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Hours
Sun
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Wed
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Thu
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fri
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Sat
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
features
Does this restaurant serve Tuscan food?
Details
About
The cellar door and restaurant are a family owned business owned by Maria and Michael Vasarelli, along with their parents, Pat and Vicky Vasarelli. Set in the heart of McLaren Vale, the Vasarelli's have brought to the public a combination of award winning wines and Italian's love for cooking. With recipes passed down from generations, our cuisine ranges from antipasto platters and classic pasta dishes to all organic meats and the freshest seafood. At the very central of our cooking is the insistence that food be fresh & that our chefs are able to work to their own taste, opening the door to infinite variety.
CUISINES
Italian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Table Service
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4.5
319 reviews
Excellent
212
Very good
70
Average
20
Poor
12
Terrible
5
424judithc
Adelaide74 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
We attended Vasarelli’s for a Friday night Pasta and Wine dinner to find to our surprise that the array of dishes on the menu was not only Pasta and Wine but a superb comprehensive menu of Italian classics. We enjoyed pasta dishes that were tasty, authentic and generously served with matching Vasarelli wines recommended by the glass. Almost tempted to stray to the regular menu by the tempting descriptions - and the specials! The food was delicious hatful - and the equal of what we had experienced in Italy, the wines superb and the prices reasonable. Service was excellent. Do yourself a favour and experience this gem for yourself!
Written 10 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.
don59c
Adelaide32 contributions
June 2020 • none
From the moment i booked i new we were on the way out of isolation into culinary enjoyment again.Happy, friendly phone manner, booking no problem choice of inside or out in heated large fully enclosed deck, sun shining and great Chefs in the kitchen ready to tantalize my taste buds.With a 2002 Kay Brothers Cabernet under my arm,corkage and Decanter provided with a smile we were on our way. Duck Pasta the pick of the day beautiful slow roasted duck pieces,artichoke a hint of chilli and lovely small tube pasta finished off with a touch of cream. We chose a pear and walnut &rocket salad lightly dressed to accompany the pasta.It has been a long wait to experience this restaurant again but it is now my number 1thanks to a fabulous team
Written 21 June 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.
rosiejo1
Adelaide71 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
We were a family group of 6 for lunch and we were all impressed with both the food and service. One of our group was delayed, but there was no pressure to order. Once we did order, there wasn't any delay in the food coming to our table, given that it is all freshly prepared. Two of us had the oven baked chicken breast, three had the fish of the day *kingfish) and the final order was a couple of entrees as mains. All the meals were delicious and well presented. I had sweets, the chocolate meringue, which was just wonderful, sweet without being too sweet and a nice size serving. I would have liked a few more slices of strawberries, but that is just a minor point. Although they do not do separate bills, there were no problems when we came to pay in each of paying for our own. We will be back. I would suggest booking as it was quite busy.
Written 13 March 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.
Karen O
Brighton71 contributions
Mar 2021 • none
Hubby and I had lunch here and loved it. Food was delicious and the wine was good also. Staff are very friendly and attentive. My only problem was I ate the starter (arancini - yum!) but then couldn’t finish my main course (papardelle w slow cooked duck) Will buy a pair of stretchy waist trousers for my next visit!
Written 3 March 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.
Justin
Adelaide1 contribution
May 2021 • family
Great eating experience. Fabulous service all staff really friendly which creates an excellent vibe. Our first time and the open kitchen allows personal compliments to the chefs on leaving. Great job guys. Don’t change a thing!
Written 10 May 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.
maunys55
Perth5 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We booked for dinner at 6.30 on a Thursday evening and were surprised to see how quickly the restaurant filled up on arrival. Not surprisingly as the service, dinner and wine were all superb. A lovely atmosphere throughout our meal ensured an unforgettable experience!
Written 24 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.
Humblepie
Adelaide25 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
We love this place! Whether a dinner for 2 or a birthday bash for a large group, we have found Vasarelli’s always welcoming, with wonderful, tasty food, great wines, and a pleasant atmosphere. Maria and her team are busy but responsive to their patrons. I’d love to see the Cellar Door function more effectively and maybe open out behind the main restaurant in a courtyard or similar.....this would be a great way to really showcase the Vasarelli brand...in my humble opinion!!!
Written 4 February 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.
Luigi D
Adelaide18 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
From the second we walked in we knew we’d picked the right spot for our family holiday dinner ! Our kids are a handful to say the least but the staff , especially Terese took care of them with activities and even helping them choose their food …. Needless to say it made my wife and I relax to enjoy food made with love … every dish was an explosion of true Italian cuisine and I am qualified to testify and judge great Italian food and this experience was right up there with the best …. The ambiance is 10/10 ,the service 10/10 !!
All in all outstanding… we can’t wait to come back
Thanks to everyone that looked after us
Luigi
Written 2 October 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.
David D
Adelaide914 contributions
July 2020 • none
Many years ago Vicky Vasarelli would cater for the local Bocce Club. The food was always real authentic Italian and not some fancy variation. Obviously this philosophy is the core of the dishes presented at their restaurant, Vassarelli's. Truly Italian in every sense and served by enthusiastic staff. A good local wine list featuring some of their wines. A great lunch!
Written 30 August 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.
Astrid909
Adelaide424 contributions
July 2020 • friends
Visited recently as part of a group of friends 50th birthday get together. Great Italian style food & friendly service. The crab pasta was a standout for me as well as their crusty bread with local olive oil to start! Great wine list & the limoncello mojito went down pretty well. Lots of seating options inside or out on the verandah. Hope to return soon!!
Written 19 July 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.
Carly Clark
Bundaberg14 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
Awesome food and wine experience in the Main Street. Staff were friendly and attentive, food was superb and we took away wine for our journey to Kangaroo Island. Try the sage pork, gnocchi fungi or crab spaghetti, although anything and everything sounded delicious and matched with wines takes it to the next level. We took kids (4 & 10) and was ‘high end’ but still suitable for families. Thanks guys!! You are doing a cracking job xx The Clark Family
Written 20 October 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.
Deb N
5 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
What can I say….modern Italian at its best! Delicious, delicious, delicious! We shared mussels and an extra side of garlic bread for starters, hubby had the NT Barramundi special and I had the pappardelle with duck, artichoke and pancetta. We paired it with a Vasarelli rose and sparkling water. All of it perfect and complimented with friendly service. Would happily recommend this restaurant and look forward to returning!
Written 20 August 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.
Laura G
Adelaide108 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
Ordered the lamb ragu, pasta was a little overcooked and the sauce was flavoursome but lacking in lamb. This was pretty average dining, service was very slow for midweek dining. Had to wait over an hour for main course to be served, was not asked if we would like more drinks, we had to ask. Overall, inattentive service and average food, maybe would be better on another day.
Written 20 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.
David L
Hobart20 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
On arriving my booking for 8 had been lost. As a result 4 tables were quickly pushed together in a side room that could only be described as cold and lacking in any atmosphere.
Noticed that my table top was sticky which obviously hadn't been wiped down correctly.
Waited over ten minutes for a menu or wine list. (It's easy to keep me happy, just stick a drink in front of me!).
The waitresses were very short and I felt we were just an annoyance to them.
It made me felt most uncomfortable!
To be fair the meals were good but it is so disappointing whole experience was spoilt by bad attitudes which affected the whole night. I expected a better experience.
I suspect the restaurant suffered from staffing issues as a lot of venues are these days. Still no excuse. Wouldn't waste my money again. I would find a venue that appreciated my patronage!
Written 25 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.
StephenR285
Canberra784 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
We were part of a cycling tour that rode into McLarenvale on a Saturday afternoon with temperatures around 40 degrees. To make matters worse there was a burst water main that affected a number of properties including our booked restaurant that had to close for the night. With very little notice our tour leader managed to get us in to Vasarelli's and we were delighted that they could. We had a long table on the outdoor deck and the fans kept us cool until a storm came through and made the evening very pleasant. The menu they arranged at short notice looked after those of us with allergies including our coeliacs who loved the experience. The service was amazing and between serving up great food, the staff quickly and pleasantly looked after all the drinks orders. We were amazed at the end of the evening that we were also able to split the bills for all our drinks and desserts and the process worked very smoothly.
Written 2 April 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.
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