Auterra Wine Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

We attended on a Sunday (4/05) evening to celebrate a special day however we were left disappointed upon our first experience attending to auterra. For a hat tiered wine bar, we attended having high hopes with the racing reviews however we're met with reservations.

Upon arrival we were greeted by a staff member that appeared to be having their dinner/break at the bar. Although welcoming, it did feel awkward and that were were interrupting.. without leaving her set she asked us while we stood awkward if we had a booking, when we responded "yes", she proceeded to tell us to "sit anywhere" .. all while she remained seated at the bar.

We initially attended with the anticipation that there was a promotion for $70pp set menu on Sundays. My loving partner who is the much organised one, messaged through social media to confirm that this promotion was still available before attending, which was confirmed. However when we inquired the staff member regarding the promotion we were met with a blunt response. Followed by that the marketing team manages the social media. We were pretty disappointed by the get go to say the least ... However decided not to start on a short leg.. opting to select a few recommendations from the menu.

Although there were only two other tables occupied (1 table of 2 and the other of 3), no one at the bar, we were advised that food would take at least 30mins to prepare. It did not seem busy at all to say the least, with what appeared to be 2 chefs and the staff member that served us. However we required to follow up with our drink orders after long period of waiting - it's a wine bar. Staff member didn't appear to interested, however did acknowledge that he had "forgotten".

The food was amazing, and the wine recommendations for the night was also pleasant. The portions were warned - bread (2 half pieces of sweet bread) and Vegemite butter was nothing crazy. Torched fish was highlight, xo mushroom toast was okay - on the salty side. Pasta was mid. We didn't reach to mains as we felt that the wait was probably not going to reach the potential.

Upon paying out bill, the staff member asked bluntly "did you want the change" although it was only like $2.50 - it still rather left a sour taste on the way out especially for what is considered a hat tiered restaurant.

We were actually eager to attend the aligned restaurant - amaruu however from the warned experience we had, I think that's the last we would attend to a venue where we felt that we were less then welcomed.

Not sure if staff were having an off day however, I think there's a few other wine bars a head of this one considering menu, price and...

ORDERED: "F**k it!!! We're all in!!" ($90.00pp) 🦪 Appellation Oyster, spiced pork fat, mushroom shoyu 🦪 Scallop, mussel chowder, seaweed compote, pancetta, desert lime 🌰 Pickled daikon, wasabi, black sesame, puffed rice 🐟 Cured Bass Grouper, hemp seed, labneh, burnt citrus 🍞 Crab toast, capsicum, togarashi, chives 🥧 Buckwheat tart, pumpkin, pepita praline, cacao

🥬 Smoked Kangaroo, baby cos, radicchio kimchi, pear 🍢 Pickled Ox tongue, sambal emulsion, roasted cashew puree 🍗 Stuffed BBQ chicken wing, chorizo, caramelised onion butter 🥪 King prawn sandwich, kimchi 🌭 Peking duck hotdog, BBQ leek pickle, duck skin crisp

🍰 Savoury eclair, Marcel Petite Comte Reservation, pear, caraway 🍦 Shiitake mushroom soft serve, sandalwood nut, shiso, madeira

I paid $111.00 for my portion which included a glass of wine!

REVIEW: ❤️ My favourite from their entire menu was the ox tongue cooked on the Hibachi grill! It had crispy edges, while maintaining an incredible texture that almost melted in our mouth. 4 pieces was enough for us to get a good taste for it, as any more would be a little overwhelming.

❌ My least favourite was the Savoury eclair. Savoury/sweet cheese never gets me going. It tastes uncomfortably lukewarm, the after taste comparable to munting for me. My friend liked it though, so take this note with a grain of salt.

✔️ I was a big fan of the set menu in general. I had the opportunity to try their entire menu in little bites, which was very interesting. I left feeling comfortable and very happy with the small moments. Service is friendly, and the interior is cosy but classily decorated. ➖ As there were more people coming into the restaurant, the small kitchen began to take a hit as we waited a while for the Shiitake...

Auterra Wine Bar, brought to life by Clinton McIver of the three-hatted Amaru, offers a relaxed yet refined experience celebrating lesser-known wines and seasonally inspired small plates. Nestled along Armadale’s High Street, it’s the perfect stop after a shopping spree, a girls’ night out, or a cozy date.

What We Ordered:

Aged Pork & Comté Croquette, Sauce Gribiche (2pcs) ($16) – Golden, crispy perfection with a rich, flavorful filling. Duck Liver Parfait, Buttermilk Crumpet, Mountain Pepper Honey ($14) – Smooth, indulgent parfait elevated by the sweetness of honey. Port Lincoln Snapper Crudo, Tomato, Ricotta, Strawberry ($28) – A beautifully fresh dish with a surprising pop of strawberry. MS9+ Wagyu Beef Tartare, Anchovy, Turnips ($28) – Silky, rich beef complemented by sharp, balanced flavors. Aged Duck Breast (Special) – Cooked to perfection, showcasing exceptional depth and tenderness. Roasted Nutmeg Custard Tart, Pine Nut ($18) – A delicate, spiced dessert with a satisfying buttery crust.

The menu is intentionally curated, just like the wine list. We opted for a chilled red and appreciated the staff’s patience as they guided us through tastings to help us decide.

Auterra is a gem in Armadale, blending thoughtful dishes, a stellar wine selection, and warm, attentive service. Whether you’re winding down after a day of shopping or planning an intimate evening, this spot promises an...