Restaurant Review: Rae's Restaurant

Location: Melba Hwy, Yarra Glen
Phone: 03 9730 0774
Link: balgownieestate.com.au
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Overall Impression: 6.5/10

There is nothing quite like a lazy lunch in the relaxing Yarra Valley surrounds. Whilst being a mere 40 minute drive from the CBD, you feel a million miles away.

Balgownie Estate is one of J’s favourite wineries so visiting Rae’s Restaurant, the restaurant attached to the winery made sense. The locally sourced produce takes the dining experience to greater heights as these fresh ingredients are skilfully prepared.

Unfortunately, all this good work is undone by bad service. The service is irrefutably impersonal. We were treated like cattle, ushered in and out the door without being acknowledged whatsoever. It was clear that the wait staff were trying not to pay attention. It was far from non-intrusive. We were almost non-existent. The service that an older waiter delivered to us can only be described as service with contempt. After he put J’s bread down, he reached over J to put my bread down. It was incredibly rude.  

Soup of the day $15

with grilled sour dough

Grilled sour dough bruschetta $18

with whipped Persian feta, double smoked leg ham and tomato relish

Slow cooked Yarra Valley salmon $22

with capers, white anchovies sauce gribiche

Grilled free range spring chicken $32

with sage and onion stuffing, herbed cous cous and rocket pesto

Home made gnocchi $25

Tossed in tomato coulis with estate grown green vegetables and shaved parmesan

Fish of the day $35

Although the food served at Rae’s restaurant is consistently good. There is a clear disrespect for patrons. Such a pity given the calibre of the chefs!