Discover a place where time slows down and you can immerse yourself in a world of exceptional wines, great food, rich history and breathtaking landscapes – the Clare Valley.
Whether you seek an escape from the daily grind or a chance to reconnect with nature and loved ones, Clare Valley promises an experience that is authentically Australian and undeniably memorable.
Continuing on our delicious drive around Australia of 2023 Readers’ Choice award-winning restaurants, here are four locations that will satisfy any hunger growl:
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Regional:
Nestled in Pikes Wines ‘Polish Hill River Estate’ in Sevenhill is award-winning restaurant SLATE. Take in picturesque views of estate vineyards from the alfresco deck with a glass of Riesling in hand, or dine indoors among a romantic and contemporary design of slate, stone and Tasmanian oak.
Head Chef, Louis Ritchie delivers his passion for regional dining in a Modern Australian menu, with French, British and Japanese influences. Expect simple yet delicious dishes like pan-fried red snapper, wild fennel, Warrigal greens and saffron broth, or wild rabbit ragu, pappardelle, olive, parsley and Reggiano.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Café:
After exploring Clare Valley, take a sensory detour to Sevenhill where you will find hidden gem Bush DeVine Restaurant within Paulett Winery. Work up an appetite by strolling through the Indigenous Australian bush food garden, where DeVine takes inspiration and partly sources produce, before taking to alfresco dining to soak up serene views over delectable Modern Australian cuisine.
Settle in for a taste sensation of Port Lincoln kingfish, pickled shiitake, Davidson plum ponzu, edamame and katsuobushi; before larger plates such as beer-braised brisket, sunchokes, garden Warrigal, buttermilk and succulents, or chicken Maryland, baba ghanoush, cauliflower, chermoula and pepper leaf dukkah.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Italian:
Embracing traditions and methods from the heart of Italy, Ragu & Co on Main Street brings authentic cuisine to the Clare Valley. Exposed brick, wine barrels, wooden beams and a stunning staircase to the mezzanine level create an earthy and welcoming vibe for pasta and pizza temptations.
The restaurant tries to stay as local as possible, using ingredients such as meat, oil and flour from the Clare Valley to prepare handmade pizza and superb gnocchi; some of the hero dishes include spaghetti with blue swimmer crab, white wine sauce, heirloom tomatoes and lime.
Readers’ Choice 2023 – Modern Australian:
Taste nature on the plate at historic and lovingly restored Watervale Hotel on Main North Road in the Clare Valley. This beautiful old pub is the ideal venue to share a family occasion whether in the bar, lounge, private dining room, or a sunny spot in the beer garden; where a huge paved courtyard allows for soaking up the sun with an icy brew in hand.
A mix of country hospitality and contemporary fare awaits, with much of the produce from the onsite organic farm; expect dishes like lamb Milanese with herb crumb, charred lemon, fennel, cranberry and walnut salad, or smoked Korean lamb ribs, fennel and cauliflower stem kimchi.
