If you have ever wondered what a degustation menu is but have been too afraid to ask, we have the answer for you.
‘Degustation’ is the French word for ‘tasting’ – so it is a menu where you can try lots of different dishes; some restaurants can offer up to 20 courses, but usually it is a four or five-course offering, sometimes with matched wines.
Also known as a Chef’s tasting menu, it is the ideal opportunity to test your culinary adventurousness when it comes to food and gastronomic trends.
Here are five of our favourite restaurants to get your ‘dego’ on:
Escape busy city life and transport yourself to a different time and place at Prospect House Private Hotel Restaurant on Richmond Road in Richmond. Formerly only open to inhouse guests of this luxury country hotel, now all can enjoy the restaurant and what it has to offer; the onsite garden and orchard provide year-round produce and the convict-built cellar is home to more than 80 local award-winning wines.
From a five-course menu with matching wines, enjoy Jerusalem artichoke soup, black truffle and brioche to begin; followed by semolina gnocchi, spinach, beetroot, cultured cream and pickled egg.
With a focus on the finesses of an omakase experience, be taken on a journey of discovery by leaving yourself in the trusted hands of the Chefs at Choji Omakase on Victoria Avenue in Chatswood. Paying homage to Choji’s passionate yakiniku roots by using only the highest-quality cuts of Wagyu beef, this restaurant serves up the essence of Japanese culture and story, showcased through a specially crafted menu.
Expect to sample dishes like signature smoked salmon belly nigiri, scampi and torotaku with nori and sirloin sushi with wasabi spinach; before shingen mochi ice cream to finish.
Find impressive culinary artisan creations paired with great wine at Bounty on Philip Street in Bonnie Doon. More than just dinner – dining here is an experience, amid modern rustic surrounds which set a relaxed and cosy scene for memorable meals; settle in at recycled timber tables with potted greenery softening the ambience and peruse a seven-course set Pan-Asian menu, delivering an authentic taste of High Country Victoria.
Start with choices like seared scallop, Cheung fun, coriander and char siu bacon; move on to grilled lamb backstrap, kale, shallot, lamb glaze, braised lamb belly and salt bush, washed down with a glass of King Valley Pizzini Nebbiolo.
Treat yourself and loved ones to a fine dining experience north of Sydney Harbour Bridge and take to Annata restaurant and wine bar in Crows Nest, along Willoughby Road. Whether enjoying a cocktail at the bar, relaxing in the alfresco area, or dining in the chic restaurant ambience, you’ll be taken on a satisfying culinary journey of taste sensations from fresh seasonal menus.
The star of Annata is Chef’s set menu of four or five courses, carefully crafted to emphasise flavours and sublime taste combinations, such as spanner crab, brown butter and sweet corn curd; followed by NZ hapuka, Asian greens, yuzu Hollandaise and nori.
Inspired by Turkey’s rich culinary history Safran restaurant on Ocean View Road delivers authentic recipes with contemporary twists to Ettalong Beach diners. From dishes cooked in Ottoman Palace kitchens to street food, Safran covers all tastes and palates, enjoyed in stylish surrounds of a green tiled bar, recycled timber flooring, arched windows and Middle Eastern-style lights.
Perhaps opt for the five-course degustation and paired wines and devour plates like red snapper, fennel, leek, mussel and tomato pilaki broth; before spiced shredded duck, poached pastry, sour cherry molasses and Jerusalem artichoke purée.
