Is this restaurant good for special occasions?

Yes

No

Unsure

Details

Manage this business?

CUISINES

Australian

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Live Music

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3.5

134 reviews

Excellent

45

Very good

37

Average

20

Poor

15

Terrible

17

Ian F

17 contributions

A birthday we will go

June 2021 • none

We attended a birthday celebration in the marquee on Friday night and there were quite a number of things lacking. There was a set menu of three courses and we were told to choose two. A waitress took each individual order for the entrees and when it arrived it was put on the table in groups of the style of Entree e.g. Maracroni and cheese sticks grouped together and calamari grouped together. We had to sort out what Entree belonged to whom ourselves and when we asked about which one belonged to whom we were individually handed it to you instead of placing it down.. The service just for Entree was poor, also when it came to the main meals each person that ordered steak was asked how each guest wanted it done and the waitress noted it down and then came back less than five minutes later and told us that the steaks will only be done one way due to the kitchen was swamped. I guess that was convenience for the chef. The quantity of food on the plates was small-one piece of steak ,a small bunch of broccolini (which was hard literally to eat) and two 'chips" which were more like small roast potatoes-the description on the menu didn't match the presentation. There were a couple of people that ordered chicken and salmon-everyone else was served and those two people were left to watch everyone on our table eat their dinners and finish them before they got their meals. So isolating and embarassing for them. The waitress seemed to have forgotten the two people that ordered the chicken and the salmon. There was no dessert except the birthday cake was going to used as a substitute. The way the cake was served up was poor, it was served on platters with napkins as an individual serve ,so people could pick it up off the platter. This could have been made more presentable by placing side plates and forks in the middle of each table and not have the cake on napkins on the platter. If that wasn't viable then plate up a piece of cake on a side plate and place on an individual place setting with a cake fork. Another thing there was no bread nor rolls on offer or placed on a setting. Some people like to have a bread roll with their meal. Unsure if that was extra or was it just easier not to and cheaper to do .Also there was no salt and pepper shakers n the tables. There seemed to be more interest in serving drinks and to make sure everyone was watered as there was money put over on the bar . The service was amateurish and lacked professionalism for a Vineyard and the way they run their functions.. Such a shame as these are the things that make an impression on people, it helps to add to the experience of the occasion.

Written 19 June 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Estelle W

1 contribution

Dining out at Russo Estate Winery

Dec 2021 • none

Christmas Lunch was so so disappointing. The meal was certainly up there, but no way for children. Our small children do NOT eat seafood or the cold meats that were served up...The Waiter on our table had the personality of a "dead fish"! Where was the Christmas atmosphere??? Irish Coffee $18.50. Bottle of water $12.00. Do I need to go any further?? Will never go back........

Written 1 January 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

funkyhughes23

Melbourne304 contributions

Interesting place - great food!

Feb 2020 • none

This is literally out in the middle of nowhere, but the food is fantastic. We were greeted with the sound of frogs as we got out of the car and the dining room makes an impressive sight. We had the tasting plate, which was brilliant - lots of flavours. Then we had pineapple cheesecake for dessert (which is a sort of deconstructed set up) which was also great. Don't come here if you're looking for a cheap meal, but the food is very good and we found the wait staff very friendly and helpful.

Written 16 February 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Silvia A

Melbourne40 contributions

Worst restaurant experience yet. Will never be back.

Apr 2021 • none

Worst experience we have ever had in a restaurant to date. Came here to have Easter Sunday lunch with the family (group of 10 people). Where do I begin. We were asked to pre pay which in itself was odd however no one complained snd we all pre paid $95pp for a set menu. On the day, we were surprisingly told by one of the waiters that one of the tables was offered a la carte. This was only the beginning. We had one special dietary requirement which was initially agreed at time of booking but then ignored on the day. When we raised this with the owner he basically told us the chef had not agreed and insinuated that we were lying. Despicable behaviour from the owner. The poor quality of food began from the moment we got our entrees. Not only did we have to wait 2 hours before being served food but when we got it, it was frozen food. I have eaten better at la porchettas. I was served a prawn cocktail with frozen prawns. I don’t know how they even consider applying for a hat given you’re serving frozen food. With the mains, my lobster was dry snd tasted like it had been sitting around for an hour, the chips served with the steaks were frozen potato fries. How do you charge $95 for frozen food?? At the end one of the desserts wasn’t served but nothing was offered to rectify this. I have to honestly say that this place was one of the worst restaurants I’ve ever been to. The food was late, it was tasteless frozen food and the owners attitude was appalling to say the least. I would give this place 0 stars if that was an option. Save yourself the time and money and don’t go here. None of us will be returning.

Written 4 April 2021

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Frank V

Melbourne94 contributions

First timer

Aug 2022 • none

Was looking for something else and saw this place on Google Maps ! SO I asked a friend if she would like to join me and check this place out she agreed. First off DON'T rush in the gate as the Pot wholes will bottom your car out, ( when we where there anyway might be fix by now ) Car Park was a little hard to work out as it was only Roped out and gravelled. From here on the place, Service was great I tried to local Shiraz one was ' Nice ' & the other was NOT so ' Nice '. The meal was good the Lady friend didn't enjoyed her order to much, as she thought the meal was over done. We had a chat with the Manager about the place and he was quit knowledgeable about the place and told us about the clientele that he wonted coming to the place. About two weeks later I arranger a Dinner on a Friday night with four of us all of us enjoyed Dinner the place got quit full of people, would I recommend the place yes IF your looking for a place to go for a dinner with a group here would be worth a night out ..Once a month they have Live music nothing to loud more background kind of thing. If your looking to impress your Lady Guys take her here.. I saw that they also have overnighters, I thought it was a little high in price for what you get BUT if you want to have a Glass or two, or three and don't want to drive home best you find out first if you can spend the night. BUT it depends on what your looking for..

Written 6 September 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Branka

1 contribution

Worst dining experience!

Dec 2020 • friends

First time at Russo Estate for a 30th birthday celebration. Family, friends, kids included ( 35+ people). Staff lack motivation and don’t know what they are doing. Ordered and paid for drinks at bar and the barman walked off without making drinks. Had to call him back. They made us all sit in our spots to take our orders, with our name placed next to our order. Took forever to get the entree, and they had no idea which table to bring them out to. Two hours later our mains started coming in dribs and drabs. Meals put in front of us then take to another table. Same meals had different portion sizes. By this stage it is already past 9:30pm and people had to go home. I could go on and on. Very unprofessional, staff not up to speed, shouldn’t take bookings if the can’t cater. And to top it all off they didn’t provide any plates, napkins, or even a knife for the birthday cake. The website definitely paints a different picture. Won’t be back.

Written 11 December 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Allaned

Melbourne13 contributions

Ignore the other reviews

Jan 2020 • couples

After reading other reviews before going we were a bit reluctant but we decided to go anyway and decide for ourselves. I’m very glad that we did. The food is amazing. We were a little disappointed that they weren’t offering the tapas menu on the day we went so we decided to have the share platter and the flat bread and dips. The food was just so amazing and full of flavour. The wine is nice too but it is the food that makes this restaurant such a standout. We will be back.

Written 11 January 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Daydream799379

1 contribution

diner 2022

May 2022 • none

We were recommended this winery but unfortunately we were very disappointed with food. All of our meals were just blend with taste. Steak wasn't even cooked as requested, pork ribs were served like in the pub, actually the pub is serving much better and tastier. The only one think was nice, staff. They were very friendly. Do I go back there again?......NO

Written 12 May 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ross M

Melbourne129 contributions

Good views but otherwise poor.

Sept 2022 • none

We recently attended this winery/restaurant. The food was very disappointing, and the wait for food excessive. To wait well over an hour for a very mediocre meal is very disappointing. The views from the winery are very good but a lot needs to be done to bring the food and service up to a reasonable standard.

Written 17 September 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Freckles0201

Gisborne35 contributions

Lovely venue but meal totally underwhelming for price.

Dec 2022 • business

Beautiful surroundings for work Xmas dinner but we ordered the wrong meal. Should’ve ordered the pasta as we were told it was nice. Our meals came out late because it was busy. It was like they ran out of food because we got very small portions which were padded by potatoes. Tiny piece of fish for my partner and hardly any lamb on my plate. Not a $38 main course. Saganyaki entree was dry and overcooked. Wouldn’t go back.

Written 19 December 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TraceyLee28

Melbourne6 contributions

Great Sunday lunch for family or Date

Nov 2023 • family

Great place for Sunday lunch. Floor to ceiling windows overlooking vast winery. Two of us had different risottos which were delicious. Not gluggy, big serving and lots of individual taste with vegetables and chicken. Another dish was linguini with chilli prawns. Prawns are Australian. Chilli could have been gutsier. Drank the Russo semillon sav Blanc which was cool, light, crisp and fruity without sweetness. Staff were very attentive, sound knowledge of food and wine Will return.

Written 11 November 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sally B

25 contributions

Don’t bother...

Dec 2020 • family

So many things wrong with this place. We Booked here celebrating my dads 80th. Drinks took approx 30mins to come once we had queries if they were on their way. Couple of wrong drinks and advised they had run out of one. Meals Took an hour to come. Entrees came out with the mains which we didn’t ask for. Waiters inexperienced and no smiles. Owner rude and indifferent. Won’t be back and definitely won’t recommend .

Written 16 December 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Leeanne B

Bulla54 contributions

A most enjoyable Sunday lunch

Aug 2022 • couples

The restaurant in this family run vineyard is beautifully appointed with views to surrounding hills and vines, their is also outdoor dining available,the wine list is extensive as you would expect and the menu although not large was more than sufficient. There is capacity for 300 in the function rooms. There is also 9 luxury domes available to hire including 2 honeymoon domes.

Written 6 August 2022

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sarah K

1 contribution

Greedy Business

Sept 2024 • family

Food ok but they charge $3 per person if you bring your own cake, even if you don’t eat any. Pure GREED.. it’s so wrong on so many levels. Go somewhere else of celebrating. GREEDY business. Money for nothing.

Written 7 September 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Passport58114070635

Raglan1 contribution

Underwhelming and lacking taste

Oct 2023 • friends

A strange location. Kitchen closes at 9pm which is odd for a Saturday. Food came quickly although for each course one meal delayed. Food was lacking flavours, I suspect pastas prepared which adds to quality of food. Overall would not eat here again.

Written 31 October 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Russo Estate

RUSSO ESTATE, Diggers Rest - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor