victoria - 101 Must Do's - travel

145 Marcus Curypko

Aug 7th, 2008 at 8:09 am

Pettavel Winery is surely Geelong’s best restaurant, and thoroughly deserves to be recognised as one of Victoria’s favourite tourism experiences.
The food is always exceptional, with every dish memorable for both taste and presentation. The creativity of the chefs is also evidenced by the often-unique combinations of flavours and ingredients; in my opinion this uniqueness is Pettavel’s signature and ensures it is a cut above all other restaurants in the region.
True to its status as an elite restaurant, the wine list at Pettavel is also memorable with selections available to match any dish, mood, or occasion. Pettavel’s own range, in particular, is of excellent quality and very competitively priced.
Outstanding service is expected of fine restaurants such as Pettavel, and the staff meet and exceed these expectations every time. The staff members are friendly, courteous, and knowledgeable, and work hard to ensure your dining experience is enjoyable.
It was our high opinion of Pettavel Winery than enticed us to select it as the venue for our wedding reception in 2006. The night was unforgettable not just for us, but also our guests, and we have full intentions of dining at Pettavel on special occasions in future.

144 Hannah

Aug 4th, 2008 at 12:31 am

Pettavel is my favourite place to be - the cooking classes are fantastic (can’t wait for the thai class!!) and I’m loving the new cellar door menu for when I don’t have the time to enjoy the 8 or 5 course degustation options… and yummy petit fours!!

143 Matt W

Jul 21st, 2008 at 12:59 pm

Great food, great wine with a great view….no better place to spend an afternoon!
The staff are friendly and service is top notch. Variety of food is exceptional, and presentation is simple, yet very effective.

142 Sean

Jul 21st, 2008 at 2:09 am

When ever I make it home to Australia I make it a point to get to Pettavel. The food is just amazing!!

141 chris

Jul 17th, 2008 at 9:45 pm

i found he experience of dining at petavel winery an rewarding experience and looking forward to repeating the experience again soon

140 c johnson

Jul 10th, 2008 at 3:29 pm

simply the best winery restaurant in Victoria

139 Sue Brunton

Jul 8th, 2008 at 12:18 pm

What can I say that hasn’t already been said!!
The staff, food, wine, scenery and atmosphere is top class.
My husband and I try to make this our annual anniversary restaurant to dine at.
We live at Waurn Ponds so regard ourselves very lucky to have such a wonderful five star venue at our doorstep. Their set menu is always delicious and creative. The mood the staff create is always so welcoming and can I say romantic. We have not gone to Pettavel with other people because my husband and I treasure this special dining experience as our own.

138 Elizabeth Chandler

Jul 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pm

Every year, for my birthday, we take the long drive over to Warun Ponds (from Mentone!) for their 5 course lunch. From the moment you call to book a table, they do everything superbly! A staff member opens the door for you, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the views are lovely and the food is absolutely gorgeous. A lot of Melbourne restaurants could learn from their wonderful service - from the butter on the table and being offered bread to “mop up the juices” after every course, to being able to purchase half-glasses of wine (not just their own range) so you can still taste a variety and drive home. I recommend lunch at Pettavel to all my friends - especially for a birthday treat!

137 Liz and Peter Maginness

Jul 4th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

The light,space,waiting staff and most of all the beautiful food makes dining at Pettavel a lovely day out.

136 Lyn Fry

Jul 3rd, 2008 at 4:53 pm

Each time I dine at Pettavel, I know the food and the service will be extra special. I have not had any cause to complain about anything on my previous visits.

135 Lynn

Jul 3rd, 2008 at 1:58 pm

Its not just dining, it is an experience over several hours. I have tried many foods that I thought I may not like, but have yet to be disappointed. Flavours and combinations are exceptional. The staff and service is great - you always feel relaxed and comfortable. The wines are devine and well priced.

134 Rachelle Gibson

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm

The food and service standards are impeccable. Easily the best restaurant in Geelong

133 Jacqui Bennett

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 8:28 pm

We eat at Pettavel several times a year. It is just the best setting and meal. And as for the wines… We’ve also been to a number of their cooking classes - fun!

132 Morris Wilson

Jul 2nd, 2008 at 7:30 pm

The food is absolutely delicious and the service could not be faulted. Wonderful dining while gazing at a lovely view. We keep returning and are never disappointed.

131 Carolyn Stannard

Jul 1st, 2008 at 6:40 pm

The first time we visted the winery our taste buds were teased by the exceptional food in the cafe, this prompted a return visit to indulge in the degustation menu one glorious sunny winters’ day last year. Again the food was exceptional, matched with excellent service from the staff on site. Oh & did I mention the wine…….delicious!!!

130 Julie Maya

Jul 1st, 2008 at 4:01 pm

I had the great pleasure in attending a function at Pettavel and it was a wonderful experience, the food, wine and staff were Exquisite. The atmosphere is great, and we will be back again and again and again

129 Peter Coffey

Jul 1st, 2008 at 12:57 pm

This has to be one of the best dining experiences in Victoria! It all begins with the greeting which is friendly and courteous. The menu is always so varied it is difficult to choose and the wine list is extensive and reasonably priced. The highlight, along with the food, is the impeccable service. The staff can easily explain the menu and recommend wines to match the food. As a lover of cheese it is wonderful to find a restaurant which has such a diverse and fresh range. Attention from the staff is diligent without being in the least fawning. The view whilst you are dining is peaceful and relaxing.
If I am lucky I eat at Pettavel three or four times a year - I wish it were much more often.

128 John & Maree Millard

Jun 30th, 2008 at 9:53 pm

We have been meeting at Pettavell for the last 4 years with our family.(inlaws, outlaws). The food, wine and service is excellent and we feel so welcome. We talk about the food for the next 12 months and can’t wait to see what gastronomic
experience we will be having this year. Great place, great atmosphere, great wine and we are good company. Highly Recommended!

127 P Miller

Jun 30th, 2008 at 9:09 pm

i was first taken to Pettavel for a Birthday treat and now I insist we go for every special occasion!
We are always impressed with the service provided by the staff and their knowledge of wine. Oh, and of course the food….

126 Catherine

Jun 30th, 2008 at 10:48 am

My husband and I had a beautiful wedding reception at Pettavel. Wonderful food and wine but more importantly fabulous staff. We have been back each year to celebrate our anniversary and continue to be impressed with the superb food and wine and attentive and thoughtful staff.

125 Karla Lupton

Jun 30th, 2008 at 10:46 am

I have been to Pettavel Winery on a number of occasions and I will continue to go back because it is a complete dining experience. The restaurant uses local produce to create diverse, interesting and extremely tasty cuisine. The waiters are always friendly and helpful by explaining each dish and wine to you. The majestic views over the vineyard are also breathtaking which adds to the experience. This restaurant is definitely one of Geelong’s gems. I would recommend it to anyone. This is why i have voted it five stars.

124 Greg Edge

Jun 30th, 2008 at 9:08 am

There’s no better match of wine with food than Pettavel

123 Steve

Jun 30th, 2008 at 8:32 am

Exceptional food and wine complimented by attentive staff and a beautiful view.

122 Jenny Kirk

Jun 30th, 2008 at 8:29 am

Great atmosphere and fantastic service

121 Patricia Zerna

Jun 30th, 2008 at 7:36 am

We had a function there and the food, wine and service was fantastic. It was a great day and we will always remember what a happy experience it was. The staff are wonderful and deserve to be successful. A top class spot in Victoria.

120 Molly

Jun 29th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

My family and I have made this place our ‘big’ celebrations place. Every time we have come for a meal the food has been excellent and the service exemplary. We love the ambiance and enjoy relaxing together as we talk or even sometimes just sit in comfortable silence looking out over the vines. The wines have complimented our food both at the restaurant and at home, [we tend to order a case to take home with us as we leave.]

119 Valerie Robley

Jun 28th, 2008 at 6:55 pm

Location - first class - just off the route to/from the Great Ocean Road
Ambience - great - rural and vineyard aspect
Service - caring/professional/attentive without intrusion
Food - first class/innovative/nice sized serves
Staff - knowledgeable on both food and wine aspects
Costs - a little higher than average but not excessive.

118 Dennis Zaetta

Jun 28th, 2008 at 6:49 pm

ZZZZZZUUUPER!!!!!

117 Lou Moretti

Jun 28th, 2008 at 6:41 pm

Provide an excellent dining environment on many levels levels:
food
wine
service
atmosphere

Every time we have been there, whether it be mid week, weekends , as a group or a couple, we have been transported into another world for a few hours.

Lou Moretti

116 S Young

Jun 28th, 2008 at 4:44 pm

Food superb, service great, good value & fantastic atmosphere.

115 Shauna Young

Jun 28th, 2008 at 4:41 pm

Food superb, service great, cost good value, therefore a wonderful way to spend a leisurely few hours - fantastic atmosphere.

114 Michelle Scheelings

Jun 28th, 2008 at 3:50 pm

The waiting staff were very attentive and as soon as we walked in were warmly greeted. We were invited to taste Pettavel wines at the bar to enable us to order appropriately for lunch and then we were seated. The food selection was really well planned to cater to anyone’s taste as we enjoyed 3 entrees and a main course. It was beautiful food. That was the set lunch menu with the option of dessert and coffee which we indulged in also. It was a great gourmet experience.

113 JackPirie

Jun 28th, 2008 at 2:58 pm

It starts with the door being opened as you walk up from the car park and, from then on, it just gets better.
We lunch there several times a year and make a point, whenever we have visitors, of taking them there on our way to the coast.
Always consistent, always delicious.
Keep it up.

112 Terry Gleeson

Jun 28th, 2008 at 2:31 pm

I have had two wonderful dining experiences at Pettavel Winery & Restaurant. From the moment we stepped out of the car, we were warmly welcomed by friendly and very experienced staff. Congratulations to the Management & Staff of Pettavel Winery for an awesome dining experience headed up by Chef Matt Dempsey. Cheers!

111 Lucy

Jun 28th, 2008 at 11:34 am

The most amazing food, wine, people, service and atmosphere.
Pettavel is a big favorite in my family, from dinners to weddings and all the fantastic extras like cooking classes, and events.
Looking forward to the events in August. YUM!

110 Peter

Jun 28th, 2008 at 11:14 am

Great wine tasting experience - don’t miss it!

109 Anna Mitchell

Jun 28th, 2008 at 8:08 am

Pettavel has the best food that I have tasted, uses fresh local ingredients, changes its menu regularly and is set amongst beautiful ever-changing vine leaves away from traffic and other distractions. The staff are knowledgable and attentive without hovering; they will never let your water run out for example. Their wine is fantastic, and they tailor their menus with perfect wine suggestions. Also, dining at Pettavel is an experience as you spend many hours leisurely grazing, drinking and chatting, as you sample some of the finest cuisine our region has to offer. The menu is always inventive; the flavours simple yet impecably balanced. Every time I’ve dined there I’ve been able to try flavours and ingredients that I haven’t tried before and foods that I ordinarily wouldn’t enjoy, such as shellfish, are so beautifully done that I have always thoroughly enjoyed every bite.

108 Olivia Tarrant-Hunt

Jun 27th, 2008 at 9:55 pm

Manicured view, imaculate wines, impecable service, art on a plate and a taste explosion! Welcome, you’ve landed the planet of Pettavel…..

107 Kevin Gleeson

Jun 27th, 2008 at 9:16 pm

Rarely do I dine outside of the city but I found Pettavel to rival any Melbourne fine dining experience. I highly recommend the innovative modern menu to diners who enjoy quality local produce - some of which is grown in their own ‘veggie garden!’ The attentive and friendly staff were extremely knowledgeable about the menu and wine list. On our most recent visit we indulged in the degustation - the best I have had. Pettavel is a must for anyone visiting the Geelong region.

106 Helen Williams

Jun 27th, 2008 at 8:40 pm

Every time I have visited the food has been fantastic. The five course lunch offers varierty -with each course being carefully presented to appeal to both the eye and the taste buds. This is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely few hours in the company of friends, in a great setting with first class food, wine and service.

105 Charles New

Jun 27th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

We have travelled an hour there and back on three occassions and have always
been delighted with the whole dining experience. Friends who we have introduced have also become regulars. What more can one say.

104 Wayne Ford

Jun 27th, 2008 at 3:23 pm

The Best Creme Brulee I have ever had!!!!!

103 David Elliott

Jun 27th, 2008 at 2:57 pm

As an overall dining experience Pettavel is superb. The look and feel sitting in the restaurant is quiet and peaceful . The food and service is excellent, and the care taken with each dish can be seen at any time through the wonderful viewing window to the kitchen.

The best endorsement that I can give, is that I would be happy to highly recommend to all my friends and family and know that that they will be as well looked after as I have been on the 4 occasions I have dined there.

102 ROBERT G FINDLAY

Jun 27th, 2008 at 1:27 pm

PETTAVEL,A TOP WINE AND FOOD EXPERIENCE.THIS WINERY/RESTUARANT SITS ATOP A HILL OVERLOOKING A SUN DRENCHED,GREEN SLOPE OF VINES.IN THE DISTANCE THE GEELONG/COLAC HIGHWAY SNAKES ITS WAY TOWARDS THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD.OUR VISIT STARTED WITH A WINE TASTING CONDUCTED BY A FRIENDLY,KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF MEMBER.WE THEN CHOSE THE WINES TO GO WITH THE MENU,ASSISTED BY RECOMMENDATIONS LISTED BESIDE EACH COURSE.MY WIFE,A CORDON BLEAU COOK,ENTHUSED OVER THE WELL PRICED MENU.THE FRESHNESS,QUALITY OF THE LOCAL PRODUCE,PESENTATION AND FLAVOUR WERE FIRST CLASS.SERVICE QUICK AND FRIENDLY.A DAY TO REMEMBER.WELL DONE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF.R&M.FINDLAY

101 S Hill

Jun 27th, 2008 at 12:22 pm

Pettavel offers a delicious and inventive menu utilising local ingredients, coupled with beautiful wines. The staff are always thoughtful and courteous and the winery provides a lovely country vista experience. We thoroughly recommend Pettavel, which offers a chance to relax and watch the clouds roll by!

100 ROBERT G FINDLAY

Jun 27th, 2008 at 12:13 pm

A TOP FOOD AND WINE EXPERIENCE.THE WINERY/RESTUARANT SET ATOP A HILL OVERLOOKING GREEN VINEYARDS AND IN THE DISTANCE THE STEADY STREAM OF TRAFFIC ALONG THE GEELONG/COLAC HIGHWAY.WHAT A SETTING FOR A VERY MEMORABLE VISIT.THE WINE TASTING WAS GENEROUS,INFORMATIVE AND CONDUCTED BY A FRIENDLY,KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF MEMBER.MY WIFE,A CORDON BLEAU COOK ,ENTHUSED ABOUT THE MENU CHOICES ,FRESHNESS AND QUALITYOF THE INGREDIENTS,PRESENTATION AND FLAVOURS.THE WINES CHOSEN FOR EACH COURSE ON THE MENU ENHANCED OUR ENJOYMENT OF THE VISIT.WELL DONE TO MANAGEMENT AND STAFF.R.G.FINDLAY

99 Karen Williams

Jun 27th, 2008 at 10:52 am

This is one of the best experiences you can have- it is a gastromonic delight! The food is amazing- creative and a taste sensation with amazing presentation. The service and location are 5 star as well. My husband and I go there for every special event during the year- each time is a different delight. I have tried ( and loved) new and exciting tastes. Even things I would not regularly order - I have loved. There has not been one course I didn’t enjoy. Definately a must go restaurant.

98 Spiro Tsatsalmas

Jun 27th, 2008 at 10:49 am

Always a pleasure to visit Pettavel. Over the years, the menu changes but the standard does not, always top notch.
Excellent food matched to superb wines (especially the Platina range) and staff that know what they are selling and serving- not always found in establishments portraying themselves to be at this end of the scale.
Look forward to many more visits.

97 L Miller

Jun 27th, 2008 at 10:20 am

We make sure we go there at least once a year because we have always found the food and service exceptional.

96 Mark Senjov

Jun 27th, 2008 at 10:16 am

Great view, brilliant food, magnificent service, and divine wine. My partner and I have done cooking classes there as well as had lunch a few times, and now we are having our wedding reception there on 24th of Jan 2009. This place is absolutely FAULTLESS!!!!

95 Diane Amon

Jun 27th, 2008 at 10:14 am

I am a Fortunate Foodie indeed to have Pettavel in my “backyard” .Melbourne friends are amazed at the value Pettavel offers with exciting cuisine ,ambience and very special service from a keen and youthful staff.

94 Dianne & John Cockburn

Jun 27th, 2008 at 9:47 am

Pettavel restaurant is our absolute favourite. First impression is upon arrival at the Winery/Restaurant when you walk up the stairs then into the wine tasting area, you just know this is going to be great. The service is unbelievably the best we have experienced and the food is excellent. We have dined at the restaurant at least 8 times in the past 2 years, taking different people with us to have the wonderful experience of the 5 course luncheon. We travel from Melbourne just to go to Pettavel and on special birthdays/anniversaries any excuse we will select Pettavel — Does not matter what the weather is like outside the views all around are magnificent and there is nothing better than sipping on a beautiful wine with wonderful food and great company - what more could you ask for

93 Jason McLachlan

Jun 27th, 2008 at 9:44 am

We first went to Pettavel xmas 2006, i then took my mum their for mothers day 2007 and then we had our 10th wedding anniversary their.

The degustation menu is a gr8 way to taste exotic food at decent prices. i had my very first sauv blanc (dog point from NZ) their and the wines for our anniversary, especially the southern emigre shiraz and late harvest reisling were smashing.

92 Leigh

Jun 27th, 2008 at 9:41 am

Sensational food and service. It doesn’t get much better!

91 Buster Herman

Jun 27th, 2008 at 5:38 am

The cooking classes are informative, interesting and a lot of fun. The restaurant is excellent and well priced as well as having magnificent views.

90 Kim Jennings

Jun 27th, 2008 at 2:08 am

Sensational service, exquisite food. If you’re making a trip out to the Petteval, be prepared to be dined. The quality of local products, the skills of the chefs, and the restaurant timing is supurb.
Over coffee, watching the golden light over the vines in late afternoon, talk about simply the one the finest lunches you’ve had. No wonder Pettavel has gained the coveted Hat. How lucky we are to have Petteval here in Geelong.

89 Annette Sodomaco

Jun 27th, 2008 at 1:12 am

Pettavel offers a total experience, I am always confident of excellent food, service and experience when I arrange an outing with friends and family.
Other Geelong establishments have much to learn from the attentional to detail the staff exhibit and their total professional approach to EVERYTHING.

Thank you for the numerous special lunches we have experienced.

88 Shirley Whittington

Jun 27th, 2008 at 12:25 am

Our lunch at Pettavel reminded me of our time living in Europe. The service was attentive, the food was exceptional, and all very well timed. We spent a long leisurely afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it. The only issue, given the quality of the wines, was who drives next time.

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