The Surly Goat — Restaurant in Victoria

Came from Melbourne and second time in Daylesford. Saw this place with great reviews but unfortunately we all had the most disappointing dining experience we haven’t had in a while.. I actually have not written a negative review for a restaurant that I have been to until now. starters were honestly terrible. Candied kumquats were overly sweet and could not taste any other elements but sweetness. The croquettes were EXTREMELY SALTY (you can see how much sea salt flakes on the croquettes) I tried my best to shake them off but it was still very salty. We paid extra to try the oysters.. the foam was bitter and tasted strange in general. We were so confused at the flavours presented and I saw the other table ordered the oysters as well. I was observing their reaction and I don’t think they were very impressed either. Then came the creamed celeriac. it didn’t taste bad but flavours were just flat. Main course lamb was cooked nicely but I was not a fan of the flavour of anchovy mixed with lemon. It came with super thick slices of sourdough (why? To soak up sauces?) however it was cold.. dessert was okay but not impressive Overall there was no balance of flavours at all for the dishes and we were so disappointed and confused by the high ratings Service was okay the waitress was friendly in general but did not ask us how the meal was at all and just left the bill at the end and quickly walked away For $98pp it was not worth and we have had much better with this price One of us was a chef in Melbourne CBD and he was also confused by the flavours presented that night. Upon checking this restaurant has an AGFG chef hat award and I don’t doubt the standard of this award because we have been to many restaurants with this award and they were all great so far but unfortunately this was not the case. Maybe we were unlucky with this menu or maybe it was a different chef.. but we won’t be back again...

ok food, meh wine.... took my partner for a dirty weekend and ended up here. on the upside, we had so many laughs during and after the lunch that it was a 2 star experience ...we laughed mostly about the lunch. being foodies, absolutely couldn't understand the "i wont give a menu" policy only to be given a menu on the way out....with the bill.. I couldn't understand why the 4 course menu pretty much consisted of the least ordered, most polarizing items in any menu. opening with a pickle that tasted old and floppy, 2 courses of potato's, one with salmon roe (under cooked and boring) - burnt baby onions with Tartare on a wafer and a gamey duck pie, finishing with a coconut cream smothering a choc and cherry desert... all under seasoned (we asked for pepper and salt). oddly the service started out really friendly then as we only ate 30-40% of each course , eye contact was gone, no ask for more wine, pretty much shown the door. well, it was a fun experience, just not a good food experience. by the way, as a chef myself in Melbourne, I always look at plates coming back and - on the rare occasion, no pressure - ask front of house what (if any ) problems there are when plates are sent back with most of the food on them - to improve my skills as a chef .. good effort though, a day later me and my partner are still...

Just when you think this place cannot get any better, it does. This restaurant is humble. But it has every reason to be anything but. The menu changes every week (sometimes daily) and is entirely driven by the weather, seasonal produce as well as allowing the chefs to showcase their knowledge of cuisines from around the world.

Today we started with duck liver parfait with fermented and candied kumquats. Quite possibly the best example I have ever had. Silky smooth and the fermented kumquat offered a twist but with familiar citrus notes. Other highlights included an entree of celeriac and smoked eel, a special extra course of scarpinocc and wild local mushrooms, but the hero was the lamb. Locally raised lamb done with preserved lemon and anchovies this was both gorgeous pretty but bangs of flavour. Incredibly tender, but the balance of the dish was spot on. My 86 year old mum proclaimed it as the best dish she has ever eaten! Paired with the one constant of all meals here - incredible house made rye and carroway sourdough with cultured butter. Service as always is friendly, knowledgeable and gentle. Everything about this place is gentle. Nothing is pushed or forced. You know you are in the hands of incredibly generous and kind people. And it feeds not only your belly but your soul. Thank you. We will be back...