The Prickly Pear Restaurant Milton — Restaurant in Milton

In winter co-owner Alison describes their seafood chowder as a ‘warm hug in a bowl’ and the same could be said for the vibes in this delightful space known to many locals as simply ‘The Pear’. After our orders were taken and glasses of sparkling mineral water poured, Alison was back with our wine before the food promptly arrived. We started with a few Shark Bay scallops each, served on the half shell with a luscious pomegranate butter coating. Matched with an excellent Clare Valley Riesling, they simply dissolved in a few tender bites. Against a sunset background over the fields, we enjoyed the wine and relaxed conversation. There’s something to be said for a true local restaurant with a genuine family feel. Alison’s husband John is in the kitchen, accompanied by their son who, it turns out, is responsible for some of the excellent desserts. But more on that later. Our mains arrive, perfectly timed to allow space to enjoy the memory of those superb scallops. I’ve selected the swordfish steak from the chef’s specials for the evening, and Julie is staying with her usual, the poached lobster risotto. Chunky buttons of white lobster rest on a bed of creamy risotto rice. This is without doubt a ‘go to’ dish for lovers of fine home style Italian cooking. My swordfish is also excellent. Firm with a smoky, nutty texture and well-matched with crispy kale chips which disappear with a satisfying crunch. On a subsequent visit, I opt for the sirloin steak, wood grilled medium rare with a healthy pile of golden chips and fresh side salad. The portions are generous without being overwhelming and yes, we do have room for dessert. Tonight, I notice something new, a Limoncello mousse with lemon curd and savoiardi biscuit crumb. This marvellous creation transported us back to lazy days on the Amalfi coast. Plunging your spoon into a delicate cloud of mousse, perfectly infused with distinctive limoncello, leads you to a soft swirl of lemon curd. Combined with a luscious late harvest Riesling this was the perfect way to finish. The Prickly Pear is everything you could ask for in a local restaurant. We’ll definitely be...

Our second visit to this fabulous restaurant since they opened December 2023 and will be back again soon. Like our first visit we were welcomed as if we were old friends by the owner Allison with a lovely "happy anniversary" note written on our table (on booking they had asked if it was a special occasion). Then the menu...on both occasions we had the Shark Bay Scallops as part of our entree, ( cannot recommend them highly enough ) as well as local shell and kilpatrick oysters. Hubby had the wood smoked snapper (had a taste of his and it was delicious) but the seafood marinara I had with prawns, mussels, calamari, fish and linguini in a chilli tomato sauce was the best I have ever eaten. The calamari so tender it just about melted in my mouth. And the desserts, we both had the sticky date and icecream...fabulous. The service and friendliness from owner Allison and the two young waitresses was excellent, the food prepared by both chefs outstanding and the atmosphere A1. Definitely will be back and highly recommend. Thanks for making our...

Can’t rate the food & service. (Edited) My partner dropped into the restaurant the day before and made the booking in person, asking if they would be open for dinner on a public holiday and requesting the seafood platter for two that needed to be preordered. He provided his name & mobile number for the booking. Imagine our surprise when the restaurant was closed when we arrived. Very poor not to let us know they would not be opening. Travelled from Sydney for a special occasion. So annoyed & disappointed. The restaurant claims they called to cancel all bookings, but they definitely did not contact us. The lady that took the booking spent more time complaining about the shortfalls of her 22 year old son that actually providing customer service. That should have probably been a red flag to lower our expectations...