A Review of TarraWarra Estate Restaurant
- Ava Lyn
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 28
TarraWarra Estate Restaurant
311 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd,
Yarra Glen VIC 3775,
Australia
TarraWarra is located in between Healesville and Yarra Glen and is a perfect stop when travelling from the start of Yarra Valley into Healesville or Marysville. The word "TarraWarra" is derived from the Woiwurrung language, which means slow moving water and is such a beautiful name for the estate, which is peaceful and embraces the slow life. The TarraWarra Estate sits on a 400 hectare piece of land that comprises of vineyards, a nature reserve and the TarraWarra Museum of Art. I love vineyards around Australia because they always have more than just a vineyard and tasting and offers almost a day out to check out nature as well as art exhibits.
TarraWarra Estate Restaurant is located in Yarra Glen and was awarded 1 Chef Hat this year. In total, TarraWarra Estate Restaurant currently holds a total of 13 Chef Hats. This category is for a Commended Good Restaurant in its category. Chef Maxwell Parlas is the chef at TarraWarra and as a local to the Yarra Valley region, he focuses on showcases the region's seasonal produce.
Our menu for the day was:
Chickpea, Carrot, Bronze Fennel
Gougere, Montasio, Wagyu
Buxton Trout, Macadamia, Fennel, Roe
Cavatelli, Yolk, Sunchoke, Parmesan
Flinder Island Beef, Barley, Shallot, Kale
Murray Cod, Veloute, Confit Potato (15 AUD Supplement)
Mount Zero Olive Oil Brioche, Whipped Pea Butter
Mandarin Parfair, Sable, White Chocolate, Marmalade
Petit Four
On the estate, there is a huge vegetable garden where the produce is used in the TarraWarra Estate Restaurant, something that is common around the vineyard restaurants around Victoria and a fantastic thing to see. If it not from within the compounds, the produce would from just down the road and it establishes a network of farmers and ethical produce which I stand for.
As the designated driver, I held my ground and refused a pour but my partner did enjoy a TarraWarra Estate to accompany his meal.
Booking
When we visited on a weekend, TarraWarra Estate Restaurant was about half full and on their website it seems quite easy to get a booking for the weekend.
Accessibility
Accessibility to TarraWarra Estate is by car only. Because the estate is so large, the lower carpark has a shuttle running to bring you directly to the restaurant and art gallery which was extremely convenient.
The Damage
Total Damage for the night was 280 AUD for 2 pax including a glass of wine.
Would we recommend?
Maybe. TarraWarra Estate is definitely worth visiting, it is a beautiful sprawling estate with plenty to do. However, we thought our meal at TarraWarra Estate fell slightly flat. The dishes sounded so amazing on paper, but the execution was not. If you had to drive out 90 mins from the city, I would say save the trip. But if you are already in the area and wanting a four course meal, then it would be an option.
As I was writing this blog post, I realised that Chef Joel Alderdice, who used to be the Head Chef at TarraWarra Estate and the chef responsible for bringing in all the chef hats during his time had left TarraWarra Estate Restaurant in early 2024. He has since started Emerald City, an intimate 4 seater in Healesville with the same ethos of emphasizing on local Yarra Valley produce and inventive culinary techniques. And can I say, the menu looks phenomenal. Reviews from anyone? Should we visit?
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