Messmates Dining — Restaurant in Warragul

This was, without a doubt, one of the best dining experiences of my life. We made the trip up from Melbourne to finally dine at Messmates after following their journey on Instagram and hearing rave reviews. Even with high expectations, nothing could have prepared me for just how extraordinary the entire evening would be. From the very moment we walked through the door, the warmth of the service set the tone. Mel was exceptional going above and beyond to guide us through the menu, perfectly pairing wines with our dishes, and offering thoughtful recommendations that turned out to be absolute standouts. Her knowledge, passion, and genuine hospitality elevated the whole experience to a level we rarely encounter (and we eat out often!). Every bite was flawless. The menu celebrated local produce in a way that felt both refined and deeply personal, we loved hearing the stories of where the ingredients came from, lamb sourced just down the road, leeks from “dad’s farm,” truffles freshly harvested Wednesday in Icy Creek. That sense of place and connection to the land shone through in every dish, making the food feel even more meaningful. The atmosphere was just as special. The friendly banter between fellow diners gave the evening a sense of community, as if we’d been regulars here for years. It was intimate, vibrant, and utterly joyful, a rare kind of magic you can’t manufacture. Messmates is more than a restaurant, it’s a sanctuary of incredible food, heartfelt service, and genuine soul. Warragul is so lucky to have it, and we can’t wait to return again and again this time bringing more friends from Melbourne to share...

Well where do I start. Had the Chef's selection as it was going to give us a real coverage of the menu and we weren't disappointed . And it's comforting to go to a restaurant that is full to the brim as it usually means good food. Yes a bit on the pricey side for most people but there is a level of value.Two dishes that particularly hit the spot were the Roast Chicken with Lemon and Herb Gravy ( loved that gravy and chicken so moist) and probably the pick of the night , the Blistered Tomatoes, anchovy, Zucchini and Basil Pangrattato. Extensive wine list, and quality on the wine list but quite pricey, and cocktails not cheap. Have given 5 stars but it's probably a 4.8 as there are two minor things, when it's full the atmosphere can be a little noisey and I think they could of added more flavour into the Smashed Buttered Potatoes which were a tiny bit bland. Other than that an excellent night with...

UPDATE 14.04.2024: I'm back again for another meal at Messmates Dining, and it's still five-star across the board. This team is committed to excellent service, stunning food featuring local produce, and an outstanding customer experience. Do not hesitate to book!

Gippsland’s Culinary Gem (2023 review) The team here are elevating the local dining scene with their focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, an exquisite wine selection, and a luxuriously chic ambiance.

The terrazzo bar is the perfect place for a solo or duo sit down for a glass, bar snacks and small plates. Still dreaming of that silky smooth chicken liver parfait with quince.

The dinning space is great if you have more time and more friends to sit at a table and enjoy the broader menu. Highly recommend the Chef’s Menu and always order the Pomme Anna!

Suggest you book book your spot now before the...