Brae

Brae's dégustation menu's poetic list of ingredients ("raspberries/apples/thirty-eight distinct varieties of tomato/late potatoes") promotes the abundance of chef-owner Dan Hunter's organic farm while subtly underplaying the beauty and intricacy to come.

There are several delicacies here — a deep purple quince paste jelly topped with pink finger lime; the iconic cannoli-channeling parsnip and apple dessert; a pastel, precisely plated prawn and kohlrabi hand roll – that are so beautifully presented that eating them seems like a violation. But defile away, for the flavors Hunter conjures will make you forget all about your regrets. One of Australia's great food offerings is his high-low balancing act (from delicate, flawless, hand-plucked greens from the garden to hearty wood-roasted Berkshire pig served with spicy sauce).

A elegant setting, attentive service, a wine list deserving of its own cult following, and garden strolling paths that take you through the origin story of your meal make for an exciting, instructive, and unmissable experience.

Address: 4285 Cape Otway Rd, Birregurra, Vic

Phone:(03) 5236 2226

Website:braerestaurant.com