Restaurant Review: Walter's Wine Bar

Location: 12 Southgate St, Southbank

Phone: (03) 9690 9211

Link: www.walterswinebar.com.au

Cuisine: Modern Australian
Overall Impression:
After-work drinks (wine and canapes): 9/10
Restaurant dining experience: 6/10

J has become quite a regular at Walter's Wine Bar. Popping by for after work drinks, he is always impressed with the selection of wines they have on offer. The food that we had was unfortunately not as impressive as their wine list.

Glass of Virgin Hills [Cab Sav, Shiraz, Malbec, Merlot, 2000 Kyneton]

Cabernet & Blends Wine Flight 3 x 60ml $23

A half of 3 Cabernet Blends from 3 wonderful regions in Australia

Entree: Olives & bread $12

Entree: Roasted Hervey Bay Scallops with prosciutto, chilli and garlic butter $26

Entree: House made gnocchi with mushroom sauce, parmesan & white truffle oil $25

Entree: Blue swimmer crab omelette with watercress and oyster sauce $32

Main: The wine bar beef & pork burger, gruyere cheese, green tomato pickle, baby cos, fries and aoili $29

Main: Orange and cardomom glazed half roast duck with fondant potato and cherry sauce $42

The highlight of the meal was the duck. Although it was slightly over cooked, the flavour combinations were beautiful. The luscious pieces of sweet cherry contrasted deliciously with the rich and amply salty and tangy glaze. The portion size for this main was incredibly generous. It was literally half of a whole duck so the descriptions on the menu were by no means a spin on the truth.

Fish wrapped with filo pastry on a bed of tabouli $38

The fish was delicious and perfectly cooked.  And that tabouli was simply the best I have ever had. 

300g “Pure South” grass fed porterhouse, hand cut chips, red wine butter, pepper sauce 45

The steak was slightly overcooked. In terms of taste, it was incredibly ordinary. 

Even though there were clear shortcomings, all in all, it was an enjoyable meal. The level of service we received was impeccable and the staff members were particularly knowledgeable in terms of the wines on offer. However, the items on the menu are dear for what they are - with entrées around the $30 mark and mains around $40. I would therefore, enthusiastically recommend this restaurant for drinks (like I said, they have an impressive wine list!) and canapés after work but not for an incredible dining experience.