Lunch on the balcony at Sittella overlooking the picturesque grounds and lake never goes out of style. With rolling green lawns and lush gardens, it’s no wonder Sittella is such a popular place to propose, being the ideal backdrop for the occasion.
The winery's restaurant, with its elegantly rustic charm, offers a warm and inviting ambiance that complements the natural beauty surrounding it. Whether you choose to dine al fresco on the terrace, with the gentle breeze cooling the air, or inside the beautifully appointed dining room, your lunch at Sittella's restaurant will be guaranteed to feature fresh produce.
Chef Mike Price changes the menu each month but expect to find classic dishes such as free-range chicken breast with green pepper corm sauce, and the Sittella signature brandy snap basket filed with strawberries, ice cream and passionfruit sauce.
And nothing starts a meal at Sittella better than a glass of bubbles from its acclaimed sparkling program.
Sittella offers midweek specials of exceptional value, at $45.50 for a set three courses.
The multi award-winning venue offering indoor and alfresco dining is a favourite with both locals and visitors to the Swan Valley, offering considered menus catering to all diets.
“We have many gluten-free, vegetarian and pescatarian dishes on our à la carte menu each season, and we have a complete and separate vegan menu guests can select from,” executive chef Alan Spagnolo says. “(Guests) seem to love the freshness and flavour of Western Australian seafood dishes such as our Shark Bay bugs or the shellfish spaghettini with saffron and arugula butter — and our seasonal market fish is always very popular.”
Sandalford’s Margaret River Rosé created from Shiraz grapes (a pure strawberries and cream style) and Swan Valley 1840 range Rosé (a dry, vibrant style) are popular lunch accompaniments.
Alan says traditional Swan Valley varietals like its 1840 range Verdelho and Chenin Blanc also go down a treat over a long lunch in the sunshine.
On weekdays the Restaurant and Catering Australia’s Awards for Excellence 2023 restaurant of the year offers a five-course mini degustation, The Estate Culinary Journey, for $95 per person.
Visit sandalford.com
Cocktails are a must when lunching at Old Young’s Kitchen, given it is next door to the globally recognised Old Young’s Distillery.
The restaurant, one of five finalists for Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 WA Good Food Guide Awards, allows the chef to share his passion for local produce and native ingredients. A must-try is the crocodile chorizo with black garlic and wild rosella.
For lunch groups, the venue suggests “going the full Australian dining experience by ordering the feed me tasting menu”.
House signature spirit serves are available by the carafe, with the Pavlova Vodka with raspberry soda a hit with the ladies and anyone seeking something refreshing and a little sweet. There’s also a good range of Swan Valley wines.
It would be remiss not to start or end with a spirit tasting next door but bigger groups may prefer to book a short guided Distiller’s Flight at their table.
The place to sit in good weather? Right under the vines, of course.
Visit oldyoungskitchen.com.au
Locavores are well catered to at Upper Reach Winery Restaurant, with head chef Ryan Fels sourcing 85 to 90 per cent of his produce from WA.
In cooler months, Ryan suggests an entrée pairing of Pedro Ximenez braised pork cheeks with smoked almonds and Keller’s Farm sourdough with the 2022 Upper Reach Tempranillo. For mains, try cauliflower, taleggio, mascarpone and Denmark truffle risotto with a 2023 Upper Reach Verdelho.
When it warms up, Ryan’s pick is chargrilled Abrolhos Island octopus, romesco sauce and guindilla peppers with a glass of 2023 Upper Reach Reserve Chardonnay. An always popular main is his spiced citrus duck leg with burghal, barberry, roast capsicum, and walnut, paired with the 2022 Upper Reach Gig Grenache.
Book early to get the best views from a terrace table.
From corporate events, weddings and birthdays, to baby showers and romantic dates, RiverBank Estate is the ideal spot for any lunch occasion — particularly a ladies’ lunch that is long and lavish.
Tucked away in Caversham, RiverBank’s vineyard runs down to the Swan River, creating a magnificent vista from the moment you arrive.
Pre-book platters to enjoy on trestle- style tables under the vines, or opt to indulge in the award-winning à la carte menu.
RiverBank Estate has earned a solid reputation and won multiple Gold Plate awards for its Italian-influenced dishes, steaks dry-aged inhouse, and fresh WA seafood from its four tanks.
Try chef Frank De Janeiro’s handmade gnocchi with blue swimmer crab and Wheatbelt yabbies, Carnarvon baked scallops, or a Harvey Rose Mallee sirloin on the bone — with the option to add half a marron. Bring an appetite to tackle the epic seafood platter for two.
If you visit in spring or summer, bubbles or a dry Rosé are the drinks to order.
Visit riverbankestate.com.au
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