Inside Australia’s Most Expensive Tasting Menu — Is It Worth It?
Fine dining in Australia has reached dazzling new heights, with multi-course degustations now commanding eye-watering prices. The question is: are they worth the splurge?
Take Melbourne’s legendary Vue de Monde, where the chef’s tasting menu runs well into the hundreds per head. Diners are treated to dishes like kangaroo tartare topped with native herbs, and desserts that arrive like edible sculptures. The view from Rialto Tower doesn’t hurt either.
In Sydney, Quay offers its celebrated ten-course menu, where Peter Gilmore’s creativity shines in plates like the famous “Snow Egg” (which has achieved near-myth status). The price tag? Around $300+ per person, before wine.
Then there’s Attica in Melbourne, helmed by Ben Shewry. Known globally for its boundary-pushing use of native ingredients — think bunya nuts, finger limes and wallaby — the degustation here isn’t just food, it’s theatre.
So, is it worth it? For many, yes. These menus are not just about eating, but about storytelling, artistry, and exclusivity. You’re paying for an experience that lingers long after the final bite.
Of course, if you want to recreate just a slice of this luxury at home, start with the wine. Serving your bottles at the right temperature can elevate even a simple dinner into something extraordinary. That’s why the pros (and passionate collectors) rely on Grand Cru Wine Fridges — the ultimate way to ensure your wine tastes exactly as intended.
