Brae Restaurant — Restaurant in Birregurra

Underwhelming and severely overpriced...

We wanted to treat ourselves to something special so booked dinner at Brae and a night at the Brae accommodation in November last year.

From start to finish, nothing was amazing, nothing was great, some things were nice, some things were OK, but when you are spending over $1500 on dinner and one night accommodation you expect more than nice and OK. The meal: Really underwhelming, a couple of nice dishes, but many average ones, including a couple of dishes that we didn't even finish because they just weren't nice to eat (a weird baked beetroot was the standout bad dish that neither my wife nor I ate more than a bite of). The portions were particularly small and we did not feel satisfied by the end of the meal, we were expecting more food to come out before we realised that it was finished!

The wine pairing: this was the worst part of the whole experience, the wine pairing was very expensive $180 per person, which is fine if you have interesting wines which match the cuisine well, and the Brae wine pairing had a couple of nice wines, but again nothing special. The real issue here was the actual wines given, we checked the prices to buy full bottles at a bottle shop, and one wine was $30 a bottle! The pinot noir was $60 a bottle which should have been the standout wine of the night as it was paired with the final main course! What’s more, the wine servings were TINY, less than half a normal glass, and with only 6 wines served throughout the night we felt like the value of the wine pairing was simply terrible. 6 x half glasses of wine = 3 full glasses, = an average of $60 per full glass of wine! This might be OK if you were drinking wines worth $200+ a bottle but for wines worth $30 and $60??? If the wine pairing costs $50 I’d still feel like it was bad value for money!

The service: nice but nothing special, we never felt very welcome but can’t complain either.

If you are considering Brae, firstly consider some much better much cheaper options in Melbourne, and if you are still insistent, then just stick to the food and definitely DO NOT waste your money on the...

Brae is not just a meal; it’s an unforgettable experience, especially for those who value the "Paddock to Plate" philosophy, as we do. Having previously experienced Dan's magic at the Royal Mail, where the culinary artistry left a lasting impression, we were eager to see how he would continue to elevate his craft at Brae. To say he has taken it to another level would be an understatement. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that every detail has been meticulously considered to enhance the dining experience.

The setting itself is stunning—a beautiful blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, enveloped by the breathtaking landscape of the region. The atmosphere is intimate, making you feel as if you are part of something truly special.

The degustation menu was a journey, with each dish expertly crafted to highlight the freshest local ingredients. Dan's creative flair was evident in every bite—from the intricate flavours to the stunning presentation. Each course was a thoughtful exploration of texture, taste, and aroma, showcasing not only his culinary skill but also a deep respect for the ingredients used.

What truly sets Brae apart, however, is the story behind the food. Dan Hunter's commitment to sustainable practices and sourcing from local farms shines through, creating a genuine connection between the diner, the dish, and the land. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that nurtures a profound appreciation for the beauty of food and nature.

While the experience comes at a premium price, everyone agreed that the exceptional quality of food, skilful execution, and stunning surroundings make it a worthy destination for special occasions.

In conclusion, our lunch at Brae was nothing short of extraordinary. Dan Hunter has cultivated a dining experience that is innovative, heartfelt, and ultimately unforgettable. I wholeheartedly recommend Brae to anyone looking to embark on a culinary adventure that transcends the ordinary. It’s a testament to the magic that can be created when passion meets creativity. Bravo, Dan Hunter!

Be sure to add this remarkable experience to your...

We booked the restaurant for lunch and a room for our anniversary and we are so glad we did as our room was much appreciated after a long drive and a wonderful meal with matching wines. ||The spacious eco-friendly designed studio hubs are very comfortable and are equipped with all that you need for a one night stay. We liked the charming yet down to earth interiors which consist of retro-style décor such as a record player, artisanal liquors, food books and more. The trendy architecture can be seen both inside and outside and can be described as a retrofitted-warehouse-look with exposed beams, cathedral ceilings, eco-friendly timber, and cool stargazing skylight above your bed. Everything is well designed, high quality and the bathroom was immaculate. ||We were tempted with the optional supper but decided instead to bring along a small cold snack of our own. Our room had a fully equipped kitchenette minus a stovetop & microwave but we were really surprised that there was quite a lot provided in terms of snacks, juice, milk, coffee biscuits and condiments that were included (even Vegan catered) and these were all high quality and artisanal which was really good value. ||There is a true farm to plate food philosophy in practice, one minute you’re walking around their garden looking at their vast array of veggies and the next you see the vegetables on your plate used in your meal. They truly respect the produce in terms of preparation and cooking and I was fully catered for as a vegan and the fact that it is farm to table organic produce made it even more special. ||The best part is sitting out the back terrace watching the sunset and looking at all the sheep! And also the special delivery of pastries and the newspaper the next morning when you open the door.||The price didn’t faze us as it is clearly stated on the website. The room and the grounds are one of a kind. The price of the accommodation matched the quality of the lunch we were not looking for budget but quality experience and found it. The staff members were all...