SOUTH on Albany — Restaurant in Berry

It can be hard to find amazing food in small towns but South on Albany puts Berry on the map. The combination of fresh local produce skilfully crafted into delicious seasonal dishes, thoughtfully selected wines and a great ambiance makes this restaurant a winner.

The first thing you notice when you arrive at South, apart from the extremely warm greeting, is the intimacy of the experience. The dining room is small and accommodates around five tables of two to four patrons. This translates to less background noise and very attentive service from the wonderfull staff.

South limits it’s menu to a set three course offering, very much in the style of the Lyonnaise bouchon. Typically, the emphasis in a bouchon is not on haute cuisine but, rather, a convivial atmosphere and a personal relationship with the owner. The three courses are hearty offerings of some of the best local produce from skilled artisans and farmers.

There is an optional oyster course however on the night we visited the recent heavy rain meant the kitchen was not happy with the quality and omitted the dish.

After some local Berry sourdough with delicious house made butter we were presented with the entree. A beautiful slice of confit duck and prosciutto terrine with chutney and pickled vegetables. It’s a great dish that has you constructing your own little mouthfuls of pleasure on the grilled sourdough. The perfect way to get hands on with your meal and the terrine was silky smooth and flavourful.

Main was a beautifully cooked piece of snapper served on a bed of wilted spinach and accompanied by mouth watering sweetcorn purée. The delicate flesh of the snapper combined with the sweet silkiness of the corn purée was a match made in heaven.

For desert, a simple summer fruit crumble prepared in the dish, with roasted hazelnuts and topped with coconut ice cream. This is comfort food at its best.

After three courses we had more than satisfied our hunger and our tastebuds.

The matching wines paired well with the dishes and the price point is more than fair for the high quality of the food and service.

This is our new favourite spot, not only in Berry but the...

I have dined here regularly and have always received food and service which can best be categorised as excellent.

The online booking system is easy to use and very effective.

The three course fixed price menu varies weekly, and is good value. I have never had a dish I could find fault with. I just like some more than others.

However the treatment of seafood in main courses is perfection and warrants six stars.

Quality fresh local produce is always presented in a vibrant and creative way, whether it be entree, main or dessert.

The award winning wine list is varied and reasonably priced, as is the BYO corkage at $15 per bottle on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

Service is non invasive, timely, informative and always with a smile.

From the moment one steps through the front door, it is quickly apparent that these people not only know what they are doing, but also place high priority in meeting their responsibilities in COVID 19 times, and ensuring their customers meet theirs.

John and Sonia proudly pursue excellence at South on Albany and regularly find it.

I commend them, the staff and the food they create to you.

The secrets out - check their website to...

Consistently exceptional. Warm smiles welcome you into to this boutique restaurant in Berry. The central table is adorned with a gorgeous wild flower arrangement which is flanked by glistening stemware. Attention to detail, care and consideration are evident from the decor, music, and most importantly the beautifully crafted menu and curated wine list. John and his small team plate each dish as it were a piece of art and the flavours never disappoint. Delicious! Equally important, is the kind and generous hospitality extended, by our hosts. Sonia goes the extra mile to ensure you have a fabulous evening, adjusting the menu to cater for dietary requirements and making, celebrations a special experience. South on Albany makes each...