Overview
A sustainable, organic and paddock-to-plate restaurant offering lavish set menus has arrived in the Blue Mountains. Megalong Restaurant sources between 90–100 percent of its ingredients from Lot 101, the picturesque 600-hectare farm it sits on, transforming this local produce into a seasonal multi-course feast.
In charge of the kitchen is Executive Chef Colin Barker, the former Head Chef of Blackwattle Bay's hatted restaurant The Boathouse. Barker was brought in two years ago to start working on Megalong, collaborating with Lot 101 to ensure that the menu is as closely partnered with the farm as possible.
"When we use the term paddock-to-plate, we're not just talking about a couple of herb pots and a lemon tree at the back door," says Barker. "We're talking about some 600 hectares of farmland and native bush on which we raise our own beef and sheep, an orchard with 90 fruit trees, an olive grove of 130 trees, a berry patch, apiary, ducks, chickens, and a huge vegetable and herb garden on our doorstep. This is supplemented by free-range pork and goats milk from similarly passionate producers in our neighbourhood."
The ever-changing menu will set you back $185 per person, with wine pairing available for an addition $115. You can expect the eats to be different each time you visit, but you'll generally be treated to a trio of snacks, meat and fish-based mains with hearty vegetable sides and a fruity dessert. The current menu features the likes of smoked Murray cod, brisket empanadas, kabu turnips, marron vol au vent and a fig dessert.
Adding to the experience at the 50-seat restaurant is the showstopping panoramic views of the Megalong Valley. Located a 20-minute drive out of Blackheath, Megalong offers you the chance to escape the grind and enjoy a memorable meal surrounded by just the farm and the mountains.
If you're looking to visit, the restaurant is open for dinner three nights a week and long lunches on weekends. If you aren't in the market for a pricey degustation, you can also sample Lot 101's produce over at the Megalong Valley Tearooms down the road.
Megalong Restaurant is now open at 3–7 Peach Tree Road, Megalong Valley — operating for dinner Thursday–Sunday and lunch Saturday–Sunday.