Oakridge
With a glorious vista across the vines that create its multi-award-winning wines, Oakridge has firmly established itself as one of the Yarra Valley’s favourite spots to lunch
delicious.100
Don't miss out on the headlines from delicious.100. Followed categories will be added to My News.
864 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream
(03) 9738 9900
With a glorious vista across the vines that create its multi-award-winning wines, Oakridge has firmly established itself as one of the Yarra Valley’s favourite spots to lunch – and lunch long.
Just as the kitchen garden that supplies Jo Barrett and Matt Stone’s zero-waste kitchen has grown, so, too, have the pleasures coming out if it.
The duo’s celebration of the Yarra Valley’s produce and producers grows keener and more focused with every vintage, transformed into generous plates with a distinctly Asian lilt.
A clever take on the classic prawn toast sees the crustacean swapped for croc, a punchy XO adding unmistakeable heat, while a bouquet of fresh greens from the garden attends a roasted chicken wing stuffed with fermented rice and crunchy Jerusalem artichoke.
Glossy skinned, smoked Warburton quail with a hot “lap cheong sambal” and shiitake tofu broth is simply outstanding.
Side dishes are never an afterthought – creamy cabbage sprinkled with caraway is an elegant elevation of a much-maligned veg – while desserts, such as the shiraz ice cream with candied and fresh citrus, remain front of mind long after coffee.
Service, now led by “hospo lifer” Drew Hamilton (ex Igni), comes with the unbeatable combo of city smarts and easy country charm, while the bread, with its deeply caramelised thick crust, is reason enough to jump in the car.
Like one of the elegant estate wines, Oakridge just gets better with each passing year.
Must eat dish: Smoked quail with lap cheong
Cuisine: Contemporary
Chefs: Matt Stone, Jo Barrett
Price: $$
Bookings: Yes
Open: Lunch Thurs-Mon 11.30am-3pm
Instagram: @oakridgewines