REVIEW
Maxwell’s main dining space looks out over the Fleurieu Peninsula, rolling McLaren Vale vineyards and straight into the winery, where the team is hard at work. Diners, meanwhile, leisurely make their way through German chef Fabian Lehmann’s technically accomplished tasting menu, which is full of imaginative twists. Indeed, nothing feels like you’ve seen it before. Lehmann draws inspiration from his European heritage and global escapades; spätzle oozing with Section 28’s nutty Monforte cheese is a playful nod to Deutschland, while scallop carpaccio brushed with reduced tomato water, yuzu kosho and a smattering of pickled green tomato, confit shallots and sea blight offers a masterclass in Japanese delicacy. Maxwell drops, including mead, are front and centre on the wine list, but a noteworthy international offering runs from Champagne to Barolo, too. Charming service, led by restaurant manager Imogen Henning, solidifies its place as one of the country’s finest regional restaurants.
ABOUT
Maxwell
Australian
19 Olivers Rd, McLaren Vale
(08) 8323 8200
Chefs Fabian Lehmann & Kyle Connor
Price guide $$
Bookings Recommended
Wheelchair access Yes
Open Lunch Fri-Sun: Dinner Sat
This review was written independently for the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide. The guide’s reviewers visit unannounced and pay their way. To learn more about the process, head over here.
Gourmet Traveller Annual Restaurant Guide
Our guide gives a yearly snapshot of the best restaurants to eat at right now. The best-rated restaurants, as judged by the reviewers’ first-hand experience, form our national guide.
