Montalto

Ph: 5989 8412; 33 Shoreham Rd, RED HILL SOUTH 3937 www.montalto.com.au

Modern Australian, $$ +, * for Ambience
Open Lunch 7 days noon-3pm Dinner Fri-Sat 6.30pm-11pm; Licensed; AE DC MC V EFT
Chef Barry Davis (7-11-07) Owner John & Wendy Mitchell (7-11-07)

Mietta's Review
Sit out on the decking and take in the beauties of Montalo's vines and olive trees while indulging in chef, James Redfern's careful French influenced dishes. It's a wonderful experience. In colder weather sit in the glass enclosed dining room. Excellent service and many ingredients come from the vineyards own garden.

Other published opinions

Gourmet Traveller 2009 Australian Restaurant Guide "Lunch at this rammed-earth, timber and glass restaurant is one of the great Mornington Peninsula experiences. Even at night, when the beautiful view of rolling vine-covered hills and restored wetlands is reduced to a few flood-lit sculptures, there's a distinct sense of place, thanks to Barry Davis' focus on excellent local produce"

Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 15/20, One Hat "It's the little touches that lift Montalto a notch above most of Red Hill's many 'winery with restaurant' options. There's the obligatory gorgeous view of vine-clad hills, but this one also has sculptures dotted across the lawn leading the eye down to the wetlands and lake"

Gourmet Traveller 2008 Australian Restaurant Guide "Since opening in 2002, Montalto has based its claim as one of the Peninsula's premier winery restaurants on the combination of a wine list that augments its own offerings with savvy choices from further afield, a kitchen that bases its French/Mediterranean heart in good local produce, and an airy, modern timber and glass dining room that takes advantage of the knockout location overlooking rolling hills and dams"

Herald Sun Dining Out, Simon Plant, 31-10-06 Score: 13/20 "Superbly located, Montalto charges city prices for mostly good food with a French accent. But my lunch experience was a mixed affair, especially on the service side. Montalto's wine list showcases its own well-priced drops."

The Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 14/20 "You don't have to be a location scout for Getaway to be wowed by Montalto's view. Floor-to-ceiling glass snapshots waddling ducks and vine-clothed hills, but if you think it's spectacular at lunch, wait until sunset. The dining room is airy and streamlined, with timber tables, waxed floorboards and little else to distract from the view."

Gourmet Traveller 2006 restaurant guide * "A professional yet informal tone hums at Montalto. The open kitchen is abuzz, while the expansive deck, overlooking an olive grove and vineyard amphitheatre, is picture-perfect. Mix this postcard view with a talented team and Montalto rises above the service inconsistencies of many country restaurants."

The Age Good Food Guide 2005 "EVERYTHING good about eating and drinking on the Mornington Peninsula comes together here: the timber-and-glass dining room overlooks vines, wetlands and sculpture-dotted paddocks; a democratic wine list mixes the vineyard's produce with clever offerings from further afield; and service reflects the restaurant's balance of breeziness and professionalism."

The Foodies' Guide 2004,Allan Campion & Michele Curtis,'Try the house wines,decide on your favourite and it will be brought to your private picnic spot-perhaps stunning sea views looking towards French Island-along with a hamper of delicious Mediterranean foods.'

AGFG 2004, score 15/20,1 hat, restaurant attached to winery

Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004, 1 Black Star, Good vegetarian options,'explore the real meaning of regional cookery in a fabulous vineyard, with good staff, in a terrific building of rammed earth, timber and glass...food has French provincial roots...a very satisfying experience.'

Herald Sun, citystyle, 30/12/03

Herald Sun, City Style, 5/8/03, Stephen Downes, Score 14/20

The Age, A2, 14/6/2003, Food & Wine

Weekend Australian, 7-8/6/2003

Herald Sun, weekend, 26/4/03, Bob Hart

Sunday Age, Eatstreets, John Lethlean, 10/11/02

The Age, Epicure, Restaurants, John Lethlean, 30/4/02. Score 15/20