Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat Awards for 2024 have put these six McLaren Vale restaurants among the top restaurants in Australia.
Maxwell Restaurant (16)
Some say McLaren Vale offers the best regional dining in Australia. But few know a part of that reputation is Maxwell-made. In 1969, Mark’s father contributed to the region’s first notable eatery. And when Mark Maxwell built this winery, it was one of the few with its own restaurant.
Maxwell Restaurant’s menu has always championed fresh, seasonal produce from local suppliers. Although, their brilliant Head Chef, Fabian Lehmann, is far from local. With a stellar career forged in the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe, his exquisite plates are now the stuff of Instagram legend.
The Kitchen at Bec Hardy (14)
The Kitchen at Bec Hardy is a new food experience at Bec Hardy Wines which showcases all things local, seasonal and sustainable. Headed up by Anthony Shlenk, of Penfolds Magill Estate Kitchen and the Moseley Beach Club kitchen at Glenelg, who is passionate about sourcing ingredients for the menu responsibly and ethically.
The menu, which will be changed frequently, features a selection of small and larger dishes, offering diners the opportunity to share, follow a traditional à la carte path, or sit back and let the chef decide with a ‘feed me’ menu. The launch menu includes ingredients sourced from local producers including chorizo from Ellis Butchers of McLaren Vale, bread from Andy Clappis bakery in Willunga and bio-dynamic organic cheese from Paris Creek Farms in Meadows.
d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant (14)
d’Arry’s Verandah is housed in a restored 19th century homestead, where spectacular views of the rolling hills and vineyards sets the scene for long leisurely lunches. d’Arry’s showcases the best of local and seasonal produce, the food experience complimented by the extensive and world renowned d’Arenberg wine portfolio.
d’Arry’s menus change with the seasons, serving the freshest offerings from the local region, at their mouth-watering best.
Serafino Restaurant (13)
Set in a stunning location, with fine hospitality and a contemporary menu full of international flavours, Serafino Restaurant offers a superb dining experience.
The Serafino kitchen team, take pride in following current food trends and they are mindful of letting the natural flavours of each dish reach the palate, rather than over complicating the food. The cooking style is honest, real and unpretentious.
Serafino Restaurant will continue moving forward in becoming the “Taste of McLaren Vale.”
The Currant Shed (13)
Set between a delightful lime grove and beautiful vineyards, The Currant Shed, built in 1916, is known for its inherent charm, proud history and seasonal menus featuring a plethora of local produce.
The Currant Shed is a stylish lunch-only restaurant that has been owned and operated by Hamish Maguire and Emily Dowie since 2011. The restaurant is situated at 104 Ingoldby Road McLaren Flat on Kaurna land, located in the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. Their estate is also home to their sister businesses, Shottesbrooke Vineyards and McLaren Vale Getaways accommodation. Together, we have formed an initiative as a single destination that offers visitors the unique ability to Drink, Dine & Stay all in one convenient location.
Star of Greece (12)
Star of Greece are all about the good stuff here. Good food, really good views and great wine.
Star of Greece like it simple, local and fresh, and they stand by that in everything they do – from fish and chips in the kiosk, to a three or four-course meal in their restaurant, or just drinks on the deck, taking in the smashing views. Trust us, you’ll never want to leave.
Fresh offerings from the sea and local produce are presented with a visual flair that excite without being a substitute for the essence of exceptionally good food is what the Star of Greece is all about. The wines on offer complement the food, the location and the occasion.
The Australian Good Food Guides Chef Hat’s have been awarded to discerning Chefs around Australia since 1982. These awards are the result of careful deliberation by AGFG appointed inspectors, who dine anonymously, as well as the reviews and the opinions of the dining public, who submit their comments throughout the year.
The Australian Good Food Guide Chef Hat ratings are broken down into four categories:
19-18 Superlative Food & Wine: Internationally acclaimed, worth a special journey.
17-16 Exceptional quality of cuisine, worth a detour.
14-15 Food quite out of the ordinary, worth a stop on the way.
12-13 A good restaurant in its category, satisfaction is guaranteed.
