Marchesa — Restaurant in Kyneton

I honestly couldn’t even tell you how I discovered this place — especially since it’s not in Melbourne — but for some reason, I had it saved on my list. When I had the chance to stay in a nearby town for the weekend, I knew I had to book it for a Saturday night dinner.

I’d been so excited leading up to this meal, and the moment I walked through the doors, my excitement only grew. The space is beautiful — every little design detail caught my eye. From the wooden blinds on the front façade to the checkered floors, terrazzo tabletops, elegant gold mirrors, and soft yellow lit pendant lighting — everything felt so considered and refined.

The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating. We’d originally booked for 6:30 but arrived at 5:15, and they were more than happy to seat us early. Even as the restaurant filled up, their attentiveness never wavered. The waiter kindly walked us through the menu, which changes monthly. You can choose between a $65 two-course or $85 three-course menu.

We were planning on the two-course option, but when we heard the special of the day, it made choosing nearly impossible — there were already two pastas we were eyeing! The waiter was so accommodating and let us adjust our order to one entrée and three mains instead.

To start, we enjoyed a glass of wine and an Americano cocktail, along with a slice of focaccia served with local olive oil — the little bowl it came in was the loveliest touch. For entrée, we had the crudo eye fillet with black garlic aioli, celery, radish, and crostini, as well as the tagliolini with blue swimmer crab, chilli, garlic, pangrattato, and bottarga — which they kindly split into two bowls for us.

For mains, we had the agnello brasato — a braised Greenhill lamb shoulder served with a risotto of bitter greens, lemon, and cumin — and the special of the day, a cotoletta-style dish on a purée with a side of vegetable slaw. Everything we ate was absolutely incredible and full of flavour!

It was such a lovely experience dining at Marchesa — the kind of restaurant you rarely come across in regional Victoria. Beautiful food, stunning interiors, and genuinely warm service. Definitely worth visiting if you’re ever...

Tucked away in the heart of Kyneton, Marchesa is a culinary oasis that elevates the art of Italian cuisine. Our recent dining experience was an unforgettable symphony of flavours, impeccable service, and an ambiance that ignited romance.

From our first bite, we were captivated by the exquisite Vitello Tonnato. The veal tongue was astonishingly tender, melting in our mouths, and the accompanying sauce tantalized our taste buds with its rich umami. The fresh sardines offered a vibrant burst of coastal flavours that left us craving more.

The squid ink pasta with crab was tremendous. The al-dente strands, infused with the deep notes of squid ink, entwined perfectly with the delicate sweetness of crab. The succulent pork, cooked to perfection in our opinion, simply evaporated in our mouths with each bite.

The wine list offered choices to complemented any dish.. We savoured a crisp sparkling from Tasmania, its effervescence cutting through the richness of our meals.

To finish up our gastronomic journey, we indulged in the decadent chocolate pudding. Its silky texture and bittersweet notes were heightened by the creamy malt ice-cream and the zesty orange sauce.

Marchesa's ambiance was cozy and romantic where the soft lighting created an atmosphere perfect for a special occasion or a quiet dinner for two.

The service throughout our dining experience was impeccable. Our knowledgeable and attentive server guided us through the menu, ensuring that every dish was a triumph. Their flawless attention to detail and genuine hospitality elevated our meal to an unforgettable level.

Marchesa is an extraordinary gem in the culinary landscape of country Victoria and beyond. Its exceptional cuisine, excellent service, and warm ambiance create a dining experience that will linger in our hearts and taste buds for...

Exceptional presentation, flavours, service, and value. A culinary gem that promises an exceptional dining experience. The menu is a testament to the chef's creativity and commitment to using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Each dish is a harmonious blend of flavours, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. We booked the restaurant as a party of four with two of our party, vegetarian. Although the menu is limited, we were all very happy with our choices. Entrees included the vegetarian stracciatella for two of us, and the duck raviolo for the others. Mains comprised the beef cheeks, the pansotti for two of us (vegetarian), and the blue eye tagliatelle. Each dish showcased the same level of care and attention to detail. The deserts were outstanding and the wine list thoughtfully curated.

The service was top-notch, with friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always on hand to offer recommendations and ensure your dining experience is nothing short of excellent. The attention to detail and genuine passion for great food and service are evident in every aspect of the restaurant. Easily surpassed any of our recent fine-dining experiences in Melbourne. It is so nice to find such a fabulous restaurant in our area.

Whether you're a local or just passing through Kyneton, Marchesa is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable meal in a cozy and welcoming setting. Highly...