Estivo, Kew

Highlight – Amazing food with exceptional service

Lowlight – Downgrade from one chef hat to none in The Age Good Food Guide 2012 awards

Twice cooked pork belly, salad of pickled cucumber, cabbage & braised pork hock tamarind dressing

Aged Angus tenderloin of beef, medley of baby vegetables a la Grecque, soubise sauce & rich veal glaze

Roasted magret of duck medium-rare, onion & duck leg tart, spiced carrot puree & bitter sweet duck jus

FOOD?

We ordered a couple of entrees to start followed by mains. The appearance of the dishes were pleasing to the eye and the taste certainly matched the presentation. Sauces of the entrees were divine, especially the twice cooked pork belly topped with pickled cucumber and surrounded by braised pork hock and tamarind dressing.

I highly recommend ordering the roasted margret duck which was cooked perfectly medium-rare. I really wanted to order this but let my other half choose as I usually get first dibs on menu choices. What a mistake on my part! I was able to taste parts of this dish and it was amazing. Loved the onion and duck leg tart complimented by the consistency of the duck jus and the spiced carrot puree.

Unfortunately there was no time for dessert as we had another appointment to attend, would love to try some next time though.

AMBIENCE?

Our table was seated upstairs next to the function room and overlooking the main street. Ambience is warm and the noise levels were not too loud even though we were situated across from the function. Paintings were chosen well and fitted into the decor.

SERVICE?

Staff were friendly and welcoming. Our waitress was very jovial and one of the most memorable waitresses I’ve met. We were constantly checked up on to make sure our dinner was going smoothly.

Our friends were running late to dinner and a waiter informed us we only had a two hour time slot. Fortunately he kindly rearranged the bookings to allow us a lengthier stay at Estivo without having to rush our meal.

VALUE?

With the Entertainment Book Gold Card they offer a 2-for-1 main course of up to $35. We had two cards between the four of us so we saved quite a bit. Otherwise mains average around $35 each.

BOOKINGS?

Yes call ahead to book. There is also a function space upstairs available for private events.

out of 10!

Estivo
330 High Street, Kew VIC 3101
03 9853 1727

2-for-1 main course up to $35 value