Wickens At The Royal Mail - Dunkeld

We had the 5 course menu with matching Australian wines. You have the option of 5 or 7 course with cellar, Australian or French wines. The 5 course with lots of amuse bouche along the way was fantastic. The timing of the courses was very good, we spent 3 hours there over the 5 courses which wasn't rushed but we weren't waiting around for food either. Food is modern European and very bold in flavours. The space is stunning with views out to the ranges and a kitchen behind glass. Followed up with a tour of the kitchen garden the next day which was very inspiring. So good the next day we returned with family to try the Parker St project.

The food here is as great as you'd expect, everything's delicious and there's some delightful little surprises along the way. The space is beautifully designed, the view is incredible, and the service is excellent. The only drawback is that the wait between courses was awkwardly, frustratingly long — the 8 course menu took nearly 4 hours.

I know I was suppose to love everything about Wickens... but I can only say I liked very thing about Wickens Design wise though stunning, I felt it was a dining science lab, very exact, very minimal, very austere, though high end designer. Once dark the view turned into mirrors!!!! Staff were professional, not amazing. Service was confused!. Food came 1st before drinks and was meat heavy, with a couple of standouts dishes though a lot not memorable. Bread is stunning. Yes the wine list is soooooo extensive, but I don’t have hours to read it, maybe a little over the top. Been there, done that, and not in love with the whole experience, but liked it, thank u

Service and presentation were stellar and impeccable, taste wise and execution, not quite there. Expected better. The views were amazing though and there was a good wine selection. The canapés platter was the first dish that set the pace but the rest of the courses fell short. Good use of native ingredients but I wasn't blown away.

Another outstanding dinner at Wickens. Has there ever been a lamb chop this good?