You must have already read how spellbound Joseph and I were when we first visited Pialligo Estate. It may come as no surprise if we tell you, it was yet another mesmeric experience when we visited the Garden Pavilions recently. We completely forgot that we were in Canberra, it felt as if we were in the beautiful country side where fields of lavender grow.
There are fig trees on one side, an olive grove on another. There’s a vineyard on one side and a herb garden and an orchard on another. Were we in a gorgeous province somewhere in Italy? The recycled timber pavilions are climate controlled and provide clear views of a signature skyline which confirms that you are indeed in beautiful and serene Canberra.
A visit to the Garden Pavilions doesn’t just stop at wining and dining but it also provides an opportunity for a nerve-calming stroll across their estate that has a long history of farming in Canberra which began in the 1820s. I love it when you can make a dinner date into a mini exploration…
The temperature had suddenly dropped, as it always does in Canberra and for a brief moment, I enjoyed the wind in my hair. I stayed out a bit longer to soak in the tranquil surroundings and when I finally entered the garden pavilion to join the rest of my friends, I was pleasantly surprised to find it nice and warm.
“We scatter a few tables outside, however most people choose to be seated inside,” said Emelia Vimalasiri, Sales and Marketing Manager, Pialligo Estate. “We open the Pavilions right up so that diners feel like they are eating in the garden,” she added.
Garden Pavilions has its own kitchen which you will notice when you walk towards the pitched shingle roofed buildings. My dining experience is always heightened when I get to see the kitchen, even more so when the chef talks to you about the cooking process.
“Culinary austerity is an important artistic expression,” said Sean Keating, Executive Chef of Phoenix and the Wolf in Tasmania, who is currently at Pialligo Estate focusing on cooking with open fire to produce freshly smoked food during service.
While Pialligo’s olive grove consists of four hundred Coriggiola olive trees, a Tuscan variety well suited to the region, their vineyard has a wide range of grape varieties – from Riesling and Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.
“All our ingredients are either grown within the estate or supplied by local producers,” said Jan Gundlach, Pialligo Estate’s Culinary Director.”
It is these factors and more that make dining at the Garden Pavilions all that more special. You know for sure, that much thought has been put into the way the dishes are made and the effort behind it. And so our evening began…
Open for breakfast at 8am on Sunday, for lunch from 12pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and for dinner from 6pm from Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Garden Pavilions at Pialligo Estate is located at 1/18 Kallaroo Rd, Canberra ACT 2609.
*Travel and Beyond were guests at Pialligo Estate Garden Pavilions. All opinions are our own.
What a fabulous experience that was, I particularly loved the simplicity of the food we were served. I liked looking at the plate and being able to tell straight up what my taste buds were about to experience. And those cherries with lime dressing…. drool! Gorgeous photos and thank you for sharing one of the best dining experiences I have had in for ever. 🙂
The experience would had been amazing!! Your photos make my mouth water. This is definitely on my must go list. Thanks
What a beautiful location for such scrumptious food. 🙂
What a great experience and beautiful setting. Your pictures make me drool. The wayguzu and strawberry/cherries dessert look so inviting! Yummy, yummy, yummy!!
What a gorgeous meal in a stunning setting. We have two lavender fields outside Montreal, so magical to visit.
What a beautiful account of your most recent visit. I love lavender, and olive trees, and I think I am overdue for a revisit.
I went to the Garden Pavilions yesterday for a party. It is such a beautiful venue! The only issue I had was in the glasshouse the sun beams onto the glass and it got quite hot in there! Apparently though we had a larger than normal group in there which contributed to the heat. I imagine with smaller groups it would be fine!
what an exquisite place and the food looks amazing!
The food is so pretty and looks yummy. I want some bread now too lol