d'Arry's Verandah

There is probably no introduction necessary – d’Arry’s Verandah Restaurant is one of the classic McLaren Vale dining experiences, and rightly so as it has all that makes it quintessential McLaren Vale: a 19th century converted homestead as restaurant, sweeping views over the vineyards and rolling hills and obviously great wine and food.

d’Arenberg has been all over the news last year with the opening of the Cube and the d’Arenberg Cube Restaurant has taken a lot of the limelight and whilst there have been changes to the tasting room (moving to the top floor of the Cube) there haven’t been any changes to d’Arry’s Verandah restaurant. Still housed in the same building, the only difference to have the tasting and dining experience is that you have to visit the Cube for it. And obviously, that is an experience in itself, with the different levels, the alternate reality museum and the tasting room on the top floor with amazing views across the McLaren Vale – Willunga basin, all the way to the Gulf St Vincent. In itself worth a visit (the $ 15 entry fee is waived when dining at d'Arry's Verandah) and we do recommend that you allow at least an hour for the experience before heading back down again.

Throughout all these changes d’Arry’s Verandah restaurant has remained unchanged, the same lovingly restored dining room in the old homestead, with all tables offering the fabulous views. Plenty of friendly staff around to show you to your table and looking after you throughout the meal, makes it a very intimate affair.

The food is a gourmet delight, modern Australian with European influences based on local and seasonal produce and we hadn’t had anything that disappointed. The degustation menu with matching wines is definitely a worthwhile option for that special occasion, even if a bit pricier than comparable restaurants. Or, just have the a la carte menu and choose some matching wines or a wine flight to get a broader sense of what d’Arenberg has to offer.

The much acclaimed d’Arenberg Cube Restaurant on level three of the Cube may have closed it's doors, but you can now enjoy dining in the d'Arenberg Cube again with the Singapore Circus being the latest incarnation of the level 3 restaurant. 

We haven't been ourselves yet - but have been told it is colourful and excentric (no surprise here), featuring melting pot of South-East Asian cuisine - from Singapore Laksa to Balinese whole duck.