Name: Watervale Hotel
Item: Watervale Hotel
Rating: 5
Author: Stephen

The Watervale is not your average country pub. Step inside and be transported into a realm of award-winning food and wine, in an ambient setting. Behind this culinary gem stands a dynamic duo – the husband and wife team of Chef Nicola Palmer and sommelier extraordinaire Warrick. Notably, Chef Nicola Palmer earned the esteemed title of 2022 Chef of the Year, one of her many accolades that is a testament to her culinary prowess. While Warrick curates an extensive wine list that promises to elevate every dining experience.

The menu is based on sourcing the freshest ingredients, so they often change their menus several times a week. They also boast three private dining rooms, making it perfect for group gatherings where everyone can engage in conversation. Soft music plays throughout, but in the three private rooms, you choose the volume. They often turn off the music upon request. If you have a group of 6 or more, please call ahead, and they can set aside a dining room for you at no extra charge. Larger groups are placed in the historic ‘jail’ with their separate toilets and own wait staff.

With its award winning cuisine, extensive wine list, inviting ambience and impeccable service, it’s no wonder this establishment has garnered global recognition. Whether you’re a local or a traveller passing through, visiting the Watervale Hotel is an absolute must for an unforgettable dining experience.

AMBIENT MENU ACCREDITATION

This means you can converse around a table of six people if seated in the accredited areas. The accredited areas are the private dining rooms.

If you prefer to get amongst other diners, these ambience levels reflect the dining room. Note the readings and you will know which times are the most conversation friendly.

Then, all you need to do is enjoy the company of the people you are there to see AND hear.

* Special for Ambient Menu Customers *

A complimentary glass of Clare Valley Sparkling Riesling or mocktail on arrival, valued at $12 per person!

When booking note: ‘Ambient Menu’

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Stephen

Saturday 18 October, 4:54 pm2025-10-18 16:54:53

Ambience

Low

Food

Service

✅ Well spaced tables,
✅ Separate rooms for larger groups or events,
✅ Minimal use of noisy equipment (blenders, coffee machines, etc.),
✅ Turned music down on request,
✅ Although the restaurant was full, all diners spoke quietly.

Our much anticipated ‘Feed-Me” Friday dinner took place at last! The Watervale Hotel has won many awards in its short history so we were keen to experience a meal.

The Feed Me menu is derived from the a la carte menu with some additional snacks. The Chefs select the daily Feed Me, but will accommodate for dietaries and preferences.My guess is that they could accomodate a table of two with one vegetarian and the second carnivore. However, it is more practical to have both diners eating the same meal type as there are mainly shared plates.

Our meal consisted of:

– Liver pate on a wafer with gin infused clear cubes

– BBQd Hallumi on a rosemary skewer with orange rind
– Bread, House Churned & Smoked Butter
– Duck Sliders (3), Chilli Mayonnaise, Salad
– Rigatoni Pasta, Goat Ragù, Gremolata, Parmigiano – This meal was the stand-out favourite.

Rather than beef dish as the ‘Main Event’ we opted for a lighter meat-free option
Honey Roasted Beetroot, Crème Fraîche
– Roast Cocktail Potatoes, Cooked in Lamb Fat, Rosemary Aioli
Warwick ‘compensated’ us for a smaller meal with a huge jars of pickles to take-away.

– Creme Brulee

We shared a bottle of ‘Shut the Gate’ Grenache Rose 2025. (It was so good we later visited the winery and bought a few bottles), The wine list is amazing and I spent at least 20 minutes exploring the hundreds of fascinating offerings.

It is worth noting that on arrival at 6pm, staff became aware of my hearing issues and low noise tolerance. They organised a private room at no extra cost. However, as the restaurant kept the background music lower than the previous evening, we decided to enjoy the atmosphere of the main dining room. I’m glad we did as it let us observe the comings and goings of a foodies heaven, meet the staff from many nations and discuss our meal with others.

The Watervale Hotel is special. Visit at least once before you die…

Seated: Main dining room
Day of week: Friday
Time: 7:00 pm
2 months ago
AmbientMenuEarBuds

Sunday 25 June 20232023-06-25 08:53:55

Ambience

Quiet

Food

Service

This place is so good we dedicated a whole blog to it.

https://theambientmenu.com.au/the-watervale-hotel-best-culinary-experience-in-a-hotel-in-the-world-as-per-luxlife-magazines-2023-travel-and-tourism-award/

Seated: Beer garden
Day of week: Saturday
Time: 7:00 pm
Aged friendly
Access friendly
2 years ago

Watervale Hotel

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