Paulett Wines — Attraction in Polish Hill River

We went to Paulett’s for lunch following a recommendation and chose the Long Lunch which is a seven course chefs choice menu. We went with our children who ordered off the kids menu. It was the first time ever I had not enjoyed a degustation.

Things started well with some lovely bread and canapés. Our ceviche was next and it was quite nice but under seasoned. This was followed by their octopus dish which was fantastic and showed that they can do amazing food. All good so far. The main disappointment at this stage is that despite being at a winery we were given no information about the matched wines.

Then things started derailing. The kids food came out: popcorn chicken and chips. The popcorn chicken was way overcooked and the chips were undercooked. I’m surprised they actually served the meal given you could tell just looking at it that the chicken was way overcooked. (Photo attached) The kids couldn’t eat it and we tried one and they were dry and chewy.

Our chicken dish came out. The chicken was nicely cooked but the accompanying elements lacked taste. We then got served 3 items from the dessert menu. I have never had 3 desserts in a seven course meal. The cheese dish was inedible. It tasted like something was off. Despite the fact we only ate one bite each, no one asked for any feedback on the food. The next dessert was pavlova. This was really tasty but massive. This was definitely a full size dessert which seemed off for a 7 course meal. The next dessert was satisfactory. Again a full sized dessert.

Overall, unless you are a massive eater and love a dessert heavy menu, I don’t recommend the long lunch. I also can’t recommend taking children after the poor $25 offer they were given. Luckily with the included bread, drink, and ice cream for the kids they weren’t too hungry.

I think the most disappointing issues were that they even served the kids meal, didn’t ask for feedback when they couldn’t eat it and didn’t ask for feedback when we couldn’t eat the cheese dish. Honestly my husband and I looked at each other in horror when we tried it. On leaving as we paid we were asked how was your meal and my husband gave a very non enthusiastic “It was okay” which they didn’t ask any further about. I didn’t eat any dinner and am still not hungry for breakfast and who knows, maybe I won’t need lunch today. So I suppose it at least...

Most memorable dining establishment in Australia . This is the second time we've dined at Pauletts, and we enjoyed our lunch as much as we did the first time, a few years ago. When we were in the area last time, we tried a number of well known and highly rated restaurants, but Pauletts was imprinted in our minds as the absolute standout, and we have a couple of chefs in our group. This restaurant was a must for us to return to, and it didn't disappoint. All the staff are lovely and welcoming, the position is gorgeous, the pirice for the quality is sooooo reasonable, and the style, presentation, and taste of all the dishes served was once again exceptional. We did the $44.00 3 course feed us option, and was served the peaches (delectable), the gnocchi (a real taste of Italy), followed by the beef (cooked perfectly, with flavours to savour), and a complimentary tomato salad (absolutely awesome). The wine is so well priced at under $10 a glass, and the homemade sour dough bread was so good, that my husband asked if the chef wouldn't mind giving him a couple of spoons of his sourdough starter (as my husband forgot his starter, and we've just begun a 5 month trip around Australia), which the chef kindly did. Just another reason to put Pauletts at the top of our "must experience" dining list. Pauletts bush divine winery restaurant in Polish Hill (part of the Clare Valley) is 5 star all the way. Experience food the way it should be served, with fresh crisp flavours, quality produce, and edible natives you've never seen before ... what's not to love...

I am defeated… my partner and I have very healthy appetites and ordered the 5 shared plates. But we had to concede defeat after 3.

The food here is just amazing - very creative ingredient combinations that result in unusual and delicious flavours.

Bbq peaches with harrisa, peppermint dukah and cilantro - wow. Took my breath away. The burnt onion yogurt binds everything together. It’s hearty and flavorful as you sink your teeth into the peaches… and yet crunchy with bits of peanut and spices. You need to try this!

The tea smoked pork belly was trying a lil too hard with too many condiments and tastes together. Tho they taste wonderful separately… the pork belly is outstanding on its own. The spring onion pancake is great with the hoisin, chilli and mushroom mayo. The mushroom mayo explodes with flavour just on its own. Amazing.

The fried Barramundi wings - just so beautifully well-fried. Crispy on the outside and so moist on the inside. Amazing! The dill just pops - what a great combi. Don’t eat this with a first date tho… it’s messy tho so worth it.

We thought we’d takeaway the remaining 2 dishes though the team is so kind and generous to just switch it to a 3 course meal. Thank you - we really appreciate it.

And yes - we would recommend everyone to come by Paulette’s. The Polish Hill Rieslings are nicely executed - all that you expect them to be. The 2024 is surprisingly nice and well...