Ezard at Levantine Hill

Ezard at Levantine Hill delivers an enchanting experience not found in the hustle and bustle of Melbourne. The dining area is modern and elegant, with floor to ceiling glass windows offering magical views out to the beautiful surrounds.

One of Melbourne's most consistently successful restaurants, Ezard is a true stalwart of the Melbourne dining scene. Its outpost at Levantine Hill in the Yarra Valley mirrors the quality Ezard is renowned for, with the addition of a tranquil backdrop of vines and gently rolling hills.

Curated by chef Teage Ezard in partnership with Levantine Hill’s Executive Chef Luke Headon, the menu showcases the produce grown on the estate, complemented by the finest seasonal offerings from the surrounding region. Almost uniquely, every item on the menu has been meticulously crafted to complement Levantine Hill’s critically acclaimed wines. Adopting a no compromise approach in the vineyard and winery has translated into truly elegant wines of purity and finesse that highlight the best of what the Yarra Valley can offer.

The menu is bold, exhilarating and meticulously prepared. The four or seven course degustation menus allow guests to fully experience Teage Ezard’s culinary artistry.

We loved being spoiled by the 7 course degustation. Opening with a playfully serious selection of snacks, the crumpets with chicken butter and crumbled chicken skin were of particular note - little bites of pure deliciousness.

A dish of Albacore tuna continued the flavour assault. Served with kiwi fruit, asparagus and kombu, this dish was restrained and unexpectedly cohesive.

One of our favourites, an entree of cappeletti followed. The truffled goats curd encased in al dente pasta (made using potato) was paired with sweet golden raisin purée and pine nuts. Texturally perfect and absolutely moreish.

Stunningly presented, the Aylesbury duck “dumpling” was wonderful. The pulled duck and shredded prawn dumpling was enveloped by the most unctuous sweet corn purée. It was a magnificent dish.

Our savoury courses concluded with a perfectly tender dish of spring lamb, served with green tomato, sweet onion and nasturtium. Classic flavours with a fragrant twist.

A duo of desserts rounded out a very decadent afternoon. The dish of strawberry gum pain perdu served with peach leaf ice cream, fresh peaches and burnt koji was sheer pleasure. The flaky, buttery, caramel encrusted brioche and the fascinatingly delicious peach leaf ice cream (with its fragrant almost almond-like flavour) was heaven.

The green pea popsicle was a wonderfully imaginative dish showcasing the immense capability in the kitchen. A novel flavour combination of green pea, almond, mint and estate honey was thoroughly modern, imaginative and delightful.

Ezard at Levantine Hill offers one of the most inspired and enjoyable dining experiences that Melbourne has to offer. Excellent food, elegantly complex wines, attentive service and a captivating Yarra Valley backdrop - Ezard at Levantine Hill is a winner.

Location: Levantine Hill Estate, 882 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream

Phone: (03) 5962 1333

Link: https://www.levantinehill.com.au/pages/signature-restaurant