Enjoy Clare’s most innovative menus and finest seasonal produce with these dining destinations.
Since opening its doors in 2018, Slate Restaurant at Pikes has cemented its reputation as one of the Clare Valley’s most exciting culinary destinations. Named for the 650-million-year-old slate bed under the vineyards that gives the wines their unique character, the award-winning restaurant is very much in tune with its natural surroundings. Head Chef Tristran Steel delivers his passion for regional dining with an ever-changing menu that showcases Clare’s best local produce, with seasonal fruits and vegetables sourced from the kitchen garden. Choose between a three-course 'Feed Me' menu or an à la carte option that boasts sumptuous dishes like the pan-fried barramundi with braised fennel, stout-glazed beef rib, and an exquisite poached quince and ginger cake with ricotta ice cream.
In 2020 husband-and-wife team Nicola Palmer and Warrick Duthy re-opened the historic Watervale Hotel with a vision to offer ethical, epicurean experiences. Located on the road into Clare as you pass through from Auburn, the revamped old hotel has retained the friendly atmosphere of a country pub with the added flair of sophisticated fine dining. The beautifully renovated kitchen and dining room spills out into the beer garden with a huge wood fired oven and the Argentinean asado style BBQ. Whether in the kitchen or stoking the grill, the team work primarily with homegrown and locally sourced ingredients to offer a range of all-day casual and fine dining experiences, including a sensory six-course degustation menu and gourmet group feasts, as well as an à la carte option. With dishes like eye fillet carpaccio, Spanish style prawns, and kingfish ceviche with Vietnamese mint sorbet, it’s a beautiful spot to while away the afternoon over a long lunch or settling in at the bar for something a little less formal.
But Nicola and Warrick’s vision doesn’t end in the kitchen. This dynamic duo (though, ‘dynamic’ doesn’t really do justice to their boundless energy and passion for the region) also run wine masterclasses and conduct tours of the Clare Valley. So if you’re after a truly immersive introduction to the area and all it has to offer, a visit to the Watervale Hotel is not to be missed.
