Restaurant Reviews

The Independent: Restaurant review

Address

79 Main St
Gembrook, VIC

Hours

Wed-Sun noon-10pm

Prices

E $12-$28
M $33-$67
D $11-$18
Dégustations $58-$72

REVIEW

Driving to Gembrook, you might expect home-spun country dining options until - like a mirage - The Independent appears. Suddenly, inspired Argentine food is a possibility. Hell, there's even a small vegan menu. Housed in a refurbished garage with a kitchen garden, The Independent throws down share plates perfect for both a convivial family get-together (facilitated by coloured pencils and a cubby house) or an intimate date. The wine list sticks closely to Victorian and Argentine labels, providing interesting matches for entrées like a spice-punched chorizo, sweetened with prune purée, or empanadas with a lychee chilli jam. Heartier dishes include Flintstones-eque beef ribs with potatoes, fried chicken and even a suckling pig for those who plan ahead. Garden sides are no afterthoughts: think spiced, sticky carrots with peanuts. Sign off with an exuberant dessert, perhaps the chocolate marquise, piled with almond cake and dulce de leche.
Phone:
(03) 5968 1110
Bookings:
Bookings recommended
Features:
  • Licensed
  • Bar
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Outdoor dining
Accepted card types:
  • Eftpos
  • MasterCard
  • Visa
Chef(s):
Mauro Callegari
This review was made independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide's reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way.