Escape the tourist buses and cellar door up-sells at this intimate but buzzing spot with its modern take on provincial French food, expertly rendered by chef Simon Buckley. In a charmingly rustic and recently renovated former barn, generously spaced tables are decked in crisp linen and owner Philippe Marquet chats to diners. A crown of bluefin tuna niçoise with pert green beans and scallops of saffron potato is accented with anchovies and green olive tapenade. Many dishes bend with the seasons - King George whiting might come crisp-skinned on green and white asparagus with peas and beurre blanc, the flavours offset by fresh thyme. Other dishes are popular fixtures - such as a breast of soft-skinned free-range duck served with braised fennel and a sweet star anise jus made from Shoreham honey. Each dish is matched with a wine for those interested. For dessert a lush, soft-centred fondant-like Valrhona chocolate ‘biscuit’ with house-made vanilla icecream is worth the possible 20-minute wait.

Open Daily noon–3pm; Fri–Sat 6.30–11pm
Typical prices E $22 M $39 D $17
Cards AE MC V Eftpos
Wine An impressive treasure trove strong on locals and French; 23 by the glass
Owners Philippe & Judy Marquet
Chef Simon Buckley
Seats 50; outdoor seating

And … Try playing petanque on the pitch.