La Baracca Trattoria

LOCATION
An hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, along the main road running between Flinders and Mornington.

PROFILED BY DE GROOTS MEDIA
With large windows overlooking undulating hills covered with grapevines, and surrounded by vegetable and herb gardens and large fig trees, the ambience of La Baracca is immediately calming. The views alone make this a delightful place for lunch, but consider also the opportunity to sample some fine wines in the tasting room beforehand. When this is coupled with the regional fare on offer at the charming restaurant, the drive from Melbourne is easily forgotten. Italian farmhouse cuisine, sourced locally and focused on seasonal produce echoes the rustic-yet-appealing nature of the surrounds. Choose from entrees such as chicken and prosciutto meatballs with a rich tomato sugo or cod fritters with Sicilian vinaigrette, currants, pine nuts and rocket, or simply share one of the pizzas that emerge fragrant from the wood-fired oven.

Mains might include spinach and ricotta gnocchi with braised duck and mustard fruit or roast lamb rump with pumpkin caponata and cavolo nero. A frangipane quince tart with caramelised pear and zabaglione ice-cream or apple, honey and cardamom pudding with mascarpone custard will make you glad you left room for dessert. On sunny days take advantage of the superb views with a coffee outdoors. Of course there is also a range of T’Gallant wines to complement the meals, as well as bottles sourced from other local vineyards. La Baracca also offers a set two-course menu for $48 per head. For more casual dining on weekends enjoy live music in the adjoining Spuntino Bar – an informal undercover space where a pared down selection of pizzas and light meals is available.

Angela Costanzo