Tallwood Eatery - CLOSED

Overview

Just seconds from Mollymook Beach — and Bannisters Pavilion — is Tallwood Eatery. Here, head chef and co-owner Matt Upson plates up inventive dishes driven by local produce and inspired by his travels through Europe and Asia. In his 20 years in the kitchen, he's trained with Cheong Liew, David Reyner, Tippy Heng, Simon Bryant, Maggie Beer, Steven Snow and Felix Rutz, and headed restaurants on Kangaroo Island and Lord Howe.

Brekkie, served on weekends only, kicks off at 8.30am. The eclectic menu is an international journey, from an Indian-spiced pancake with roasted cauliflower and lime pickle, to a bowl of ramen filled with greens, kimchi, mushroom dashi and a poached egg. Plus, there are some classics, like a mighty bacon and egg roll powered by eggplant chutney and chipotle mayo.

Dinner, served from Thursday to Monday, is just as creative — and a bit fancier. Among the share plates you might find on the ever-changing menu are sprightly cuttlefish skewers with preserved lemon, pine nuts and fennel; glazed lamb with kohlrabi and kombu oil; and pumpkin with labneh, pomegranate and chickpeas. If time allows, go for the chef's menu, which lets you taste your way through several courses for $75 per person. 

However you feast, you'll be doing it in Tallwood's earthy-toned light-filled space. Plus, the restaurant doubles up as an informal art gallery, with works by local artists changing every few weeks.

First image: Sam Walklate.