15/20
Contemporary
An old bank building has been recycled into this lively, informal daytime cafe, and more formal, small night-time restaurant. At dinner, there's a sense of occasion, with white cloths, handsome crockery and cutlery, upholstered banquettes and shimmering lights. It's comfortable, welcoming and professionally run, with impressive food and an excellent wine list – in short, well worth a drive. She runs the floor, he's in the kitchen producing imaginative and well-presented dishes that draw their inspiration from Europe and Asia. There is always an amuse-gueule and some house-baked bread to start, and then choices vary according to the mood and the season. To start, perhaps slices of cured tuna with Japanese flavours, arranged in a ball over a seaweed salad and soft wasabi dressing; or an unrolled version of a spring roll that has confit rabbit pieces with mushroom and hazelnuts, and crisp wonton wafers. For main course, maybe a richly flavoured twice-cooked duck with plums and spices. Desserts are variations on a flavour theme: the peach plate includes a tart, jelly, a spring roll, and icecream. On Sunday nights, there's a great-value $60 degustation menu. A move to Shepparton is planned for early 2010.
Open Wed–Sun noon–3pm, 6.30–9.30pm; Sat–Sun 9am–3pm
Typical prices E $16 M $30 D $16
Cards AE MC V Eftpos
Wine 150-plus, reasonably priced, mainly Australian, with strong regional representation, and a leaning to shiraz; BYO Sun night only (no corkage)
Owners Matthew Milsome and Daina Winch
Chef Matthew Milsome
Seats 35 
| 
