DRIVING down the long unsurfaced road, flanked by luxuriant national park, it seems like we will be the only people lunching at La Campagna. But as we pull into the car park, a line of cars appears in quick succession for the 1pm booking.
The view is as surprising as it is stunning. Perched on top of a ridge on the Mornington Peninsula, diners can feast on rustic Italian food and views of Cape Schanck and Port Phillip heads.
Visitors are invited to take part in Ted and Helen Ori's Tuscan dream. Two decades ago, the Oris closed their restaurant in Toorak and started a vineyard, olive grove and osteria that re-create the atmosphere to be found in Ted's native Tuscany.
La Campagna is for those who like their food simple, rustic and in a casual, warm, family run eatery. Helen cooks, Ted runs front of house and family members help out on service.
After a quick tasting of La Campagna wines we opt for the vino bianco, a blend of vermentino and semillon ($22). The sole entree, a sharing platter ($20) of house-grown green and black olives, La Campagna olive oil, bread and pizza slices fresh from the wood-fired oven and mushroom bruschetta, has my partner and me fighting for every last morsel.
There are only three main courses on the board and the call of the traditional lasagne ($18.50) proves irresistible for my partner, while I'm tempted by the ''cannelloni'' eggplant ($18), featuring ricotta stuffing and cooked in tomato and vegetable sauce - light and delicious with a crisp salad. The desserts are the highlight. The ricotta and berry tart (pictured) has delicate pastry and berries bursting with flavour. The creme caramel is a textural treat. (Both $9.50).
Reviewed by Mary O'Brien, who was hosted by Tourism Victoria.
La Campagna winery and osteria, 176 Rogers Road, Cape Schanck, Mornington Peninsula, 5988 5350, open Friday-Sunday 10am-5pm. To stay nearby: Between the Bays Retreat, betweenthebays.com.au, RACV Cape Schanck Resort, racv.com.au/capeschanck, Cape Schanck Light Station, austpacinns.com.au.
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