Mercer's

Ph: 9431 1015; 732 Main Rd, Eltham 3095 www.mercersrestaurant

Contemporary, $$ +, * for Food
Open Thu-Fri-Sun noon-2pm Wed-Sun 6.30-9.30pm, Closed Some public holidays; Licensed, BYO sunday only, Corkage $5 bottle; AE DC MC V
Chef Stephen Mercer (5-12-08) Owner Stephen & Lite Mercer (5-12-08)

Mietta's Review
Set back off the road making it a peaceful spot for a discreet lunch or dinner, the federation building retains a domestic feel to the rooms. The outstanding choice for wine and food lovers in the area. Every dish is put together with exquisite care and served likewise. Owner-chef, Stephen Mercer, shows off his fine classic training in the detailed garnishes on each dish.

Other published opinions

Age Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 14/20 "Mercer's stands out for its charm and duty of care, a credit to husband-and-wife team Stephen and Ute Mercer, who run the show. In the dining room, Ute oversees friendly, wellpaced service; in the kitchen, Stephen and his team deliver an imaginative, produce-driven menu that plays with ingredients from Asia, the Mediterranean and the Middle East"

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 14/20 "Beyond the facade of this brick Federation house is a cosmopolitan kitchen belying its Eltham location. Mercer's has been serving stylish, classically executed food to locals and travellers from the inner-city since 1997"

The Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 14/20 "Mercer's is Eltham's special occasion venue, but its longevity and success creates a subtle tension between keeping regulars and striving for new custom. Stephen Mercer's measured cuisine s efficiently ushered forth by black-clad waitstaff into three cozy, yet somewhat dated, dining areas. Old-fashioned glamour tops and tails the menu"

Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide "It's easy to see why husband and wife team Stephen and Ute Mercer have such a captive audience in Melbourne's northeastern suburbs. He's the fine chef with an eye for detail and she's the hospitable host holding sway in this comfortable restaurant set in a Federationstyle house. Besides, their Sunday lunch is legendary"

The Age Good Food Guide 2005 score 15/20 One Hat "This Federation-style cottage is slick within, thanks to the efficient and friendly front-of-house service from Ute, and accomplished cooking overseen by chef Stephen."

Gourmet Traveller 2005 Restaurant Guide "If God is in the details, dining at Mercer's is a slice of heaven. Stephen Mercer's food owes much to his well-honed European technique. The menu, which uses premium seasonal ingredients including game, is crowded with must-haves."

Herald Sun CityStyle Best of Melbourne 04 Best suburban restaurants "The room might be conservative, but the cooking is not."

The Age Good Food Guide Awards 2004 1 hat, score 15/20, excellent wine list

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004,'The mood is more comfortable than formal...dishes are precisely executed yet imaginative.Menus change with the seasons, but expect to find top-quality ingrediants, some sourced locally...Leave space for dessert-a tasting plate allows you to try them all...An extensive wine list features many choices from the nearby Yarra Valley.'

Herald Sun, Sunday Magazine, Eating Out, Sally Fisher, 2003

Herald Sun, Weekend, 31/1/04, Bob Hart,'Melbourne's Greatest Dishes'

The Herald Sun, Weekend, Eat, Bob Hart, 27/7/02