This place is absolutely amazing, beautiful surroundings, lovely atmosphere, good food...but don't judge a book by it's cover is what I always say. This is my experience at Artisans of Barossa, I was enjoying the place and the beauty but it took a good one hour before someone saw me sitting alone with my dog to ask if I would like to order anything I asked for a simple lemon lime bitter with one cube of ice, only to realise that I had a few qubes of ice and some of it was diluted which tasted very bland. After my wife was done with her wine tasting, we waited for 10min till we started to look for a someone to help us with a menu, when the menu was handed over we were again just left there for another 15min ( I wasn't sure if this was a test of patients or just bloody understaffed), anyway we finally got the attention of a server, the guy was the tall fella with an apron, came across very cheerful, my wife ordered for her wine since she was familiar with their range after the tasting, I asked the server if I could try the Grenache and before I can decide to order for our drinks along with our lunch. We were again enjoying the place and time just kept passing it was a good 45min and no drinks no food. Finally the starters arrived and we asked the server about our drinks and the server said that she will just check on it, she comes back to say that there was no order put through for drinks, NOW I WAS ANNOYED. So I just asked a a beer and my wife's wine.i also to ask for napkins ( not sure if this place is stringy or just really lazy) then the serve (tall fella) came back to ask again how we would like our steak ( which was already told to him when he initially came to take out order) I don't know if it was his first day as a server or he just had issues listening and didn't really care. Finally food came and enjoyed it along with my beer and my wife's glass of wine. It's very important that if you're running a hospitality business to make sure there are enough staff and service is as good as the ambience and food. I was so impressed with this place when we arrived, but equally disappointed when we left. Sorry guys but need to pull your socks up, it's a busy time with all the events happening around the Barossa a d you need to on top...
Read moreMy fiancé and had a three course dinner where we shared each course to each taste all 6 dishes and we were delighted with our experience. The lady who greeted and seated us was very welcoming and friendly (this is not always the case at home in Sydney). The restaurant is beautiful and modern, the outlook is stunning with views over the vineyard, evening sun setting, kookaburras visiting. Our waitress was a bundle of smiles and passion for the Barossa. She was knowledgeable on every meal and the region in general and was super friendly. The meals were nothing short of exceptional. Entrees Pan seared scallop / Barramundi Crudo Both were exceptional, the Scallops were perfectly cooked and the Guanciale and Carrot butter elevated the dish to being amongst the best seared scallops we have ever had. Barramundi Crudo with Watermelon, dragon fruit and mint was fresh and vibrant, the fruit with the cured barramundi was a beautiful pairing. Mains Margra lamb saddle / Roam Sirloin Sirloin was perfectly cooked, the chimichurri and charred onion flavours danced with the meat, couldn't fault it. The lamb saddle was also perfectly cooked and the lentils were stunning. Slightly nutty in texture, we were pretty full by the time we ate these but couldn't stop as they were so delicious. Dessert Vanilla Creme Brulé / Strawberry parfait, tart with fresh strawberries and strawberry jelly The Brulé was exceptional but the star was the strawberry heaven dessert. The little tart was delicious and eaten with the parfait and jelly was a wonderful combination of textures and flavours. This sits amongst the very best meals / dining experiences we have had and is a "must do" when you are in the Barossa. They tell us they only recently opened for dinners here, I think during summer its the best time to visit with the sun setting and enjoying a three...
Read moreA Perfect Culinary Evening at Essen by Artisans!
Essen by Artisans of Barossa delivers an extraordinary fine dining experience that combines exceptional food, perfectly paired local wines, and stunning views. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed and cared for, with the venue’s accessibility thoughtfully accommodating all needs, including wheelchair access.
The 4-course dinner, followed by a delightful dessert, was a true testament to culinary artistry. Each dish was beautifully crafted and paired with wines from local wineries, showcasing the region’s finest. The pairings elevated each course, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that celebrated the Barossa’s rich heritage.
We appreciated the seamless pace of the evening, spending a relaxed three hours savoring each course. It never felt rushed or drawn out—just the right rhythm to enjoy the food, wine, and conversation. Dietary requirements were handled effortlessly, with substitutions thoughtfully incorporated without compromising the integrity of the dishes.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by the breathtaking view of the sun setting over the vineyard—a serene and picturesque backdrop that added to the overall charm of the evening.
Essen is not just a meal; it’s an experience—a celebration of local produce, wine, and hospitality. We left with full hearts and the desire to return. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a fine dining adventure in the heart of...
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