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Food

Best Lunch Destinations for A Yarra Valley Trip: Altair in Warrandyte

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Altair Restaurant in Warrandyte is a touch of class in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and a standout dining experience in Melbourne. We also consider Altair a must visit dining destination on the fringe of the Yarra Valley for those experiencing a trip to the Yarra Valley wineries.

Come here for extraordinary cuisine, with Head Chef Kelvin Shaw well known for his clever use of indigenous ingredients and innovative flair. Front of house partner Michelle Shaw excels with her food and wine knowledge and flair with wine pairings. Altair features many superb Yarra Valley wines and the wine list is always evolving. (We note Altair has received a one glass award for it's wine list from Gourmet Traveller).

The World Loves Melbourne experienced a fine lunch at Altair and considers it a premium destination for couples, friends' catch up or for corporates. Many of our corporate friends enjoy dining here as regulars as one of the "go to" dining experiences in Melbourne and eastern suburbs. Altair also shines with premium foodie events such as their crab dinners, wine dinners and corporate dinners.

Begin your Yarra Valley experience with lunch at Altair before you visit a few wineries. Or indeed launch your day with breakfast at Altair on the weekends. Or end your Yarra Valley soiree with a delightful dinner at Altair. With a charming location by the Yarra River you can imbibe the precinct with a river stroll after dinner.

The World Loves Melbourne opted for the lunch tasting menu (6 courses) and was highly impressed with each course and the overall balance and "culinary journey" of the meal.

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Altair shines with it's character including superb use of recycled timber and chic decor; a perfect ambience that brings a sense of occasion. Altair comes to the party also by allowing BYO with a corkage of $10; part of the appeal of a visit.

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You can go past the Ortiz anchovies, bush tomato chutney, ciabatta and lemon as a starter. Many regulars order this as their first action; indulgent and rewarding with anchovy lovers enjoying the premium Spanish Ortiz product with indigenous accompaniment of the bush tomato chutney. With a glass of wine this is a highlight.

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Altair surprises with its command and clever use of native ingredients. Wagyu carpaccio, smoked oyster and bone marrow pho brings bold flavours and exciting harmony of textures. Michelle pours the warm broth into the glass for a touch of theatre.

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Kelvin and Michelle Shaw provide a memorable foodie experience for diners; their work acclaimed by food critic Larissa Dubecki in The Age when they opened in Warrandyte.

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The World Loves Melbourne loves a rustic pie and the Goat and charred vegetable pie, chestnut, braised lentil, bush apple is a popular dish at Altair. You don't often see goat on menus, even though it's the no 1 meat consumed in the world. The dish has a rustic quality and once again highlights the best of native ingredients.

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Customers also gravitate towards the Corned Lamb dish; with many of us familiar with corned beef, but Kelvin has a passion to introduce diners to corned lamb. The nuance of smoked tofu is delightful, as is the first class lavender jus, with quinoa and carrot providing crunch and texture contrast.

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Image Credit: The AU Review

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For dessert Altair delivers with it's Cinnamon and salted caramel doughnuts, dulce de leche, and a fabulous sorbet. Art on a plate! We also were taken by the dessert offering below which features gold, frankincense and myrrh!

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Weekday light lunch special of 2 courses for $29 with a coffee is compelling and one of the best lunch offers around.

Altair has a strong emphasis on local produce and suppliers, including the plethora of amazing ingredients and produce from the Yarra Valley.

Breakfasts are superb at Altair Restaurant, available on weekends. These are not just simple traditional dishes, but way more interesting, such as the rustic Black Pudding dish or the Pickled Ox Tongue with pear remoulade, coddled eggs and red pepper jam. You can build your own breakfast from a base of 2 eggs on toast, adding extras like smoked salmon, tomato, bacon, spinach, hollandaise, mushrooms, shaved ham, and black pudding. Get on it!