Altair Restaurant Lights Up The Eastern Suburbs
Where to dine in the eastern suburbs? Since opening 2 years ago Altair has made a huge impression in Warrandyte in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Not long after opening they received a formidable review from Larissa Dubecki writing for the Good Food Guide. Kelvin (Head Chef) and Michelle (Manager, Front of House) Shaw are a crack team, who exude innovation and hospitality. Check out our Best Restaurants in Melbourne.
Altair has built up a large following of locals and regulars from across Melbourne. The dining experience is such that there is a lot of repeat customers, passionate about the food, ambience and service. Kelvin is also famous for his brilliant use of native ingredients - from berries to a stinging nettle puree to the use of bush tomatoes.
Kelvin and Michelle treasure the rapport with regulars, and Kelvin has even been known to slip out cricket scores on paper to diners he knows are cricketing enthusiasts.
The food at Altair is top notch; this is fine dining in the eastern suburbs. They destroy the myth that you have to travel into the city of Melbourne for fine dining. Think loads of technique and innovative dishes such as the Goat and charred vegetable pie, or the Wagyu carpaccio entrees...
Dark miso comes together with fermented Davidson plum, pine mushroom and stinging nettle puree in this charming Cured hen egg dish. Served on a plate that is genuine slate, this dish is art on a plate.
Those wanting duck are sure to enjoy the Duck ham, duck pate, lardo, cumquat, Sichuan and black garlic. Again, great flavours, presentation and loads of technique.
Many dishes at Altair have been described as "art on a plate".
For dessert lovers Altair serves up sophisticated desserts such as this dessert (above) that features gold, frankincense and myrrh...
As far as the wine list goes, Altair offer diners exceptional choices. Altair has received a one goblet rating in the 2014 Fine Wine Partners & Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine Australia's Wine List of the Year Awards.
Altair comes to the party also by allowing BYO with a corkage of $10; part of the appeal of a visit.
The restaurant is stylish with superb use of timber; large tree, and clean lines throughout. The finery and style has surprised some diners expecting modesty, with Altair geared for a serious dining experience.
The large kitchen is where Kelvin has his fun. Previously from Sails At the Bay in Elwood, Kelvin is an extraordinary chef passionate about local produce and dishes that are unique.
In his earlier years Kelvin was a star cricketer. He has runs on the board as a chef and is a deft allrounder in the kitchen in terms of cooking a wide range of specialty dinner dishes as well as imaginative breakfast and lunch dishes.
Michelle is a superb front of house who exudes charm and cheer, and who knows her wine and food.
Warrandyte is not far out of the city and has a charm of it's own. It's refreshing to visit a fine restaurant without concern for traffic and parking.
Altair is in the heart of Warrandyte and the eastern suburbs, but also on the doorstop to the Yarra Valley. We can recommend that Altair can feature in any trip to the Yarra Valley. Altair has a strong emphasis on local produce and suppliers, including the plethora of amazing ingredients and produce from the Yarra Valley.
Breakfasts are superb at Altair Restaurant, available on weekends. These are not just simple dishes, but interesting, such as the rustic Black Pudding dish or the Pickled Ox Tongue with pear remoulade, coddled eggs and red pepper jam. You can build your own breakfast from a base of 2 eggs on toast, adding extras like smoked salmon, tomato, bacon, spinach, hollandaise, mushrooms, shaved ham, and black pudding.
The outlook across the road from an elevated position is attractive, with the Yarra River nearby. Highly recommended.