d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant

Had a lovely leisurely Sunday lunch with family at d’Arry’s last weekend for a family celebration. We have dined here a few times over the past few years and was pleased that it has not, as some restaurants do over time, lost it’s edge.
Between the six of us having three courses, no one was disappointed. The service was spot on, efficient but at the same time friendly and relaxed. The ambience, view, quality of food and being able to taste the wines in the tasting room make it a great dining experience.
I will be back! And a tip, if you are not a big eater, skip entrée or have two entrees instead of a main because you can not miss dessert — they are to die for!

We came to celebrate our first wedding Anniversary so unknowingly to them, the stakes were high and they did not miss a beat.
Everything was perfection.
The food, the service, the wine, the pace, the view, the value for money.
I rolled out of there devastated that I could not physically fit in the last few slithers of cheese.
If you are coming out to McLaren Vale I highly recommend a lunch visit here for a money well spent splurge.

Perched on the side of a hill within the d’Arenberg wine estate, overlooking vineyards of Maclaren Vale, is d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant. The restaurant dining room, which shares the building with the estate’s cellar door, is cosy and unpretentious, windows run the length of one side expose diners to the picturesque views of the vale, yielding a sense of place and season.
The menu, which showcases seasonal and local produce, and off course, complimenting the very fine d’Arenberg wines, are thoughtfully put together by Head Chef Peter Reschke. Entrees range from $ 23 to $ 28, Mains from $ 33 to $ 38, and Desserts from $ 17 to $ 25. The selection of wines and beverages is extensive and generous, not limited to just what is produced on the estate or the country.
The Lobster Medallion with Blue Swimmer Crab & Prawn Raviolli & Lobster Bisque deserves special mention. It is the house-​speciality, a regular item on the menu and a veritable institution within the Adelaide fine-​dining scene.
The service is attentive but not overbearing, friendly without being over-​familiar.
It is easy to understand how this restaurant has come to accumulate the many awards and accolades it has over the years. In the 4 years we have been coming, to celebrate special occasions and share special friendships, we have always enjoyed the excellent food and superb service, and not once have we been disappointed. It is, in our opinion, one of the cornerstones of the Adelaide fine-​dining scene and an exemplary proponent of Modern Australian cuisine.

An excellent afternoon, with wonderful, attentive (but not overbearing) service, very good food and a perfect vista.

I decided to be organized this year and brought my family along for Mother’s Day lunch. We had a set menu and it was $ 80 per person. It was one of he best food and wine experiences I have had for a very long time. For my entrée I had the rabbit terrine with white anchovy sauce and buttermilk dressing. It was delicious. For the main I had the Inman valley rolled chicken on parsnip mash topped with a radish salad and it was one of the nicest meals I have ever had. The desert was my favorite part… chocolate pudding surrounded by chocolate pop rocks, a scoop honey and chocolate ice cream and Jaffa flavored fudge pieces. We all complemented our meals with a glass of the Love Grass Shiraz. All in all such an amazing experience and I think I might just make it our annual Mother’s Day treat from now on :) the staff were great too

I had heard hat d’Arry’s is one of those «must do» places, and after having lunch there for the first time recently I can see why. Great location overlooking hills and the vineyard (it is of course a winery). Attentive unpretentious staff were there when required to refill a glass and top up bread etc but were not intrusive. It also seemed that they were willing to be flexible regarding the menu.
We selected the 8 course degustation which was fantastic. It was the perfect size for lunch, and was great value at $ 95pp. The lobster, crab and prawn dish was amazing. and the chocolate pudding with chocolate ice-​cream and chocolate pop rocks was a chocolate lovers dream come true. Up there with Peter Gilmore’s 8-​texture chocolate cake.
The wine list was extensive as expected for a winery; with a full range of d’Arrys wines by the glass available. The list also offered other wines, beers, ciders etc.
Allow a few hours here– after lunch and a visit to the adjoining cellar door a nap on the lawn may be required.

I have been coming here again and again for many years — it has consistently been a 5 star restaurant, and have always maintained their high standards.
Yes, you really need to book in advance — it is always packed full, so not good for walk-​ins. It has the most amazing ambience, simple yet stylish décor, a gorgeous outdoor area when weather permits, and the most stunning view of the vineyards.
Food is always amazing — not cheap, but you leave feeling like every dollar was very well spent! Their specialities are scallops served in a variety of ways, and their Lobster Medallion with Blue Swimmer Crab & Prawn Ravioli & Lobster Bisque is always on their entrée menu (for $ 30 — but it is amazing!).
The last time I came here, I had the Pork Belly (which is still on the menu) — it was stunning, and very melt-​in-​your-​mouth (one of those ‘ooooooooh’ moments). We were part of a large table of diners, but the staff were as efficient as if we were a table of two. We had brought people who had never experienced D’arrys before, and they were absolutely stunned and impressed! It’s that sort of place ;)
There isn’t a kids menu, but the staff will look after kids in a subtle and clever manner (I assume this is to discourage people thinking it’s a ‘family-​friendly’ restaurant — kids are OK if they are well behaved: P). Nothing is a hassle, staff know a lot about the menu items and wine (of course, D’Arenberg wine is the best!), and they are incredibly efficient and well-​trained.
Lots of desserts to choose from — their soft-​centred chocolate pudding is another item that never leaves the menu. I tried the Salty Caramel Tapioca last time, which was to die for.
Do I sound over-​the-​top gushy in this review? That’s because I am … and that’s why I keep coming back, and recommending it to others! ;)

d’Arrys Veranda is a real destination restaurant and seems perennially booked out!
If you’re organised, however, there’s no need to let their popularity put you off cos they sure are onto a good thing down there in Mclaren Vale. The location is picturesque and the atmosphere is always pretty happening due to the combined restaurant and cellar door popularity.
The restaurant is literally a veranda which is protected from the elements and the food is as good as any to be found in Adelaide with that nouveau mediterranean, haute cuisine vibe. Mains are between $ 30 and $ 40, but you’ll be wanting an entrée or dessert as well making the per head food spend easily reach $ 80 plus. If you’re into dining I know this won’t put you off, but if it makes you cringe this would be a great special occassion destination.
I’ve done the degustation before which really appeals as I love having decisions made for me, I also love taking my time over a lazy lunch. The deg menu will set you back $ 90 and the matching wines (but of course — you must) $ 50. Maybe make sure you have a designated driver? Bags not it!