best coffee and cake in the Barossa so watch this space!
Cheers
Sharyn
