Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant (HVR) has welcomed winter with a refreshed nine-course tasting menu by Head Chef Alessandro Mangione, alongside new wine, cocktail and non-alcoholic pairings, cementing its place as one of the standout dining destinations in the Adelaide Hills.
Located within the historic Mt Lofty House, built in 1852, HVR is also celebrating 2026 recognition from Wine Spectator in its Restaurant Awards, with the wine list receiving a Best of Award of Excellence, one of only 20 in Australia. The list, the largest in South Australia, includes a sparkling wine made exclusively by HVR and available only at the restaurant.
The evening opens with a run of canapés and a choice of wine, cocktail or non-alcoholic pairing.
For those wanting to go all out, the newly launched Prestige Pairing ($799) brings together an extraordinary collection of iconic producers, mature vintages and benchmark wines from the world’s greatest wine regions, crowned by the legendary 1990 Château d’Yquem and the iconic Egon Müller Scharzhof Riesling. It’s a rare chance to taste some of the most revered wines in the world in a single sitting. Diners after something lighter can opt for the $139 non-alcoholic pairing, a journey through a day in the Adelaide Hills, or the $165 cocktail pairing, a liquid timeline through the Mt Lofty House story.
From there, the tasting menu moves through a succession of Chef Alessandro’s new dishes. Chicken tea with smoked potato espuma and Périgord truffle opens proceedings, followed by a trio of small plates: chicken millefeuille with pickled muntries and finger lime marmalade, kelp taco with Kangaroo Island abalone, Abrolhos Island scallop and oscietra caviar, and an artichoke pop with Parmigiano Reggiano and roasted hazelnuts.These new pairings accompany fresh additions to the nine-course fine dining experience by Head Chef Alessandro Mangione, who returned to HVR in 2025 having been part of the original opening team in 2016.
Truffle season is also in full swing, with HVR showcasing truffles from the Adelaide Hills Truffle Company and Manjimup, WA on display until August, and available as an addition to most menu items.
Restaurant Manager Fraser Bock said the new season represents an exciting chapter for HVR.
“Chef Alessandro’s refreshed menu celebrates the very best seasonal produce from the Adelaide Hills and beyond, while our beverage program has evolved alongside it,” said Mr Bock. “From one of Australia’s most awarded wine lists to thoughtfully crafted cocktail and non-alcoholic pairings, every element has been designed to complement the menu and create a truly immersive dining experience.”
Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant is open for dinner seven days a week, with daily high teas (except Wednesday), and is part of the Mt Lofty Estate group alongside Sequoia Lodge.
To book your Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant experience, visit mtloftyhouse.com.au.
