delicious.100: Red Hill South’s Montalto is one of Victoria’s best restaurants.

FOR the past 15 years Montalto has been a serious Peninsula player; its restaurant as consistently applauded as its wines and olive oils.

Montalto’s duck with morcilla. Pictures: Andrew Tauber

FOR the past 15 years Montalto has been a serious Peninsula player; its restaurant as consistently applauded as its wines and olive oils. And from the moment you take a seat in the restaurant and take in the sweeping vines and sculptures beyond the timber-framed windows, it’s clear to see why so many have first planned their “escape to the country” over lunch here.

A respectful deference to produce informs the menu that teams approachable — lamb rump and confit chicken and pan-roasted barramundi — with interesting — miso and dashi and fermented chilli — to excellent effect.

Elegantly smoked eel served in a delicate broth with a blanket of soubise is the definition of comfort, while dry-aged duck that’s chewy crisp skin and pink-tinged breast served with dark chocolate morcilla and rich plum compote is vying for the state’s best duck dish.

Egg with freekeh.

Whipped passionfruit curd with toasted rice ice cream.

Toasted green freekeh served with a sticky yolked egg is an on-trend win for the veg team, while the palpable interest in food and wine from staff is a win for all. A postprandial stroll through the sculpture garden and this escape — even for just an afternoon — is great.

Must eat dish: duck with morcilla

MONTALTO

33 Shoreham Rd, Red Hill South.

Ph: 5989 8412

montalto.com.au

Cuisine: contemporary

Chef: Gerard Phelan

Price: between $41 and $80 a person for two courses, food only

Bookings: yes

Open: daily noon-3pm, Fri-Sat 6.30pm-late

Instagram: @montaltovineyardandolivegrove

This restaurant was ranked the 44th best restaurant in Victoria in the 2016 edition of the delicious.100.